South Florida military recruit's wife secures unpaid wages

A South Florida woman, Kelly, sought assistance after her husband’s final paycheck from his former restaurant employer bounced while he was away for thirteen weeks of Marine Corps boot camp. The check, totaling approximately $1,300, was critical for the couple as they were attempting to secure a new apartment.

After ten days without receiving the funds, Kelly contacted the ‘Help Me Howard’ program. The situation highlighted the intersection of banking issues, employer obligations, and the protections intended for military families under the Sailors and Soldiers Relief Act. Following the intervention, the employer was reached and the payment was secured in time for the couple to pay their apartment deposit.