Genuine Financial

Financial Hardship?

Does any one know what forms my husband would need to fill out to begin the process of filing for financial hardship with the Navy? I work full time to help with the bills but its not enough. We are tryong to pay off our credit cards but its not working. He's in DC and I am in KC, he would like to be tranfered to the Reserves. He doesn't want out of the Navy just out of Active Duty because the distance is what is causing the financial strain I can't move from KC because of a situation involving my son from my first marriage. Any help would be greatful Thanks. He has tried talking to his chain of command but they will not listen to him, nor help him out. Is there anyone else he might be able to talk to?

Public Comments

1. Try contacting Consumer Credit Counseling. Talk to them and see if they can help you. They talk to the creditors and get you lower payments and less interest and you only make the one payment to CCC. You have to give up your credit cards till they are paid off, but when you're done with your payments, you can get your cards back and you have a good credit standing! Hope it helps!
2. Navy Legal, Fleet and Family Support Services, Navy Marine Corps Relief, Military OneSource and his chain of command are all resources you can use to help you sort the situation out the best possible way. Just becuase his chain of command isn't giving him the answer he is looking for (a way to move from active duty to reserves) doesn't mean they can't help you get your situation worked out. He just needs to ask the right questions. I would probably start with militaryonesource as they're available 24/7 and can really point you in the best direction to start formulating a plan of action. Best of luck.
3. Besides consumer couseling, try talking to your ex. If that doesn't work, take him back to court to force a change in the custody situation. Set up a visitation plan for being back in KC four times a year where his Dad can have him for one week each time. Include holidays on this, the major ones are 4th of July, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas, alternate them so he is with his dad to each year, but different every other year. Also set up a weekly phone visit, for example, have your son call his father at 4pm each Sunday afternoon. Then stick to it.
4. While he may not be able to get discharged for financial hardship here is some information on how you may get help with those bills. (50 U.S.C. App. § 526) No obligation or liability bearing interest at a rate in excess of 6 percent per year incurred by a person in military service before that person's entry into that service shall, during any part of the period of military service, bear interest at a rate in excess of 6 percent per year unless, in the opinion of the court, upon application thereto by the obligee, the ability of such person in the military service to pay interest upon such obligation or liability at a rate in excess of 6 percent per year is not materially affected by reason of such service, in which case the court may make such order as in its opinion may be just. As used in this section the term "interest" includes service charges, renewal charges, fees, or any other charges (except bona fide insurance) in respect of such obligation or liability. Now you can find out more regarding this at the following web site http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/sscra/blchap3-7.htm Hope this is of some help to you.
5. There are no forms to fill out. He and you are in the situation you are in because of poor financial planning. Living beyond your means and using credit cards. That is not the Navy's fault. Your husband has a legal contract. He can get out of the Navy when his current contract is up. Your child from your prior relationship is not the Navy's problem. Why don't you move in with your family and stop supporting two households. You were given a screening prior to your husband enlisting if you were around when he enlisted that outlined his pay and the bills you two had at the time. The Navy looks very carefully are married people entering the Navy to avoid crap like this. He needs to go to the Family Service Center like I told you last time and get financial assistance. They will do whatever they can to help your financial situation, but they too are not going to say or help him out of the Navy. Right now if your stuff is as bad as you say he will get kicked out for financial indebtedness and poor financial planning. No he's not going to get everyone jumping to help him because it is a situation you guys got yourself into. Paying rent and utilities does not required using credit cards. Living within your means is your responsibility not the Navy's. He has a job that you are both putting at risk because of your poor financial choices. Your child is your responsibility. Not the Navy's. Start talking to the baby's daddy and working the stuff out. It is his right to have an active role in his childs life and you moving all over the world with your Navy husband keeps him from being in his childs life. He is doing what he should be doing by keeping you in the area. You should have thought of this before marrying a Sailor. Stop working this plan of him getting out of the Navy by choice. If the money situation gets bad enough they will kick him out then you are really screwed. He is enlisted in the Navy with a legal contract. Once that contract is over he can get out, not before then. The needs of the Navy and his country come first. We try to warn guys all the time never to marry the woman with baby baggage, but they never listen. We waste so much time babysitting these crazy Jerry Springer relationships that it is just crazy. Let your husband do his job. Stop charging crap on the credit cards and get your stuff straight. Maybe you should let your ex have your child then you can live wherever you want.
6. He needs to talk to his command and possably legal. However I have seen many people in your same circumstance and usually the Military won't do anything in this sort of situation. He will most likely have to complete the number of years he has enlisted for and than can join the reserves. He should be living in the barracks and they either have a galley he can eat at for free or he will receive pay allowance for his food. So really the distance shouldn't be the real issue and that is how the Navy will most likely see it. Now when he is due to transfer they may possibly try to get him closer to home, but there are no promises there. If you and he need some financial assistance he can go to the Navy Marine Corp Relief Society and they can do everything form help him form a budget to give him a interest free loan to help with bills or something. If credit cards are a problem I recommend a non profit credit organization like pioneer credit counseling. They will help you to reduce the interest , stop late fees and over penalties while you are paying the card off. I hope some of this helps. But the ugly truth is that most junior Military members live in poverty I know we did when we were first married it has been 12 years now and as he has made rank things have gotten better. It is shameful that in America our sports stars make millions and our military members qualify for food stamps. you may check into WIC and other government organizations that offer assistance you may be surprised what you qualify for because they do not include your allowances only your pays but you need to go to NMCR for help first.
7. it is not the military's fault..it was a choice that YOU made. either change your custody agreement, or continue as you were.
8. I'm not sure how berating her about how they got into this position will help. I am an E5 and only now am I TRULY on my feet, after 6 years I might add. I can totally relate to not having money and being in some tight spots. As for your question fleet and family support services is one place. He can also talk to a command financial specialist and see if theres a plan they can come up with to help you guys. Also see if your husband can talk to a career counselor about getting out maybe even navy legal. Best of luck. AT2(AW)