(NewsNation) — Among the many groups of federal workers affected by the government shutdown, the country’s military members are often the hardest hit.
More than 1 million active-duty service members are among those who are required to report for duty without a paycheck until the government is funded again. Many military families are already living paycheck to paycheck, and some rely on forms of government-supported health care services.
Some relief could be on the way after President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to use research and development funds to pay the troops if the shutdown persists, according to Reuters.
As the shutdown is in its second week, some military families told NewsNation they are feeling stressed with the uncertainty surrounding when they will get a paycheck. One family said they took out a no-interest loan ahead of a Navy transfer in the next two months.
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“It was kind of nerve-wracking trying to have to finance our home based on loans other than a paycheck that was going to be guaranteed working for the government,” U.S. Navy Petty Officer Zac Adams said.
Emma Hill, a military spouse, told NewsNation it has been stressful trying to figure out how she will be able to afford diapers for her child, among other general living expenses.
“I think with the shutdown, so many families are already living paycheck to paycheck, we know this,” Carissa Casares with Feeding San Diego said. “So if you are talking about missing a paycheck, they are going to feel it immediately.”
At Feeding San Diego and other food pantries across the country, overall demand has been made higher due to inflation, and it is even higher now with the shutdown.
Uncertainty also lies with the military’s Tricare health care, and it said it may not be able to process claims for military members. Some military pharmacies are also feeling the strain of the shutdown, running on limited hours and limited supply.
Trump has said military members should get their paychecks on Oct. 15.
