Updated: October 14, 2025.
Where should you turn for assistance in a government shutdown? I’ll spare you the lecture on having an emergency fund. If you don’t already have cash saved away, you won’t be able to do anything about it now. Let’s get your immediate needs handled first.
I’d definitely keep an eye out on the Department of Defense News page for the latest news. However, all service members and essential workers are expected to operate regardless.
Government Shutdowns Aren’t New
I’ve dealt with a few government shutdowns, and there’s a threat of one almost every year. Congress is about as functional as a room full of officers, each equipped with their own ego and good idea fairy. You get the picture.
Regardless, you need to assume there will be more government shutdowns in the future. If you haven’t prepared, there are still several options for you.
Reduce Spending When Uncertainty Looms
I highly suggest reducing spending when a government shutdown is likely. We do this even though we have an emergency fund. We really try to avoid touching that money.
We still pay for our needs, but we’re not booking any trips or making unnecessary major purchases either. This is the first step in meeting our needs. Then we can turn to our savings or other resources as needed.
Know Your Needs Before You Ask for Assistance
Before you start asking for assistance, have a specific list of unmet needs. If you can clearly list off exactly what you need help with, you might be able to get better resources. Just asking for money might not be as easy as just missing a check. You’ll want to list specific bills you need covered.
The more detailed you can be with what you actually need, the better. There might be specific types of aid for things like utility assistance or help with groceries, which aren’t direct payments. Those may come in the form of gift cards or other types of assistance.
Military Aid Societies
If you need assistance, I’d highly suggest reaching out to one of the military aid societies before looking into options like loans or relying on credit cards. Many will be expecting service members to need assistance if the military misses a paycheck. They’re there to help.
As far as I’m tracking, military aid societies will be operating. If you find out any of these are not open during the shutdown, please shoot me an email (hello@enlistedmoney.com) so I can update this information.
Also, if you’re looking to help military service members during a shutdown, these are the best places to send money, in my opinion. They’ll be able to process requests and disperse payments quickly.
I won’t explain each one here, but here are the links:
- Army Emergency Relief
- Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
- Air Force Aid Society
- Coast Guard Mutual Assistance
Military Bank Benefits in a Government Shutdown
One word of caution: most (all?) banks will require a credit check to complete a loan application. If you’re truly in crisis, I’d suggest reaching out to one of the military aid societies instead. However, many military banks will offer some type of assistance in the event of a government shutdown. Here are a few that I’m tracking.
USAA
USAA is offering no-interest loans up to $6,000 if you get your paycheck directly deposited to your USAA account. Check out their Government shutdown page for more information.
Navy Federal
Navy Federal is also offering loans of up to $6,000. You must already be a member and have had your pay direct deposited previously. Check out their government shutdown page for more information.
PenFed
PenFed is offering options like skipping a payment, loan modifications, forbearance, or deferred payments. Check out their furlough page for the details.
Association of Military Banks of America
I haven’t seen any other specific bank offers, but I’m sure there are more. Check out the Association of Military Banks of America for other banks that might offer benefits during the shutdown.
Other Helpful Resources
There are a ton of different resources available. You might be surprised at all the local resources you might find.
Military OneSource
Military OneSource is one of the first places I check for any assistance for just about anything. They can generally point you in the right direction. They may be limited during the shutdown, but there should still be at least some limited services and counseling available.
Local Community Resources
It’s helpful to look for local community resources too. Many bases will offer some type of assistance, but it might be limited because federal workers will be furloughed.
The United Way
The United Way connects people to health care services, food pantries, mental health resources, childcare, utility/eviction assistance, and more. – Dial 211 or https://www.unitedway.org/.
Other Helpful Government Shutdown Articles
Here are a few other helpful articles and podcasts that may be helpful as well.
- How A Government Shutdown Could Affect Military Pay
- 12 Ways to Prepare For The Next Government Shutdown
- 10 Things To Do During A Government Shutdown
- Military Money Manual
- Government Shutdown 2023 Military Pay – How to Survive
- Podcast Episode – Government Shutdown Military Pay: 3 Things to Do
Help Me Get More Government Shutdown Resources Added
I know this isn’t all the resources out there for a government shutdown. If you know of one I’m missing, PLEASE send me an email so I can update this list and offer the most up-to-date information possible.
Send me an email at: hello@enlistedmoney.com