As businesses close and cancellations clear schedules, many military families are feeling the financial pinch that comes from losing second incomes, displacement and/or job loss. Likewise, there are countless veterans impacted by the rising unemployment rates in the U.S.
This is exactly why there are military nonprofits and aid societies standing by to help in this time of crisis. Whether you’re currently active in the military or are now retired from the armed forces, there is assistance available to you. Likewise, there are several vacant jobs, as long as you know where to look. With that in mind, here are a couple of tips for staying financially afloat during a pandemic, including places you can turn for a new job or other monetary resources.
Tip #1: Apply for Aid With Grants or Zero-Interest Loans
Depending on which branch of the armed forces you belong to, there are various establishments that specialize in serving you. By going to your designated organization for aid or a loan, you may be better able to cope during this unprecedented time. Here are some resources to check out:
Army Emergency Relief (AER). You can submit a request for emergency relief to AER via email, with secure document transmission. There are more than 30 categories of accessible assistance, such as money for temporary emergency living expenses when a spouse has been laid off due to the coronavirus. Help is available on a case-by-case basis.
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance. In the Coast Guard? You can apply online for loans of up to $6,000 for loss of pay by a spouse, childcare needs due to school closures and/or food/housing costs while quarantined. There are also limited grants available for those who are facing travel change fees.
Air Force Aid Society. Air Force personnel can benefit from the emergency essential employees at every Airman and Family Readiness Center. The Air Force Aid Society also offers both grants and interest-free loans.
Navy-Marine Corp Relief Society. This organization is able to provide several loan and grant programs to navy and military personnel. This includes the Quick Assist Loan, which can offer up to $500 in a zero-interest loan.
The Independence Fund. While some of the above organizations explicitly include veterans, some do not. For military retirees, there is also veteran-specific aid available. During this pandemic, the Independence Fund is providing cost coverage for mortgages, rent, utilities, childcare, home WiFi, household cleaning and more to catastrophically disabled veterans, their caregivers and families.
Tip #2: Find a Job in the Warehouse Industry
While many businesses are being forced to shut down or operate at reduced capacity during the pandemic, others are actually in need of more help. With a large segment of the population staying home, there are more online orders than ever. Likewise, essential supplies are in higher demand, meaning the warehouse industry is booming.
If you can focus your employment search in this industry, you are more likely to find a position quickly. Jobs such as product stockers and fulfillment and delivery staff are in high demand. Whether you’re looking for some side income or need to replace lost income from a layoff, this is a great place to start.
The global pandemic of COVID-19 is affecting everyone in some way or another. As a military veteran or family member, however, there are several aid opportunities to consider. If you have experienced income or job loss due to the health crisis, use the tips above to get back in the game financially and keep your family afloat through this time in history.
