Emergency Assistance

The American Red Cross is always available for emergency aid anywhere you may be. Contact the nearest chapter (phone numbers are usually listed in the White Pages of the local phone directory). They may be able to help with emergency financial assistance and contacting individuals that will need to know where you are and what's happening. Or to contact an emergency caseworker, call the American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services Center located in Falls Church, Virginia by dialing toll-free: 877-272-7337. The American Red Cross also can help with communications home about family emergencies, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including verification of death or serious illness of immediate family, birth announcements to fathers deployed overseas, and health and welfare reports resulting from lack of communication over a long period of time.

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society provides active-duty and retired sailors and Marines with emergency financial assistance based upon need. Categories of financial assistance include basic living expenses (food, shelter, utilities), medical/dental not covered by TRICARE, funeral expenses, emergency transportation, essential car repairs and disasters. Quick assist loans up to $500 for certain needs are available to active-duty clients. Other services include a thrift shop, budgeting classes and layettes for new babies.

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society is open for client assistance Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The thrift shop is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

First of all, make sure you have all your important papers with you – not packed with your household goods. Remember to carry important medical papers, prescriptions and important telephone numbers so that you can contact your sponsor and your next duty station in case an emergency arises. For a more comprehensive list of important documents to hand carry, go to or return to Plan My Move. Select a duty station and click on the button above your calendar to access this list.

Emergencies can happen no matter how much planning you do, so part of your plan needs to be "What if?" If an emergency occurs while in transit and it is possible, contact the nearest military installation for assistance. If you are not near a military installation and/or your emergency occurs after hours, contact the American Red Cross, 877-272-7337. If a financial emergency occurs, you can request Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society assistance through the American Red Cross. Military OneSource is available 24/7 and can provide you with resources by calling 800-342-9647.