 Protecting Service Members During the Shutdown As the government shutdown continues into its second month, the Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA) stands with The Military Coalition and other Veterans Service Organizations in support of the Pay Our Troops Act, a bill designed to ensure that Service Members continue to receive pay during any lapse in government funding. Temporary measures have allowed the Pentagon to issue pay during this shutdown, but there is still no permanent safeguard for future funding gaps. The Pay Our Troops Act would change that by guaranteeing that military personnel and their families are never left in financial uncertainty because of political gridlock. The ongoing shutdown has had wide-reaching effects across the military community. Many families are struggling to make ends meet, and essential quality-of-life programs such as mental health, behavioral health, and family support services have been disrupted or delayed. Veterans’ programs including cemetery maintenance, transition assistance, and suicide prevention efforts have also been affected. NCOA believes those who defend our nation should never have to question whether their next paycheck will arrive. We are calling on Congress to pass the Pay Our Troops Act and end the shutdown. Resources for Service Members and Veterans Affected by the Shutdown Military Aid and Family Assistance Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Army Emergency Relief Air Force Aid Society Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Military OneSource Armed Services YMCA United Service Organizations (USO) Financial Services Offering Assistance Navy Federal Credit Union USAA Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund PenFed Credit Union United States Senate Federal Credit Union Department Contingency Plans Department of Veterans Affairs Department of Defense Department of Homeland Security Department of Health and Human Services Now more than ever, it is time for our leaders to act decisively and protect those who protect us. Strength in Unity®  On October 6, 2025, The Washington Post published an article by Craig Whitlock, Lisa Rein, and Caitlin Gilbert that claimed the Department of Veterans Affairs’ disability benefits program is being “exploited.” The article has drawn widespread concern from the military and veteran community for its misleading portrayal of veterans and their service-earned benefits. The Non Commissioned Officers Association stands firmly with our fellow veteran service organizations in publicly condemning the article’s framing and its damaging suggestion that veterans are “gaming the system.” While we agree that fraud and abuse have no place in the VA system, it is misleading and harmful to suggest that isolated cases represent the larger veteran population. The overwhelming majority of veterans are honest men and women who served their country with honor and continue to live with the lasting physical and mental effects of that service. To imply that veterans are collectively taking advantage of the system dismisses years of sacrifice and ignores the real reasons claims have increased. Those reasons include decades of war, multiple deployments, and advances in medical understanding of invisible wounds and long-term service-related conditions. It also reflects a long-overdue recognition of conditions that went unaddressed for generations. Many Vietnam veterans, for example, did not begin receiving comprehensive care until the 1990s or 2000s, and some still have not received the support they deserve. This kind of reporting damages more than public perception. It harms the trust between our nation and those who defend it. It reinforces stigma against veterans with unseen injuries and discourages others from seeking the help they need. NCOA remains committed to ensuring that enlisted service members, veterans, and their families are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. In our official response sent to the editors of The Washington Post, NCOA calls for fair and responsible reporting that honors the service and integrity of our nation’s veterans rather than undermining public trust. You can read NCOA’s full response letter that was sent to The Washington Post, below. Strength in Unity® Stay connected: Check out our official channels on for the latest updates, events, resources, and content  The federal budget deadline passed without an agreement, and the government has officially shut down. While lawmakers continue to debate funding, this lapse is already creating uncertainty for Service Members, Retirees, Veterans, and their families. At NCOA, we are closely monitoring the situation and pressing lawmakers to protect military pay and benefits. Here’s a look at what this shutdown means for our community. Currently Serving and Families Active duty personnel will still report for duty, but unless Congress acts, paychecks will stop after October 1. That means October 15 paychecks are at risk until funding is restored. Routine and elective medical procedures at military facilities could be delayed or canceled, though TRICARE and TRICARE For Life coverage in the private sector will remain available. Pharmacies, commissaries, exchanges, gyms, and child care centers considered essential to readiness will generally stay open, but some facilities may adjust hours or reduce services if civilian staff are furloughed. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves and temporary duty travel may be delayed unless they are mission-essential. National Guard and Reserve drill weekends could also be canceled, though mobilized members will continue to report. Military schools will remain open, but extracurricular activities may be canceled if they rely on federal funding. Training led by civilian instructors could be delayed, while contractor-led training may continue if it was funded before the shutdown. Retirees and Survivors Retiree pay and Survivor Benefit Plan payments will continue during the shutdown. TRICARE and TRICARE For Life coverage will not be interrupted, and commissaries and exchanges will remain open. Retirees receiving care at military treatment facilities could see cancellations or delays for non-urgent appointments and elective procedures. Pharmacies will remain open, but with the possibility of reduced hours. Veterans and the VA VA hospitals and clinics will remain open, and health care services will continue. VA disability, housing, and education benefits will also keep being paid. Regional VA offices will close, and programs such as transition assistance, career counseling, and pre-need burial applications will be suspended. Burials will continue at VA cemeteries, but headstone placement and grounds maintenance could face delays. The VA crisis line (988, press 1) and the main MyVA411 call center will remain operational, along with the VA benefits hotline (1-800-827-1000). Financial Support During the Shutdown Several financial institutions serving the military community, including USAA, are expected to offer zero-interest loans and other relief programs. Military aid societies are also stepping in. Army Emergency Relief, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Air Force Aid Society, and Coast Guard Mutual Assistance all provide interest-free loans and grants to help during times of financial strain. The American Red Cross Hero Care app can connect families directly with these resources. Looking Ahead NCOA will continue to advocate on Capitol Hill for funding that protects Service Members and Veterans from financial hardship. This shutdown is a reminder of why we need a strong voice representing enlisted personnel and their families. If you are impacted, reach out to your financial institution or a relief agency for help. And please stay connected with NCOA for updates as the situation develops. Need help? Become an NCOA Advocate to get alerts and messages on key bills. Your voice helps shape policy. |
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