The Auxiliary Emergency Fund (AEF) is a national grant assistance program of the American Legion Auxiliary that provides temporary financial assistance to eligible members who have experienced a significant financial setback due to a natural disaster or other unexpected personal crisis. The American Legion Auxiliary Department of Colorado encourages members facing these challenges to learn more about this valuable program and apply if they meet the eligibility requirements.

Disaster Assistance may be available to eligible members whose primary residence has been damaged or who have been displaced or evacuated because of a natural disaster, including wildfire, flood, tornado, hurricane, earthquake, or other severe weather event. Assistance may also help with qualifying emergency expenses incurred as a result of the disaster, subject to National AEF guidelines and documentation requirements. Applications for disaster assistance must generally be submitted within three months of the disaster.

Hardship Assistance may be available to eligible members experiencing a temporary financial crisis when no other immediate source of assistance is available. The program is intended to help members reestablish financial stability by assisting with qualifying past-due primary shelter expenses (rent or mortgage), essential household utilities, or a recent verifiable loss of employment income. Assistance is not available for medical expenses, credit card debt, or other non-qualifying expenses.

To be eligible, applicants must meet the current National American Legion Auxiliary Auxiliary Emergency Fund requirements, including maintaining 36 consecutive months of continuous membership at the time of application and when the grant decision is made. Junior members are not eligible, and only one AEF grant may be awarded within a 12-month period.

If you believe you may qualify for assistance, please contact your Unit President, District President, Department Headquarters, or the Department Auxiliary Emergency Fund Chairman for guidance. Additional information, eligibility requirements, frequently asked questions, and application forms are available through the National American Legion Auxiliary Auxiliary Emergency Fund program.