Support for Furloughed Federal Employees: Resources and Financial Assistance

Oct 29

During this challenging time, Still Serving Veterans stands ready to support our community members impacted by the federal government shutdown. If your pay has been disrupted and you’re a federal employee, Active Duty service member, or federal contractor, help is available through low-interest loans, financial assistance, and local support resources.

💰 Financial Relief Options

Redstone Federal Credit Union
Offering relief loans of up to $5,000 at 1.5% APR with no payment due for 60 days. Approved applicants can receive funds the same day.

USAA Government Shutdown Program
Providing no-interest loans and payment relief options from $500–$6,000.

Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (FEEA)
Emergency hardship loans and shutdown grants available for qualifying full-time federal civilian employees.

AFL-CIO
Eligible furloughed employees may qualify for temporary benefits, to be repaid once back pay is received.

Additional Financial Institutions Offering Help:

Chase Bank: 1-888-356-0023
Regions Bank: Loan deferrals, deposit refunds, and payment assistance
CitiBank: Preventing account delinquency or suspension
Bank of America: Priority assistance line: 844-219-0690
Navy Federal Credit Union: Special shutdown loan program (1-888-842-6328)
U.S. Bank: Late fee waivers and deferred mortgage payments
PayPal: Interest-free cash advances from $250–$500 for furloughed workers (1-877-689-1975)
Union Plus: $300 furlough grants and loan assistance (800-472-2005)

For a full list of participating financial institutions, visit the official links from your provider or contact them directly.

🥫 Local Food & Grocery Assistance

House of the Harvest
Free breakfast Saturdays 6:45–8:30 a.m. and food distribution 7:15–9 a.m.

Manna House
Offers groceries three nights a week including fresh produce, canned goods, and bakery items.

Refuge Church – Harvest Campus
Open Wednesdays, 5–7 p.m., providing free groceries and household items.

OneGenerationAway
Hosts mobile food pantries and grocery giveaways—no questions asked.

Food Bank of North Alabama
Coordinating mobile food pantries for those impacted by the shutdown.

St. Vincent de Paul
Distributes food and provides financial assistance.

💡 Utilities & Bills

Huntsville Utilities
No late fees or service disconnections during the shutdown.

Cell Phone Providers (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T)
Offering flexible payment arrangements and short-term assistance.

👶 Childcare, Youth Programs & School Meals

According to Redstone Rocket:

Child Care Fees: No late fees during the shutdown; families have 30 days post–appropriations bill to pay balances.
Youth Programs: Remain open with regular operations; payments deferred for 30 days after funding resumes.
School Lunch Program: Meals will continue; accounts can go temporarily negative without penalty.
Apply for free or reduced lunches at Linq Connect.

🧠 Mental Health & Wellness Resources

211 Helpline: Free, confidential access to thousands of local assistance programs.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 24/7 emotional support for anyone in distress.
Wellfed: Free virtual programs for career and emotional resilience.
Justice Connection: Curated mental health resources for federal employees.
Empower to Work (via Technologists for the Public Good): Free counseling for furloughed workers.

🚗 Auto & Insurance Assistance

Toyota, Lexus, Hyundai, Kia, Ford, GM Financial, Mercedes-Benz: Deferred or extended payments for furloughed customers.
MetLife Auto & Home: 30-day premium grace period (1-800-GET-MET8).
Fidelity & Guaranty Life: 30-day insurance charge waiver for AFGE policyholders.

🏡 Rental & Mortgage Assistance

National Rental Home Council: Deferred rent payments with no late fees.
OPM Sample Letters: Templates to contact landlords or mortgage companies for relief.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Suspension of loan payments during non-pay status; no default risk.

🍕 Community & Local Support

U.S. Space & Rocket Center: 50% admission discount for government employees.
Valentina’s Pizzeria & Wine Bar: 10% off dine-in or carry-out orders with federal ID (Saturdays only).