Federal Government Shutdown Assistance

Federal Government Shutdown Assistance

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. 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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Loan Terms

  • 90-day loan at 0.00% APR (Annual Percentage Rate)
  • At the end of 90 days, the total amount borrowed (up to $5,000) will be due in full
  • Maximum Loan Amount: $5,000

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

Application & Pre-Approval

  • We will begin accepting applications and pre-approving members for a Government Shutdown Loan on the first business day following an official government shutdown.

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

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

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.

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

  • Credit will be pulled.
  • 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) loan is allowed per member.
  • Maximum loan amount $5,000

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.*

Documentation Required

  1. Government-issued ID
  2. Proof of loss of pay

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

After 90 days, USSFCU will begin reaching out to members who still have a loan balance to see if they want to pay the loan in full or convert the loan to a regular personal loan at the interest rates in effect at that time. Members who wish to convert to a personal loan will need to submit their application through the normal consumer loan process. The new loan interest rate will be determined by the member's credit score and the term of the loan.

Membership Requirement

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

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.

*All loans are subject to credit approval. Credit limits are based on creditworthiness, income, and debts. Not all applicants will qualify. Membership eligibility is required. Federally insured by NCUA.

Members' Voice Testimonials

This credit union is the best, I love the customer service and you can't beat the interest rates. I'm happy to be a member of this great credit union.

- 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!

- Larry · Cumberland, MD

Greta was absolutely amazing - as always. She makes me and my parents feel valued and supported. We are forever grateful. [The Credit Union] has been hugely supportive over many years. And we feel known and cared for.

- Eliza · Washington, DC

Long as I have been with the credit union, I haven't had any problems. I also like the protection on my account.

- Charles · Upper Marlboro, MD

My overall experience at the credit union was exceptional. The staff was hospitable offering water, my service was timely and professional and the office was well lit and clean.

- Denise · Washington, DC

As a member for more than 40 years, i have always had great service from the USSFCU and know that they stand behind their great reputation.

- David · Silver Spring, MD

A top rate Credit Union, [I'm] privileged to be part of! Thank you for all you do for our family! USSFCU Credit Union was able to resolve our financial situation - vehicle, personal loans, customer service/recommendations, within 6 months. We belonged to another credit union for over 20 years, with results not even close to comparison. We switched ...

- Manuel · Bowie, MD

Your people and products are amazing. The recent [online banking] overhaul is phenomenal. [I've] been electronic banking since Tele action phone banking - paying bills with my push button landline decades ago. USSFCU is light years ahead of everyone else in terms of ease of use and client experience!

- Misty · Brookings, OR

I have been a member for more than 30 years. I no longer reside in the DC area but continue to bank with USSFCU because of the ease and the customer service.

- Tamra · Denver, CO

I have been a member for over 50 years, and I have always gotten good service with loans, when I had to have service at a branch, and when I needed to have money sent to me from my savings account. The personnel have always been friendly and treated me with respect.

- John · Fort Washington, MD

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.

- Ruth · Takoma Park, MD

Staff are courteous and friendly to work with. Very knowledgeable about services and products offered or available. Excellent follow-up with customers.

- Jacquelyn · Sanford, FL

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.

- Jamie · Washington, DC

I have been a member since 2006, and have always appreciated the customer service response to any concern or query. In addition, as I have traveled extensively, USSFCU has provided support and access.

- Kathleen · Ukiah, CA

I've had a credit union account for decades, even though I no longer work on Capitol Hill. I now have two accounts. I've been able to do all of our banking remotely, by app or by phone.

- Richard · Washington, DC

I have been a USSFCU member for almost 20 years. There is nowhere else I want my money to be. I always receive excellent service.

- Nicole · Alexandria, VA

I deeply appreciate the stellar service, the proficiency, the professionalism, and the kindness. I am truly honored and grateful to bank with a financial institution that treats customers like family.

- Angela · Alexandria, VA

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