Military Paychecks Likely Not Effected by Government Shutdown

With the Federal Budget in flux and stories on the front page of almost every newspaper in America, military families might be wondering if they'll see a paycheck in March if there is a shutdown. According to press reports you can sleep easy.

According to an Associated Press Report:

"Fewer than half of the 2.1 million federal workers subject to a shutdown would be forced off the job if the Obama administration followed the path taken by presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. And that's not counting 600,000 Postal Service employees or 1.6 million uniformed military personnel exempt from a shutdown."

Veterans might have a different experience, however. The same report stated that there may be delays processing VA benefit requests such as new applications for the GI Bill benefits. Probably most emotionally charged, VA benefits for funerals for veterans could be delayed. Military.com reports:

"... the Department of Veterans Affairs office responsible for burying veterans will close up shop if the cash stops coming, putting a halt to the internments of thousands of deceased vets."

While it is likely that most active duty families will see only minor disruptions in benefits, now is a great time to consider your emergency fund. Have three to six months of expenses stored away would likely reduce any stress you might have about the government's turbulence.