The government shutdown began at 12:01 a.m. ET on October 1. While critical national security work continues and your service member still reports for duty, pay may be delayed. Many civilian support roles are paused, potentially slowing important on-base services.

Household Money: What to Expect and How to Bridge the Gap

The October 1 paycheck went out as scheduled, but if the government shutdown lasts, October 15 will be the first payday at risk. By law, the Department of Defense cannot issue military pay during a funding lapse unless Congress passes appropriations or a specific pay bill.

\For many military families, the financial stress may be compounded by the fact that military spouses employed as civilian DoD workers could face furloughs, leaving households with even less income.

Steps to Protect Your Household Budget

With this uncertainty, it’s wise to treat the October 15 paycheck as unpredictable and begin prioritizing essentials such as housing, food, and utilities.

Reaching out early to creditors is important—many have hardship or deferment programs available during financial disruptions.

Banks that serve military families, such as Navy Federal Credit Union and USAA, are also offering no-interest paycheck-gap loans and payment relief to help bridge the gap. Relief societies, such as Army Emergency Relief, Air Force Aid Society, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, and Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, provide emergency loans or grants.

TRICARE, Clinics, and Prescriptions

For health care, TRICARE coverage remains in place for service members and their dependents, and Military Treatment Facilities will stay open.

Emergency and urgent care are unaffected, but routine and elective appointments could be postponed if civilian staff are furloughed.

Prescriptions and refills through TRICARE pharmacies are still available.

Schools, Child Care, and Youth Activities

Education and child care are also areas of concern.

DoDEA schools will remain open on their regular schedules, though sports and extracurricular activities may pause if they rely on appropriated funds.

Child Development Centers, which are considered essential to readiness, will continue operating, but some Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs could see reduced hours or temporary closures.

Some family readiness programs staffed by civilian employees may also be limited during the shutdown.

Commissaries and Exchanges

On the home front, commissaries will remain open, supported by cash reserves that should last approximately 60 days. Exchanges across all branches—including AAFES, NEX, MCX, and CGX—will continue operations worldwide.

Guard, Reserve, and Coast Guard Families

Guard, Reserve, and Coast Guard families may face unique challenges.

Guard and Reserve members on federal active-duty orders will continue working but may not receive timely pay. Drill weekends are often canceled or postponed during a shutdown.

Meanwhile, Coast Guard families may shoulder the greatest burden, since their service falls under the Department of Homeland Security.

This means Coast Guard members are required to work without pay until appropriations are restored.

Legal Protections For Families

Legal protections remain in place to help military families weather these financial difficulties. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) remains in force. It caps interest rates on certain debts and provides eviction protections when financial strain hits.

Military spouses can use these protections if their household income is disrupted by the shutdown.

Where to Turn For Real Help

Families facing immediate financial needs have several avenues for support.

• Relief societies: AER, AFAS, NMCRS, and CGMA are ready to provide emergency loans or grants.
• Military banks: Navy Federal Credit Union offers 0% APR paycheck-gap loans; USAA provides no-interest loans and flexible payment relief.
• Community support: Family readiness groups, ombudsmen, key spouse programs, chaplains, and Military & Family Life Counselors can connect you to local resources.

How to Prepare Your Household

In the meantime, it’s wise to prepare for the possibility of delayed pay.

• Review your budget and build a two-week “pay delay” plan.
• Communicate with landlords, lenders, and utility companies before bills are due.
• Sign up for bank assistance programs, like paycheck-gap loans, before your expected pay date to ensure you receive timely help if needed.
• Regularly check with your installation for updates about the status of schools, Child Development Centers, commissaries, and exchanges during the shutdown.
• Keep documentation handy if you need to request relief through SCRA protections.

Moving Forward Together

Military spouses are no strangers to facing additional challenges when things get tough. The 2025 government shutdown may bring stress to paychecks, childcare, and daily routines, but many essential services will continue.

TRICARE remains active, DoDEA schools remain open, and commissaries and exchanges continue to operate. Relief societies and trusted banks have also developed programs to help if pay is delayed.

You are not alone. Reach out to your family readiness group, relief societies, chaplains, or other spouses for support.

Ask for assistance early if you need it. The shutdown will end, and back pay will arrive; however, until then, the resources and community around you are here to support your family. Text ONE spouse today with this guide. Sharing support and information keeps our community strong.

Suggested reads:

• Lockdowns. COVID. IPads. How Military Families Can Protect Generation Alpha Without Causing Fear
• Childcare Gaps Driving Spouses Out of the Workplace
• Troops vs. TIKTOK: When Social Media Becomes a Security Threat