Financial Assistance and Guidance

FOR CONGRESSIONAL STAFF (DC and DISTRICT-BASED)

• Bank Loans and Assistance

  • During government shutdowns, Congressional Federal Credit Unions offer emergency loans and assistance programs:

    • Senate Federal Credit Union offers $5,000 loans with no payments and 0.00% APR for 90 days. They are also currently offering a $300 new member bonus. All Senate employees are eligible for membership and non-Senate employees can become members with a $10 donation.

      • Call: 202-224-2595 or visit: https://www.ussfcu.org/federal-government-shutdown-assistance.html

    • Congressional Federal Credit Union is offering several shutdown resources, including deferred loan payment and a maximum $20,000 line of credit with 0.00% APR during the 60-day draw period. All House employees (district and DC-based) are eligible.

      • Visit: congressionalfcu.org

  • Interior Federal Credit Union is providing an Emergency Relief Loan up to $10,000 for 36 months (with a signed furlough letter), plus waived fees on auto-loan skip-a-pays, personal loans, and early certificate withdrawals.

  • The Navy Federal Credit Union offers a dedicated furlough loan program for qualified members. There are details available via their FAQ or by calling 1-888-842-6328.

  • Chase Bank has announced efforts to help customers impacted by the government shutdown. To discuss potential options, customers should call their special care line at 1-800-254-7713.

  • Bank of America announced it would be offering assistance to furloughed federal employees including fee and payment waivers as well as loan deferrals. For your options, contact 800-432-1000 or set up at appointment online.

  • PayPal has allocated $25 million for interest-free cash advances to furloughed workers, with loans ranging from $250 to $500 for both new and existing customers whose accounts are in good standing.

  • US Employees Credit Union is providing special shutdown loans (available for a limited window). Call 312-922-5310 for assistance.

  • Active Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) loans will remain in good standing without payments during a shutdown. Congressional staff can apply for a loan against their TSP accounts.

  • For USAA members, $6,000 per-pay-period no-interest loans are available — veterans, active-duty service members, employees or alumni of certain agencies, and their spouses and children are all eligible for membership.

  • Many banks offer hardship programs—call your financial institution. Click here to learn more about letters you can provide to financial institutions.

• General Financial Assistance and Tips

  • Contact utility companies, landlords, and creditors about payment deferment.

    • If you’re concerned about covering upcoming payments, reach out proactively before bills are due. Many providers have hardship programs but may not advertise them widely.

    • When calling, ask specifically about: payment deferment or extension options, waiving late fees, setting up a payment plan, or temporarily reducing minimum payments.

  • Contact your bank or credit union if you’re worried about making loan or credit card payments.

    • Many financial institutions offer hardship programs for federal employees during shutdowns. Call and ask specifically about:

      • Payment deferral or forbearance on mortgages, auto loans, or personal loans

      • Waiving late fees or overdraft fees during the shutdown period

      • Temporary reduction of minimum credit card payments

      • Short-term loan programs or lines of credit

    • Click here to access template letters you can provide to your office to customize for your team documenting your status as a furloughed or excepted federal employee.

  • MoneyFinder by WorkMoney is a free tool available through the Public Service Alliance (PSA) marketplace that helps you identify cost-saving opportunities across everyday expenses, like gas, groceries, prescriptions, dining out, and supports reducing debt.

  • LifeMart is a members-only discount platform available through the Public Service Alliance that gives access to savings on numerous brand-name products and services, travel, electronics, home & auto, wellness, dining and more.

• Mortgage and Rental Assistance

  • U.S. Bank: They are waiving all late fees if you miss a mortgage payment due to shutdown related setbacks, and defer first payment dates for new mortgages.

  • Union Plus: Union members can call 800-472-2005 to learn about available assistance programs. These include a $300 Furlough Grant for eligible Union Plus credit card holders, a Mortgage Assistance Loan and $300 Grant, and payment grace periods for Union Plus Life & Accident Insurance and Union Plus Auto Insurance.

  • The Office of Personnel Management (OPM): OPM provides ready-to-use sample letters that federal workers can send to landlords, mortgage lenders, and utility companies to request flexibility or temporary assistance during the shutdown.

  • National Rental Home Council (NHRC): NHRC is offering deferred rent payment options with no late fees for renters affected by the shutdown. Furloughed tenants can request temporary relief to help maintain housing stability during this period.

• Auto Loans

  • Toyota Financial Services & Lexus Financial Services: Customers in good standing may qualify for up to two months of payment extensions or deferred lease payments during the shutdown.

    • Toyota Financial Services: 800-874-8822

    • Lexus Financial Services: 800-874-7050

  • Hyundai Capital: Hyundai will extend auto loan and lease payments for 30 days for furloughed federal employees. Eligible customers can request assistance by calling the number below.

    • Hyundai Motor Finance: 1-800-523-4030

  • Kia Motors Finance: Kia is offering 30-day deferred payments for customers affected by the shutdown.

    • Kia Motors Finance: 1-866-331-5632

  • Ford Credit, GM Financial, & Mercedes-Benz Financial Services: While not formally announced online, these companies are reportedly providing individualized support, such as payment deferrals, late fee waivers, and dedicated care lines, for qualified customers impacted by the shutdown.

• Cellphone/Service Provider Loans

  • AT&T: Providing support to furloughed customers through late-fee adjustments, billing extensions, and revised payment schedules.

  • Sprint: Offering short-term payment solutions for affected customers. For assistance, call 1-888-211-4747.

  • T-Mobile: Providing short-term relief options, including the ability to spread out service payments over time. Contact 1-877-746-0909 or dial 611 from a T-Mobile device.

  • Verizon: Offering flexible payment arrangements, including its Promise to Pay program, which allows customers to schedule payments for a future date. Call 1-866-266-1445 for support.

• My Fed Benefits Shutdown Assistance Map

  • The Shutdown Assistance Map (SAM) was created to help federal employees affected by the government shutdown find the support they need, both locally and at the national level.

FOR DISTRICT-BASED STAFF

• State-by-State Unemployment Insurance (UI) Guidance

  • Find your state UI office to learn about eligibility and how to apply, if applicable.

    • Additional UI office locators:

    • The Department of Labor has a page breaking down the state-by-state office information for UI. They break down office phone numbers and websites, and include information on the eligibility process and a plan for how to apply. 

    • AFL-CIO has a reference sheet breaking down the eligibility for UI Federal workers, lists of resources including food assistance, national resources, pending legislation information, state-by-state breakdowns.