In a financial crunch? $500 interest free in only 3 easy steps

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Justin Weaver
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Airmen in a financial crunch can now get an interest-free loan of up to $500 in three easy steps.

The Falcon Loan, offered by the Air Force Aid Society, can be used for emergency needs such as basic living expenses (rent, utilities, and food), car repairs, emergency travel, or other approved needs.

Applying for a Falcon Loan is as easy as 1-2-3:

1. Download the application off the AFAS website at www.afas.org
2. Get your ID card and current LES
3. Go to your Airman & Family Readiness Center

"In the event that an Airman experiences a financial difficulty or short term emergency, the Air Force Aid Society and Aviano AFRC would like to protect them from predatory lending practices by providing them with a positive solution," said Regan Mendina-Pellow, Air Force Aid Officer. "In providing a loan of this type, we hope to ensure that Aviano Airmen are not incurring additional debts such as exceptionally high interest rates or hidden costs."

The streamlined application process for a Falcon Loan requires no budget information, backup documentation, or First Sergeant/Commander approval. Minimal information required to process an allotment or Paymatic transaction (automatic withdrawal from bank account) and your signature is all that is needed to complete the application.

The relaxed approach to the loan process comes with the hope that Airmen will feel less threatened to come forward for help and perhaps after getting a Falcon Loan will establish a relationship that draws them back into the A&FRC for a follow-on visit to discuss their financial situation.

"One of the important missions of Airman and Family Readiness Centers is to promote financial readiness," said Ms. Gretchen Shannon from the USAFE Airman and Family Readiness Branch. "The new AFAS Falcon Loan program will be helpful in diverting some Airmen faced with financial emergencies away from high interest pay-day lenders. The Airman and Family Readiness teams will be ready and available to assist members when the new program rolls out."

To be eligible for a Falcon Loan, you must be an Active Duty Air Force member or spouse with Power of Attorney stationed at an Air Force base with an Airman and Family Readiness Center, and cannot have a current Air Force Aid Society loan. You will be expected to repay your Falcon Loan by allotment within 10 months or by your ETS if less than 10 months.

Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard personnel activated on Title 10 orders at the time of application are eligible for a Falcon Loan as well.

The Falcon Loan is a complement to the Society's standard emergency assistance loan/grant program. Receiving a Falcon Loan does not make you ineligible to receive a standard Air Force Aid Society loan/grant while you are repaying your Falcon Loan.

"Our staff at the AFRC is available to assist with basic budgeting or other financial questions that may arise regarding successful personal finances," said Mrs. Mendina-Pellow. "We encourage questions and hope that we are a resource for our Aviano Community."

For more information on the Falcon Loan, call the AFRC at 632-5047 or visit the AFAS website at www.afas.org.