10/09/2025
Hare's some resources for military families during the government shutdown, provided from AFA.
Resources
Below and attached are some great resources to help those in need and for leaders to share with their people.
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.
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Air Force Aid Society
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.
Our sister service Aid Societies are listed below:
Financial Assistance | Army Emergency Relief
Financial Assistance | Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
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.
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/
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.
Government Shutdown Program | USAA
Government Shutdown Assistance | Navy Federal Credit Union
Government Furlough Assistance | PenFed Credit Union
Food Assistance
For members and families who may need assistance with food, there are food security-related grants and loans with referrals to programs. Additionally, the local area has various food pantries that may be of assistance, please review websites and information for qualification requirements.
Blue Ridge Food Bank | Local Area Food Finder
USDA Emergency Food Assistance Program | Loaves & Fish Food Pantry (Note: they will be closed 29 SEP – 8 OCT due to construction)
Emergency Food Network | Charlottesville and Albemarle
USDA Special Supplemental Nutrition Program | Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
USDA Food and Nutrition Service | Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Food Pantries.org
Health Assistance
The Military Health System will continue to provide health care during a government lapse in appropriations, however there may be some effects on the delivery of health care services.
Federal Government Shutdown Services | TRICARE Services (all TRICARE plans)
Military Health Centers of Excellence | Military Health Center
Confidential Counseling | Military OneSource
Confidential Crisis Support | Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1)
Mental Health | TELEMYND Military
Mental Health | Talkspace Military
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
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.
Please be sure to reach out to your local leadership and community to see what resources are available for you in your area.
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.
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).
Supplemental Subsistence Allowance
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/
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.
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/
Give Your donation could change lives. Every dollar given makes a difference, and that difference starts with you. Donate Now Get Apply for assistance. Receive emergency financial assistance and post-service skills training for long-term stability and growth. Apply Now Do Get involved with USA Cares...
