Air Force Aid Society

The Air Force Aid Society enhances the Air Force mission by helping airmen and their families achieve their educational goals, relieve emergency financial
distress, and improve their quality of life. At Hanscom, we partner with the Air Force Aid Society to bring programs and assistance where needed to eligible members within a 50 mile radius of our installation.

Emergency use funds from which Active Duty, Retirees and Reservists may be eligible to borrow interest free loans. Usage is for unexpected emergencies such as Basic Living (food, utilities, rent/mortgage, gas, phone, child care), Emergency Travel, Medical/Dental not covered by Tricare, and Vehicle expense (repair, insurance, payment). Coordination will be needed with Air Force Aid Society.

Active Air Force & Space Force Members, Air Force Reservists & Retirees requiring Emergency Financial Assistance:

• Falcon loan Instructions / Standard Assistance Instructions / Spouse Assistance Instructions
• Go to https://portal.afas.org/ea-eligibility/.
• Register with a PERSONAL email address. If you already have an account with your government issued email address, please update it to a personal address so you can easily be contacted.
• Gather your required documents so you can include them with your submission.
• Follow the instructions to apply and an HQ AFAS Caseworker will contact you.

If you need help applying, please reach out to us! We can assist with the application process during our business hours. If you need immediate assistance after duty hours, contact the Command Post (781.225.6960) or the Red Cross (877.272.7337).

NOTE: Applications that aren’t filled out using the above instructions may not receive timely assistance. The staff at the Hanscom Military and Family Readiness Center are no longer caseworkers so we will not be able to take any actions after your request is submitted.

Active Army Members requiring Emergency Financial Assistance
Eligible Soldiers and U.S. Army Families who require financial assistance will no longer be serviced at Air Force or Space Force installations. Natick, MA AER office is currently closed. Contact the American Red Cross at American Red Cross for assistance with case processing.

Navy/Marine Corp Members requiring Emergency Financial Assistance
Click here to find your nearest assistance location. Contact the American Red Cross for assistance if local office is closed.

Coast Guard Members requiring Emergency Financial Assistance
Click here to find your nearest assistance location. If you are more than 50 miles from a CGMA Representative, the American Red Cross can process your request for assistance on behalf of CGMA.

Commanders & First Sergeants
Click here for the AFAS guide for Commanders and First Sergeants.

Grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 are awarded to eligible Air Force and Space Force dependents each year to assist with tuition, books and fees, or other direct education expenses. For complete details go to afas.org/how-we-help/education-support/.

Bundles For Babies
Quarterly workshop open to expectant parents in their second and third trimester. Learn about Newborn Care, Car Seat Safety, Budgeting for a Baby, and more. Active Duty Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, and Space Force families will receive an electronic monetary gift from the Air Force Aid Society. Active Duty Army and Civilian families will receive a goodie bag.

Give Parents a Break (GPAB)
Eligible members holding a GPAB Certificate of Eligibility will apply for funding through the AFAS portal at https://portal.afas.org. Click HERE for application instructions.  Approved funds will be directly deposited into the member’s designated bank account via Zelle or ACH to cover allowable child care expenses.
•       $40 per dependent child per month for up to 3 months will be provided to eligible members.
•       Funds can be used for the following childcare providers:
o       Base Child Development/Youth Centers offering a monthly GPAB event with a minimum of 8 children in attendance
o       Family Child Care (FCC) provider homes at assigned installations
o       Day Care Centers or Day Care Providers on or off the installation

Child Care for PCS (CCPCS)
Eligible members with a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), Retirement, Palace Chase, or Separation from service order will apply for funding through the AFAS portal at https://portal.afas.org. Click HERE for application instructions. Approved funds will be directly deposited into the member’s designated bank account via Zelle or ACH to cover allowable childcare expenses.
•       $200 per dependent child up to age 12 (not to exceed $1,000 per family) will be provided to eligible members
•       Funds can be used for the following childcare providers:
o       Base Child Development/Youth Centers offering a monthly GPAB event with a minimum of 8 children in attendance
o       Family Child Care (FCC) provider homes at assigned installations
o       Day Care Centers or Day Care Providers on or off the installation

Eligibility Expansion:
•       Active-duty Air Force and Space Force members. Must apply within 60 days of arrival or departure.
•       Air National Guard and Reserve members activated under Title 10, USC for more than 15 days with a PCS order. Must apply within 60 days of arrival or departure.
•       Air Force and Space Force members with retirement orders, including those on the Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL), Palace Chase, or when separating from active-duty service. These categories are eligible within 60 days at the departure location.