It’s hard to believe, but when politicians cannot agree on a budget, will the military be paid during a government shutdown? When politicians in Washington, D.C., cannot agree on a budget by the end of the fiscal year, the federal government can shut down. This happens when Congress fails to pass the necessary annual appropriations bills to fund government operations. As a result, federal agencies must halt their non-essential operations because they lack the federal funding to pay for them.
As a member of the armed forces, you are considered essential personnel. You still have to report for duty because military service is a critical function that must continue. Your job does not stop just because of a political disagreement over government funding.
In the past, this created a major problem. Both essential federal workers and non-essential employees who were furloughed went without their paychecks until the shutdown ended. This created huge financial problems for millions of families across the country, from those working at national parks to agents at the Internal Revenue Service.
Table Of Contents:
- The Role of the Pay Our Military Act
- So, Will Military Be Paid During a Government Shutdown This Time?
- What About Coast Guard Pay?
- What About the National Guard and Reserves?
- Impacts Beyond the Paycheck
- Financial Hardship and Resources for Military Families
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
The Role of the Pay Our Military Act
The government shutdown in 2013 was a real wake-up call for lawmakers. It caused a lot of hardship for military service members and their families who did not receive pay on time. Congress decided to do something to prevent that specific issue from happening again.
They chose to pass legislation called the Pay Our Military Act. This law gives the Department of Defense (DoD) special permission to pay active-duty troops during a funding gap. It also covers reservists on active orders and some essential civilian employees who support the military mission.
This act was a big step forward. It provides a safety net for military personnel, offering some stability when things in Washington get chaotic. The vast majority of military families can now expect their pay to arrive as scheduled.
How Will The Government Shutdown Affect The Military?
So, Will Military Be Paid During a Government Shutdown This Time?
Thanks to the Pay Our Military Act, your paycheck is largely protected. But that does not mean everything is perfectly smooth. A government shutdown is a fluid situation, and political arguments can create new problems we have not seen before.
Sometimes, a short-term fix like a continuing resolution is needed to get money flowing to the entire federal government. A continuing resolution, or CR, temporarily funds the government at current levels, buying more time for Congress to negotiate full-year appropriations bills. If a CR is passed before the shutdown starts, the crisis is averted for the time being.
Even with the Act, a very long shutdown could strain these solutions. The DoD may need to use contingency plans to manage its funds. While it is highly likely that military personnel continue to be paid, there is always a small risk of delays if a shutdown lasts for an extended period.
What About Coast Guard Pay?
Here is where things get tricky and stressful for a specific branch of the military. The Coast Guard is a military branch, but it operates differently from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Space Force. They fall under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), not the Department of War.
This is a very important distinction. The Pay Our Military Act specifically authorizes funding for the DoD. Since the Coast Guard is part of Homeland Security, the act does not cover them.
During past shutdowns, like the one during the Trump administration in 2018-2019, the Coast Guard has gone without pay. This has put an incredible strain on Coast Guard members and their families. Lawmakers sometimes have to pass a separate bill just to make sure they get paid, but that is never guaranteed until the bill is signed into law.
| Branch | Parent Department | Is Pay Protected by Law? |
|---|---|---|
| Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force | Department of Defense (DoD) | Yes, by the Pay Our Military Act |
| Coast Guard | Department of Homeland Security (DHS) | No, requires separate legislation |
What About the National Guard and Reserves?
The situation for the National Guard and Reserves can also be complicated. Their pay depends on their duty status. If they are on federal active-duty orders, they are covered by the Pay Our Military Act just like their active-component counterparts.
However, if they are performing weekend drills or annual training under Title 32 orders, their pay could be at risk. These activities are funded through the annual Department of War budget. If that budget is not approved, the funding for those drills might not be available until the government shutdown ends.
This means drill weekends could be postponed or canceled. Service members would then have to make up the time later in the fiscal year. It is a frustrating situation that can disrupt civilian jobs and family life.
Impacts Beyond the Paycheck
A federal government shutdown affects more than just direct military pay. Many other services and benefits that military families rely on can be disrupted. It is important to be aware of these potential issues if a shutdown continues for more than a few days.
Here are some of the areas that can be impacted:
- Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Moves: Many administrative functions slow down or stop. This can lead to delays in getting PCS orders or processing travel claims.
- Base Services: While essential services remain fully operational, some non-essential functions may close. This could include MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) facilities, libraries, and clubs.
- Commissaries and Exchanges: Commissaries have typically remained open in past shutdowns. However, a prolonged shutdown could eventually impact supply chains or staffing.
- Healthcare: TRICARE beneficiaries should not see an impact on their medical care. Military hospitals and clinics will continue to provide essential services.
- Education and Tuition Assistance: Processing of tuition assistance and GI Bill benefits could be delayed. This is because the civilian employees who manage these programs might be furloughed.
- Federal Agencies: Many federal agencies including the Internal Revenue Service and Customs Enforcement face disruptions. This can delay tax refunds or other government processes that military families depend on.
Financial Hardship and Resources for Military Families
Even with protections in place for Department of War personnel, the threat of a shutdown causes a lot of anxiety. Missing a paycheck is not an option for most families, especially for Coast Guard members who face a direct threat. The rent is still due, and you still need groceries for your family.
If you are worried about your finances, please know that help is available. Many organizations offer support for military families during these uncertain times. These groups understand the unique challenges that come with military service.
Branch-specific aid societies like the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Army Emergency Relief, and the Air Force Aid Society are excellent resources. They can provide financial assistance through grants or zero-interest loans. Do not be afraid to reach out to them if you need help.
Many banks and credit unions that serve military members, like Navy Federal Credit Union and USAA, may also offer special loan programs or payment deferrals during a shutdown. It can also be a good idea to call your creditors ahead of time. Explaining the situation might lead them to give you some flexibility on payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is normal to have a lot of questions when the government shutdown looms. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions from military personnel and their families. This can help clear up some of the confusion surrounding the topic.
Do servicemembers receive pay on their regular payday during a shutdown? For DoD members, yes, the Pay Our Military Act authorizes their pay to be disbursed on time. For Coast Guard members, their pay is not guaranteed and has been missed in past shutdowns until separate legislation was passed by Congress.
What happens to veteran benefits from the VA? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is typically funded in advance through separate appropriations bills. This means that VA hospitals and benefits like disability compensation and pensions are usually not affected by a government shutdown. Essential services for veterans will continue.
Are civilian DoD employees paid? The Pay Our Military Act covers some essential DoD civilian employees. However, a large portion of the civilian workforce may be subject to furlough. This means they are sent home without pay until the shutdown ends, a process known as a furlough of non-essential employees.
Will a shutdown affect my military retirement pay? Military retirement pay is funded through a trust fund that is not subject to annual appropriations. Therefore, military retirees will continue to receive their retirement checks on schedule. The same applies to Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments.
What is a continuing resolution and how does it help? A continuing resolution (CR) is a temporary spending bill that allows federal government operations to continue when the final appropriations bills have not been signed into law. Passing a CR is a way to avoid a shutdown and give lawmakers more time to negotiate a full-year budget. It is a temporary fix, not a permanent solution.
Conclusion
The big question is always, will the military be paid during a government shutdown? For members of the DoD, the answer is most likely yes, thanks to laws put in place after past struggles. These protections were established to prevent military families from bearing the financial brunt of political disputes in the White House and Congress.
However, it is never a simple guarantee. Short-term fixes might be needed, and a long stalemate could always bring new challenges. For the Coast Guard, the situation is much more stressful because their pay is not protected in the same way, as their funding comes from Homeland Security.
The uncertainty you feel is completely valid. It highlights how much your family’s stability depends on political decisions made hundreds of miles away. Staying informed and knowing where to turn for help are your best tools to weather the storm if a government shutdown continues.