Financial Resources Guide for Military Families in Tough Times

The COVID-19 pandemic was hard on everyone, and inflation has made it difficult for many people to recover. But military families have even more financial difficulties than some other people, and most don’t know where to turn for help when times are tough. 

Fortunately, there are a variety of programs dedicated specifically to helping service members, veterans, and their families. Here are some of the agencies that can help you navigate difficult times.

Military Support Organizations

A great place to start is your branch’s relief organization. These nonprofit agencies are there to help you with financial support and other resources you may need when times are tough. Depending on your branch, you might be eligible for emergency loans, grants to pay your bills, childcare and other assistance. Military relief organizations include:

• Army Emergency Relief
• Air Force Aid Society
• Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
• Coast Guard Mutual Assistance

Other Military-Focused Programs

Once you start looking around, you’ll find there’s a long list of other agencies eager to support you and your family. In addition to your branch’s support society, here are a few places you might find relief:

• The American Red Cross: This organization works in conjunction with military relief societies to provide financial assistance. They may be able to offer you or your spouse funds for emergency travel, burial of a loved one or emergency food and shelter. 
• Operation Homefront: You might find a wide variety of relief programs from this nonprofit, including veteran housing assistance and grants and loans for emergencies.
• The Gary Sinise Foundation: The foundation has several financial support programs and can help eligible applicants with a variety of housing needs. 
• PenFed Foundation: Various military initiatives are available through this foundation, including grants to help with employment
• The Wounded Warrior Project: Their veteran programs and support include help with financial, physical and mental health challenges.
• Military Family Advisory Network: This nonprofit can connect you with a variety of support programs based on your specific area of need.

State Grants

Many states offer grants to veterans and service members. Depending on your state, you could qualify for free college tuition, tax breaks, cash bonuses for veterans and more. Look up your state benefits at Military.com to learn what’s available.

Hardship-Specific Resources

Depending on the nature of your financial hardship, there could be a lot more assistance available to you and your family. Here are some additional resources to consider:

Education

If you need educational support for a student in your family, reach out to Tutor.com, a service funded by the U.S. Department of Defense. Tutor.com offers free, 24/7 online tutoring, homework help and even parent coaching for U.S. military families. Tutoring is available for any education level, from kindergarten to graduate school.

Another helpful resource is the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Digital Library (MWR), an online library service for DoD service members and their families. MWR provides educational resources and entertainment, including:

• Ebooks
• Audiobooks
• Newspapers
• Streaming

Mental Health

The financial stress you’re carrying can take a toll on your mental health. Fortunately, you don’t have to struggle through it alone. There are a variety of places where you can find free support online or over the phone:

• Military One Source’s nonmedical counseling 
• Headstrong’s PTSD treatment 
• Vets 4 Warriors peer support program
• Veterans Crisis Line for crisis support and resources

The NFCC is Here to Help!

As you can see, there are many agencies eager to support you when you’re going through tough times. The NFCC also belongs on the list of agencies ready to show their gratitude for your service. 
If you have specific concerns about your personal finances, consider working with an NFCC-certified credit counseling agency. Some of our member agencies specialize in helping military families, but any counselor can support you with issues related to credit scores, debt management, mortgage payments and more.