Government Shutdown Planning

The current Continuing Resolution is set to expire Feb. 8.  With the status of the budget unclear, all service members are encouraged to plan ahead in case of an extended government shutdown. Including family and consulting with resources supervisors, first sergeants and unit leadership have available, may also help in the planning process.

While planning, here a few items to consider:

1. Plan for long-term (Goal should be to cover cost of bills for 2 months without pay in case of emergency)
2. Ask your bank if they are offering advance pay, interest free loans and/or deferment payments on mortgage until government shutdown has ended
3. Contact your creditors (Rental agency, Phone, Car, Insurance etc.) and ask about the possibility of waiving late fees. They may be able to assist with payment plans or deferred payments.
4. Complete attached budget sheet. Assign priority to each lender based on necessity and established payment plan.
5. If you have questions, you are encouraged to discuss financial matters with your supervisor and flight leadership. If you are experiencing exceptionally tough resistance from any of your lenders or financial institutions, please contact your unit’s first sergeant for assistance.
6. There are a number of resources out there that offer emergency financial help for military members and their families

Additionally, there are a number of resources available that offer emergency financial help for military members and their families. A few are listed below, but please see supervisors/first sergeants/unit leadership for a more comprehensive list. Assistive agencies include:

• Air Force Aid:
  • www.afas.org (1-800-769-8951)
    
    
• American Red Cross
  
  • http://redcross.org (1-866-563-1376)
  • Information you will need to have ready:
    • Full legal name of the qualifying service member
    • The branch and rank/rating of the service member
    • The service member’s social security number and date of birth
    • The service member’s military unit address
    • Any information you have about the deployed unit and home base unit if the service member is currently deployed
      
      
• Operation Homefront
  • http://www.operationhomefront.org/
  • Members will need to show necessary documentation of financial resources being insufficient to meet current expenses.
    • Apply on website
    • Call (210) 659-7756 for questions
    • Call (877) 264-3968 if in need of emergency assistance
      
      
• Thrift Savings Plan
  

  • TSP often has options to borrow form your accounts for around 2% interest.

In the event of a shutdown, Joint Base Lewis-McChord Airmen can continue to come to the Directorate, Personnel and Family Readiness in Bldg 552, commercial number (253) 982-2695, to receive assistance with Air Force Aid applications. The American Red Cross will also continue to provide after-hours emergency assistance.