Government Shutdown - San Diego Military Advisory Council

WHAT IS A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN?

Federal agencies including the Department of Defense cannot spend or obligate money without an appropriation (approval) from Congress (both the Senate and House must agree). If Congress fails to enact the appropriations, the Federal Government must stop all non-essential functions. This is known as a “Government Shutdown”. If Congress enacts some but not all 12 of the appropriations, those parts of the Federal Government without an approved appropriation must stop work. This is known as a “Partial Shutdown”.

During a Government Shutdown, all uniform service members will continue to work but without pay. Other Federal employees designated as “essential” (about 25%) will also continue to work without pay. All military and Federal employees will receive back pay once the appropriations are enacted.

Certain other benefits are funded in a way that allows payments to continue during a Government Shutdown. Military Retirement, VA benefits, Social Security, and Medicare payments continue though many services including Veteran Affairs and Social Security could be limited.

Often when Congress doesn’t finish the appropriations in time, a separate temporary spending bill is enacted to keep the Federal Government open. This is called a “Continuing Resolution (CR)” and allows the Federal Government to operate at the previous year’s level without starting any new contracts or making any new hires.

WHAT IS THE LATEST STATUS ON A POSSIBLE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN?
Congress has until midnight, September 30th to approve a Continuing Resolution or agree to fully fund the nation or there will be a government shutdown.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE START OF THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN?

MILITARY PAY: Unless Congress passes a separate bill permitting military pay to continue, mission-essential personnel like service members are not paid during a government shutdown and must report to work.
TRAVEL, PCS, ETC: Military members should expect an interruption to any TDY or PCS starts that are scheduled to begin after October 15. There may be some exceptions for “essential” travel.

WHERE CAN I GET HELP IF THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN IS LENGTHY?

MILITARY PAY: SDMAC Member Organizations USAA and NFCU are offering 0% interest rate loans to help cover missed paydays. Use the links below to see the details: FOOD, GAS, RENT, and OTHER COSTS:

Information For Federal Civilian Employees:

Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 (Click image to read)

Pay and Benefits Information for Employees (Click image to read)

Department of Navy Office of Civilian Human Resources FactSheet (Click image to read)

Department of Navy Office of Civilian Human Resources Furlough Concerns (Click image to read)

WHISTLE: A portal for federal employees to communicate to the Congressional oversight committee on any issue with regards to their employment as affected by the government shutdown.

Links and Important Information:

San Diego Emergency Action Group (EAG)

The San Diego Emergency Action Group (EAG) is a community partnership of local non-profit organizations that work together to support San Diego’s military and veteran families during times of crisis. Formed in response to emergencies like the Murphy Canyon plane crash and a federal government shutdown, the EAG was created to make sure that when challenges arise, our military community never faces them alone.

The EAG brings together several trusted organizations that each play an important role in helping service members, veterans, and their families:

San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC): Brings the community together to coordinate support, share information, and advocate for San Diego’s military families.
Feeding San Diego: Ensures no military family goes hungry by providing reliable access to nutritious food through distribution events and community partnerships.
Support The Enlisted Project (STEP): Offers financial counseling and emergency assistance to help service members and recently transitioned veterans build financial stability.
Zero8Hundred: Guides service members and their families through the transition to civilian life by connecting them with resources for employment, education, and well-being.
Armed Services YMCA San Diego (ASYMCA): Strengthens military families through childcare, youth programs, and mental health services that build resilience and community.

By combining strengths, the EAG provides food assistance, financial and mental health support, and resource navigation when military families need it most. Together, the EAG stands ready to respond, ensuring that San Diego’s military and veteran community continues to be supported, connected, and cared for during any emergency.

Please see below the individual members of the EAG and the services they provide. Click on the service you need to access that support.