CENTENNIAL, Colo. (4/8/11) – Should the government shutdown, the Department of Defense has no legal authority to pay any personnel – military or civilian – for the days during which the government is shut down.
However, relief is possible.
The CONG Family Program Office will remain open to assist service members and their families in the event a furlough is put into place. The Family Program office will be open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. In case an emergency arises, Charlene Shields can be reached at 303-895-4784.
Full-time employees may be eligible for unemployment compensation while in furlough status. State unemployment compensation requirements differ. An employee can file for unemployment compensation for the time heor she is furloughed. A Standard Form 8, Notice to Federal Employee about Unemployment Insurance, is required.
The Colorado National Guard Foundation will be operating normally but special grants will not be authorized except for deployed service members and their families. The National Guard Foundation can provide an interest-free loan to help with mortgage/rent and utilities. Service members and their families can contact the Foundation at 720-250-1191 or 303-590-4962.
Under section 523 of title 50 App, United States Code (the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act), if a Servicemember on active duty is unable to perform an obligation arising under a contract (for example, cannot make an automobile, rent, or mortgage payment), and is charged a late fee or other similar penalty as a result, then a court may reduce or waive that fee if the ability to pay was materially affected by such military service.
If a Servicemember misses a payment because of pay disruptions caused by the shutdown of the federal government, then this section should provide relief. Servicemembers should contact their lenders or the other party to their contract or obligation and request relief under this section.
See your local legal assistance attorney if you cannot get the matter resolved. You can find the closest legal assistance office at http://legalassistance.law.af.mil/content/locator.php.
For additional information on how a government shutdown could affect your pay, please view the DFAS frequently asked questions.
For questions about your April 2011 Guard/Reserve pay, view the DFAS statement.
Defense Finance and Accounting Service statement on possible government shutdown