💙 Support & Relief Resources for Furloughed Federal Employees

💙 Support & Relief Resources for Furloughed Federal Employees
If you or someone you know has been affected by the government shutdown, please know that you are not alone — and help is available. Below is a carefully compiled list of financial, credit, loan, and community resources offering support during this time. Take a moment to explore what applies to your situation, reach out, and give yourself permission to receive the help you deserve.
🏦 Banking & Credit Union Assistance
Bank of America
Assistance line for furloughed Federal employees: 844-219-0690
Chase Bank
Special support line for affected employees: 1-888-356-0023
Congressional Federal Credit Union
Relief Line of Credit and assistance programs: 800-491-2328
FedChoice Federal Credit Union – Offering several options for both new and existing members.
Interior Federal Credit Union – Special interest-free loan (up to $15,000 for 30 days). Call 800-914-8619.
Navy Federal Credit Union – Learn about their special loan program or call 1-888-842-6328.
PayPal Credit Assistance – $25M in interest-free cash advances ($250-$500). New/existing users call 1-877-689-1975.
U.S. Bank – Waiving late fees and deferring payments for affected customers.
U.S. Employees Credit Union – Shutdown loans available until Jan 15th: (312) 922-5310.
SunTrust (Truist) – Programs available to help clients affected by the shutdown.
Synchrony Bank – Deferring payments on retail credit cards (Amazon, Lowe's, Walmart, etc.).
Union Plus – For union members: $300 grants, mortgage and insurance assistance. Call 800-472-2005.
Wells Fargo – Various assistance lines depending on your account type.
💰 Furlough Grants & Savings Plans
FEEA-NARFE Fund – $100 grants for active federal employees furloughed or working without pay.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) – Suspension of loan payments during non-pay status. Call 1-877-968-3778.
🚗 Auto Finance Relief
Toyota Financial Services
Up to 2 months of deferred payments.
Lexus Financial Services
Similar assistance available.
Hyundai Motor Finance
30-day extensions for qualified federal employees.
Kia Motors Finance
30-day deferred payment options.
Ford Credit, GM Financial, and Mercedes-Benz Financial – Case-by-case support, including payment deferrals and late fee waivers.
📱 Mobile Service Providers
AT&T
AT&T – Assisting with late fees, payment extensions, and flexible plans.
Sprint
Sprint – Short-term payment solutions: 1-888-211-4747.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile – Payment extensions and short-term relief. Dial 611 from your device.
Verizon
Verizon – Flexible payment programs and Promise-to-Pay options.
🏠 Housing & Rental Assistance
National Rental Home Council – Deferred rent and waived late fees for affected renters.
OPM Sample Letters – Templates for landlords, mortgage lenders, and utility companies.
🥕 Food Resources & Family Support
Feeding America
Feeding America – Access over 200 food banks and 60,000 pantries nationwide.
Your Local School District
Your Local School District – Notify them of your furlough to qualify for free/reduced meals for your children.
🛡️ Insurance Relief
MetLife Auto & Home
MetLife Auto & Home – One-time 30-day grace period for policy payments.
Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance
Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance – Waiving cost of insurance charges for AFGE members for 30 days.
🛋️ Other Support & Free Offers
Rent-A-Center (Benefits Plus)
Rent-A-Center (Benefits Plus) – Involuntary Unemployment Payment Waiver for eligible members.
U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) – Guidance on unemployment compensation eligibility.
USAA
USAA – Offering deferments for all loans and credit card payments.
🌿 Closing Note
During challenging times, it's okay to reach out for help — doing so is an act of strength, not weakness.
These programs exist to support you, your family, and your peace of mind. Review your options, make the calls, and allow this season to remind you: you are supported, you are seen, and relief is within reach.