DFAS Addresses Pay Issues in Katrina’s Wake

Banks and credit unions in Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi implemented contingency procedures in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in order to meet the Sept. 1 Defense Department payday, according to Defense Finance and Accounting Service officials. Electronic funds transfers were provided to the Federal Reserve banks, and Treasury checks were mailed. Those expecting delivery of checks by mail in the declared disaster areas should seek local information to determine when mail delivery will be resumed there, officials said. The U.S. Postal Service will announce local central pick-up locations when they’re determined, DFAS officials added. Military members and civilian employees who cannot access an account in the disaster area may contact the home office of their financial institution and then their local finance office if they need a partial or casual payment in cash. The cash payments will be deducted from future pay, officials said.