Air Force Aid Society

The Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) is the official charity of the United States Air Force. The Society supports the Air Force mission by providing worldwide emergency assistance to Airmen and their eligible family members, sponsoring educational assistance programs, and offering an array of base community enhancement programs that have a positive impact on the welfare of Airmen and their families.

Headquarters AFAS

Who does the Air Force Aid Society Help?

• Active Duty Air Force members and their dependent family members
• Retired Air Force members
• Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve personnel on extended active duty over 15 days under Title 10 U.S.C.
• Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard members who are away from their home base or stationed in the local area

EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Air Force Aid Society emergency financial assistance is provided to Airmen and their families to meet immediate needs in an emergency. The Society is able to provide interest free loans and grants due to gracious donors.

Falcon Loan

• Up to $750 loan, only to be used for basic living expenses, vehicle expenses, emergency travel, or medical/dental expenses
• Repayment will be allotment for 3-10 months

Air Force Aid Loan

• Amount of loan is based on individual circumstances
• Assistance given for basic living expenses, medical/dental care, funeral expenses, respite care, vehicle repairs, pay/allotment problems, disasters and other emergencies

Applying for an AF Aid Loan is as easy as 1-2-3

1. Complete the application at www.afas.org
2. ID card and current LES required
3. Call and schedule an appointment at the Airman & Family Readiness Center 777-4681

Civilian Resources: If you are a civilian in need of assistance please visit www.feea.org.

EDUCATION ASSISTANCE

General Arnold Education Grant

Provides grants to dependent children of active duty, Title 10 AGR/Reservist on extended active duty, Title 32 AGR performing full-time active duty, retired, or deceased Air Force member. Spouses or surviving spouses of an active duty AF member are also eligible. Must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student with a minimum GPA of 2.0.

Applications are accepted November through March at www.afas.org.

Youth Employment Skills (YES)

This is an opportunity for dependants of active duty Air Force members in grades 9-12 to learn valuable work skills while making a positive impact in the Hill AFB community. YES students will "bank" $4 per hour volunteered on base towards post-secondary education/training, for a maximum of $1000.

To learn more or enroll contact the Youth Center at 801-777-2419.

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMS

The Air Force Aid Society offers a variety of programs that improve member/family welfare

Give Parents a Break

• Recognizing that Air Force families are subject to unique stresses due to the nature of military life; deployments, family seperations, and extended working hours. The AFAS has a special program to give parents an occasional break providing childcare at the Child Development Center and/or Youth Center.
• Active Duty Air Force families eligible for the Give Parents a Break program include those where a parent is feeling stress due to:
• The military member being deployed due to TDY
• Having a child with special needs
• An emergency situation, such as illness of a family member
• Unique circumstances or hardships A referral certificate can be obtained at the Airman & Family Readiness Center.

Childcare for PCS

Because moving can be an emotional as well as financial strain on our Air Force families, Air Force Aid Society has developed a program that provides up to 20 hours of childcare per child with a Family Child Care provider. Families Can receive childcare within 60 days of arrival and/or departure of a PCS move.

Bring your PCS orders to the Airman & Family Readiness Center to obtain your certificate.

Childcare for Voluteers

Air Force Aid Society will pay for childcare with a Family Child Care provider for Air Force spouses who volunteer at base agencies while supporting the Hill AFB community.

If you are in need of a volunteer opportunity call the Volunteer Coordinator or to see if your volunteer work qualifies for this program call 801-777-4681.

Car Care Because We Care

In order to minimize the stress on both the spouse and service member during deployment, the Air Force Aid Society developed a program to provide a free oil change to spouses of Air Force members who are deployed 30 days or more or who are assigned to a one-year remote tour. Services are provided at the base Firestone

To receive an oil change voucher, bring a copy of the member's order after the member has been deployed more than 30 days.

Bundles for Babies

This class is offered to expecting parents to learn about preparing for your new baby, budgeting for your baby, car seat safety, childcare options, and marriage with children. Expecting parents receive a bundle of baby items provided by Air Force Society valued over $75.

To sign up for this class call the Airman & Family Readiness Center at 801-777-4681.

Employment

Hill AFB

AF - www.usajobs.gov
NAF - www.75thforcesupport.com 
AAFES - www.aafes.com 

Local Employers

Davis School District - www.davis.k12.ut.us
Department of Workforce Services
Morgan School District - www.morgan.k12.ut.us
Ogden City - www.ogdencity.com
Ogden School District - www.ogden.k12.ut.us

State of Utah

www.utah.gov - State jobs, finding local jobs, lists of employers, and more info
Utah Job Finder - www.utahjobfinder.com 
Weber School District - www.weber.k12.ut.us
Weber State University
Wells Fargo Bank

Helpful Tools:

USAJobs and Federal Resume Writing Course

School Liaison

The average military family moves 9 times over a 20 year career.  When military children move they are faced with a variety of school-related challenges.  The challenges can be--school choice--transfer of records--immunizations--special programs--special education needs-graduation

The School Liaison Officer:

• Promotes and improves the educational environment of military dependent children.
• Promotes communication, awareness and partnerships between schools, military organizations and parents
• Acts as the primary advisor and representative for the installation commander at school functions throughout the education community as it relates to the military dependent child.

Families who live on Hill Air Force Base attend:
Hill Field Elementary (K-6)
www.davis.k12.ut.us/schools/hillfield/

North Layton Junior High (7-9)
www.davis.k12.ut.us/schools/nljh/

Northridge High School (10-12)
www.davis.k12.ut.us/school/nhs/

Links:
School Liaison Brochure
Parents Handbook: School Age Children
State of Utah Education Requirements

Transitioning Reminders:

• Contact the School Liaison Officer to begin your relocation planning process, for assistance with local, private and charter school information, or any other questions you may have regarding your child's educational needs.
• Provide adequate withdrawal notice to losing school.
• Contact future housing office for availability details.
• Check web sources for local school system particulars.
• Understand the process for student records transfer.
• Check new school calendars for vital dates.
• Check for student eligibility requirements (age, immunizations).
• Understand any new grading/placement systems.
• HAND CARRY ALL REQUIRED SCHOOL RECORDS--do not include them in household goods. 
  

Local School Districts Contact Information 

Public Schools 

Davis School District
(Includes the cities of:  North Salt Lake, Woods Cross, Bountiful, West Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington, Fruit Heights, Kaysville,  Layton, Clearfield, Syracuse, Clinton, South Weber, Sunset, West Point)

www.davis.k12.ut.us

Weber School District
(Includes the cities of:  Ogden, Plain City, Roy, Pleasant View,  Farr West, Harrisville, Hooper, Huntsville, Marriott-Slaterville, North Ogden, Riverdale, South Ogden, Uintah, Washington Terrace, West Haven)

www.weber.k12.ut.us

Ogden City School District
(Includes schools in the city of Ogden)

www.ogden.k12.ut.us

For local private or charter school information or details regarding online learning opportunities, please contact the School Liaison Office directly at 801-775-5960

FAQ’s
Q: Where do children that live on base attend school?
A: Children of base housing residents are in the Davis School District.  K-6 grade attend Hill Field Elementary, 7-9 grade attend North Layton Junior High (effective 2009-2010 school year), 10-12 grade attend Northridge High
Q: How old must my child be to start Kindergarten? 
A: Children who are five years of age on or before by Sept. 1 will be accepted into kindergarten.
Q: Are students required to wear uniforms to school?
A: Some Utah schools require students to wear uniforms.  One of which is North Layton Junior High (on-base junior high students).  Contact your child's school to learn if your child will be required to wear a uniform.

Contact A&FRC for more information. 777-4681

The Airman & Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) has an Exceptional Family Member Program-Family Support Specialist (EFMP-FS) on staff.  EFMP-FS is designed to provide support to family members with special needs. Here you will be provided with information and resources covering the diverse needs of exceptional families.

The EFMP-FS Specialist services include, but are not limited to:

}     Information and Referral
}     Advocacy
}     Resource Information
}     Workshops
}     Respite Information
}     Relocation Assistance
}     Financial Assistance
}     Early Intervention
}     School Information

Hill AFB Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Quick Reference Listing

EFMP Assistance
*EFMP-FS (Family Support) Specialist-Bldg 150… efmpfs@hill.af.mil … (801)586-2611/DSN 586-
2611
EFMP-FS Specialist connects families with special needs to on and off base support services and assists with family support needs.
*EFMP-M (Medical)-Bldg 570
Family Member Relocation Clearance Coordinator (FMRCC)……… (801)777-1237/DSN 777-1237 hill.efmpm@hill.af.mil … FMRCC assists with EFMP enrollment and PCS clearance and medical clearance.
*EFMP-A (Assignments) MPS/Career Development-Bldg 430, walk in hours- 0930-1500
75FSS.fsmpd.careerdevelopment@hill.af.mil …………………… (801) 777-1661/DSN 777-0083
EFMP-A provides information/assistance on the EFMP assignment process and other assignment actions.

On Base Assistance
School Liaison Officer (SLO)-Bldg 150………………………………. (801)775-5960/DSN 775-5960
SLO connects families, schools, and the military community, to facilitate educational transition and academic experiences.

New Parent Support Nurse-Bldg 545………………………………….. (801)777-0634/3497
Registered Nurse (RN) provides in home support for families with children under 3years of age.

Airman & Family Readiness Center (A&FRC)-Bldg 150 (801)777-4681/DSN 777-4681                  75FSS.FSFR@hill.af.mil
The A&FRC is the focal Point for personal and family readiness and deployment planning/support, transition assistance, employment assistance, volunteer resource services, personal financial management skills development and provision of consumer information, Air Force Aid Society assistance, personal and family life skills
development, dependent education information and issues assistance, information and referral services on a variety
of family support related areas, Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) support services, relocation assistance, and support to the community during disaster/crisis/evacuation situations via the Emergency Family Assistance Control Center (EFACC).

This DoD website has information to support families managing a military career. Families with a member with special needs can
select “Troops & Families” on the top and then “Special Needs/EFMP” on the left to find specialized information and resources.

STOMP (Specialized Training of Military Parents) ….www.stompproject.org …… (800)5-PARENT A federally funded Parent Training & Information (PTI) Center established to assist military families who have children with special education or health needs.

Wrights Law……………………………………............www.WrightsLaw.com
Wrights Law’s purpose is to educate and inform members and keep them abreast of the latest news and issues in the world of
Special Education. This site contains excellent books and resources to help navigate the Special Ed process.

National Information Center for Children & Youth with Disabilities……www.nichcy.org NICHCY is a national information center that provides information on disabilities and disability related issues, focusing on children and youth, birth to age 22.

FAQ
Q. What paperwork will be needed in order to start services for my child with a special need?
A. Any information that you can bring with you will be helpful when starting your child in a new school
setting but the most important document is a current Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or
Individual Education Plan (IEP). It is VERY important to work with your current education program to be sure that the dates of the IFSP/IEP remain current during your transition to Utah. For example, if the IEP runs out during the summer and you PCS to Utah, you will be required to meet with the school district to design a new plan before services will start. If your IEP is current, the school district can start services immediately when the new school year begins.

Q. Will my child get the same specialized services as they are receiving now?
A. Each IFSP/IEP is based on the needs of your child and the available supports within the early intervention program and school district.

Q. Why does my child’s medical diagnosis differ from the school classification?
A. Education and medical systems are driven by different funding streams and federal and state
regulations. The medical system diagnoses using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th Ed.). Early intervention and school programs must comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and managed by state rules and regulations of the Department of Health (Early Intervention) and the Department of Education (school age programs).

Q. If my child has just been recently diagnosed and has never received specialized supports how long will we have to wait for services?
A. A referral can be submitted to the school district at any time during the scheduled school year. If you
arrive during the summer months when school is not in session, you will have to wait to the beginning of the new school year to submit your referral.
B. Early intervention is a 12 month program and is available whenever you reach Utah. Services should start within 45 days of your contact with the early intervention provider.

Being in the military or being part of a military family can include some unique stressors and challenges.  However, it can also present extraordinary opportunities for growth.  As part of the Personal and Work Life program the A&FRC provides services to assist servicemembers, family members, retirees, and DoD civilians with skills to maintain or improve their professional and personal relationships and increase resiliency.

The Key Spouse program is a formal program that provides informal peer-to-peer support to families.  Each unit has Key Spouses who are unit spouses that serve as a link between unit leadership and family members. Through their efforts Key Spouses promote individual, family, and unit readiness and also work to build strong AF communities.  Key Spouses provide unit families with timely and accurate information and resource referral services.  For more information about your unit’s Key Spouse(s) or to find out how to become a Key Spouse contact your unit’s first sergeant or the A&FRC.

Military Family Life Consultants (MFLC) are Master’s or Ph.D. level licensed clinical counselors.  They provide short term, solution-focused, non-clinical counseling to service members and their families.  They can also provide psycho-education on topics such as coping with stress, time management, and the effects of deployments on families and/or relationships.  The MFLCs are mandated reporters of child abuse, domestic abuse, and duty to warn situations, but otherwise keep no records and can meet with clients in multiple locations.  The MFLC can be reached by calling 801.388.2501.    

The Readiness Program provides mobility and deployment assistance to help single and married DoD personnel and families meet pre-deployment, sustainment, reintegration, and post-deployment challenges.  The services that are provided help reduce stress and deal with separation and reintegration, increase individual and family morale, and support operational readiness.

Pre-Deployment Briefings are designed to provide resources and information aimed at reducing stress on the military member and their loved ones when preparing for a deployment and coping with separation.  Pre-Deployment briefings are mandatory for all military personnel who are deploying and spouses are highly encouraged to attend.  The briefings are held at the A&FRC every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. for married Airmen and 10:00 a.m. for single Airmen. Spouses highly encouraged to attend!

The Hearts Apart Program supports loved ones and families of all military members serving overseas or in war zones.  The program offers activities that include an educational component as well as social networking opportunities.  All activities are advertised through monthly newsletters.

The Morale Call Program allows the military member on a deployment or remote tour the opportunity to make two 15-minute phone calls per week.  The system also allows the spouse to make two 15-minute calls.  The number for the morale call line is: DSN 586-2426

Reintegration Briefings are available and mandatory for returning servicemembers to provide support, education, and early intervention to military members and their families during readjustment from the deployed location.  Reintegration briefings take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 0800-1000 at BLDG 900.  To sign up for a Reintegration briefing, contact your UDM.

Personal Financial Readiness

Everyone wants to meet their financial goals and responsibilities! The A&FRC Personal Financial Readiness Services includes information, education, and personal financial counseling to help individuals and families maintain financial readiness. The A&FRC conducts financial management classes designed to heighten the financial skills and posture of all Team Hill’s military and DoD civilian personnel. The A&FRC also provides individual assistance with developing budgets, establishing plans to pay off debt, improving credit scores and credit reports, and basic investing.

Military Saves is an ongoing social marketing campaign aimed at encouraging military families to save money and reduce debt. As part of the Military Saves campaign, the A&FRC offers workshops throughout the year. The kick off week for Military Saves week occurs annually during the third week of February. During that week emphasis is placed on increasing awareness of the program and its purpose through financial related events and workshops. For additional information on Military Saves or to pledge to be a saver go to: www.militarysaves.org.

To sign up for a class, schedule an individual appointment or find out more about the Military Saves Campaign, contact the A&FRC at 777-4681.

Links
TSP www.tsp.gov 
My Money www.mymoney.gov 
In Charge Debt Solutions www.incharge.org 
DFAS www.dod.mil/dfas 
Power Pay www.powerpay.org
Save and Invest www.saveandinvest.org
Militratry One Source www.militaryonesource.com
Annual Credit Report www.annualcreditreport.com

No Federal endorsement intended.

Transition Assistance Program

Through individual counseling, workshops, seminars, and job fairs, the Transition Assistance Program prepares members to transition into a second career. Individuals identify their skills, learn to search the job market, and successfully market themselves to quickly secure employment in the civil sector.

Pre-Separation Briefing

This congressionally MANDATED briefing is designed to assist those making a decision to separate from the military. Attendees will recieve valuable information on benefits, resources, and assistance available to separating/retiring personnel. The briefing is mandatory and is a prerequisite to the TAP Seminar. Please call the A&FRC at 777-4681 to schedule a pre-seperation briefing.

Members should attend this briefing immediately upon deciding to leave the Air Force. At a minimum, schedule attendance at least 180 days before your date of separation. It is mandatory that the briefing is completed 90 days prior to separation date. Spouses are encouraged to attend.

Members deploying should attend the briefing prior to departure if they plan to separate upon their return.

Members should not delay in planning for separation and retirement.  Pre-Separation Timeline

Pre-Separation Briefings are held every Tuesday at varying times.

Preseperation Packets

Benefits Delivery at Discharge FAQ

Blank DD Form 2648

Combat Related Special Compensation

Gold Card

Individual Transition Plan Sample

Need Help Filing a VA Claim

Pre-Separation Timeline

Pre-Separation Briefing

PRE-SEP VET PREFERENCE

State of Utah Veteran Benefits Fact Sheet

Service or Benefits Chart

Separations-Retirement Quicklist

State of Utah Veteran Benefits Fact Sheet

Timeline Traffic Management

Timeline MPF Quicklist

Timeline Housing

Transition Assistance Program Brochure

Turbo TAP Transition Guide

TAP Workshop

The seminar last 5 days and is held twice a month. During TAP members recieve instruction on resume writing, cover letters, dressing for the job, and effective interviewing skills. TAP Schedule

A VA representative also provides an overview of Veteran benefits/entitlements, current Post 9/11 GI Bill opportunities and the Vocational Rehabilitation Program.

TAP prepares participants to:

• Analyze skills and experience, likes and dislikes, work values, and how these affect their job search.
• Identify needs and goals, then compare them with information about jobs in various industries.
• Respond to job offers and answer questions in a job interview and identify behaviors to strengthen or change.
• Identify agencies available to provide job search assistance and information on veteran's benefits.

Spending Plan Worksheet

Individual Transition Plan

Turbo TAP Transition Guide

Disabled American Veterans

The Veteran's Administration (VA) operates  a "Benefits Delivery at Discharge" program that assists service members with development of VA disability compensation claims prior to their discharge. This fosters continuity of care between the military and VA systems, and speeds up VA's processing of the application for compensation. 

Under this program, active duty service members may file claims for residuals of mental and/or physical conditions that occurred while on active duty. Claims may be submitted as early as 180 days prior to separation or retirement, but not less than 45 days from separation or retirement.

Claims can be filed under the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program between 180-60 days from date of separation. Claims can also be submitted from 59-0 days from date of separation under the Quck Start Program. 

The Disabled American Veteran's (DAV) Transition Service Officer can review your service medical records, assist you in completing appropriate applications, and submit your claim to the Salt Lake City VA Regional Office. You will then be scheduled for appropriate medical exams, your claim will be processed, and the VA will forward their rating decision to you as soon as possible after your separation from active duty.

The DAV Transition Service Officer briefs the VA "Benefits Delivery at Discharge" program at the Transition Assistance Program seminars to ensure that service members are aware of their VA benefits. The Service Officer can also provide guidance and applications for obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility for VA Home Loan benefits. 

To schedule an appointment please call the DAV directly at (801) 326-2375. You may also file your claim direct with the VA and can contact them for an appointment at (801) 326-2328. The VA is normally at our facility on Thursdays depending during TAP week.

A complete copy of your medical record is required prior to your first initial appointment. It is advised you also maintain and file a copy for yourself. Do not submit your copy and do not submit any original document. 

Disabled American Vets


Veterans Administration

Survivor Benefits Program

The Survivor Benefit Plan is an annuity plan that provides a guaranteed monthly amount to the dependents to help replace the loss of the retirement pay. Retirement pay ends at the time of death of the retiree.

A mandatory SBP briefing is required for the member and spouse 120 days prior to the official retirement date.

Counseling on the SBP is available at Hill AFB to assist the member and spouse to make an informed decision.

To schedule an appointment, call 801-777-2863 or 801-777-4681.

More information on the SBP is available at http://www.retirees.af.mil/

Finance Resources during a Government Furlough

Furloughed employees can expect a reduction in pay and should be proactive in preparing for the resulting effects on their financial responsibilities and quality of life.  As with any situation in which there is a loss of income, proper financial planning is the key to success.  Your immediate action will ensure minimal impact to your financial future.  If you have not recently completed an accurate financial assessment or completed a thorough budget review, it would be in your best interest to do so.  Do not hesitate to contact your creditors immediately if you experience financial difficulty.  Communication with them is the first step to ensuring you remain in control of your financial game plan.  Keeping payments on time will also reduce the risk of incurring additional late fees and other penalties.  If you are currently experiencing difficulty with managing your budget you may want to consider receiving credit counseling at one of the resources listed in this guide.  Take action now to reorganize your budget and prioritize you needs and wants. 

Health Care & Life Insurance

Furloughed employees still receive full medical insurance benefits.  Neither services nor premiums will be affected.  Life insurance premiums and benefits for federal employees will also remain unchanged

Utility Assistance Programs

If you have been living in your residence for at least one year, contact your utility companies for assistance in determining if you meet the eligibility requirements for an Equal Payment Plan (EPP).  An EPP average your utility costs over the entire year and provide an average monthly billing.  By taking advantage of an EPP you can avoid spikes in your heat and electric bill during winter and summer months.
Depending on your income you may be eligible for financial assistance through other utility programs such as the Home Energy Assistance Target (HEAT) program.  HEAT provides winter utility payment assistance to low-income households, targeting those who are truly vulnerable - the lowest-income households with the highest heating costs: the disabled, elderly, and families with preschool-age children.

Rocky Mountain Power
http://www.rockymountainpower.net/res/po.html
(888) 221-7070

Questar Gas
https://www.questargas.com/index.php
(800) 323-5517

City and local utility companies should be contacted directly to inquire about any further assistance available.

Legal Assistance

For complex or serious issues consult with an attorney or a lawyer.  Several free clinics are located throughout Utah.  Pro bono services offered at legal clinics may include legal advice for civil legal issues, help answering papers, summons, and requests, and referral and resource information.  Advice on criminal legal issues and representation in court are services that are typically NOT provided at free legal clinics.  Services provided may be dependent on income. 

http://www.utahbar.org/public/tuesday_night_bar.html

Employee Assistance Program

The EAP is your primary resource for financial counseling.  They can be reached at 800-222-0364 and are available 24/7 to schedule a consult with a financial counselor.  Appointments are normally scheduled during regular business hours from 0800-1900 CST.  Financial support is available via phone consults.  Basic consults are free and usually limited to 30 minutes, which typically provides enough time to ask questions about credit cards, mortgages, and budgets. If your needs are not met through the phone consult, EAP can provide referrals to credit counseling agencies or attorneys.  The first hour is typically free and any additional time spent is provided at a discounted rate.  When speaking with an EAP representative ask if there are any financial advisors or attorneys who will with PROBONO or provide an additional discount.  Services provided are confidential and counseling is provided through multiple formats and covers numerous topics.

The Primary website for the Employee Assistance Program is:
http://foh4you.com/

The EAP Financial Brochure can be located at:
https://www.magellanassist.com/mem/library/ContentDB.Image?id=6738
(Explains the EAP role in regards to financial services provided)

The EAP financial resources guide can be located at:
https://www.magellanassist.com/mem/library/contentDB.image?id=6808
(Lists various financial resource websites available for federal employees)

Utah Financial Resources

The non-profit agencies listed below offer FREE financial counseling related to debt and money management, credit and budget counseling, bankruptcy, foreclosure, and more.  Please contact them directly to inquire about available classes and/or financial counseling.

CornerStone Financial Education
http://www.csfedu.org/
3340 Harrison Blvd  Ogden, UT 84403
(801) 621-5600

Utah State University – Cooperative Extension
http://extension.usu.edu/
(801) 468-2846

Cottages of Hope
http://www.cottagesofhope.org/
2724 Washington Blvd  Ogden, UT 84401
(801) 393-4011

AAA Fair Credit Foundation
http://www.faircredit.org/
230 West 200 South, Suite 3104
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
800-351-4195

Additional Financial Resources:

Credit Counseling can be obtained through most banks and credit unions if you are a member.  Contact your bank directly to for additional information and resources. 

National Foundation For Credit Counseling
http://www.nfcc.org/

Current or former military veterans may have access to financial advisors at:
USAA Bank
https://www.usaa.com
1-800-771-9960

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

During government furlough you may want to evaluate your individual TSP plan contributions.  Employees who will have significant difficulty meeting all of their financial obligations due to reduced income may want to change or modify the amount they are putting into TSP and/or their specific allocations.  A financial hardship withdrawal or a TSP loan may also be options (consider both the pros and the cons before doing either).  Check your eligibility for on the TSP website (www.tsp.gov).  Review the TSP Sequestration Guide for additional information. 

Sequestration and your TSP account:
https://www.tsp.gov/PDF/formspubs/oc13-7.pdf

Debt Management Plan

If you're in debt, chances are you've already looked into ways to pay off your debts. You may have heard about "debt counseling" or "DMP" or "Debt Management Plan" or "debt consolidation" and wondered what's right for you.  A Debt Management Plan (DMPs) is one option that helps by consolidating your debt (without taking out another loan).  If a Debt Management Plan is right for you, the DMP company negotiates with your creditors to obtain lower payments (with reduced interest rates and/or late and over-limit fees waived). A monthly payment is established that fits your budget, and you make one payment directly to the DMP company, who then disburses individual payments to all your creditors. By setting a debt payment schedule, you'll know exactly how long it will take to be debt-free.

Benefits of a DMP are:

• Reduced monthly payments and interest rates
• Waived late and over-the-limit fees
• Reduced collection calls and letters
• The convenience of one monthly payment
• Re-aging your account to bring it current

As always, be an informed consumer. Ask questions to ensure that you are well-informed about both the pros and cons of a DMP before you sign any legally binding documents. 

The InCharge Institute of America has a signed Memorandum of Understanding with the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Military Community and Family Policy), which establishes a partnership that allows military installations throughout the DoD to use the programs, services, and materials of the InCharge Institute.  This is a part of the DoD campaign to improve the financial readiness of servicemembers and their families.  One of the services that InCharge offers is a debt management plan.  InCharge can also provide financial counseling and additional information and/or resources on money matters.

InCharge Debt Solutions
http://www.incharge.org/
800-565-8953
Local food banks

The local food banks are willing to assist when necessary.  Please contact them directly for assistance if needed.  However, please be aware that your eligibility for services/food may be dependent on your income.

Catholic Community Services Food Bank
http://www.ccsutah.org/
2504 F Ave 
Ogden, UT 84401
(801) 394-5944

Family Connection Center Food Bank
http://familyconnection4u.org/
875 E Hwy. 193, Layton, UT 84041
(801) 771-4642

Financial Assistance

If approved, the Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund provides interest free loans of up to $1,000 to assist with individual emergency situations.  Federal employees, who have been employed by the federal government for at least one year are eligible to apply for emergency financial assistance through this organization.  Assistance is generally provided for the following types of hardships:

• Death in the employee's immediate family
• Loss of income
• LWOP due to severe illness or family-member illness. Employee must be back at work.
• Family breakup, separation, or divorce
• Critical illness in the employee's immediate family
• Major loss of property due to natural disaster such as: fire, flood, hurricane
• Government pay error in cases where the pay shortage was caused by governmental error (e.g., an administrative or disbursing mistake, computer problem, or check lost in the mail)

Loan checks are made payable to the specific creditor(s) the employee is behind in paying. Loans are repaid through payroll allotment administered by the employee's payroll service, e.g. Employee Express, My Pay, NFC or Postal Ease and are generally repaid within a year.  Applications can be printed from online and must be faxed with all supporting documentation for review. 

Read the entire application and include all supporting documentation when submitting your request.

Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund
http://www.feaa.org
3333 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Suite 300
Lakewood, CO 80227
(303) 933-7580

Retired servicemembers and active duty members whose spouses have been furloughed are eligible to apply for assistance through the Air Force Aid Society.  The Air Force Aid Society stands ready to assist eligible individuals affected by the anticipated furloughs.  Air Force Aid assistance DOES NOT replace lost income, nor is help given on an ongoing basis.  Each request is looked at based on the personal situation of the individual or family.  If eligible, contact the A&FRC for information on how to apply for financial assistance through Air Force Aid.

Airman & Family Readiness Center
BLDG 150
777-4681

Financial Suggestions

• Take an honest look at your finances and prioritize your needs and wants.
• Start saving NOW
• Track your monthly and daily spending
• Elect automatic payment plans for mandatory expenses to help alleviate stress
• Be a well informed shopper
• Take advantage of sales and coupons
• Pay your bills on time to reduce the risk of penalties and fees and contact lender if required.  (Often fees can be waived)
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it!