Government Shutdown: What it Means, how it Impacts Military Families, and Resources to Help

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It seems that every single year, without fail, the term “government shutdown” takes over the news and looms over military families like a dark cloud. It’s scary, confusing, and extremely frustrating, mostly because it can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. 

In an effort to thwart the confusion and help prepare you for the worst, while hoping for the best, we’ve put together some resources and information that will help you stay informed and stay empowered to advocate for your family’s needs.

What is a government shutdown?

When the spending agreement for the US Government is set to expire, and Congress cannot agree to pass the funding bills (appropriations) to keep federal agencies running into the next fiscal year, it “shuts down”. Essential services usually continue, but many nonessential ones shut down or reduce operations.

What does that mean for active duty military families?

It means that all military bases in the US and abroad are open for full duty for active-duty service members, and those members are expected to report to work. Oct. 1 paychecks for military service members won’t be affected, but Oct. 15 paychecks (and those following) could be, unless an agreement is reached on the spending bill beforehand. 

This may also impact resources available to you on base/post. Currently, the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) has announced that it has sufficient funding to continue commissary operations for 60 days. What is impacted can be branch- and even base-specific. Our recommendation is to focus on what information your local leadership is providing (recognizing it can change day-to-day). 

What about guard or reserve families?

For service members in the National Guard or Reserves, how this impacts those members will vary unit by unit depending on what’s considered “mission essential”. Your service member should refer to local leadership for more guidance on what to expect. 

Do these happen often?

The current budget process was established in 1976. Since then, there have been a total of 4 full fledged, shutdowns where operations stopped for more than one business day. While it historically hasn’t happened often, it does seem to be happening more often. Which is why we want to make sure you’re equipped with resources available to you as a military family to financially and emotionally get you through it.

How long do shutdowns last?

Time for our favorite answer: it depends. It’s all dependent on the political landscape and Congress coming to terms that get the spending agreement approved. Some shutdowns have lasted only a few short days, others have lasted multiple weeks. This unknown is exactly why we want to make sure you’re equipped with resources available to you as a military family to financially and emotionally get you through it.

This is not an exhaustive list, just a few we’ve vetted to get you started!

General Resources:

• Code of Support Foundation
• The Salvation Army
• United Way

Food Resources:

• Armed Services YMCA
• Feeding America
• Food Finder
• Military Family Advisory Network
• Mini Pantry Movement
• No Kid Hungry
• Soldiers Angels
• Stronghold Food Pantry

Mental Health Resources: 

• Federal Occupational Health
• Give an Hour
• Military OneSource
• Telemynd
• TRICARE and Mental Health

Financial Resources:

• Andrews Federal Credit Union Financial Assistance
• Cohen Veterans Network
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
• Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund
• First Command Financial Services
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
• Military OneSource
• National Foundation for Credit Counseling
• National Guard Relief Foundation
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
• Navy Federal Government Shutdown Assistance
• Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
• Operation Homefront Critical Financial Assistance
• PenFed Credit Union Furlough Relief Assistance
• USAA Government Shutdown Program

Air Force Resources:

• Air Force Aid Society

Army Resources:

• Army Emergency Relief

Coast Guard Resources:

• Unit Ombudsman
• Coast Guard Mutual Assistance
• Coast Guard Foundation

Navy Resources:

• Department of the Navy

Marine Resources:

• Department of the Navy
• Marine Corps Community Services