Throughout the pandemic the CMSI Pain Points Poll explored the financial implications of COVID-19 on military families. Many families experienced a loss of income which was compounded by rising food and housing costs.

For students returning to school remotely this fall, many will require new equipment needed for virtual education. To avoid going into debt, many military relief societies offer grants and loans to help service member families, Military Times reports.

Army Emergency Relief’s Home School and Remote Education Assistance Program. AER provides up to $1,500 in assistance to soldiers with children in grades K-12. The program is retroactive to March 1, 2020.

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance. CGMA offers a COVID Supplemental Education Grant for up to $500 for school supplies, an in-person tutoring grant, child care grants, as well as Lost Wages Loans.

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society and Air Force Aid Society both offer zero-interest loans and grants for qualifying service members.

AP Photo/Susan Haigh