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 Assistance
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.
To apply for assistance:
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Click here and review the instructions.
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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.
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Gather your required documents so you can include them with your submission.
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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 at 781-225-6960 or the Red Cross at 1-877-272-7337.
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.
Education Support
Grants ranging from $500 to $4,000 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/.
General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant
This grant is competitive in its need-based selection criteria and is uniquely tailored to recognize the proper weighing of family income and education costs. The application process for the Arnold Education Grant serves as the platform for other key education support opportunities at the Society.
AFAS Merit Scholarship
Scholars are evaluated on academic merit. These $5,000 scholarships are available to dependent children and spouses of active duty and retired Airmen who demonstrate outstanding academic potential based on GPA.
AFAS Supplemental Education Loan program
This no-interest loan program – also offered as a complement to the main Arnold Education Grant – is designed to help Air Force families with those incidental college expenses up to $1,000. The AFAS Supplemental Loan can offer help for Air Force dependent students or veterans.
Air Force Aid Society Community Programs
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
Program is currently suspended due to COVID-19. Air Force families undergoing stressful times may be referred by first sergeants or a base "helping" agency to take their children (12 and under) to the Child Development Center for a 4-hour "break" at no charge.