Well, it’s finally happened. After years of reporting on what to expect if the government shuts down and military pay is affected, it’s happening. Active-duty military families are asking themselves: What can I do?
It’s a good question.
The Trump administration has announced that it’s figured out a way to reallocate money to pay the troops and said that will happen on time. But it’s unclear how the administration will get around the legal hurdles of reallocating money, and it’s even less clear how that money will get into bank accounts by Wednesday morning. Many questions remain unanswered.
So, if I were a planner, I’d be planning NOT to get paid Wednesday, because it’s better to plan for the worst and still hope for the best.
Regardless of the outcome, you can do practical things right now to mitigate the impact of a government shutdown on your military family.
How to Plan for Pay Disruptions
We’ve known since before the last payday that the next pay day was likely to be affected by the government shutdown. Thankfully, that means rent and mortgages probably got paid for the month of October. Hopefully, we’ve all been taking steps to increase income and cut expenses even more than usual. That’s going to have to continue.
If you have the opportunity to earn a little extra income, take it. Maybe that means picking up an extra shift at work or selling those items stashed in your garage for the next community yard sale. Keep in mind that depending on your neighborhood, everyone might be tightening their wallets, and this might not be the best time to sell.
Get even more creative with reducing expenses. Try a dry October to cut back on bar expenses. If you’re in a bowling league or take part in another hobby that costs money, consider skipping a week. Find super-cheap meals from what’s already in your cupboard to scrape by during the unknowns. (My mom used to serve canned tomato soup with popcorn on top when times were tight, but you can find recipe generators online, using the ingredients you already have, to put together something more appetizing!) Even saving a few dollars on gas can go a long way during a pay delay. Consider carpooling to work with your neighbor this week, even if you usually find it inconvenient.
Planning for Child Care During a Shutdown
So far, it seems few Child Development Centers have closed, but that could change as the shutdown continues. Start talking to friends, coworkers and neighbors about ways you can collectively solve any child care problems that come up. If child care issues may prevent you from fulfilling your military obligations, communicate that with your leadership to see if there is any flexibility during the shutdown.
Food Banks and Other Programs to Help Feed Your Family
Even without the impacts of a government shutdown, one in four active-duty families face food insecurity. It’s a hardship in the best of situations, but it’s even worse with the threat of no pay.
Make a list of available food banks in your area. Food banks may be on base or in the local community. Stronghold Food Pantry, a national nonprofit that helps provide food to military families, can be reached via this intake form.
Other programs that help with food may eventually be affected. The Women, Infants and Children program, commonly called WIC, is administered by states but relies on federal funding. That funding was interrupted by the shutdown but has temporarily been supplemented by a one-time infusion of cash. How long that money lasts depends on your state: Some states have the ability to float benefits for a period of time, but not all states have that kind of money in reserves.
If you’ve exhausted these options and are still stuck for ideas, reach out to your installation’s personal financial manager or personal financial counselor, if they haven’t been furloughed.
Relief Societies
Your branch’s relief society is standing by to provide assistance for your urgent needs if a shutdown occurs. These include:
- Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
- Air Force Aid Society (also serving the Space Force)
- Army Emergency Relief
- Coast Guard Mutual Assistance
These aid societies can be a tremendous resource during normal times and a vital lifeline when military pay doesn’t come, whether that’s during a government shutdown or due to another pay issue. Learn where your local office is located. Office hours may vary during the shutdown, but they should remain open.
Stay Informed
Most importantly, keep informed about what’s happening in your community. Every installation has different operational and logistical considerations, so what happens on one base may not happen on your base. Join the social media pages for your nearby installations, get on email lists, and make sure your Family Readiness Group has your correct contact information. Being informed and having backup plans is the best way to make this uncertainty a little less stressful for your family.
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