Illinois State Treasurer: Federal Workers Emergency Loan Program
Source: Illinois State Treasurer – Federal Workers Emergency Loans
- Federal Workers Emergency Loan Program: Zero or low-interest loans for federal employees impacted by the shutdown, offered through participating Illinois credit unions and community banks. $50 million committed to the initiative.
- Program Flyer: https://illinoistreasurer.gov/TWOCMS/media/doc/flyer%20for%20federal%20workers%20emergency%202025%20program%20cs%20rev%209.29.25.pdf
- Apply as Lender: https://illinoistreasurergovprod.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/twocms/media/doc/federal%20workers%20emergency%20loan%20application%202025_r2_digital.pdf
- Borrower Info: https://illinoistreasurergovprod.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/twocms/media/doc/federal%20workers%20emergency%20borrower%20information%202025_r2_digital.pdf
- Acknowledgment Form: https://illinoistreasurergovprod.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/twocms/media/doc/federal%20workers%20emergency%20acknowledgment%20form%202025_r2_digital.pdf
- Become an Approved Depository: https://illinoistreasurer.gov/Financial_Institutions/Access_to_Capital/Become_an_Approved_Program_Depository
- Daily Rates: https://illinoistreasurer.gov/Financial_Institutions/Access_to_Capital/Access_to_Capital_and_Invest_In_Illinois_Daily_Rates
Contact: rhuston@illinoistreasurer.gov | Phone: 217-558-6217
Resources For Federal Workers (Senator Bernie Sanders)
Source: Senator Bernie Sanders – Resources For Federal Workers
Financial Assistance From Credit Unions and Banks
United States Senate Federal Credit Union: Zero interest loans for 90-days up to $5,000 during the shutdown. Federal employees can join via American Consumer Council, US Capitol Historical Association, or Senate Federal Credit Union Foundation.
- Website: https://www.ussfcu.org/federal-government-shutdown-assistance.html
- Phone: 800-374-2758
Congressional Federal Credit Union: Zero interest Furlough Relief loans up to $10,000. Federal workers can join via Friends of the National Arboretum.
- Website: https://www.congressionalfcu.org/loans/personal-loans/furlough-solutions
- Membership: https://www.fona.org/membership/
- Phone: 800-491-2328
Commerce Department Credit Union: 30-day zero interest loans up to $10,000. Join via American Consumer Council.
- Website: https://www.docfcu.org/furlough/
- Phone: 888-626-9845
Navy Federal Credit Union: Zero interest loans up to $6,000 for members and federal employees.
- Website: https://www.navyfederal.org/about/government-shutdown.html
- Phone: 888-842-6328
Army Emergency Relief: Interest-free loans up to one paycheck, max $6,000 for soldiers and families.
- Website: https://www.armyemergencyrelief.org/assistance/
- Phone: 866-878-63788
U.S. Employees Credit Union: Interest-free shutdown loans to eligible members.
- Website: https://www.myusecu.org/home
- Phone: 312-922-5310
USAA Government Shutdown Program: No-interest loans and payment relief options from $500 to $6,000.
- Website: https://www.usaa.com/support/government-shutdown-program/?akredirect=true
- Phone: 210-531-8722
PenFed: Zero-interest loans equal to missed paychecks for furloughed federal workers with direct deposit.
- Website: https://www.penfed.org/furlough
Additional Credit Union Programs: https://www.mddccua.org/2025/10/federal-shutdown-resources/
- Bank Assistance Programs: https://www.aba.com/news-research/analysis-guides/government-shutdown-bank-action-2025
Unemployment Insurance
- Unemployment Insurance Info: https://www.nelp.org/unemployment-insurance-and-the-government-shutdown-what-federal-workers-and-contractors-need-to-know/
Federal Employee Education and Assistance (FEEA) Fund
FEEA Shutdown Resource Page: https://feea.org/shutdown/
ABC News: How Furloughed Federal Workers Can Get Help Paying Bills Amid Government Shutdown
- U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Guidance: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/reference-materials/guidance-for-shutdown-furloughs-sep-28-2025/
- Maryland Housing Protections and Resources: https://response.maryland.gov/federalpublicservants/shutdown
- Arlington County, VA Federal Employee Assistance: https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Topics/Federal-Employee-Assistance
Source: Bloomberg Government – Congressional Staffers, Federal Workers Seek Aid During Shutdown
- Program info: [https://www.ussfcu.org/federal-government-shutdown-assistance.html](https://www.ussfcu.org/federal-government-shutdown-assistance.html)Financial Lifelines for Federal Workers Facing Missed Paychecks
Source: DC News Now – Federal workers facing missed paychecks turn to financial lifelines amid shutdown
Interest-Free Loans: Several banks and financial institutions are offering interest-free loans to federal workers. (See earlier sections for specific banks and credit unions.)
- Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC): May be available to homeowners, but comes with long-term risks and uses your home as collateral.
Timberline Bank 0% Loan Program for Federal Workers (Colorado)
Source: Timberline Bank – Local bank lends a hand during government shutdown
- Timberline Bank: 0% interest loan program for federal workers affected by the government shutdown.
- Website: https://www.timberlinebank.com/
Phone: 1-877-609-6066
ConnectOne Bancorp Support for Federal Workers
Source: Traders Union – ConnectOne Bancorp aids federal workers amid government shutdown
- ConnectOne Bancorp: Tailored financial solutions and support for federal employees affected by the government shutdown. Federal employees are encouraged to contact ConnectOne for assistance.
- Website: https://www.connectonebank.com/
Customer Service: 1-844-266-2548
Credit Union and Financial Agency Assistance for Federal Workers
Source: WJLA – Help available to impacted federal workers amid the government shutdown
FEEA (Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund): Emergency Hardship Loan program and Shutdown Grants for qualifying full-time federal civilian employees.
- Program info: https://feea.org/shutdown/
- Phone: 1-800-323-4140
First Command: No-interest pay advance loan, penalty-free early CD withdrawals, and waived cash advance fees for First Command Bank Visa cardholders.
- Assistance info: https://www.firstcommand.com/government-shutdown-assistance/
- Phone: 1-888-763-7600
Navy Federal Credit Union: Paycheck Assistance Program, 0% APR loans for eligible members.
- Program info: https://www.navyfederal.org/about/government-shutdown.html
- Phone: 1-888-842-6328
PenFed Credit Union: No-interest paycheck protection loan, skip-a-payment, and home loan hardship assistance.
- Program info: https://www.penfed.org/furlough
- Phone: 1-800-247-5626
- USAA: No-interest loans, special payment arrangements for insurance premiums, and special banking programs for eligible members.
- Program info: https://www.usaa.com/support/government-shutdown-program/?akredirect=true
Phone: 1-800-531-8722
Bank of America and Other Bank Relief Programs for Federal Workers
Source: American Banker – What banks need to know about this government shutdown
Bank of America (BofA): Fee and payment waivers, loan deferrals, and forbearance programs for federal employees affected by the shutdown.
- Website: https://www.bankofamerica.com/
- Customer Service: 1-800-432-1000
American Bankers Association: Running list of bank support options for federal workers.
Hancock Whitney Corp.: Loan program for furloughed government employees, loans up to $6,000.
- Website: https://www.hancockwhitney.com/
- Customer Service: 1-800-448-8812
TD Bank: Refunds on fees including overdraft and monthly maintenance fees for affected customers.
- Website: https://www.td.com/us/en/personal-banking/
- Customer Service: 1-888-751-9000
- California Credit Union: Penalty-free withdrawal from certificate accounts and other relief programs.
- Website: https://www.californiacu.org/
Customer Service: 1-800-877-2345
DMV Resource List for Furloughed Federal Workers (DC, Maryland, Virginia)
Source: DC News Now – DMV influencer creates resource list for furloughed federal workers
- Comprehensive Google Doc Resource List: Continuously updated list of free meals, groceries, interest-free loans, free public transportation, and more for federal workers in the DMV area.
Ent Credit Union Relief Programs for Federal Workers (Colorado)
Source: KOAA News5 – Ent Credit Union helping federal workers impacted by government shutdown
Ent Credit Union: Financial assistance, deferment programs, and refinancing options for federal workers impacted by the shutdown.
- Website: https://www.ent.com/
- Phone: 1-800-525-9623
- Poor Richard’s Restaurant: Free meals for federal employees and their families in Colorado Springs.
- Website: https://www.poorrichardsdowntown.com/
Phone: (719) 632-7721
Bank of Hawaii Relief Programs for Federal Employees (Hawaii)
Source: HawaiiNewsNow – BOH offers relief programs, loans for federal employees
- Bank of Hawaii (BOH): Financial assistance for federal employees and contractors facing income disruption.
- 24-month personal loans up to $5,000
- Up to three months loan forbearance on residential mortgages, home equity loans and lines
- Three month loan extension on direct installment and indirect auto loans and leases
- All loan fees waived
- Applicants must provide a paystub dated August 31, 2025, or later to verify federal employment
- Apply online or in-person at any BOH branch
- Relief info: https://www.boh.com/personal/personal-loans/emergency-relief?utm_source=vanity&utm_medium=direct&utm_campaign=shutdownrelief
- Website: https://www.boh.com/
Phone: 1-888-643-3888
Financial Planning Resources for Furloughed Federal Workers (Florida)
Source: Siler Wealth Management
Siler Wealth Management: Advice for federal workers to request forbearance or payment pauses from mortgage companies, loan services, banks, and credit card companies.
- Website: https://stockdr.com/
- Shutdown Assistance Map: Find resources and deals for federal workers needing assistance during the shutdown.
Local Assistance for Furloughed Federal Workers (Alabama)
Source: WBRC – Help available for federal workers during government shutdown
Jefferson County Family Resource Center: Food assistance for families, distributed on the fourth Friday of each month at the Family Court House.
- Website: https://jeffcofrc.org/
- Phone: (205) 325-5498
- Avadian Credit Union: 60-day, 0% APR loan for furloughed members equal to regular direct deposit.
- Loan info: https://promo.avadiancu.com/avadian-credit-union-2025-furlough-loan
- Website: https://www.avadiancu.com/
Phone: 1-888-282-3426
Bank Assistance for Furloughed Federal Workers
Source: Axios – Government shutdown continues as banks offer assistance
TD Bank: Loan assistance for auto/mortgage payments, small-business and commercial clients.
- Website: https://www.td.com/us/en/personal-banking/
- Customer Service: 1-888-751-9000
Chase: Fee waivers and repayment plans for home lending and credit cards; refunds monthly service and overdraft fees for federal direct deposit customers.
- Website: https://www.chase.com/
- Customer Service: 1-800-935-9935
Citi: Assistance offers for federal workers.
- Website: https://online.citi.com/US/ag/personal-banking
- Customer Service: 1-800-374-9700
Citizens Bank: Loan relief and support for federal workers.
- Website: https://www.citizensbank.com/
- Customer Service: 1-800-922-9999
- American Bankers Association: List of banks offering zero-rate loans for affected customers.
Helpful Links and Contacts for Furloughed Federal Workers (New York)
- Hebrew Free Loan Society (HFLS): Interest-free loans up to $7,500 for eligible low- and moderate-income federal employees living in New York City, Westchester, or Long Island.
Apply or learn more: https://click.actionnetwork.org/ss/c/u001.SLdqY4re9NRChJwFnQ0ir4f5soDk8xSViUtyLUbKMeMEhr4vHv1FRZmrO_yjC-r41m70AgdLbNasqLjS34RWXaV7Hllk91aaZT1uyfRbRQcHE2___yKD2eodrJl6OH0uZDGiKouud-B3C-48wsHzfuIrj0a0k7aytHgZEYGX-nLuSrWt8Yqtq6AZNiMyTAcpdpJVUaDPSohz1C8ljq9HzQuhTS5to9VSJQaMnRYkpSNLJqX23-o0ugxuDz1liM269Q8YuR5sRiV26AW95ZbtE_B9nV6J35rl0vBeT5eHeRc/4kz/HVNGW8I_TqG3g-y5Gr3r1g/h18/h001.Sf01E4mrp2HNcrhezg9W259vdbv5VXCCgnblRQbXZ3I
Helpful Links and Contacts for Furloughed Federal Workers (Alabama)
Jefferson County Family Resource Center: Food assistance for families, distributed on the fourth Friday of each month at the Family Court House.
- Website: https://jeffcofrc.org/
- Avadian Credit Union: 60-day, 0% APR loan for furloughed members equal to regular direct deposit.
Bank Assistance for Furloughed Federal Workers (October 2025)
Several banks are offering assistance to federal workers affected by the government shutdown:
- Chase, Citi, Citizens, and TD Bank are providing loan relief and refunds for missed payments.
- TD Bank: Loan assistance for auto and mortgage payments, as well as for small-business and commercial clients.
- Chase: Fee waivers and repayment plans for home lending and credit cards; proactively refunding monthly service and overdraft fees to customers with direct deposits tied to federal government accounts.
- At least six regional banks are offering zero-rate loans (check with your local bank for details).
Important Notes:
- Assistance offers vary by bank; some cap loan amounts or require certain credit scores.
- These are not permanent 0% loans—review terms carefully.
- If the shutdown lasts more than one or two pay periods, these programs may not be enough.
- Be alert for scams targeting federal workers during vulnerable times.
Action Steps for Federal Workers:
- Contact your bank to ask about available assistance programs.
- Review all terms and requirements before accepting any offers.
- Stay vigilant for potential scams and only work with legitimate institutions.
The New York Times: How Federal Workers Can Find Financial Assistance as Government Shutdown Drags On
Helpful Resources for Furloughed Federal Workers
Bank and Credit Union Relief:
- Many banks are offering interest-free loans, fee waivers, deferred payments, and temporary relief for federal workers.
- Some banks (Bank of America, Citigroup, JPMorgan, U.S. Bank) provide up to three months of forbearance on mortgages and home equity lines of credit (interest may still accrue).
- JPMorgan Chase is refunding service and overdraft fees for customers with federal direct deposits.
- Pennymac offers mortgage forbearance and will discuss repayment plans or loan modifications after the shutdown.
- How to Access Help:
- You may need to contact your financial institution and provide proof of federal employment to access these programs.
- If you are on track to miss a payment, reach out proactively to your bank or lender.
ABC News: How furloughed federal workers can get help paying bills amid government shutdown
Helpful Resources for Furloughed Federal Workers
State Assistance Programs:
- Maryland, Virginia, and New York offer programs for housing, food, mortgage support, energy assistance, and eviction resources.
- Arlington County, VA provides job placement, health care, food assistance, housing resources, and pet assistance.
- States are offering unemployment insurance programs; check the CareerOneStop website for details.
Food Assistance:
- Feeding America food banks are supporting affected workers.
- My Fed Benefits lists eateries offering food support.
Union Resources:
- AFL-CIO provides a state-by-state list of benefits for federal workers.
Furlough Assistance Loans:
- Navy Federal Credit Union: 0% APR loan for affected members.
- USAA: 0% APR loan up to $6,000 for eligible members.
- Thrift Savings Plan: TSP loans remain in good standing during the shutdown, even without payments.
- Scam/Fraud Protection: