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As the government shutdown continues, it is important to share information and resources. The information and resources below cover everything from financial institution support and various military relief societies to counseling services and a guide on “financial survival” during a shutdown.

These resources are not just for Airmen and Guardians, but also for Air Force civilians. Be sure to check your city and state websites for additional information and resources for Federal workers.

Learn more: Financial Survival During a Government Shutdown (Note: This site is restricted and requires a common access card; users without a common access card will receive a website error message)

Per DoD Instruction 8170.01, Online Information Management and Electronic Messaging: The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Air Force of non-U.S. Government sites or the information, products, or services contained therein. Although the U.S. Air Force may or may not use these sites as additional distribution channels for Department of Defense information, it does not exercise editorial control over all of the information that you may find at these locations. Such hyperlinks are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this website.


Financial

Airmen and Guardians should check with their financial institution to explore payment relief options (i.e., no-interest loan, payment advance, etc.) during the government shutdown.

Available resources include:

  • Unemployment Benefits. Unemployment insurance pays you if you lose your job through no fault of your own. Learn how to apply and where to find eligibility rules. Please also reference Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees for more information.
  • Air Force Aid Society offering Financial Assistance to Air Force active duty, reserve, retired Air Force, and Air Force dependents.
  • American Red Cross working in partnership with military aid societies to provide quality, reliable financial assistance to eligible applicants 24/7/365. Assistance can include funds for emergency travel, burial of a loved one, emergency food and shelter.
  • Military OneSource providing Military Leaders Economic Security Toolkit to help service members access resources that support nutrition readiness, financial well-being and housing needs.
  • Military OneSource providing a fact sheet for commanders, leaders and service providers at all levels with an overview and resources to understand, identify and take actions to strengthen the financial well-being of service members and their families.

Utility & Housing

Many utility companies offer payment / billing assistance programs. We suggest reaching out to your local utility company for more information.

Utilities:

  • WSSC Water will not turn off customer’s water if they cannot pay during the shutdown. The Get Current program, which offers forgiveness for a portion of a customer’s bill, and which was to have wrapped up at the end of October, is being extended by a month.
  • Washington Gas has a Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, which provides grants to help families pay for their gas bills.
  • During a furlough, Maryland electric or gas providers cannot cut off service due to unpaid bills.

Housing:

  • Virginia does not permit eviction or foreclosure during a federal government shutdown (state law).
  • Maryland has protections under law and can ask the court to temporarily pause eviction or foreclosure during the shutdown.
  • Servicemember’s Civil Relief Act provides some protections for active duty regarding evictions, repossessions, liens, foreclosures, stay of proceedings, etc.

Food Insecurity

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 130% of federal poverty guidelines.

AFMS-Specific Resources

Guidance & Policy