2025 Government Shutdown Member Resources (CLICK HERE)
Assistance to reduce the impact of the government shutdown on Airmen, Guardians, civilians, and their families is available through various means. Those experiencing financial difficulties should contact their chain of command, who can provide more information on the financial aid organizations below.
Compensation:
The Military Leaders Economic Security Toolkit, located on the Military OneSource website, offers information and support. The site is updated regularly to reflect challenges and policy changes related to economic security.
Unemployment Benefits:
Furloughed employees are eligible to apply for unemployment benefits, but excepted employees working on a full-time basis are generally not eligible. Employees who wish to file should do so with the Unemployment Office for the state where the employee worked (i.e., last official duty station prior to furlough). Please be advised that when employees receive retroactive pay will be required to pay back any unemployment benefits received in accordance with State law. For more information, see OPM guidance and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees.
Personal Financial Readiness:
The Military and Family Readiness Center personal financial readiness program sustains and improves financial literacy and readiness by offering information, education, training, and free personal financial counseling to Airmen, Guardians, and their families. The DAF has also increased the number of Personal Financial Managers available to assist and enhance financial readiness and money management skills for members and their families.
The Air Force Aid Society continues to support emergent needs such as basic living expenses (e.g., food, rent/mortgage, utilities), vehicle expenses (e.g., payments, repairs, insurance), and child care costs. Airmen and Guardians can submit requests through local Military and Family Readiness Centers and Airman and Family Readiness Centers.
If Airmen, Guardians, or their families are not near an aid organization, they may seek financial assistance from the Red Cross.
Several banking institutions, such as USAA, Navy Federal Credit Union, and Marine Federal Credit Union, have been known to advance military pay to their customers during government shutdowns. Contact your bank to inquire about their policies for situations like these.
Food Insecurity:
First sergeants and Military and Family Readiness Centers assist Airmen, Guardians, and their families in need of food security-related grants and loans with referrals to programs such as U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the Federal Subsistence Supplemental Allowance program, and the Air Force Aid Society.
The FY22 National Defense Authorization Act established a Basic Needs Allowance. The BNA Program provides supplemental income for military members and dependents whose gross household income falls below 200% of federal poverty guidelines.
TRICARE:
In response to the ongoing possibility of a government shutdown, the Defense Health Agency (DHA) has authorized its TRICARE contractors to continue delivering health care to the 9.4 million beneficiaries of TRICARE. TRICARE beneficiaries seeking medical care from private providers should feel no significant effects. Care at military hospitals and clinics would remain largely unaffected. The TRICARE website includes current information about the impact of the shutdown on TRICARE health plans and military hospitals and clinics.
Overseas and Remote Commissaries:
Check status of local commissaries to determine the status of your local store. During a shutdown some non-appropriated fund services may continue to operate. Check with your local installation’s website to determine which services will remain open in your area. If able, plan ahead and minimize its impact on day-to-day routine.
Contingency plans for federal government agencies available at:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/agency-contingency-plans/
Additional Helpful Links:
CONTINGENCY PLAN GUIDANCE FOR CONTINUATION OF ESSENTIAL OPERATIONS IN THE ABSENCE OF AVAILABLE APPROPRIATIONS: https://media.defense.gov/2025/Sep/27/2003809363/-1/-1/1/CONTINGENCY-PLAN-GUIDANCE-FOR-CONTINUATION-OF-OPERATIONS-IN-THE-ABSENCE-OF-APPROPRIATIONS.PDF
AFPC TOTAL FORCE SERVICE CENTER: http://www.afpc.af.mil/
U.S. OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/furlough-guidance/#u
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
FOOD INSECURITY:
Foodbank of Santa Barbara County
https://foodbanksbc.org/
490 W Foster Rd, Santa Maria
(805) 937-3422
Lompoc Food Pantry
https://www.feedinglompoc.org/
325 N 2nd St, Lompoc
(805) 736-6226
Nipomo Food Basket-Food Distribution Center
nipomofoodbasket.com
197 W Tefft St, Nipomo, CA 93444
(805) 619-7681
SLO Food Bank
slofoodbank.org
1180 Kendall Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 238-4664
National Resources
Salvation Army-Food Distribution Center
https://santamaria.salvationarmy.org/santa_maria_corps/cure-hunger/
200 W Cook St, Santa Maria
(805) 349-2421
ADDITIONAL HELPING AGENCIES
• Navy Federal Credit Union will offer 0% APR loans to eligible members (service members, federal government employees and federal government contractors paid directly by the federal government). Loan amounts of up to $6,000 are calculated based on the most recent direct deposit. Once direct deposit of pay resumes, the amount credited to the account will be deducted automatically as repayment.
• USAA will allow impacted members (employed by a federal agency that’s been affected and have received an eligible direct deposit into a USAA checking or savings account within 30 days prior to the beginning of the shutdown) to apply for a no-interest loan equal to the amount of one net paycheck, up to $6,000. Members may also be able to set up special payment arrangements for auto and property insurance premiums, life and health insurance premiums, credit cards, consumer loans, home equity lines of credit, and other credit.
• PenFed Credit Union members may qualify for a zero-interest paycheck protection loan and other assistance.
• Andrews Federal Credit Union is offering financial assistance loan options, penalty-free share certificate withdrawals, skip-a-payment programs and other assistance with loan programs.
• Home Front Military Network – A coalition of over 60 local organizations that assist veterans and their families.
https://homefrontmilitarynetwork.org
• Tricare: The Defense Health Agency has authorized its TRICARE contractors to continue delivering health care to the 9.4 million beneficiaries of TRICARE. TRICARE beneficiaries seeking medical care from private providers should feel no significant effects. Care at military hospitals and clinics would remain largely unaffected. The TRICARE website includes current information about the impact of the shutdown on TRICARE health plans and military hospitals and clinics.
• Air Force Aide Society:
Information: https://afas.org/how-we-help/standard-assistance/
Application: https://portal.afas.org/SignIn?ReturnUrl=%2Fmy-applications%2F
Falcon Loan Application: https://afas.org/how-we-help/falcon-loans/
• Call your debtors/financial companies and ask if there are payment extension programs available during government shutdowns
• BEWARE OF FRAUD AND PAYDAY LOANS! You will be targeted, please do not fall victim to these high interest scams
Home Front Military Network – A coalition of over 60 local organizations that assist veterans and their families.
https://homefrontmilitarynetwork.org
https://pikespeak.co.networkofcare.org/veterans
Mount Carmel Veterans Center
https://www.veteranscenter.org/
American Red Cross
Through our Hero Care Network, the Red Cross connects eligible actively serving military members, retired service members and their dependents to financial assistance provided by military aid societies. Assistance can include funds for emergency travel, emergency food, shelter and more.
To learn more or send a financial assistance request, visit https://www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/military-families.html download the Hero Care app by texting GETHEROCARE to 90999 or call a Hero Care specialist at 877-272-7337.
Military OneSource
Offers confidential non-medical counseling (up to 12 free sessions), financial coaching, free tax filing services (MilTax), spouse employment resources, wellness coaching, and parenting/family programs.
Provides 24/7 support by phone at 1-800-342-9647 and online at https://www.militaryonesource.mil
Air Force Aid Society
AFAS provides financial assistance to Air Force and Space Force families when unexpected financial emergencies arise with no-interest loans and grants.
If the shutdown continues and October 15 the paychecks are affected, AFAS will provide clear information on how to apply for financial assistance as it directly relates to the shutdown.
AFAS continues to process requests through their approved categories of support, and may assist with immediate needs such as basic living expenses (food, gas, utilities) if a paycheck protection option is not available from financial institutions.
MilLife Support
MilLife is a Military One Source program specific to Families with Special Needs, National Guard, New Service Member, Parent, Reserves, Retiree/Veteran, Service Member, Spouse, Survivor, Transitioning Service Member, and Wounded Warriors.
Operation Home Front
Designed to provide short-term financial help for military families who are experiencing financial hardship.
To find out if you qualify, please review our eligibility criteria. If you have any questions, please feel free to check out the FAQs or give them a call at 1-877-264-3968 (toll-free).
Financial Institutions
Many military-focused banks and credit unions provide pay advances, zero-interest loans, and deferred payment programs to help cover essential expenses during pay delays.
Availability and terms vary by institution; members are advised to contact their bank or credit union directly to determine eligibility and assistance options.
Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund
Federal employees are eligible to apply for emergency financial assistance through this organization. Applications must be completed online with attached supplemental documentation. The system does not accept incomplete applications.
No-interest loans of up to $1,500 are available to assist with individual emergency situations. Loans are repaid through payroll allotment administered by the employee's payroll service, e.g., Employee Express, MyPay, NFC or Postal Ease. Loans are generally repaid within 10 months.
Feeding America
The Feeding America network connects members with food, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) application assistance and meal programs.
Services are available to federal employees, contractors, and active-duty military via phone at 800-771-2303 and online at https://www.feedingamerica.org/
Supplemental Subsistence Allowance (FSSA)
Several benefits are available to assist Service members, including the Family Supplemental Subsistence Allowance (FSSA) Program. The combined effect of the household income level and household size of a Service member shall determine the member's eligibility under the FSSA Program. A member may be eligible for FSSA only if the member is serving outside the United States. For questions about this program or any other assistance, contact your family support center, command, or community services financial management counselors. The FSSA Application, The DD Form 2857 to apply can be found: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Directives/forms/dd2500_2999/DD2857/
Food Pantries.org
Find local pantries, soup kitchens, food shelves, food banks and other food help.
Thrift Savings Plan
You should monitor and verify your current TSP plan contributions. In time of need you may want to evaluate your individual TSP plan contributions. Employees with significant debt due to reduced income may want to consider their options very closely. You may be eligible for a TSP loan and can check eligibility on the TSP website. Please be mindful of the long-term effects of loss interest of the amount of the loan. If drastic measures are required, you can change or modify your specific TSP allocations online.
Your Local Airman's Attic
The mission of the Airman’s Attic is to assist the Air Force community, especially Airmen in ranks E-1 to E-5 and their dependents by providing free clothes, household goods, furniture, toys, and more. Many locations are open to higher ranking individuals during certain days of the week. All items are always free of charge! Check with your local Airman’s Attic for details.
USA Cares
The Emergency Assistance program focuses on cases where financial stress is related to military service. This program pays immediate, essential bills, including food and utility bills and provides links to several other agencies that may be able to help with financial assistance.
Provides support by phone at 1-800-773-0387 and online at https://usacares.org/
211 Help Line
211 is a free, confidential connection to thousands of health and human services programs. From food banks and housing assistance to job training and mental health resources, 211 can help you find the support you need in your community. Available 24/7 in most areas by phone or online.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help you pay your heating or cooling bills or get emergency services during an energy crisis. Depending on where you live, you may also qualify for help with electric bills.
Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on your income, and every state and territory has its own requirements. Answer a few questions to learn if you qualify, find your state or territory’s LIHEAP office, and apply. In some cases, you may be able to submit your LIHEAP application online. Other LIHEAP offices may require you to apply in person
USAA: https://www.usaa.com/support/government-shutdown-program/?akredirect=true
PENFED: https://www.penfed.org/furlough
NAVY FED CREDIT UNION: https://www.navyfederal.org/about/government-shutdown.html
ANDREWS FED CREDIT UNION: https://www.andrewsfcu.org/Learn/Inside-Andrews/Copy-That/Support-in-Uncertain-Times
US SENATE FED CREDIT UNION: https://www.ussfcu.org/federal-government-shutdown-assistance.html
CITIBANK: Nothing listed on their page, but customers should call to request information or available resources.
WELLS FARGO: Call for information including waived fees and payment options
Operation Forever Free - www.operationforeverfree.org – (813)758-9069
Provides assistance for Service Members and their families including funds for transportation, as well as modifying, remodeling and building homes.
USA Cares- http://usacares.org - (800) 773-0387
USA Cares offers financial assistance for wounded warriors and families, prevention of foreclosure or eviction and help with basic needs. It exists to help bear the burdens of service by providing post-9/11 military families with financial and advocacy support in their time of need. Assistance is provided to all branches of service, all components, and all ranks while protecting the privacy and dignity of those military families and veterans who request our help.
Operation First Response- http://www.operationfirstresponse.org – (888)-289-0280
Offers financial assistance to wounded Service Members for rent or mortgage payments, utilities, vehicle payments and repairs, food, clothing, transportation, and personal items.
Armed Forces Relief Committee- http://armedforcesrelief.com – (862)243-7689
Collects and disburses donations in support of Service Members and their families in need, including assistance with airfare, special medical attention, college tuition for the children of soldiers and more.
American Legion Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA)- www.legion.org/financialassistance - (800) 433-3318
Program assists minor children of eligible Veterans through cash grants to cover needs such as housing, food, and medical bills.
Soldier Angels- https://soldiersangels.org/ (210) 629-0020
Offers soldiers on extended active duty and their dependents, and the dependents of those lost in the line of duty grants or interest-free loans for food, rent, utilities, funerals, counseling, debts, education, legal fees and vehicles.
American Legion Auxiliary-www.calegionaux.org -(415) 861-5092
Offers a wide variety of services and support, including scholarships, programs and resources to strengthen Veterans, Service Members and their families. It is the world’s largest patriotic women’s service organization.
Wounded Heroes Foundation-www.woundedheroesfund.net-(708) 212-2272
Assists severely injured Service Members with physical, emotional and financial support, such as paying as missing mortgage payment, purchasing an accessible van, building or remodeling homes, securing a new mortgage at a lower interest rate and more.
Operation Family Fund- www.operationfamilyfund.org (760) 793-0053
Provides financial grants for those injured and families of those who have been injured or killed as part of the Global War on Terrorism, whether domestic or abroad, military or civilian. Assistance is available for food, mortgage or rent payments, utilities, emergency transportation, vehicle repair, funeral expenses, legal expenses, medical/dental expenses and more.
Operation Mom- www.operationmom.org
Offers support to the military, their families and those who support hem by providing care packages to deployed troops, letters of encouragement, emergency funds for injured military and scholarships for dependents.
Armed Forces Foundation- www.armedforcesfoundation.org- (202) 547-4713
Provides financial support to Service Members for everyday living expenses, home improvements, transition and career counseling, funeral arrangements, travel expenses, and family counseling services.
Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund- www.semperfifund.org- (760) 207-0887
or (760) 725-3680
Provides financial assistance to injured Maries or other Service Members assigned to Marine forces to help with housing payments, adaptive vans or vehicles, education programs, and more.
Rebuild Hope-www.rebuildhope.org-(650) 321-4930
Help the families of Veterans wounded during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars overcome short-term financial problems and build healthier and more stable lives. Rebuild Hope provides small monthly grants and no-interest loans, helps Veterans develop realistic budgets and offers complementary counseling and referral services. Donors can view Veteran profiles on the Rebuild Hope website and easily make donor-advised gifts.
Our Fallen Hero- https://www.ourfallenheroesfoundation.org/ (877) 424-9311
Provides financial support to families who have lost relatives in service to their country, grief camps for children and spouses and support for Fisher House and other rehabilitation programs.
USA Together – Emergency Support- www.nationalresourcedirectory.gov
Brings together injured Service Members who need assistance and the people who want to help them. Allows family members of injured Service Members and Veterans or the injured Service Members and Veterans themselves, to “tell their story” and express any personal need they may have because of their service. Individuals can support them directly with contributions of goods, services or money.
Salute Inc.- www.saluteinc.org- (847) 359-8811
Provides financial support for Service Members, Veterans and their families through a variety of fundraising activities.
Reserve Aid- www.reserveaid.org (972) 934-4731
Provides emergency funds to reserve Service Members and their dependents that are in financial need because of deployment. Member must have been to Iraq or Afghanistan.
American Red Cross Emergency Financial Services for Active Duty Military Personnel- www.redcross.org- (800) 733-2767
Get emergency help for Service members and families, including assistance for food, temporary lodging, travel, urgent medical needs, and utility assistance.
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance- www.cgmahq.org- (800) 881-2462
Provides financial assistance for emergency, short-term situations. Learn about the various categories of assistance that are offered.
Fallen Patriot Fund- www.fallenpatriotfund.org- (214) 658-7125
Helps families of U.S. military personnel who were killed or seriously injured during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Wounded Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Warrior Foundation- https://eodwarriorfoundation.org/- (850)729-2336
Provides financial relief to wounded EOD warriors and their families.
Pentagon Federal Credit Union Foundation- https://penfedfoundation.org/emergency-financial/
Provides financial services for wounded warriors including funds for day care expenses at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, hospice suite for Walter Reed patients with terminal cancer, payments for emergency financial needs and laptop computers for wounded warriors at the Fisher Houses at major military medical centers.
Air Force Aid Society’s Falcon Loan- http://www.afas.org/falcon-loan (703) 972-2650
Provides information and instructions on applying for the Falcon Loan of $750 or less for emergency needs such as basic living expenses, car repairs, emergency travel or other approved needs.
Air Force Assistance Fund- www.afassistancefund.org
Raises funds for charitable affiliates that provide support to the Air Force family including emergency aid, education needs, and financial assistance. Provides links to the Air Force Village Foundation, the Air Force Aid Society, the General and Mrs. Curtis E Lemay Foundation, and the Air Force Enlisted Village.
Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund-www.cfsrf.org-(301) 685-3421
Offers college grants and other financial assistance with housing, repairs, utilities, medical expenses, groceries and more, for children and spouses of Service Members with disabilities and those who lost their lives in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.
Air Warrior Courage Foundation- www.airwarriorcourage.org-(877) 921-2923
Privides financial assistance to families of U.S. Armed Forces for medical expenses, therapeutic programs for children, and support to surviving family-members of military personnel lost since September 11, 2001 or in the War on Terror.
Fisher House Foundation Hero Miles Program- www.fisherhouse.org/programs/hero-miles- (888) 294-8560
Provides free plane tickets to family members of wounded Service Members to visit their loved ones recovering at military hospitals across the country.
Families of the Wounded Fund- https://www.fotwf.org/ (804)763-1358
Provides financial resources to the families/ caregivers of wounded Service Members who are being treated at MrGuire Veterans Hospital in Richmond, Virginia.
Hope for the Warriors - www.hopeforthewarriors.org (877) 2HOPE4W
Provides financial resources for wounded warriors directly impacted by combat-related injury. Takes 2 weeks, members need a DD 214.
Disabled American Vets (DAV) - www.dav.org (877) 426-2838
DAV is the official voice of the nation's wounded warriors and their families. They provide free help with earned VA benefits, transportation and advocacy.
United Way Inland Valleys - www.uwiv.org 6215 River Crest Drive #B, Riverside, CA 951-656-8210 or 951-697-4700 or DIAL 211 for 24/7 support.
United Way The Community Care Fund is the general account of the United Way of the Inland Valleys . Monies from our donors, unless designated, go to the Community Care Fund for distribution throughout our community. We encourage our donors to give to this fund instead of making a designation for several reasons:
- UWIV identifies real needs in our local community and uses these funds to address these needs.
- All funding decisions are made by local volunteers after they have reviewed appropriate community data.
- UWIV’s mission is to support the community through local health and human service organizations; all must maintain non-profit status. Many non-profits people designate to do not provide health or human services and do not fall under our mission.