NMCRS stands ready to help meet the immediate needs of active and retired Sailors, Marines and their families impacted by the impending government shutdown. Our offices will be open normal hours to assist those families who are experiencing immediate needs related to loss of income from the shutdown.
Questions and Answers:
Q. I am an active duty Navy/Marine Corps member and don’t know if I will get paid in the event of a government shutdown. Will I be able to get NMCRS assistance to help with my bills?
A. NMCRS will assist with your emergency financial needs such as food, gas, utilities.
Q. What if I need help for emergency travel or a car repair?
A. These types of emergency assistance requests will continue to be handled as they are under normal circumstances.
Q. I pay several of my bills by electronic fund transfer (EFT) directly from my bank account. Can NMCRS cover these if I don’t receive full pay?
A. We recommend that you contact your bank now to find out what their policy will be regarding EFTs. To the extent that the shutdown and an EFT have caused your emergency, then the NMCRS stands ready to support.
Q. Will assistance be provided as a loan?
A. Yes. Assistance will be provided as an interest-free loan since furloughed personnel typically have loss of income restored. Loans will be repaid once normal pay resumes.
Q: Will I be able to get a Quick Assist Loan® to help with finances during the shutdown?
A: all non-emergency assistance is suspended including the Quick Assist Loan® program. Government shutdown assistance (basic living expenses, extreme needs)
will be available for service members or furloughed retirees. The amount of assistance provided by NMCRS will not replace a paycheck but is intended to provide for basic needs.
Q. What can I do to help stabilize my financial situation?
A. Understand the components of your pay, such as automatic withholding for taxes, EFT’s to creditors, and especially your allotments and when they are deducted from your pay. Be proactive and contact your creditors, landlord, utility companies, etc. and make them aware that your pay may be affected by the government shutdown. Ask them if you can make smaller payments or defer payments until your full pay is restored. They will appreciate your efforts to keep them advised of a potential problem and most will work with you to find a workable solution for you and them.
Q: If I’m financially struggling due to the government shutdown AND already have a loan with NMCRS, can you still help me?
A. Yes, NMCRS will help meet your immediate basic living expenses.