12/30/2025
Believe it or not, when we step into the new year, we’ll be facing yet another shutdown. NOW is the time to start looking at your finances, to make sure you’re as prepared as possible for a pay stoppage. Some immediate steps you can take:
-Cut back on eating out/meal delivery
-Fewer stops at coffee and fast food shops
-Contacting creditors and discussing options should a shutdown occur
-If you’re working another job in addition to your military duties, discuss working more hours during a shutdown.
These are just a few possibilities, contact the Military & Family Readiness office for further assistance!
⚠️ 2026 Government Funding Update
ℹ️ MFAN remains committed to keeping military families informed of the situations that impact your wellbeing. Here is what we know about government funding moving into 2026.
🏛️ Legislative: Congress is currently in recess. When the House and Senate return early next week, they will have about four weeks to pass another continuing resolution or complete the remaining FY2026 appropriations bills to fund the federal government. If either of these measures do not occur by January 30, 2026, the US will enter a partial shutdown.
✅ Currently Funded Bills: Three FY2026 appropriations bills have been signed into law: Agriculture, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. All other federal operations are currently funded through January 30, 2026 under the continuing resolution passed in November that ended the 43 day government shutdown.
💙 Military Families Impact: A shutdown would once again create uncertainty around pay and benefits for uniformed service members and civilian federal employees who support them. This would closely resemble the most recent shutdown experience. One key difference this time: SNAP and WIC benefits would not be impacted, as those programs are funded through the Agriculture appropriations bill.
🗓️ The weeks ahead: This is not meant to alarm. It is meant to help families plan, budget, and reduce stress where possible. If you can, dust off the contingency plans you used recently. If you anticipate needing assistance, do not wait until the last minute. If you feel inclined, contact your Congressional representatives to share your thoughts.
💛 MFAN will be here to keep you up to date as new details emerge.
During the last shutdown, MFAN was able to respond quickly because military families trusted us with their stories. You can help shape how we respond in moments like this. Sharing your experience through the Military Family 360 Survey ensures military family realities are understood when decisions are being made.
➡️ Take the survey here: https://milfanet.org/tellusyourstory
