Who Is Eligible to Receive Emergency Communications?

Service members eligible to receive emergency communications regarding an immediate family member include:
 

• On active duty in the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force or Coast Guard
• An activated member of the Guard and Reserve of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces
•  A civilian employed by or under contract to the Department of Defense and stationed outside the Continental United States
• A cadet or midshipman at a service academy; ROTC cadet on orders for training
• A Merchant Marine aboard a U.S. Naval Ship

How to Initiate a Request for Emergency Assistance: You can initiate a request for Red Cross emergency assistance for members of the military currently serving on active duty by using the online self-service tool. Using a computer, smart phone or tablet, you can start a request for services and track its progress from anywhere in the world. Or you can call the Red Cross Hero Care Center at 1-877-272-7337.

Red Cross Critical Community Services

Confidential Services with Access to Local, State and National Resources: The American Red Cross offers confidential services to all veterans and their families by connecting them with local, state and national resources through our network of chapters in communities across the United States and offices on military installations worldwide.

Serving the Unique Needs of Veterans and Their Families: Local Red Cross offices develop and maintain relationships with key community partners. These vital services range from responding to emergency needs for food, clothing, and shelter, referrals to counseling services (e.g., financial, legal, jobs, mental health), information on veterans cemeteries and burial benefits, and other resources that meet the unique needs of local veterans and their families.

Military Aid Societies: The American Red Cross works in partnership with military aid societies to provide quality, reliable financial assistance to eligible applicants 24/7/365. Assistance can include funds for emergency travel, burial of a loved one, emergency food and shelter, etc.

Who is eligible?
Call the American Red Cross Hero Care Center at 1-877-272-7337 (toll-free) if you are:
 

• A veteran
• An active-duty service member
• A member of an activated National Guard or Reserve unit
• An immediate family member of a service member in the above two categories