Financial Assistance

The cost of living in the off-base community is very manageable as compared to major cities in the U.S. such as Los Angeles, New York City or Boston. This is due to the favorable dollar to yen exchange rate. Rent can range from $900 per month for a two-bedroom apartment (600-800 square feet) to $2,000 per month for a three-bedroom (900-1,100 square feet) apartment/house. Depending on usage, electricity costs on average $150 per month with gas and water approximately $100 a month. Although most fees should fall within the service member’s or Department of War civilian's Basic Housing Allowance, please be aware of all other hidden fees (cable/internet/telephone/heating) that come from living off base.

Additionally, while privately-owned vehicle liability insurance is relatively inexpensive, the Japanese government mandates Japanese Compulsory Insurance (average cost every two years is $400 to $1,000) and an annual road tax ($50 to $270, depending on size of POV).

Yokota Military and Family Readiness Center

The Personal Financial Readiness Program emphasizes personal financial responsibility and accountability by providing basic principles and practices of money management, counseling tools, investing and referral services. The PFR manager is an accredited financial counselor, specialized to assist DOW members and their families and is available for individual appointments. Financial guidance is offered to those experiencing money management difficulties or for those who wish to improve their finances. The M&FRC's PFR program manager assists with creating a personalized budget and spending plan, saving and investing, Thrift Savings Plan maximization, the Blended Retirement System, consumer protection, credit card management, home buying preparation and much more.

Air & Space Forces Aid Society 

The AFAS is the official charity of the U.S. Air Force & U.S. Space Force. Its charter is to help relieve the distress of Air Force members and their families by providing emergency financial assistance in the form of interest-free loans and/or grants. Financial assistance is provided when a qualifying member cannot pay for specific essential basis needs.

The purpose for which financial assistance may be provided are intentionally broad and include the following:

• Emergency expenses such as unforeseen required travel and related expenses, funeral expenses, loss of funds and inability to pay for return ticket home, fire or other disasters.
• Medical and dental care such as TRICARE deductibles, services not covered by TRICARE/Delta Dental or when treatment is not available at a uniformed service medical facility.
• Essential transportation to include repairs that make the vehicle safe to operate and required vehicle insurance premiums.
• Basic maintenance for the short-term inability to pay the cost of everyday living to include rent/mortgage, utilities, essential clothing and food.
• Educational assistance including the Spouse Tuition Assistance Program for undergraduate or graduate students on all overseas bases. The General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant program is the centerpiece of AFAS education support. The application process for the Arnold Education Grant serves as the platform for other key education support opportunities at the Society. The Hap Arnold Education Grant is competitive in its needs-based selection criteria and is uniquely tailored to recognize the proper weighing of family income and education costs.
• Grants ranging from $500 to $4,000 are awarded to eligible Air Force dependents each year. The specific amount awarded correlates to a student’s particular level of financial need. AFAS education support is available to dependent sons and daughters of active duty, Title 10 Reservists on extended active duty, Title 32 Guard performing full-time active duty, retired, retired Reserve and deceased Air Force members, as well as spouses of active duty and Title 10 Reservists, and widows/widowers.
• Childcare for personnel who volunteer on base and temporary childcare when an emergency exists.
• Childcare for those completing a permanent change of station: there are 20 free hours of home day care per child open to all ranks. Must be used within 60 days of arrival/departure and is dependent upon provider availability.
• Respite care for Exceptional Family Member Program families or families in crisis as recommended by the family advocacy office.
• Family care plan for temporary relief of natural disaster as a means of getting families back on track financially during floods, storms, typhoons, hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, etc.

All applications are considered on an individual basis and are made online at https://afas.org/.

Self-referral for any of these programs is encouraged.