Furloughs ending; Help is still available Published Aug. 14, 2013 Airman and Family Readiness Center HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- The Defense Department announced last week that civilian employees who have taken a weekly unpaid day off from work since July 8 will return to a normal work schedule after completion of six total furlough days. However, the financial strains of 20 percent lost income the past six weeks may still be felt. "If the furlough period created a severe financial hardship for civilian employees who are retired military or spouses of active duty or retired military, assistance may be available on a case-by-case basis," said Dan Mazzuca, Airman and Family Readiness Center community readiness consultant. Army Emergency Relief, Air Force Aid Society, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society or Coast Guard Mutual Assistance may be able to assist those employees most impacted. Employees with or without a military association, who experience severe financial hardship, may be able to receive assistance from the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA). "FEEA has a $1,000 limit for interest-free loans," said Mazzuca. "Loans may be limited to those facing the direst circumstances such as a foreclosure, eviction or a utility shut off." Federal civilians seeking FEEA loans will need to complete the regular Emergency Assistance application available at www.feea.org/GetHelp. The Airman and Family Readiness Center can also provide budget counseling to military servicemembers and their families as well as Defense Department civilians through the Personal Financial Management Program. For military members, budget assistance can also be obtained through Military One Source at www.militaryonesource.mil.Civilians can use the Employee Assistance Program at www.foh4you.com. Questions concerning emergency financial assistance or budget counseling can be directed to the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 781-225-2765.