GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN RESOURCES: FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR MILITARY FAMILIES
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With the federal government shutdown continuing, military families are facing unexpected financial challenges. The 2013 Pay Our Military Act protected service members' paychecks during previous shutdowns. But a similar bill introduced in 2025 hasn't passed through Congress yet.
What does this mean? Active-duty personnel, Defense Department civilians, and federal contractors won't receive paychecks until the government reopens. The first impacted pay period hits on October 15.
Back pay is guaranteed once the government reopens for military service members. But that doesn't help when bills are due today. Rent, groceries, car payments, and childcare won't wait for Congress to reach a budget agreement.
Here's the good news: Multiple organizations stand ready to help military families bridge this gap. These government shutdown resources can provide the emergency financial support you need right now.
Which government shutdown resources could help your family today?
Service-Based Relief Organizations
Each branch of the military has established relief societies designed to help during emergencies. These organizations understand military life, and they can provide assistance quickly.
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Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS)
- Interest-free loans for active-duty and retired Sailors and Marines.
- Family members and activated reservists are also eligible.
- Covers rent, food, car repairs, PCS expenses, medical costs, and emergency travel.
- Visit a local office during business hours.
- After-hours emergency? Contact the American Red Cross: 1-877-272-7337.
Army Emergency Relief (AER)
Zero-interest loans and grants are available through three ways:
- Quick Assist Program: Chain of command approves up to $2,000 immediately. Last year, 8,000 soldiers received over $10 million through this program.
- Online Application: Apply anytime at armyemergencyrelief.org
- In-Person: Visit your installation's AER office.
What AER covers: Emergency travel, housing costs, utilities, food, vehicle expenses, medical co-pays, and more.
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Air Force Aid Society (AFAS)
- Serves Active Duty Air Force and Space Force members.
- Guard and Reserve personnel eligible (regardless of duty status).
- Retirees and families can apply.
- Apply online: portal.afas.org
- Processing time: 24-72 hours, depending on emergency type.
Coverage includes: Basic living expenses, emergency travel, vehicle repairs, childcare, mental health support, and other needs.
Airman's Attic
Your local Airman's Attic provides free support to the Air Force community.
- Who qualifies: Primarily E-1 to E-5 Airmen and dependents.
- What's available: Free clothes, household goods, furniture, and toys
- Cost: Always free—no exceptions
- Higher ranks: Many locations open to all ranks on specific days.
Check with your local Airman's Attic for hours and details.
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Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA)
- Interest-free loans up to your monthly Basic Allowance for Housing.
- Applications open starting October 13, 2025.
- Apply through the online form at mycgma.org.
Important note: Check with your bank or credit union first. CGMA's resources are limited during shutdowns when allotment donations pause.
Why service-based programs matter for overseas families: Local food pantries and community resources may not exist at your duty station. These programs work anywhere you're stationed.
Financial Institution Support
Several military-friendly financial institutions have activated government shutdown resources.
Navy Federal Credit Union
- Loan amount: 0% APR up to $6,000
- Matches: Your full direct deposit amount
- Requirement: 60+ days of direct deposit history before the shutdown
- Track record: Nearly 20,000 members helped in previous shutdowns
USAA
- Loan amount: No-interest up to $6,000
- Equals: One net paycheck
- Requirement: Eligible direct deposit within 30 days of shutdown
- Bonus: Payment relief options across banking and insurance products
- Apply: USAA app, usaa.com/relief, or by phone
First Command
- Loan amount: 0% APR pay advance
- Matches: Your full government direct deposit
- Duration: Available up to six months during shutdown
- Requirement: 60+ days direct deposit history
- Timeline: First advance arrives within 10 business days
- Contact: (888) 763-7600
Marine Federal Credit Union
- Program: Payroll Advancement Program
- Advances: Your first paycheck during the shutdown
- Eligibility: Active-duty military, DoD employees, and federal employees with DFAS direct deposit
- Requirement: Account in good standing
- Apply: Online form at marinefederalhb.org
Community Resources
Beyond military-specific programs, community resources can help stretch your budget. Many families don't realize how many options exist.
Food Assistance Programs
Feeding America's Food Finder
- Find food pantries, soup kitchens, and food banks near you
- Enter your zip code at feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank
- See operating hours, locations, and contact information
- SNAP application assistance available
- Phone support: 800-771-2303
Food Pantries.org
- Additional search tool for local food assistance
- Includes food shelves and emergency food programs
- Free to use—no registration required
Family Supplemental Subsistence Allowance (FSSA)
This program helps service members serving outside the United States. Eligibility depends on household income and family size.
Contact your family support center or community services financial management counselor for details. Apply using DD Form 2857.
Emergency Financial Assistance
American Red Cross Hero Care Network
The Red Cross connects military members and families to financial assistance through military aid societies.
Who's eligible:
- Actively serving military members
- Retired service members
- Dependents
What's covered:
- Emergency travel
- Emergency food and shelter
- Other crisis situations
How to access:
- Visit redcross.org and search "military families"
- Download Hero Care app: Text GETHEROCARE to 90999
- Call Hero Care specialist: 877-272-7337
Operation Homefront
Provides short-term financial help for military families experiencing hardship.
- Review eligibility at operationhomefront.org
- Questions? Call 1-877-264-3968 (toll-free)
USA Cares
Provides emergency assistance when financial stress relates to military service. This program pays immediate, essential bills.
- Covers food and utility bills
- Links to additional assistance agencies
- Phone: 1-800-773-0387
- Online: usacares.org
Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (FEEA)
It's available specifically for federal employees.
- No-interest loans up to $1,500
- Covers individual emergency situations
- Repaid through payroll allotment over ~10 months
- Apply online at feea.org (complete application required)
Comprehensive Support Services
Military OneSource
Free confidential support for all military families—24/7.
Services include:
- Non-medical counseling (12 free sessions)
- Financial coaching
- Free tax filing (MilTax program)
- Spouse employment resources
- Wellness coaching
- Parenting and family programs
Contact: 1-800-342-9647 or militaryonesource.mil
MilLife (Military OneSource Program)
Specialized support for specific military communities.
- Families with special needs
- National Guard families
- New service members
- Parents
- Reserve families
- Retirees and veterans
- Spouses
- Survivors
- Transitioning service members
- Wounded warriors
Armed Services YMCA
Nationwide locations offer targeted support.
- Food assistance (Operation Holiday Joy program)
- Financial help for holiday travel
- Gym memberships
- Childcare programs
- Find locations: asymca.org
Utility and Essential Services
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Help with paying heating, cooling, or electric bills.
- Eligibility based on income
- Requirements vary by state
- Emergency services are available during an energy crisis
- Some states offer online applications
- Find your state office at acf.hhs.gov/ocs/liheap
211 Help Line
Free, confidential connection to thousands of programs in your community.
- Food banks
- Housing assistance
- Job training
- Mental health resources
- Available 24/7 in most areas
- Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.org
Have you checked what assistance programs are available in your zip code?
Resources are Standing By
Financial stress affects every aspect of military life.
When you're worried about feeding your family or paying rent, mission focus suffers. That's exactly why these government shutdown resources exist—the military community takes care of our service members and families.
Reaching out for help isn't a weakness. It's smart planning.
These organizations exist because the military community understands a fundamental truth: Service members shouldn't choose between financial security and serving their country.
What's your backup plan if your paycheck doesn't arrive on time?
Whether you need a zero-interest loan from your service's relief society, a paycheck advance from your credit union, or food assistance from a local pantry, government shutdown resources are standing by to support you.
Contact these organizations now. Before financial stress builds. Before you miss a payment. Before your savings run dry.
Creating a plan today protects your family's financial security tomorrow. During this government shutdown, resources are available to help you through.
You're not facing this alone.
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BY GAYLEEN SWIGGUM
Veteran & Military Family Life Writer
Gayleen Swiggum grew up as an Army kid in an immigrant household, served in the Air Force, and now continues her military journey as a military spouse. Through her extensive service connection, she has lived overseas in three different countries, experiencing military life from every angle. She brin...
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