If the government shuts down, our Military could possibly face no pay or reduced pay. For those that have planned ahead this will not cause an issue, but for the majority of our troops and their families, this will cause a hardship. This article is here to help you, should this happen.
What to do in the event of a shutdown or financial hardship
• Contact your banks, landlord, and utilities, explain to them the situation and ask for an extension on repayment of any loans, or an extension on the due date for utilities. Some utility companies partner with charity organizations to give one-time grants to help with utility costs during a financial hardship, so make sure to ask when you speak with them. Some banks (such as USAA) will loan you the amount of your paycheck until your paycheck arrives.
• Contact your service branch’s relief organization (listed below). They can offer short-term loans and grants to help bridge the gap.
• Don’t use a commercial service (payday loans). This should only be used as a last resort after all other efforts have failed. Payday loans usually carry very high-interest charges and can put you even further in debt.
• If you have automatic payments set up, remember to transfer money into your account (either from your savings or through financial help) to cover the cost of those bills. If you are unable to get money into your account, contact the company with whom the automatic payment is scheduled with, to temporary cancel that automatic payment.
• Start trimming your costs as much as possible. Read 50+ Ways To Save Money Now!
Where To Get Help During A Shutdown
If you find that you need help with paying the bills during a government shutdown (or any other time), here is a list of where to get help:
Official Military Assistant Organizations
Air Force Aid Society
Army Emergency Relief
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance
Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society
Reserve Aid
If you are not located near an aid organization, you may seek financial assistance from the Red Cross or call 866-563-1376.
Other Charity Organizations
One Harvest Food Ministries – Food & Groceries
Family Table Food Ministries – Food & Groceries
Feeding America – Food & Groceries
Armed Forces Foundation – Financial Assistance
Gradient Gives Back – Financial Assistance
Operation Homefront – Financial Assistance
Veterans of Foreign Wars – Financial Assistance
Other Places To Seek Help
Local Food Banks and Pantries – Check your area for local food banks and pantries to help with food costs during a financial hardship. A quick google search will usually yield results.
Local Church’s – Your local church may have the means to help with financial assistance or food.
United Way – Contact your local United Way office to see if they are aware of any assistance programs provided by your utility provider since many utility providers will outsource the administration of their assistance programs to the United Way.
Is it really likely the pay will be held? I figure that’s been budgeted and approved for the year. Guess it’s a good thing we just got our backpay finally.
In my 18 years as a spouse now, we have never not been paid. It has come really close. Right now we should get a full paycheck on the 1st as late last night they agreed to a temp budget until I believe Feb 8th. So this isn’t over yet! If they can’t reach an agreement on Feb 8th (or whatever date they said) the government will shut down again =(