Troops request assistance at ‘unprecedented’ rate as shutdown persists

With their Oct. 15 paychecks in doubt, service members have been reaching out for financial assistance in “unprecedented” numbers, multiple military relief societies said this week.

Meanwhile, as the government shutdown that could cause the lapse in pay persists, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service has clarified it needs two days’ worth of lead time to process military pay. That means Congress must act Monday or earlier in order to avoid a delay getting troops their checks.

“If authority to pay is received by October 13, the military will be paid on time on October 15,” DFAS spokesperson Steve Burghardt said Friday. “If authority to pay is received after October 13, the military will be paid within two business days.”

Service members who are concerned about the possible lapse