Furlough Resources
Civilian Furlough Resources
If the information is not on this page, please send an email to the J1-C Team group box (J1CivPers@socom.mil).
Pay related (ATAAPS) questions please defer to the MacDill AFB Customer Service Representative (CSR) at 813 828 7527 or 813-828-5187 or by email at penelope.campbell@us.af.mil
Civilian Employee Assistance
Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (FEEA): FEEA has both an Emergency Hardship Loan program and Shutdown Grants available for qualifying full-time federal civilian employees. It is important to note the differences between the two programs, notably: (1) The Emergency Hardship Loan program does not cover pay loss during a government shutdown. (2) The Shutdown Grant application will only become available should a shutdown persist beyond the point that federal employees miss all or part of a paycheck. Learn more about eligibility and qualifying expenses by clicking on the program links found at https://feea.org/shutdown/ in case of furlough- EAP services will remain available to all civilian employees and their families during a government furlough.
All services to include emergency counseling and crisis intervention intake screenings, referrals services and work life support are funded and will continue to be fully available through the DAF-wide EAP during a lapse in appropriations. The National call center, counselors, and website will maintain 24/7 operations, though counselors will not be onsite on government installations. All available services can be accessed at 1-866-580-9078. EAP will provide the following services and support to the civilian workforce regardless of their furlough status (e.g., exempt, excepted, subject to furlough).
OPM site on Furlough Guidance (https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/furlough-guidance/tabs/unemployment-insurance-resources/#url=Overview)
Sample letter from the Federal News Network: https://federalnewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/sample-letters-for-creditors-and-mortgage-companies-1.pdf
Military OneSource will continue to provide free, confidential financial counseling, non-medical counseling, Spouse Education and Career Opportunities and other support. Visit: https://www.militaryonesource.mil
Thrift Savings Plan will continue its normal daily operations and the ThriftLine will remain open. The TSP website will post additional information if a lapse in appropriations occurs. Visit: https://www.tsp.gov/changes-in-your-career/enteringnon-pay-status/
USAA: USAA members can apply for a no-interest loan equivalent to one missed paycheck (up to $6,000) if they are employed by an impacted federal agency.
Navy Federal Credit Union: The credit union will offer 0% APR loans to eligible members whose pay may be affected, continuing a tradition of assistance seen during previous shutdowns in 2011, 2013 and 2018-2019, when nearly 20,000 members received support. The paycheck assistance program is designed for military Servicemembers, federal employees and government contractors who are paid directly by the federal government, have their paychecks deposited with Navy Federal and would experience a disruption in income due to a shutdown.
Visit: https://www.navyfederal.org/content/nfo/en/home/about/government-shutdown.html
FW Unmet Needs Program The program provides financial assistance up to $2,500 to assist daily necessities in the form of a grant (not a loan) so no repayment is required. They pay the creditor(s) directly. Active-duty service members (to include activated Guard/Reserve members) and their families may be eligible. For additional information including eligibility for a grant through the Financial Assistance for Service members program, please review the Financial Assistance for Service Members eligibility criteria.
Visit: https://www.vfw.org/assistance/financial-grants
Operation Homefront (Emergency Assistance) Active-duty military member or a veterans struggling to make ends meet as well as those deployed or dealing with a service-connected wound, illness, or injury this organization help veterans financially during times of financial crisis. Operation Homefront’s Critical Financial Assistance Program is designed to provide short-term financial help for military families who are experiencing financial hardship. To find out if you qualify, please review their eligibility criteria, check their FAQs or give them a call at 1-877-264-3968 (toll-free). Visit: https://operationhomefront.org/critical-financial-assistance/
Salvation Army SAhelp.org
Rent Help & Mortgage Assistance: Every day, millions of people across the country are forced into making a choice between things like keeping a roof over their heads and putting food on their family's tables. We believe no one should have to make a decision like that, so we provide rental assistance and mortgage relief to eligible households facing financial difficulties.
Utility Bill Assistance: We have always worked to provide critical utility assistance to ensure that no one goes without heat in the coldest winters, air conditioning in the brutal summers, or fresh water to drink and bathe in.
Unemployment Benefits: You may be able to file for unemployment benefits during a government shutdown - but know that you will most likely have to repay any benefits received if you get your paycheck from the federal government. Unemployment is a state benefit, but you can find out more information on the website Visit: https://www.usa.gov/unemployment-benefits
Food Insecurities: When money gets tight, you may face some food insecurity. For some it may be not having the funds to purchase food, and for others it may be the decision about what type of food they can afford to purchase. Visit Feeding America to find local food banks. A few more options:
To find your closest Food Pantry: https://cctb.communityos.org/#collapse6b
Feeding Tampa Bay: https://feedingtampabay.org/findfood
The Bautista Project: https://www.thebautistaprojectinc.org/programs
MacDill AFB Chapel Community Food Pantry: has non-perishable food items available to all with base access Monday to Thursday 0900-1500 and Friday 0900-1200. (*Subject to change). Monday - Thursday 0900-1500 & Friday 0900-1200. (*Subject to change). POC: MacDill AFB Chapel, 813-828-3621, 6ARW.HCAdmin@us.af.mil
Crisis Center of Tampa Bay 2-1-1 or https://cctb.communityos.org/ is a comprehensive source of information about local resources and services in the country.
Loan Payments/Mortgages: If you are not receiving a paycheck or won’t receive one until the end of the government shut down, you can call your creditors and request a deferment. This is basically a postponement of a payment, which would be added to the end of a loan. There is no requirement for creditors to honor your request, but it never hurts to ask. Key is to communicate with your lender, document discussions, obtaining written confirmation of any forbearance or modifications agreements. After any mortgage relief programs, stay in the loop and understand repayment options.
Credit Card Payments: Check with your issuer and explain that you're experiencing the financial fallout from the government shutdown and ask for temporary relief. You can also call your credit card company and ask to speak with the hardship department. Explain your situation and ask if you can get help. You might get a lower minimum monthly payment or be given more time to make your next payment. If your credit card company isn't offering relief and you're less than 30 days late, your next move is to ask the issuer to (please) remove the late fee from your statement. Don't put off asking for help, because once you're more than 30 days late, the issuer can report your tardiness to the credit bureaus.
EAP Resources Oct 2025
FFR Furlough Resources
Documents
Military Retirement Pay Is Not Affected by a Government Shutdown
- Military retirement and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments are made through mandatory spending.
- These payments are handled by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) and are not interrupted during a government shutdown.
- In prior shutdowns, retirees have continued receiving their monthly payments on time and there is no indication that this would change.
VA Benefits Will Continue Even During a Shutdown
- Disability compensation, pension payments, education benefits (like the GI Bill), and survivor benefits will continue to be paid.
- The VA’s healthcare system (including VA hospitals and clinics) will remain operational. Medical services for veterans are considered essential and will continue uninterrupted.
- Social Security payments continue during shutdowns because of how the program is funded. Most government agencies depend on annual budget fights in Congress. Social Security doesn’t.
- OPM states that federal retirees under both CSRS and FERS will continue to receive their scheduled monthly annuity payments on the first business day of the month.
Healthcare
- The Military Health System may continue to provide healthcare during a government shutdown, but not all services may be available. Military hospitals and clinics will remain open for inpatient, acute, and emergency care. Private sector care under TRICARE will also continue.
- Outpatient care, such as lab work and specialty appointments, could have different hours or be rescheduled. There could also be delays in processing TRICARE claims and travel benefits.
- The Defense Health Agency has told its TRICARE contractors to continue providing healthcare to all beneficiaries. Patients who see private providers should not experience any major changes.