It doesn’t matter when you might be reading this. Chances are good we’re once again inching closer to another government shutdown. That means more and more military families are becoming nervous that Congress will not pass a budget by the 12:01 am ET deadline on whatever day it happens to fall on this time around.
It feels like we were just here, doesn’t it? Didn’t we just have a government shutdown? While we might love the extra time at home with the kids, the overwhelming sense of dread is exhausting. You might be asking yourself: “When will I go back to work? When will I get paid? When will Congress get its act together so we can do things like feed our families?”
You know, the basics.
The good news about having just had a shutdown not that long ago is that service members and their families are in a much better position to receive help. Here are the best resources for military families if the government shuts down:
Pay Issues
The most pressing question for everyone is “Will I get paid during a government shutdown?” The answer: By the government, no. But before you panic, let’s look at the options.
USAA
In the past, USAA offered impacted members a one-time, no-interest loan equal to the amount of their net pay, from $500 to $6,000, designed to help with an affected payment disruption. The loan has an annual percentage rate of 0% and must be repaid within three months of funding. Payments were split into two equal installments, with the first payment due about 60 days after and the second due in about 90 days.
Additionally, it offered payment assistance for insurance and payment extensions for other products (consumer loans, credit cards, and a home equity line of credit). How do you get a USAA loan for the government shutdown (if it’s offered)? Visit the website.
Navy Federal Credit Union
Navy Federal Credit Union offered a paycheck assistance program. Navy Federal stood ready to offer paycheck assistance to eligible members if funding was not extended beyond the shutdown date and a government shutdown occurred.
This program was available to military servicemembers, Federal government employees, and contractors paid directly by the Federal government whose pay was affected by the shutdown, and who had direct deposit set up with Navy Federal for their paychecks.
For members affected by the shutdown who did not meet the eligibility requirements, NFCU’s member service representatives offered alternative financial relief services, such as NavyFed loans in the event of a shutdown.
Navy Federal deposited the loan amount members were eligible for into the account(s) in which their most recent direct deposit of pay was processed. If they enrolled before the pay date, the loan was disbursed on their regular pay date.
What if I don’t have NavyFed or USAA?
Well, you should sign up at some point for these very reasons (they offer pay when Congress can’t agree), but I know that’s not particularly helpful right now—sorry. If you don’t have USAA or NavyFed, let’s look at some other financial resources.
Navy/Marine Corps
Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) stands ready to help meet the immediate needs of active and retired Sailors, Marines and their families impacted by any impending government shutdown. NMCRS offices will be open normal hours to assist those families who are experiencing immediate needs related to the loss of income from the shutdown.
Army
Air Force Aid Society and Army Emergency Relief are available to T10 Soldiers and Airmen. All ANG Guard members and Reservists with emergency needs are eligible for Air Force Aid Society assistance during a government shutdown. National Guard Military Family Readiness Staff may have additional community resources or grant/loan opportunities. Please reach out to the Soldier or Airman and Family Readiness staff in your location for more information.
Air Force/Space Force
AFAS assistance will be available to assist with your emergency financial needs, such as food, gas, and other essentials. In order to help the maximum number of airmen/guardians possible, it is not reasonable to expect the Society to replace your total lost pay.
Coast Guard
Once a pay period has been missed, Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA) has (in the past) provided financial assistance in the form of an interest-free loan equivalent to one month’s Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) based on the military member’s pay grade and region. GS civilian employees were entitled to E-7 BAH, while Non-Appropriated Fund and Wage Grade (NAF/WG) employees were entitled to E-5 military BAH.
What about health benefits?
The Defense Health Agency usually authorizes its TRICARE contractors to continue delivering health care to its 9.4 million beneficiaries. TRICARE beneficiaries seeking medical care from private providers should feel no significant effects. Care at military hospitals and clinics would remain largely unaffected. The TRICARE website includes current information about the impact of the shutdown on TRICARE health plans and military hospitals and clinics.
What about food? Are there military food pantries?
Yes, there are so many food pantries available to military families (during and outside of a government shutdown). They don’t have to be military-specific for you to visit. With so many military families experiencing food insecurity, you should feel NO SHAME in getting assistance from a food pantry—your family’s health has to come first.
Find a food pantry near you through AmpleHarvest.org.
The stress of not being paid can be overwhelming, but these are the best resources for military families in the event of a government shutdown. Take care of yourself, take care of your family, and know you’re not alone. If you’re struggling with your mental health, call *988 at any time.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) offers 24/7 call, text, and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
Hang in there. You got this.
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