With our Government currently shut down, soldiers are now forced to depend on food pantries for help. As they brace for the unknown, they are desperately trying to ensure that their families have food in case their next paycheck does not arrive. Food, as important as it is, is only one concern. School programs, such a child care have been cut, which most military families depend on due to their work schedules. Panic is beginning to set in as they face the strong possibility of this shut down continuing. While Trump and Republican Speaker Mike Johnson remain unbothered, military service members and their families suffer.
Here are some resources that may be of help to those in need.
AER (Army Emergency Fund Relief provides financial assistance among other services to support Soldiers. They are ready to support any service members in need in case paychecks do not arrive. You can apply for an interest free loan of up to 6,000 dollars.
Service Credit Union will automatically post one time payroll credit to active-duty military members and Department of Defense civilian employees that have been affected by the shut down. If you have this credit union, please check your bank statement to see if you have been credited.
TSP (Thrift Service Plan) which is a savings plan for active service members will keep member accounts in good standing as long as they are not in non-pay status for any reason other than the shut down. Additionally, this will not prevent you from applying for another loan.
AFAS (Air Force Aid Society) is currently accepting applications for those needing financial assistance due to the shut down. If your financial institution does not provide paycheck protection, this would be an option. You can receive an interest free loan but it cannot exceed the mid month pay you would generally receive. Documents are required when applying.
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society is offering interest free loans and grants as well as emergency travel for active duty Sailors and Marines only.
Lastly, Fort Care Food Distribution is providing free boxes of food on October 23rd at 1300 Fryer Stadium. You can contact them directly at (614) 374-5807.
As our military and their families wait for this shut down to end, hopefully they can find some relief in the services being offered. To our soldiers, the government may have failed you, but your communities will not. You deserve better and we will continue to speak out until this shut down ends.
