When a government shutdown looms, it can be a scary time for military families. Military service members and their families are in unique positions during government shutdowns. The military is considered essential, so service members will be required to work despite a shutdown, but as a government entity, services will be affected. For those service members who have been around for the last 10+ years, we have seen shutdowns occur more than once. If this is your first time, here is what to expect in the event of a government shutdown.
While a shutdown is a new experience for some, the key is not to panic. Know what to expect, and plan as much as you are able. Chances are that many military families near you have been through this before and are willing and able to help guide you through the expectations or what local resources are available to close the gap.
Paychecks
Military service is considered essential so that the work will continue. While work continues, paychecks may be delayed. The first paycheck will not typically be delayed since payment is paid in the arrears, but if the shutdown goes beyond two weeks, there will be a delay in the next paycheck.
Government Travel
The government fiscal year, or financial year, runs from October 1 to September 30. This means that if a budget is not passed, there is no line of accounting for government travel. PCS orders TAD orders are all paused during a shutdown. If your spouse was leaving mid-October and the shutdown begins and continues for several days, chances are they are not traveling. It doesn’t mean they won’t travel immediately once a budget is passed and the line of accounting is available. Semper gumby- always flexible!
Bills
If a shutdown occurs with a potential delay in the paycheck, start calling creditors about automatic payments. If you do not have the money in the account, and it is due to the shutdown, many creditors will hold off on pulling money out AND not charge a fee or interest.
Ask your bank to waive any overdraft fees that may occur due to the paycheck delay. Most military-affiliated banks already do this during a shutdown, fully recognizing that is something families cannot help.
Support Programs
Programs like WIC or food stamps are programs that rely on federal money. These programs could close, leaving families who rely on these programs without their expected groceries, formula, or food. WIC could close immediately with a shutdown, but programs like SNAP would remain open for at least the month of October as long as the shutdown doesn’t continue for several weeks.
This doesn’t end support programs run through churches or nonprofit organizations who typically step up to close the gap for these families. If you need assistance, ask on local social media pages or search the base installation page for non-profits hosting food pantries on and off base. Check with local churches for food pantries; many waive application periods during a shutdown.
On Base Programs
As with all government programming on base, base support services like DOD-run libraries or offices will close during the shutdown. Employees here are government civil servants, or GS, employees, who are furloughed during a shutdown as they are non-essential. If you want a bunch of movies, games, or books, it’s time to load up on them now! Most base services will post expectations for hours or have some leeway for volunteers to step in to keep things running, or there may be an ability to use a skeleton crew to keep things operational.
The commissary and exchange on post will not close in the event of a shutdown.
Military Treatment Facilities
The on-installation military clinics and hospitals should remain open. Military service members are still working, and contractors must continue to work if funding is assigned to their positions. The pharmacy will remain open, appointments will continue, and Emergency Rooms at hospitals will remain operational. There may be smaller crews if GS employees are not deemed essential, but overall, healthcare is essential and should remain open as normal.
USPS
The USPS is a federal body but is funded by taxpayer dollars and sales of their products. The agency will continue to deliver mail as usual, even in the event of a shutdown. All your Amazon packages will continue to be delivered.
Passports
Passports will be delayed. If you are waiting for a government official passport for PCS orders, this may be delayed, but chances are you are waiting on funding for the PCS.
National Parks
While it may not be readily thought about, the National Parks are a government entity. In 2013, the parks closed due to the government shutdown. During the 2018-2019 government shutdown, the parks were staffed by a skeleton crew, meaning that bathrooms were closed, and waste was not picked up. What will happen in the event of this shutdown? It is yet to be seen if there will be skeleton crews or total closures. It may also depend on the expected length of the shutdown.
Smithsonian and National Zoo
All the Smithsonian museums would close during a shutdown, as well as the National Zoo. Federal funds support the museums and zoo, and, therefore, would not have funding assigned without a budget. In the 2018-2019 shutdown, even the panda cam was off.
