Federal Government Shutdown Assistance

Federal Government Shutdown Assistance

This page reflects the most recent Government Shutdown Assistance Loan terms. If a government shutdown occurs, applications will become available to eligible members on the first business day of the shutdown.

Government Shutdown Relief Loan Program

USSFCU’s Government Shutdown Relief Loan Program is designed to provide financial relief to qualifying members who experience financial hardship or loss of pay as a result of the shutdown. This limited-time loan offers payment flexibility during the shutdown period, including no payments required for the first 90 days¹, and an opportunity to have accrued interest waived if the loan is repaid early.

Members who are in good standing, have not caused the Credit Union a loss, are no more than 30 days delinquent on any USSFCU loan, and are not currently in bankruptcy can qualify for this special loan program.

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Please note: Each member may receive only one Government Shutdown Relief Loan per shutdown period. Duplicate applications will not be accepted.

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Loan Terms

  • Interest Rate: 5.99% APR
  • Repayment Term: 24 months
  • Maximum Loan Amount: $5,000
  • No payments required for the first 90 days
  • Interest accrues during the first 90 days
  • If the loan principal is repaid in full within 90 days of origination, all accrued interest will be waived
  • If the loan is not repaid in full within the first 90 days, regular monthly payments will begin on day 91 at 5.99% APR2 for the remaining 24-month term, and all accrued interest from the first 90 days will be carried forward.

This loan product applies to all active federal employees with proof of loss of pay (government contractors excluded).

Application Timing & Access

Application Availability

Applications for the Government Shutdown Assistance Loan will become available on the first business day of an official federal government shutdown.

  • USSFCU will not issue the loan unless and until the Government Shutdown results in a missed payroll.

  • Note: Only one Government Shutdown Relief Loan may be issued per member for each shutdown period. Duplicate applications will not be accepted.

Example:

  1. Mary Smith receives a notice informing her that she will not be receiving pay during the shutdown on Saturday at 12 am.
  2. The application will be made available to Mary the following Monday (as long as it is not a federally observed holiday).
  3. Mary calls or clicks (link to apply only available in email, not on the website) to apply for a Government Shutdown Loan and is approved.
  4. We will not issue Mary's loan unless the government is still shut down on her normal payroll date.

How to Apply

The Shutdown Assistance Loan application will be live inside Online Banking, provided through email, over the phone or in person at a branch on the first business day of a Government Shutdown. If you are already a member, you can apply for the Shutdown Loan:

  • By logging in at my.ussfcu.org, selecting “Apply for a Loan”, then "Personal Loan" with the purpose “Govt. Shutdown”.

  • Or by visiting a branch, calling 800.374.2758, or emailing [email protected] to connect with a team member or to request the direct application link.

  • Note: Only one Government Shutdown Relief Loan may be issued per member for each shutdown period. Duplicate applications will not be accepted.

If you are not already a USSFCU member, you must establish membership first before you can apply for the loan.

Please note: Communication regarding the Shutdown Assistance Loan will be sent directly to members with a link to apply. This link will not be publicly posted on our website, since membership eligibility must be established before applying for any USSFCU loan.

Important Information

  • Government contractors are not eligible for the program.
  • All current government employees who can provide proof of loss of pay are eligible, regardless of work status.
  • You must be a member of USSFCU to apply for this loan.
  • One (1) active government shutdown loan is allowed per member at one time.
  • Credit will be pulled.

USSFCU will accept a member's request for any loan amount up to $5,000. We will not require members to provide a paystub or Direct Deposit amount to support the amount of the loan request. We will pull credit as part of the loan application process, and the loan request is subject to all USSFCU loan guidelines.*

Once the loan request is approved, USSFCU will advise the member that they have been pre-approved for a Government Shutdown Loan. If the Government Shutdown is still in effect at the time of the members' next regularly scheduled payroll (approximately 2 weeks), USSFCU will send documents and issue their loan.

At Loan Maturity

What Happens After 90 Days

  • If the loan is repaid in full within the first 90 days, all accrued interest will be waived

  • If the loan is not repaid in full within 90 days:

    • Regular monthly payments will begin on day 91

    • The loan will continue at 5.99% APR for the remainder of the 24-month term2

    • All interest accrued during the first 90 days will be carried forward

Membership Requirement

USSFCU membership is required to apply for the Government Shutdown Assistance Loan.
Members are encouraged to establish membership in advance to ensure immediate access if a shutdown occurs.

Apply for Membership

Communication regarding the Shutdown Assistance Loan will go out to our membership and include a direct link to apply for the loan. We will not publicly post the direct link on our website, as membership eligibility must be established before applying for any USSFCU loans.

Additional Member Support During a Shutdown

Beyond the Shutdown Loan, USSFCU is here to help with other options:

  • Refund Skip-a-Pay Fee
    Select Skip-a-Pay in online banking, then call us to request a refund of the fee.

  • Share Secured Loans
    Apply through online banking, visit a branch, or call our contact center.

  • Loan Extensions
    We will be offering loan extensions on current loans. Contact our Collections Department for assistance.

  • Real Estate Loans
    Loan modifications may be available when appropriate. Contact our Real Estate Lending Department for details.

  • 1st Mortgages
    Contact our Collections Department for potential deferments to extend a maturity date.

All services listed above will become available to all USSFCU members who are federal employees with proof of loss of pay resulting in a missed payroll.

Limited-time offer and applies to Government Shutdown loans only. Only one active loan per member at one time. All loans are subject to credit approval. Credit limits are based on creditworthiness, income, and debts. Not all applicants will qualify. No payments are required for the first 90 days after loan origination as reflected in your promissory note. However, payments may be made at any time during the initial 90-day no-payment period. Other terms and conditions may apply.

1 All loans will be established with a 5.99% APR, and interest will begin accruing immediately upon loan funding. All loans will be established with a 24-month repayment term, with the first payment due 91 days after loan origination. If the principal loan amount as shown on your promissory note is repaid within the first 90 days of origination, all accrued interest will be waived.

2 APR = Annual Percentage Rate. All approved loans will be approved at the same rate of 5.99% APR and term of 24 months. Payment Example 1: A loan of $5,000 at an Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of 5.99%, repayable over 24 months, would result in 24 monthly payments of approximately $221.58. The total amount repaid over the life of the loan would be $5,317.92, which includes $317.92 in total interest. Payment Example 2: A loan of $2,500 at an Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of 5.99%, repayable over 24 months, would result in 24 monthly payments of approximately $110.79. The total amount repaid over the life of the loan would be $2,658.96, which includes $158.96 in total interest.

Membership eligibility required. This credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration.

Members' Voice Testimonials

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- James · Locust Grove, GA

The branch manager introduced herself and was extremely helpful. She stated that if there is anything we ever need to please let her know. Very positive experience!

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I especially appreciate being able to quickly speak with someone (not a robot) and that person has always been knowledgeable and helpful.

- Bernard · Richmond, VA

Excellent customer service streamlined and transparent process. The representatives are efficient, knowledgeable, and understanding of the type of loans offered by Credit Union.

- Erwin · Ellicott City, MD

The USSFCU behaves as a credit union ought to behave. The staff works with and for the members, not for a corporate board. Interest rates for a car loan, a home improvement loan, and a mortgage are low and terms are transparent.

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I have appreciated USSFCU services for many years since I left my work on Capitol Hill. I have appreciated the occasional webinars on purchasing a home or retirement planning.

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- Angela · Alexandria, VA

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