Federal Government Shutdown Resources for Federal Employees
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
Bank of America: Announced assistance available to furloughed federal employees. Call the priority assistance line at 844-219-0690.
Chase Bank: Announced efforts to help its customers who are U.S. government employees affected by the shutdown. Call their special line at 888-356-0023.
Congressional Federal Credit Union: For more information on the Relief Line of Credit or other assistance programs, contact Member Service Representatives at 800-491-2328 or stop by a branch location.
FedChoice: Offering several options to assist both existing and new members.
Interior Federal Credit Union: Offering a special loan for both member and non-member furloughed federal workers—net paycheck up to $15,000, interest-free for up to 30 days. Members may apply for a limit up to the equivalent of two net paychecks. More offers are available on their website or by calling 800-914-8619.
Navy Federal Credit Union: Offering a special loan program. Read the FAQs PDF linked on their site to see if you qualify, or call 888-842-6328.
PayPal: Has allocated $25 million to fund interest-free cash advances for furloughed federal workers. Available to both new and existing PayPal Credit customers. Minimum loan: $250. Maximum: $500. Existing customers must have an account in good standing. Existing customers call 877-689-1975. For new accounts, apply first, then call 877-689-1975 after approval.
U.S. Bank: Will waive all late fees if you miss a mortgage payment due to the shutdown. They will also defer first payment dates for new mortgages.
U.S. Employees Credit Union (USECU): Offering shutdown loans through Tuesday, January 15. Call 312-922-5310 for assistance.
SunTrust: While they haven't made a specific offer, SunTrust announced that programs are in place to help clients affected by the shutdown.
Synchrony Bank: Handles store cards for Amazon, Lowe's, Walmart, JCPenney, Chevron/Texaco, and other major retailers. Affected customers can defer payments until after the shutdown. Contact them for more information.
Union Plus: For union members, a variety of options are available. Call 800-472-2005 to inquire about:
- $300 Furlough Grant for eligible Union Plus credit card holders
- Mortgage Assistance Loan & $300 Grant
- Payment grace periods for Union Plus Life, Accident, and Auto Insurance
Wells Fargo: Offering several options to assist customers depending on the services they have with the bank. Visit their site for a full list of shutdown assistance lines.
FURLOUGH GRANTS
FEEA-NARFE: Offering $100 grants to active federal employee members who are not receiving a paycheck due to furlough or excepted status. Apply on the FEEA website.
THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN (TSP)
TSP Plan News and Announcements: TSP allows for suspension of loan payments while in non-pay status. No documentation is currently required. Missing one or two payments will not cause loan default. Log in to your account or call the Thrift Line at 877-968-3778.
AUTO LOAN & FINANCIAL SERVICES
Toyota Financial Services & Lexus Financial Services: Affected customers in good standing may qualify for up to two months of finance or lease payment deferrals.
- Toyota Financial Services: 800-874-8822
- Lexus Financial Services: 800-874-7050
Hyundai Capital: Extending all auto loan and lease payments for 30 days for furloughed federal employees. Contact Hyundai Motor Finance at 800-523-4030.
Kia Motors Finance: Offering 30-day deferred payments for furloughed government employees. Call 866-331-5632.
Ford Credit, GM Financial & Mercedes-Benz Financial Services: Reportedly providing qualified customers with payment deferrals, late fee waivers, and dedicated care lines, though official announcements have not yet been posted online.
MOBILE TELEPHONE SERVICE PROVIDERS
AT&T: Offering assistance with late fees, extensions, and revised payment schedules.
Sprint: Providing short-term payment solutions. Call 888-211-4747.
T-Mobile: Offering short-term assistance and flexible payment options. Call 877-746-0909 or dial 611 from a T-Mobile device.
Verizon: Providing flexible payment options through its Promise to Pay program. Call 866-266-1445.
RENTAL/HOME ASSISTANCE
National Rental Home Council: Offering deferred rent payment options with no late fees for furloughed renters.
OPM Sample Letters for Creditors and Mortgage Companies: OPM created sample letters for federal workers to contact landlords, mortgage lenders, and utilities to request assistance.
NATIONAL & STATE FOOD RESOURCES
Feeding America: Operates a nationwide network of 200 food banks and 60,000 partner pantries serving communities across the U.S. Federal employees affected by the shutdown are encouraged to reach out.
Findhelp.org: offers a free online platform that connects people with local, free, or reduced-cost social services for things like food, housing, healthcare, and financial assistance.
Your School District: Notify your school district of your furlough to qualify for free breakfast and/or lunch programs for your children. Loss of income generally qualifies as an emergency.
HOME, AUTO & LIFE INSURANCE RELIEF
MetLife: May grant a one-time, 30-day grace period for policyholders not receiving paychecks. Call 800-GET-MET8 to request this allowance. Certain restrictions apply, and premiums remain due after the delay expires.
Rent-A-Center (Benefits Plus Membership): Eligible members may receive a payment waiver under the Involuntary Unemployment Payment Waiver program - covering payments for up to four months, up to $1,000, or until re-employment.
Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company: Waiving insurance charges for 30 days for AFGE members with active policies.
- Policies beginning with “Y”: 844-800-9146
- All other policies: 888-513-8797
USAA: Offering deferments for all loans and credit card payments.