They’re the free programs, services, and support resources available through the military community. From financial counseling and career support to child care assistance and crisis resources, these programs can help families navigate challenges, reduce stress, and avoid costly setbacks. Here are some of the resources every military family should know about.  

Military OneSource – If there’s one resource every military family should bookmark today, it’s Military OneSource. Military OneSource provides free support, expert consultations, and confidential assistance for a wide variety of military life challenges.

• Available services include:
  • Financial counseling and money management support
  • Budget planning assistance
  • Career coaching
  • Relationship resources
  • Parenting support
  • Elder care consultations
  • PCS and transition assistance
  • Confidential non-medical counseling
• Whether you’re creating a budget, preparing for a move, exploring a new career opportunity, or navigating a major life change, Military OneSource can connect you with trusted experts at no cost. 
• Phone: 800-342-9647
• Website: militaryonesource.mil
• Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Financial Emergencies Happen – Even the most carefully planned budget can be impacted by unexpected expenses. A vehicle breaks down. Emergency travel becomes necessary. Housing costs increase unexpectedly. A family emergency arises. Military relief organizations exist to help eligible military families through these situations before financial hardship becomes overwhelming. 

• Army Emergency Relief (AER) – Army Emergency Relief provides financial assistance to eligible Soldiers and their families facing unexpected financial challenges.
  • Website: armyemergencyrelief.org 
• Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) – The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society offers financial assistance and educational programs designed to help Sailors, Marines, and their families achieve financial stability.
  • Website: nmcrs.org 
• Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) – The Air Force Aid Society supports Airmen, Guardians, and their families through financial assistance and community support programs. 
  • Website: afas.org
• Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA) – Coast Guard Mutual Assistance provides financial and educational support programs for Coast Guard members and their families.
  • Website: cgmahq.org 
• Depending on eligibility and circumstances, assistance may be available for: 
  • Emergency travel
  • Rent or housing expenses
  • Utility bills
  • Vehicle repairs
  • Essential living expenses
  • Disaster-related needs
  • Family emergencies
• Knowing these organizations exist before a crisis occurs can save both money and stress.  

Protect Your Financial Wellness by Supporting Your Mental Wellness – Financial stress rarely exists on its own.  Major life challenges, deployments, relationship challenges, caregiving responsibilities, and mental health concerns can all impact a family’s financial well-being. That’s why military families have access to several free support resources.  

• Military and Family Life Counseling (MFLC) – Military and Family Life Counselors provide free, confidential, non-medical counseling to help military families navigate everyday challenges. 
  • Support is available for: 
    • Stress management
    • Relationship concerns
    • Parenting challenges
    • Deployment-related stress
    • Grief and loss
    • Military transitions
  • Contact your installation’s Military and Family Support Center to learn about available services.
• Installation Behavioral Health Resources – Most military installations offer behavioral health and mental health services through military treatment facilities and support centers. Taking advantage of available resources early can help prevent challenges from becoming larger issues later. 

Career Resources for Military Families – Military families often face career disruptions to PCS moves, deployments, and changing duty assignments.  Fortunately, several military-focused programs exist to help spouses and service members build long-term career success. 

• Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) – The Military Spouse Employment Partnership connects military spouses with employer partners committed to recruiting, hiring, promoting, and retaining military spouse talent.  These employers understand military life and unique challenges military spouses face. 
• SECO Career Center – The Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) program provides: 
  • Career coaching
  • Resume assistance
  • Interview preparation
  • Education guidance
  • Employment resources
  • Learn more through Military OneSource. 
• Investing in your career can create long-term financial stability for your family, and these resources are available at no cost. 

Child Care Support for Military Families – Child care is one of the largest expenses many families face.  Military families may be eligible for programs that help connect them with quality care and reduce out-of-pocket costs. 

• Child Care Aware® of America – Child Care Aware of America helps eligible military families access quality child care and fee assistance programs. 
  • Website: childcareaware.org
• MilitaryChildCare.com – MilitaryChildCare.com is the Department of War’s gateway for military-operated and military-subsidized child care programs worldwide. For many families, these programs can provide both financial savings and peace of mind. 
  • Website: militarychildcare.com 

Resources for Veterans – Veterans and their families have access to a wide range of benefits and services through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 

• Department of Veterans Affairs
  • The VA offers benefits and services that support Veterans throughout every stage of life, including: 
    • Health care services
    • Mental health care
    • PTSD treatment
    • Telehealth appointments
    • Women’s health services
    • Caregiver support
    • Housing resources
    • Benefits assistance 
  • Phone: 877-222-VETS (8387)
  • Website: va.gov
  • Many Veterans are eligible for programs and services they may not realize are available, making it worthwhile to explore available benefits regularly. 

Save These Numbers Before You Need Them – Some resources are important enough to keep readily available. 

• Veterans Crisis Line – Free, confidential support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for Veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and those who support them. 
  • Call: 988, then Press 1
  • Text: 838255
  • Website: veteranscrisisline.net
• Emergency Services – If someone is in immediate danger or at risk of harming themselves or others: 
  • Call: 911
  • Visit: Your nearest emergency room

A Different Kind of Savings

At My Military Savings, we’re passionate about helping military families save money, but some of the most valuable savings don’t come from coupons, discounts, or cashback offers. They come from knowing where to turn when life becomes challenging. 

The right resource at the right time can help prevent financial hardship, reduce stress, support a career transition, strengthen a family, or provide help during a crisis. Save this guide. Bookmark it. Share it with a fellow military family, because one of the smartest investments you can make isn’t something you buy. It’s knowing how to access the benefits, programs, and support you’ve earned through military service. 

Find Out More with My Military Savings and Military Life & Family!