Fort Benning Finance Office: Managing Your Money While Serving
The Fort Benning Finance Office, officially the Soldier Support Center, is a vital resource for soldiers, veterans, and their families stationed at or near Fort Benning, Georgia. It provides a comprehensive range of financial services and support, ensuring service members are well-equipped to manage their finances effectively throughout their military careers and beyond.
One of the primary functions of the Finance Office is military pay support. This includes processing pay inquiries, resolving pay-related issues, and assisting with entitlements and allowances. Soldiers can turn to the office for clarification on their Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), guidance on Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions, and assistance with setting up or modifying direct deposit information. They also handle travel pay reimbursements, ensuring soldiers are compensated promptly and accurately for official travel expenses.
Beyond basic pay, the Finance Office offers crucial financial counseling and education services. These services are designed to empower soldiers to make sound financial decisions, manage debt responsibly, and plan for their financial future. Counselors provide individualized guidance on topics such as budgeting, credit management, debt reduction strategies, and investment options. They also offer workshops and seminars on various financial literacy topics, helping soldiers build a solid foundation of financial knowledge.
The office also assists soldiers and their families with understanding and navigating the complexities of military benefits, including the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) and other retirement-related benefits. They provide information and guidance on eligibility requirements, enrollment procedures, and the long-term implications of these benefits, helping soldiers make informed decisions about their financial security in retirement.
For those facing financial hardship, the Finance Office can connect individuals with emergency financial assistance programs, such as Army Emergency Relief (AER). AER provides interest-free loans and grants to soldiers and their families who are experiencing unexpected financial emergencies, helping them overcome temporary setbacks and maintain financial stability.
Located within the Soldier Support Center, the Finance Office aims to provide a convenient and accessible location for soldiers to address their financial needs. The staff is comprised of trained professionals who are dedicated to serving the military community with respect, efficiency, and integrity.
To access the services of the Fort Benning Finance Office, soldiers can visit the Soldier Support Center during business hours or contact the office by phone or email. It’s always recommended to schedule an appointment for personalized counseling or assistance with complex financial issues. The Finance Office website and related military resources also provide valuable information and tools to support financial well-being. By utilizing the resources available at the Fort Benning Finance Office, soldiers can gain the knowledge and support they need to achieve their financial goals and secure their financial future.