Financial Assistance

Managing money in today's marketplace can be challenging. Frequent deployments, separation from extended families and numerous moves can drain the resources of military families. Your Fleet and Family Support Center's financial educators can assess your finances, help you set priorities and make your money work as hard as you do.

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society is also there for you with loans if you can't meet your basic living expenses such as rent, food and electricity. If you need help, call them and they will be able to advise you on what services they can provide.

Command financial specialists

Each command has a command financial specialist trained to assist you with financial matters. If you are considering drawing Advance Pay when relocating, remember that Advance Pay repayments will be withdrawn from the service member's pay monthly, which will reduce their monthly income.

Fleet and Family Support Center

The Fleet and Family Support Center provides financial education, training and counseling that emphasize long-term financial responsibility through instruction on sound money management to include debt management, savings and investment, and retirement planning. The FFSC has a personal financial manager that will take you step by step through the financial planning process. This includes setting up and effectively managing a basic financial plan. Various workshops, counseling, seminars on buying cars, and renting or buying homes are available. The PFM offers one-to-one counseling to those experiencing money management difficulties or for those who wish to better understand how to budget their finances. The PFM also trains command financial specialists who are command members and are available to assist with basic financial education and assistance.

The Fleet and Family Outreach Center at Naval Support Facility Indian Head is open every Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The main office for the FFSC is at Naval Support Facility Dahlgren. If you would like assistance, contact the FFSC at 800-500-4947 or 540-653-1839.

Indian Head and Charles County are both high cost-of-living areas and are considered part of the Washington metropolitan area.

Information on the Charles County property tax rate please visit the Charles County government website as the rate changes every fiscal year. Expect additional expenses such as utility set-up fees and initial rental payments when deciding to rent housing in the area. Application fees vary and are usually not refundable. Consider renting or purchasing within a 15-60 mile radius of NSF Indian Head for less expensive housing. While public transportation to the base exists, transportation does not drop off at NSF Indian Head and may not reach to outlying cities. 

Utilities/Insurance

Ensure that you research utility costs to factor into your budget when renting or buying housing. Remember to add your name to utility bills such as electricty, gas, and sewer. Home owners or rental insurance should be added to any housing agreement; compare companies to find the best policy for your situation.

Car insurance

Please visit the insurance requirements for Maryland vehicles at the Maryland government website.

Advancements of pay should only be considered as a last resort when moving. Advancements of pay will be automatically withdrawn from the service member’s pay monthly, reducing their month income until payoff. 

Monitor your Government Travel Card (GTC) expenditures. The GTC should only be utilized for permanent change of station-related travel or TAD expenses. Any unauthorized transactions are strictly prohibited. If you are unsure about its intended use, ask your leadership for guidance. Overdue GTC debts may be subject to pay garnishment and service members could be subject to punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Your Fleet and Family Support Center can work with you to prepare a personalized financial plan.