First Command Covering Pay and Offering Support During Government Shutdown

FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--First Command Financial Services, Inc. will provide direct deposit federal pay for clients as part of a comprehensive assistance program during the government shutdown.

“First Command is committed to doing all we can to ensure that our Nation’s military families and other federal employees are not financially harmed by government actions or inactions that are beyond their control,” said First Command CEO/President Mark Steffe. “During the government shutdowns in October 2013 and December 2018-January 2019 we stepped up to help our clients and others who experienced economic hardships. As we face another shutdown, we are committing to again provide payroll advances and other assistance to our clients.”

The payroll advance offer will extend to several thousand eligible clients with existing direct deposit arrangements for their government paychecks through First Command Bank. The plan includes:

* Zero-interest payroll advances. First Command Bank is committed to making sure that clients who have existing direct deposit arrangements for their government paychecks will continue to have money in the bank. The program is designed to ensure that payroll advances will be transparent to clients, who will see the usual direct deposit amount credited to their account.

* Loan Assistance. Understanding that a government shutdown may strain family budgets, First Command Bank is prepared to work with clients on any First Command Bank loan payments.

* Penalty-free early C.D. withdrawals. First Command Bank will waive any early withdrawal penalties for clients who need to redeem a First Command Bank Certificate of Deposit prior to its maturity.

* Secured Lines of Credit. First Command Bank is ready to help clients use their non-tax qualified mutual fund as collateral for a low interest rate line of credit.

* Special handling of credit card accounts. First Command Bank’s Visa cardholders will be offered priority processing for increases to credit limits and deferments of monthly payments. The bank will also waive cash advance fees during a shutdown.

In addition, First Command will offer financial assistance to service members through contributions to various military service relief organizations.

First Command Financial Advisors are prepared to offer guidance on dealing with federal allotments for investments and insurance as well as other issues affecting family finances.

“Our knowledgeable Financial Advisors are available now to discuss possible ramifications for the finances of our clients,” Steffe said. “We have helped thousands of military and federal employees and their families plan for their financial futures, supporting them through times both good and bad. We are committed to make good on our mission of coaching those who serve in their pursuit of financial security.”

About First Command

First Command Financial Services and its subsidiaries, including First Command Brokerage Services, First Command Advisory Services, First Command Insurance Services and First Command Bank, coach our Nation’s military families in their pursuit of financial security. Since 1958, First Command Financial Advisors have been shaping positive financial behaviors through face-to-face coaching with hundreds of thousands of client families.

©2025 First Command Financial Services, Inc. is the parent company of First Command Brokerage Services, Inc. (Member SIPC, FINRA), First Command Advisory Services, Inc., First Command Insurance Services, Inc. and First Command Bank. Securities products and brokerage services are provided by First Command Brokerage Services, Inc., a broker-dealer. Financial planning and investment advisory services are provided by First Command Advisory Services, Inc., an investment adviser. Insurance products and services are provided by First Command Insurance Services, Inc. Banking products and services are provided by First Command Bank (Member FDIC). Investment and insurance products are not deposits, are not insured by the FDIC, and may lose value. A financial plan, by itself, cannot assure that retirement or other financial goals will be met. First Command Financial Services, Inc. and its related entities are not affiliated with, authorized to sell or represent on behalf of or otherwise endorsed by any federal employee benefit program, the U.S. government, the U.S. Armed Forces or any other third-party mentioned on this site. The First Command Educational Foundation is a separate 501(c)(3) public charity and is not affiliated with First Command Financial Services, Inc., or any of its affiliated entities.