Financial Assistance

ACS provides personal financial readiness, consumer affairs prevention and education programs for Soldiers, Family Members, National Guard, Reserve Components, Retirees and Family Members.  Please contact West Point Financial Readiness Program Manager at 718-630-5839.  

We assist Unit Commanders and Leaders in training Soldiers and Family Members in personal financial readiness. Topics covered are Principles of Personal Finance, Planning and Budgeting, Banking and Checking, Using Credit Wisely, Getting Insurance, Saving and Investing, Making Large Purchases, Consumer Scams, and Housing Market Crisis (Foreclosures).

Financial Planning -- ACS will assist soldiers and their families in setting realistic financial goals. Encourages personnel in planning ahead in order to use money wisely so that it works for them.

Budgeting -- ACS will assist in planning a schedule of payments according to family needs and income. It is recommended that current budget be readjusted when entering a new duty station.

Consumer Information -- This seminar covers unit training, community workshops, brochures and pamphlets, news articles, and one-on-one counseling. Topics covered are a wide range including housing market crisis (foreclosures), credit/debit/charge cards, credit reports, insurance scams and fraud, investments, consumer complaint issues, etc.

Credit -- You can find out about the advantages and disadvantages of charge accounts, credit cards and loans. Learn how "bad" credit can affect you.

Debt Liquidation Program – Debt liquidation assistance is provided to Soldiers and their Families with problems of financial indebtness. We provide the initial debt liquidation assessment to determine which strategy, approach, and referral best benefits the applicant. Once determination is clear we provide applicant s with one of two referral for debt liquidation;

Army Emergency Relief (AER) can provide emergency financial assistance.  Please call the AER Officer at 718-630-4462 or 929-417-0447.  

If financial difficulties are extreme, ACS can refer clients and their family to appropriate legal and financial agencies or any military or civilian organization that are available to assist them.

• Money Management International (MMI) - provides budget and credit counseling services, debt liquidation assistance, and consumer financial education to clients throughout the New York metropolitan area. They will provide eligible military personnel, DOD civilians and their Family members with budget and credit information, assistance and guidance. The purpose of the program is to liquidate and eliminate all debts as quickly as possible.
• Military OneSource- provides budget and credit counseling services with referrals.

Counseling Appointment

To arrange for an appointment with an ACS counselor, you should call 718-630-4754. Both military member and the spouse are urged to attend the counseling session so they can gain a total perspective on the possible solutions.  Necessary documentation for the appointment includes:

1. Military ID Card
2. Last pay voucher
3. Rent information
4. Utility bills
5. Evidence of other financial obligation such as credit card bills, installment payments, etc.

Cost of living is high for the Fort Hamilton area. Therefore the BAH provided is based on the tri-state area. Please check BAH chart using zip code 11209. The average costs for housing ranges from $1,200 for a one bedroom and $2,250 for two bedrooms.