Resources For Military During a Government Shutdown

NMCRS: Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) offers 0% interest bridge loans up to $1500 for those affected by a loss in pay due to a government shutdown. Their mission is to provide financial, educational, and other assistance to members of the Naval Services of the United States, eligible family members, and survivors when in need. NMCRS Offices are on major Navy and Marine Corps installations worldwide and onboard ships. To find your nearest location, please visit https://www.nmcrs.org/

 

Your Financial Institution: Some financial institutions offer to cover military members' typical federal direct deposits if a government shutdown occurs or offer a 0% bridge loan until pay deposits normalize. These programs might require you to register ahead of time. Before applying for these type programs, read the fine print. Some of these programs might require a hard credit inquiry or limit the amount that you can borrow.

 

United Way: Those struggling with basic needs can reach out anytime to the United Way. The United Way resources include local general utility assistance, short-term rental payment relief, and food banks/ food pantry locations. To find your local United Way resource listing, you may dial 2-1-1 on your phone or online at https://www.211.org/

 

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Contact Navy JAG Corps: If you are unsure if the organization or resource is valid, you may visit your local Navy JAG Corps https://www.jag.navy.mi and see the Better Business Bureau’s charity evaluator that verify the trustworthiness of publicly-soliciting charities at https://give.org.

 

Contact Local Law Enforcement: If you are a victim of fraud or scam, you can make a complaint to your local police or law enforcement agency and your state attorney general. You may also report the fraud or deception to the Federal Trade Commission: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/. If you suspect fraud, call the National Fraud Information Center at 800-876-7060
 

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Mortgage Servicer: Have a mortgage payment due? Mortgage servicers can offer assistance, such as forbearance, to customers struggling to make their mortgage payments. Forbearance is when your mortgage servicer or lender allows you to pause or reduce your mortgage payments for a limited time while you build back your finances. Forbearance doesn't mean your payments are forgiven or erased. You are still obligated to repay any missed payments, which, in most cases, may be repaid over time or when you refinance or sell your home. Don't wait until your payment is due! Contact your lender or mortgage service right away to discuss your options.

 

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FFSC: Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC) personal financial managers provide factual, unbiased financial counseling to service members and families upon request, regardless of service affiliation or location. Contact your nearest FFSC to schedule an appointment. To find your nearest location, please visit https://ffr.cnic.navy.mil/Family-Readiness/Fleet-And-Family-Support-Program/Work-and-Family-Life/Personal-Finances/

 

MOS: Military OneSource (MOS) from the Department of Defense is your 24/7 gateway to trusted information, resources, and confidential help. Financial counseling allows you to talk to a trained professional familiar with the issues affecting service members. It gives you referrals to services and programs that meet your specific needs. To book your appointment with a MOS counselor, call 1-800-342-9647 or visit https://www.militaryonesource.mil.

 

NMCRS: The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) offers free financial counseling to eligible family members. Contact your nearest NMCRS office to book your appointment. To find your nearest location, please visit https://www.nmcrs.org/

 

Base Chaplains: Local military Chaplains not only provide religious services but also offer confidential counseling and have on and off-installation resources depending on your needs. For contact information for your installation chaplain, visit your local installation website or https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/ and select "Chapels" in the program or service section.

 

FFSC: Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC) offer confidential counseling by professional, licensed clinicians. Clinical counseling services are free to active duty personnel and family members.

 

TRICARE: TRICARE covers some forms of therapy and some providers. You may need a referral or pre-authorization for any outpatient mental health. If you have questions about what TRICARE covers, contact TRICARE East at 1-800-444-5445 or TRICARE West at 1-844-866-9378.

 

MOS: Military OneSource (MOS) from the Department of Defense is your 24/7 gateway to trusted information, resources, and confidential help. Confidential non-medical counseling provides service members and their loved ones with resources and support to address various issues and build essential skills to tackle life's challenges- free of charge. To book your appointment with a MOS counselor, call 1-800-342-9647 or visit https://www.militaryonesource.mil

 

 

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Food Assistance

Base Chapel: Many Base Chapels operate a food pantry as part of their food ministry. It is offering dried goods and toiletries for those in need.

 

United Way: The United Way partners with agencies and local food banks to assist needy families. To find help, dial "211". 211 is a free service to learn about local food banks. Customer service staff from the United Way can refer callers to nearby resources for food assistance.

 

USO: Visit your local United Service Organizations (USO) center. These centers are places where service members and their families can take advantage of free meal programs, supplies, and donations from the local communities to support our military members in need. To find your local USO, please visit https://www.uso.org/

 

FFSC: Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC) is your installation's primary information and referral resource during a government shutdown. Here, families can obtain services for personal financial counseling, family employment, clinical counseling, and other services to support families with readiness and navigating the challenges of military life.
 

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