General Resources
The National Diaper Bank Network provides free diapers to struggling families. Diaper bank locations can be found by state at: https://nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org/member-directory/
Information & Referral Specialists provides local information and referral specialists will be available to make referrals to community services that can provide assistance. Call 211 or to find the location nearest you, visit: https://www.211.org
Unemployment Benefits: You may be able to file for unemployment benefits during a government shutdown - but know that you will most likely have to repay any benefits received if you get your paycheck from the federal government. Unemployment is a state benefit, but you can find out more information at: https://www.usa.gov/unemployment-benefits
Food Insecurities: When money gets tight, you make face some food insecurity. For some it may be not having the funds to purchase food, and for others it may be the decision about what type of food they can afford to purchase. Community organizations, such as the Armed Services YMCA and Feeding America, operate food pantries and meal programs for military families. Stronghold Food Pantry also supports military families and has seen an increase in requests during the 2025 shutdown. To find local food banks, visit: https://www.feedingamerica.org/need-help-find-food
Loan Payments/Mortgages: If you are not receiving a paycheck or won’t receive one until the end of the government shut down, you can call your creditors and request a deferment. This is basically a postponement of a payment, which would be added to the end of a loan. There is no requirement for creditors to honor your request, but it never hurts to ask!
Credit Card Payments: Fortunately, some credit card issuers have waived late fees for those impacted by the shutdown. Check with your issuer and explain that you're experiencing the financial fallout from the government shutdown. If your credit card company isn't offering relief and you're less than 30 days late, your next move is to ask the issuer to (please) remove the late fee from your statement. Don't put off asking for help, because once you're more than 30 days late, the issuer can report your tardiness to the credit bureaus. You can also call your credit card company and ask to speak with the hardship department. Explain your situation and ask if you can get help. You might get a lower minimum monthly payment or be given more time to make your next payment. Try to make a payment, even if you can't cover the full minimum balance.
Blue Star Neighborhood: Here, you will find curated resources to support your financial stability, career planning, mental health, and overall well-being. Use these tools to get the guidance you need and connect with a community that understands the unique demands of military life. https://neighborhood.bluestarfam.org/media_center/folder/ebbfabfb-2c28-4aa8-8ad1 2b0d9acccd62
Military Star Card: Military Star Card is offering interest free purchases. MILITARY STAR Card provides immediate financial relief for all commissary purchases made in October through Oct. 31, service members and their families will receive three months of 0% interest and no payments on all Defense Commissary Agency purchases when using a MILITARY STAR® card.
This limited time offer has no minimum or maximum purchase limit, applies to all commissaries worldwide and is available to existing and new cardholders. This added support is underwritten by nonapproriated funds through the Exchange Credit Program, a Department of War credit program established by Congress that provides responsible and affordable credit solutions to the military community. According to Bankrate, the MILITARY STAR card offers the lowest everyday unsecured APR of all store credit cards available today. Authorized military personnel (including active-duty, Guard, Reserve, retirees and disabled Veterans) can find out more by visiting MyECP.com.
Rental/Utility assistance: Organizations like USA Cares and Operation Homefront provide emergency assistance for essential bills. It is also recommended that military families contact their landlords and utility companies to inform them of pay disruption and ask for deferrals or payment options.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): This program provides financial assistance to pay heating or cooling bills for qualifying individuals.
Health Care
Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs): On-base medical and dental facilities remain open for emergency and urgent care. However, elective or routine appointments may be postponed or canceled.
TRICARE: Healthcare services in the private sector through TRICARE are not affected by a government shutdown.
VA Healthcare: Medical facilities and clinics under the Department of Veterans Affairs remain fully operational.
Family Support and Counseling:
Military OneSource: This resource remains fully operational 24/7, offering confidential non-medical counseling, financial coaching, tax services (MilTax), and other family support.
Military and Family Life Counseling (MFLC): MFLC programs continue to operate during a shutdown and are available for service members and their families.
Installation Support: Base-specific services like Child Development Centers (CDCs) and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs are generally determined by the installation commander. Many remain open, but staffing and services may be limited.
Important Considerations & Counseling
Communication with Creditors: Inform your landlord, mortgage lender, and utility providers about a potential disruption in pay to request extensions or special payment arrangements.
Contact Local Resources: Check with your installation's Family Readiness Center or other on-base support agencies for the latest information on locally available services and resources.
Avoid Scams: Be cautious of individuals and groups exploiting the shutdown. Use official military aid societies and reputable organizations for assistance.