The U.S. government officially shut down as of 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 30, which means the most recent appropriations for the Department of War expired. “Military personnel will continue in a normal duty status, without pay, until such time as a continuing resolution or appropriations are passed by Congress and signed into law,” as per a statement on the War Department’s website. Military Families Magazine is compiling a list of resources and information to assist service members, veterans, federal workers and their families impacted by the shutdown. Please note, this is a list in progress and will be updated as new information is received.
First things first, military and retiree pay. You will notice your Oct. 1 pay was direct deposited as normal. The first pay period impacted by the shutdown will be the Oct. 15 pay period. A number of military credit unions and banks, branch aid societies, and non-profit organizations who support the military and veteran communities have announced how they are stepping up.
MILITARY CREDIT UNIONS AND BANKS
Please be sure to read eligibility and stipulations about how you may still be able to receive your pay from the below institutions, including some requirements to enroll in a program in advance of the next payday.
Navy Federal Credit Union: 0% interest loans up to $6,000, but the service member or federal worker must enroll in advance of their next payday
USAA: 0% interest loan equal to the amount of your net pay, from $500 to $6,000; must be paid back within 3 months
PenFed Credit Union: no-interest loan equal to the amount of your paycheck if your payroll is directly deposited into your PenFed checking account
First Command: interest-free payroll advances in the amount of direct deposit pay, must be repaid within three months
Marine Federal Credit Union: the Payroll Advancement Program offers first payroll following the shutdown to qualifying members.
BRANCH AID SOCIETIES
Air Force Aid Society: assistance available to help with emergency needs, such as food, gas, and other essentials.
Army Emergency Relief (AER): will provide rapid zero-interest loans to soldiers if the Oct. 15 payday is impacted (per their social media).
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA): will offer interest-free loans to help with important bills like rent, insurance and daycare. Coast Guard military and civilian employees are eligible to borrow up to their monthly Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) as needed.
Navy Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS): for active-duty Navy and Marine Corps service members and their families, NMCRS can help cover basic living expenses such as food, rent, utilities and other urgent needs resulting from the shutdown.
