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The ongoing government shutdown is wearing down military families as paychecks arrive only at the last minute. Since Oct. 1, President Donald Trump has twice ordered stopgap funding shifts, including $5.3 billion overall with $2.5 billion from his summer tax and spending cuts law. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned troops may not be paid by Nov. 15. Families report mounting stress, late fees after delayed Oct. 15 deposits, and canceled reservist drills that cut income. Nonprofits rushed in: 50,000 families sought emergency groceries, while some, like Alicia Blevins, still await about $9,000 in moving reimbursements.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.