Family

Statement by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas Regarding the Situation at the Southwest Border

There is understandably a great deal of attention currently focused on the southwest border. I want to share the facts, the work that we in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and across the government are doing, and our plan of action.

DHS Secretary Mayorkas Announces Family Reunification Task Force Principles and Executive Director

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced the principles of the Family Reunification Task Force and the appointment of the Task Force’s Executive Director, Michelle Brané.

Supporting Your Spouse

Welcome to the DHS Spouses' Corner, a helpful resource spouses of DHS employees.

Kids’ Corner

Welcome to the DHS Kids’ Corner, a helpful resource for children of the DHS family, or children who are interested in how the department works.

Family Relationships

At every stage of life, relationships with our spouses, children, and extended families bring us both joy and challenges. Learning to manage stress and understand our emotions and behaviors can help us communicate more effectively with the important people in our lives.

Invest in your Financial Health - Saving for College

There's no doubt that a college education can be costly. If you start planning and saving for college tuition as early as possible, you can benefit from various incentives and reduce the financial load later on. First, estimate how much you need to save to meet college expenses. Then, research your savings options. Some college savings account options come with substantial tax benefits or other incentives. In each case, carefully consider the potential risks, costs, and limitations before investing any money.

Tax Time Savings Tips

According to a 2016 report from the Federal Reserve Bank, 46 percent of consumers indicated that they either could not pay for an emergency expense of $400, or would need to borrow or sell something to do so. Saving throughout the year can be tough.  It may feel like every paycheck is spent before you get it.  You might not have access to an easy way to save, like a separate account or automatic deposit from your paycheck.

If you’re going to get a tax refund, it may be the single biggest lump sum you will receive all year.  You can take advantage of tax time to prepare yourself for unexpected emergencies, or plan ahead for the future.

What You Should Know - Financial Literacy

Did you know that if you have a balanced personal budget, save for unexpected emergencies, and save for retirement, you create positive health benefits? Financial debt and poor budgeting can impact relationships, psychological well-being, and your ability to retire.  You should regularly reflect on your spending, saving, and ability to reach your financial goals. A good first step is a financial wellness check-up.

Does your Elderly Loved One Need Help?

As our parents and elderly relatives age and experience increased health problems or cognitive changes, completing daily living skills may become more difficult or even impossible. Loss of independence and trouble completing daily tasks can occur incrementally or suddenly. When parents become less able to care for themselves, a family member often takes on the responsibility of assessing whether or not additional help is needed for their parent to continue living independently.

Employee Assistance Programs

Learn about free services available to DHS employees, including child care support, financial consultation, legal aid, counseling, and more.