HALO watches out for Airmen and their families Published March 8, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Cory D. Payne 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- The Air Force Aid Society has implemented the new Housing Assistance Loan Overseas, or HALO program, designed to bridge the expense gap for Airmen living outside base housing. Much like other AFAS loans, the HALO program is designed to loan Airmen the money needed to pay up-front housing costs, such as first and last month's rent, to landlords before their Overseas Housing Allowance has been changed. "We really think this a great program helps Airmen concentrate on their families and adjusting to a new country," said Senaida Larson, 48th Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness Center volunteer coordinator. "We are very fortunate that the AFAS came in and helped reduce stress on Airmen and their families." This loan does not replace other entitlement programs and must be paid upon receiving overseas housing entitlements. Repayment will be secured by a three month automatic allotment from the Airman's paycheck until the loan is paid off. Servicemembers may apply for the HALO loan once the housing office has approved the lease agreement. In addition to the set-up costs for housing, HALO may also be used to pay lodging costs for servicemembers who arrive without having been issued Controlled Spending Account cards. The loan is to be paid in full after the service member is reimbursed after filing their travel voucher.