The Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) is the official charity of the United States Air Force. Founded in 1942, AFAS is a private non-profit organization whose mission is to help relieve financial distress of Air Force members and their families and assist them in financing their higher education goals.
Active-duty and retired Air Force members and their dependents are eligible for AFAS assistance, as are the dependents of deceased Air Force personnel who died on active duty or in retired status. Reservists and National Guard members serving on extended active duty over 30 days are eligible as well, but assistance is limited to emergencies incident to or resulting from the applicant's active duty tour.
AFAS Sections are located at bases throughout the world. Most are located in Family Support Centers, with a few in the Military Personnel Flight. The AFAS maintains a cross-servicing agreement with emergency relief organizations of the Army and Navy so Air Force people can request help through those offices when no AF facility is relatively close to the member/family. Local Red Cross offices will also provide assistance when there is no military base or post nearby.
Loans and Grants
Most AFAS interest-free loans and grants are for short term or one-time emergencies such as food, rent and utilities, car repairs, and emergency travel requirements. Each case, regardless of the request, is treated individually, and the Society will review all requests for assistance and try to help if the local commander recommends help and if the assistance falls within the general thrust of the AFAS charter. The Society is always examining ways to be more responsive to the Air Force community.
For more information, visit the AFAS section at your home base. AFAS sections are located on all Air Force bases worldwide. Most are located in the Family Support Center. If you are away from your home base, but not near another Air Force base, the Air Force Aid Society has reciprocal agreements that allow you to receive assistance these other agencies:
- Army Emergency Relief (located at Army installations, worldwide)
- Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (located at Navy installations, worldwide)
- American Red Cross Chapters (located throughout the U.S.)
You can also visit the Air Force Aid Society Website.
