Military Families Struggle Under Government Shutdown

Thu Oct 30 2025 22:43:02 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The ongoing government shutdown is causing significant anxiety for military families, with uncertainty surrounding paychecks and financial stability.

As the government shutdown drags on, military families face increasing mental and financial stress due to delayed paychecks and mounting expenses. Many are forced to seek external support while Congress continues to stall. Troops and their families express feelings of being overlooked and used as pawns in a political struggle, leading to calls for immediate action.

The ongoing government shutdown is putting a heavy mental strain on military families, creating uncertainty over paycheck arrivals week after week. Alicia Blevins, wife of a Marine, highlights her struggle: I don’t feel like I have the tools to deal with this, as she seeks therapy amidst the chaos.

Despite the Trump administration's efforts to ensure troop payment, anxiety remains high. Recently, President Trump assured that funds would be allocated for military pay, but the looming uncertainty fuels concerns for families reliant on steady income.

We’re not being thought of at all, says Jennifer Bittner, a military spouse, indicating that families feel politically used without consideration for their real-life struggles. The financial strain, exacerbated by the shutdown, leaves many troops living paycheck to paycheck, adding to their stress.

The situation intensified when many reservists lost income from canceled weekend drills, a financial lifeline for many. In response, organizations are stepping in, with emergency grocery aid programs emerging to support desperate military families.

As the shutdown continues, families find themselves stuck in a situation that feels unending and uncontrolled, yearning for resolution and support amidst a spiraling crisis.