When Service Isn’t Enough: The Growing Number of Military Families on Government Assistance
When we think of military families, we often picture resilience, sacrifice, and patriotism. But behind the uniforms and ceremonies lies a quieter, more troubling reality: a significant number of military families in the United States are struggling to make ends meet—and many are turning to government assistance just to get by.
The Numbers Behind the Struggle
According to the 2023 Military Family Lifestyle Survey by Blue Star Families, financial insecurity remains a persistent issue for many military households:
- 1 in 6 active-duty families reported experiencing food insecurity.
- Among enlisted families, that number rises to 1 in 4.
- Over half of respondents were unaware of the Department of Defense’s Basic Needs Allowance (BNA), a program designed to help low-income military families.
The Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University also found that nearly 1.1 million veteran households rely on programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and 25% of active-duty spouses report low or very low food security.
Why Are Military Families Struggling?
Several factors contribute to this financial strain:
- Low Base Pay for Junior Enlisted Members: Entry-level military salaries often fall below the poverty line, especially for those with dependents.
- Frequent Relocations: Military families move every 2–3 years, making it difficult for spouses to maintain stable employment.
- Childcare Challenges: Limited access to affordable childcare hinders many military spouses from working.
- Housing Costs: Rising rents and inadequate housing allowances leave many families paying out of pocket.
Government Programs in Place
To address these challenges, several programs exist:
|
Program |
Purpose |
Challenges |
|
Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) |
Supplements income for low-income active-duty families |
Low awareness and limited eligibility |
|
SNAP (Food Stamps) |
Provides food assistance |
Stigma and bureaucratic hurdles |
|
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) |
Supports nutrition for pregnant women and young children |
Not always accessible near bases |
|
Military Family Readiness Programs |
Offers financial counseling and emergency aid |
Underutilized due to lack of awareness |
Where Do We Go From Here?
The fact that those who serve our country must rely on food banks and government aid is a sobering contradiction. Addressing this issue requires:
- Raising awareness of existing support programs like the BNA.
- Improving military pay and housing allowances, especially for junior enlisted members.
- Expanding spouse employment support, including remote work opportunities and license portability.
- Investing in affordable childcare on and near military installations.
Final Thoughts
Military families serve alongside their loved ones, enduring long separations, frequent moves, and the emotional toll of service. They deserve more than just gratitude—they deserve economic stability. Ensuring that no military child goes to bed hungry should be a national priority, not a policy footnote.