I have received a lot of emails over the past week asking if our military members will get paid if the government shuts down, and if not what can military families do. I can only offer you information that is already out there because I do not have an insider’s track. I don’t even think our own government knows what’s going to happen. I have read that the military will receive pay on the 15th, but if the government shut down happens beyond that then pay will not occur until the government gets its own act straight. You will then get a back pay sum for the paychecks missed.
I was thinking back to when my husband separated from the Army and we were facing a month without pay between when his last Army paycheck would hit (which took 4 months for us to collect!) and his first unemployment check would come — and that would be a reduced pay at that. I did prepare in a few ways, and so can you.
- Get your head on straight! This is only temporary. All the angst, anger and rage in the world won’t change what Congress is doing right now. It doesn’t mean I agree with what is happening, but we’ve got families to feed in the meantime. So, remind yourself that this is temporary and you can prepare and face it proactively.
- Look ahead. Buy food that has a good shelf life, is nutritious and cheap! Beans and rice come to mind! Also, canned goods. Don’t go overboard. We aren’t preparing to outlive nuclear fallout! Just get extra and be practical!
- Look at your creditors. Know your rights under the Service-member’s Civil Relief Act (SCRA). There are special provisions for things like eviction for families of deployed service members. Know your rights.
- If you are at risk for getting behind during the shutdown, talk to your creditors. Let them know you are afraid, ask what their policies are for hardships like this. Find someone who will listen (ask for a supervisor if you aren’t getting any reassurance on the other end).
- We are very blessed to be in a community! Even those who are National Guard and Reserve have friends and family around. We can get through this. Look to family and friends. Help each other out. Figure out ways you can be a blessing to others through this too!
- Keep in mind essential things and non-essential things. That first Spring pedicure may have to just wait! It’s alright.
- Let your kids know ahead of time that money may be a little tight and that extras like fast food or movies may have to go on hold. Ask them to help you find ways to save money. Kids can be very resourceful!
- Know what resources are available to you on base or in your community (small loan programs, benefits, food banks, etc). If you opt to take a small loan to bridge the gap be sure to 1. search for a very low interest rate, 2. pay it all back as soon as you get that lump sum of back pay.
If you have some other good ideas and tips for families, add them in the comment section.
