As a result of school closings due to COVID-19, many Army parents are now managing the educational needs of their children through home school programs. Some Army Families may experience financial hardship and face difficulty paying the additional costs associated with purchasing home school supplies and equipment.

AER is available to assist eligible Soldiers with dependents in grades K thru 12th for home schooling costs for specific school supplies up to $500 per family. Eligibility period for this special category of assistance will be retroactive back to 1 March 2020 and extend until rescinded by HQ AER. Assistance will be provided as a loan, grant or combination to minimize any additional financial hardship on Soldiers and Families.