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A number of credit unions are working to provide relief and assistance to federal employees and personnel impacted by the partial government shutdown. The shutdown is expected to last at least a few more days – potentially longer – as neither the House nor Senate plan to return to Washington for legislative business until Wednesday.

Funding for about a quarter of the federal government expired Dec. 21, forcing the departments of Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, Justice, Transportation, Interior, Homeland Security and State, among others, to shut down.

In response, scores of credit unions have begun offering members that have been furloughed or affected by the shutdown access to various programs and services. Some of the services include one-time loans to those whose pay will be disrupted, line-of-credit limit increases, deferred payments on existing loans, and short-term, reduced rate loans to help meet expenses during the shutdown, to name a few.

Credit union members who are affected by the shutdown are encouraged to contact their individual credit union to see what assistance and relief programs are available.

The Senate previously passed a bipartisan deal to keep the government funded through Feb. 8. However, the House passed a government funding deal that includes $5.7 billion requested by President Donald Trump for his proposed wall along the border of Mexico. The president said he will not sign a bill unless it provides funding for this wall. A path forward is unclear as Democrats will take control of the House when Congress convenes for its new session Wednesday.

In addition, FEMA on Friday reversed a previous decision and announced it will sell policies backed by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) during the shutdown.

NAFCU will keep credit unions updated on government funding discussions.