Furlough: Week 3

Military Furlough Series: Week Three — How to Use Support Letters and Protect Your Credit

It’s now week three of the furlough, and for many military families, the pressure is really setting in. Some still haven’t received pay, and the bills keep rolling in. The good news? Many commands and supervisors are stepping up, offering to write letters verifying the furlough and your financial situation.

That may sound like a small gesture, but those letters can be powerful tools when handled wisely.

How to Use a Support Letter the Smart Way

A letter from your commanding officer, supervisor, or HR representative can help you:

• Request a temporary extension on your rent, mortgage, or utility payment.

• Avoid late fees or negative credit reporting during the furlough.

• Show lenders you’re not avoiding payment, just waiting for back pay.

When you share the letter, stay proactive:

1. Contact your landlord, mortgage servicer, or utility company before your bill is due. Let them know what’s going on and provide the letter as documentation.

2. Ask for specific relief options. For example:

   • Can they defer a payment without adding late fees or interest?

   • Can they note your account as “current but delayed due to furlough” to protect your credit report?

3. Get everything in writing. If they agree to a temporary pause or reduced payment, ask for written confirmation — email is fine. You want a paper trail in case there’s any confusion later.

Don’t Forget Your Credit Cards

If you’ve had to rely on credit cards to fill the gap, you’re not alone. This isn’t ideal, but during a financial standstill like this, it’s understandable.
Now’s the time to call your credit card company and explain your situation. Many major issuers have special programs for furloughed workers or financial hardship cases.

Here’s what to ask for:

A temporary interest rate reduction. Even a few percentage points can make a big difference if you’re carrying a balance.

• A payment deferment or waived minimum payment for one billing cycle.

• Waived late fees if your payment date falls before your next paycheck.

Remember: your goal is to avoid long-term damage. This isn’t about skipping bills; it’s about preserving your stability until your pay catches up. Once it does, make paying down any emergency credit use a top priority — before the interest piles up.

Other Relief Options You Might Not Have Tried Yet

If you’re still stretched thin, here are a few more things worth checking:

• Auto lenders: Some, like USAA or Navy Federal, may offer a one-month payment extension for members impacted by a government shutdown.

• Cell phone and internet providers: Call and ask about “hardship programs.” They can often pause late fees or prevent disconnection.

• Insurance companies: Many will let you defer a premium without canceling your coverage — but you have to call and ask.

• Base relief programs: Don’t forget the Army Emergency Relief, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, and Air Force Aid Society. They exist for situations exactly like this.

Stay Calm, Stay Smart

You can’t control when the government reopens, but you can control how you respond. Using these support letters and hardship programs wisely can protect your credit, reduce your stress, and keep your family on solid footing.

If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed — take a breath. You’ve weathered worse, and this too will pass. The goal right now isn’t perfection; it’s preservation.