Credit unions delivered hundreds of millions of dollars in relief during most recent, historic government shutdown

When the federal government closed in 2025, credit unions across the country activated comprehensive assistance programs that ultimately provided hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to furloughed workers. The industry's response offers a blueprint for how member-owned institutions stand with their communities during financial crises.

The federal government is likely to announce a partial shutdown, and credit union leaders will be ready thanks to a proven blueprint of how to best serve members.  

When the government closed on October 1, 2025, credit unions mobilized within hours to deliver more than $208 million in assistance to 11,364 members in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area alone—part of an industry-wide response that channeled hundreds of millions of dollars to furloughed federal workers through emergency loans, fee waivers, and community support programs.

The shutdown furloughed approximately 750,000 federal workers and left hundreds of thousands more working without pay. Credit unions responded early on, activating emergency frameworks refined through previous shutdowns, natural disasters, and the pandemic.  

"Credit unions mobilized quickly to support their members, activating assistance programs to provide financial lifelines in response to the shutdown," said John Bratsakis, MD|DC Credit Union Association president/CEO. "From day one—even hour one—credit unions were putting members first. That's what credit unions do every day."

Navy Federal Credit Union provided a significant response to its military-focused membership by disbursing more than $345 million through 190,000 loans with zero interest charged and zero impact to members' credit histories.

From coast to coast, institutions activate within hours

Educational Employees Credit Union in Central California had its shutdown assistance program running the moment the government closed. The credit union offered no-interest loans of up to $10,000 for 30 days, skip-a-payment programs, and waived penalties for early certificate withdrawals. "We've learned from prior economic disruptions that members need both immediate financial options and clear, proactive communication," said Mark V. Perez, EECU's senior vice president of lending and marketing.

Peninsula Credit Union in Washington state took rapid adaptation further, changing lending policies within two hours after staff reported members struggling to provide required furlough documentation. FedChoice Federal Credit Union in Maryland approved more than $2.4 million in loans for federal employees , with furlough-specific lending reaching $1.4 million.

Tinker Federal Credit Union in Oklahoma processed more than 3,200 assistance transactions and distributed over $1 million in zero-percent interest loans . The credit union expanded eligibility beyond its membership base to serve anyone affected by the shutdown, exemplifying how member-owned institutions extend their mission beyond traditional boundaries during crises.

America's First Federal Credit Union in Alabama launched its "Here When You Need Us Most" program offering low-rate relief loans, while AmeriCU Credit Union in New York and Valley Strong Credit Union in California deployed 0% APR loans and fee waivers. In the Carolinas, Marine Federal Credit Union activated its long-standing Payroll Assistance Program, Piedmont Advantage Credit Union extended nearly $190,000 in payment relief, and CPM Federal Credit Union paired member assistance with a $10,000 donation to local food banks.  

Heart of Louisiana Credit Union established a Furlough Relief Program, and American Heritage Credit Union in Pennsylvania and New Jersey opened a dedicated assistance hotline. Nevada saw coordinated action from America First Credit Union , Silver State Schools Credit Union , Clark County Credit Union , Great Basin Federal Credit Union , Greater Nevada Credit Union , and Elko Credit Union , all providing loan deferrals and emergency resources.  

Credit unions in California reached out to members with fee waivers, loan flexibility, and paycheck replacements, including Kinecta Federal Credit Union, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, California Credit Union, Los Angeles Federal Credit Union, Northrop Grumman Federal Credit Union, and JACOM Credit Union.  In El Paso, FirstLight Federal Credit Union , GECU , and Raiz Federal Credit Union joined Rep. Veronica Escobar at a press conference to connect affected employees with relief options.

Innovation beyond traditional lending

Keesler Federal Credit Union in Mississippi took a fundamentally different approach, creating an automatic paycheck advance program rather than offering loans. The credit union advanced more than 5,000 paychecks totaling $6.5 million to enrolled members who were federal employees. "We're just advancing them the money," explained T. Bradley Keith, director of public relations. "There are no fees, no interest, and no cost whatsoever. This is a moment for credit unions, because banks just can't do that."

FedChoice hosted a food truck event at its headquarters , providing free meals to federal employees while connecting them with mental health specialists and certified financial planners. The comprehensive approach recognized that the shutdown's impact extended beyond finances to emotional well-being. "One of the members came through and started hugging people and thanking us," recalled Christine Wright, vice president of marketing at FedChoice. "He said, 'I'm trying to figure out, do I need to go to food banks?'"

With approximately 42 million Americans relying on SNAP benefits that faced disruption, credit unions addressed food insecurity alongside financial hardship. Keesler Federal doubled its annual food bank support to more than $100,000 and organized a distribution event in Gulfport that drew a vehicle line stretching 6.5 blocks. Wescom Financial in California intensified support for food bank partners, with members contributing more than $38,000 in donations.

The difference members noticed

America's Credit Unions' Government Shutdown survey continues to capture the industry's response. As of January 2026: 90% of responding credit unions offered deferred payments on existing loans, 78% launched new or modified loan programs, and 68% waived fees or penalties to reduce member strain.

"Many of the loans we're providing are helping members bridge the gap from missed paychecks and maintain stability during an uncertain time," said NIH Federal Credit Union President/CEO Rick Wieczorek. "It's gratifying to hear from members who appreciate their credit union's commitment to going above and beyond to help. That's the credit union difference."

When communities face financial disruption, credit unions have proven they are ready to stand with their members with immediate action, flexible solutions, and a commitment that extends well beyond the balance sheet.

A continually updated list of credit unions providing assistance is available on the America’s Credit Unions Government Shutdown Assistance webpage, and credit unions are encouraged to share their work in serving federal workers during this time of need.

If you would like to share your credit union’s or league’s efforts relating to helping members deal with the federal shutdown, please contact us at communications@americascreditunions.org .