Government Shutdown Resources
Content Disclaimer: The sharing of resources, information, products, or services offered by external organizations does not constitute endorsement by the United States Department of Defense. The Utah National Guard, Joint Resiliency Directorate (J9), and its subordinate programs strive to provide an assortment of information to our military community to ensure all individuals receive content that is applicable and of interest to them. Except for authorized activities such as military exchanges and Morale, Welfare and Recreation sites, the United States Department of Defense does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these sites.
The most recent appropriations for the Department of War expired at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sept. 30, 2025.
Military personnel will continue in a normal duty status, performing excepted activities, until a continuing resolution or appropriations are passed by Congress and signed into law.
DEERS/ID Cards
OPEN
Education (Federal)
OPEN
Education (State)
OPEN
Records Requests
OPEN
MWR/Ticket Sales
OPEN
Soldier/Family Resources
OPEN
Community Requests
OPEN
Available J9 Services
Food Assistance
Community partner food drives and special events are announced as scheduled
Feeding America Food Bank Network
The Feeding America Food Bank Network consists of the Feeding America national organization, working in coordination with food banks, food pantries, and local meal programs to distribute food and provide assistance in every single county across the United States.
The National School Lunch Program
Reduced cost or free
Visit your child’s school or school district office or their website to apply.
The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential childcare institutions. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to children each school day.
Applications are for the current school year those applying due to furlough may continue the program or request to be removed after they are no longer financially impacted by the government shutdown.
Utah Department of Workforce Services - Unemployment Insurance
Temporary income is available for qualified workers who are unemployed, through no fault of their own, and are looking for full-time work or in approved training.
Employment Insurance & Furloughs, The Facts
If you are a federal employee or Servicemember affected by a government shutdown, wait until your first missed day of regular work before filing for unemployment benefits.
Furloughed federal employees and eligible Servicemembers are generally considered unemployed through no fault of their own, though eligibility is determined case by case.
While not required, providing pay stubs or federal documents such as the SF-8 or SF-50 can help speed up processing. If possible, upload recent pay stubs from March, June, September, and December 2024, and March and June 2025.
Essential personnel, including Servicemembers working full time without pay, may also file, but must report any hours worked or wages earned. The fastest way to apply is online, whether on a computer or smartphone.
If you later receive back pay, you must repay any unemployment benefits for those same weeks. Furloughed workers and Servicemembers are considered “job-attached” and do not need to search for other work; indicate this status and request a 10-week deferral when filing. Because federal employers and military agencies don’t report wage data directly, select “Other” for employer type, list your agency or branch, and the Unemployment Insurance Division will verify your information.
Financial Assistance
Holiday Assistance
Utah Guard Charitable Trust Sub for Santa Program
For over twenty years, the Utah Guard Charitable Trust Sub for Santa Program has brightened the holiday season for thousands of Utah National Guard Children. This valuable program, designed for one-time assistance to Utah Military Families facing financial hardships, helps bring Christmas spirit to those who might go without during the holiday season. The application for 2026 closes on December 7th.
Utah National Guard Annual Holiday Meal Program
The Joint Resiliency Directorate (J9) is committed to supporting the well-being of our Utah National Guard personnel and their families. Their annual Holiday meal program provides an uncooked turkey dinner with all the necessary sides to Servicemembers who may experience challenges affording a traditional holiday meal. Servicemembers can register themselves or other Guardsmen to receive this meal. Registration closes November 10th. The Registration closes on November 10th.
TRICARE Update
TRICARE - Federal Government Shutdown Updates
During the current lapse in government appropriations, you may continue to get care or attend currently scheduled appointments with your civilian providers. Your usual out-of- pocket costs will apply. You may also continue to fill prescriptions at military pharmacies, retail network pharmacies, and home delivery. However, TRICARE may not be able to process or pay medical claims received on or after 01 October 2025, until funding is restored.
Pet Assistance
Statewide Pet Food Resource List
Best Friends Salt Lake City has created a statewide list of organizations who offer pet owners assistance with food for their furry friends.
Nationwide Pet Food Pantry Finder
Use the pet help finder tool to locate organizations who assist with pet food and supplies. The list generated will not be all inclusive there may be other pantries in your area not listed.