Government Shutdown Impacts Military Families: Anxiety and Financial Strain

Thu Oct 30 2025 23:29:07 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The ongoing government shutdown is taking a heavy toll on military families, leaving them concerned about paycheck delays and financial uncertainties. With the possibility of troops not getting paid, many service members and their families are struggling to cope.

As the government shutdown continues, military families are feeling the pressure of uncertainty over paychecks. Reports highlight the mental and financial strain that service members and their families face, including delays in pay, canceled training drills, and the anxiety of grappling with rising costs. Advocacy groups are urging Congress to take action to ensure that National Guard members and reservists receive their wages.

WASHINGTON (RTW) — The government shutdown is taking a significant toll on military families, leaving them anxiously waiting to see if their paychecks will arrive each week. Alicia Blevins, a Marine wife, expressed her distress, stating, 'I don’t feel like I have the tools to deal with this.' Anxiety is affecting families with active duty, National Guard, and reservist members.

Despite the administration's attempts to ensure troop payment, many service members still feel uncertain. Preceding an anticipated payday, President Trump instructed the Department of Defense to utilize available funds to ensure U.S. troops are compensated. However, as the situation remains fluid, uncertainty continues to disrupt family finances.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that without Congressional intervention, military pay could come to a halt as soon as mid-November. Families are feeling resentment, with many questioning their worth in the eyes of Congress during this crisis.

Jennifer Bittner, the wife of an Army officer, articulated feelings of invisibility among military families, stating, 'You have to be thought of to be used as a pawn… and we’re not being thought of at all.' This sentiment is echoed by many who navigate the daily financial challenges of military life. Instances of delayed paychecks are forcing many into debt, jeopardizing timely bill payments and imposing additional financial strain.

Moreover, the shutdown has also affected reservists, many of whom have lost critical weekend drill pay, creating additional hardship. In response, the Military Family Advisory Network has implemented an emergency food support program to help alleviate the strain.

Families like Blevins’ are left waiting, hoping for relief and urging for a resolution, as the shutdown continues to loom over their daily lives. 'Can’t we just get off the blame game and get this taken care of?' she stated, highlighting the desire for a swift resolution to their struggles.