Standing beside those who serve during financial uncertainty

For Cassandra Clouse, a U.S. Army veteran and civilian engineer, the possibility of a U.S. government shutdown was more than just a political debate. It was going to have a direct impact on her financial stability. When she learned about Navy Federal Credit Union’s paycheck assistance program, she took action.

“I switched everything over to Navy Federal,” Clouse said. “Not only because of its shutdown assistance program, but also because it offered better credit card rewards and consistently good customer service. Everybody is really nice on the phone.”

Tailored relief for those who serve

Every community faces hardships differently. For military members and their families, the stakes are especially high. Active-duty service members must continue to report for duty even if their pay is delayed, while many veterans and civilian defense employees rely on federal benefits or fixed incomes that can be interrupted without warning. Frequent relocations often mean fewer local support systems to lean on, magnifying the stress when financial disruptions hit.

“We understand how unsettling a potential government shutdown can be for our members and their families,” said Ann Repczynski, AVP of digital payments at Navy Federal. “In these challenging times, it's important our members know we are here to provide support through the first impacted pay period.”

To ensure military members and government employees can bridge income gaps without additional financial strain, Navy Federal offers its Government Shutdown Loan Program, a 0% APR loan with no credit checks, no fees, and no reporting to credit bureaus.

Eligible members include active-duty service members, federal employees, and contractors paid directly by the government who have a direct deposit with Navy Federal. Members can enroll digitally through the credit union’s mobile app or website, ensuring quick and seamless access to relief.

Clouse’s decision provided both peace of mind and immediate access to the 0% APR loan program. She also encouraged several colleagues to join, knowing how vital that safety net could be.

“We just want to go to work and do our jobs if we’re allowed to,” she said. “We still have bills to pay. Now that I have a possible loan, I can be sure that I can pay my bills next month and not have to worry.” Her gratitude speaks volumes about the impact of personalized support.  

Guided by mission, driven by members

In the U.S., there are over 1.3 million active-duty military personnel, more than 739,000 reservists, and 741,000 civilian employees, making for a total force of more than 2.8 million individuals who may be directly or indirectly affected during a government shutdown.

Credit unions like Navy Federal play a vital role in these moments of instability. Their approach isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s personal, mission-driven, and deeply connected to the communities they serve.

“These loans provide immediate relief, allowing members to cover essential expenses like rent, food, and bills,” Repczynski explained. “The program is designed to prevent reliance on payday lenders and to offer a dignified, low-risk solution during financial uncertainty.”

During the 2018–2019 government shutdown, Navy Federal disbursed more than 32,000 loans totaling $53 million to nearly 19,000 members. Today, the credit union is seeing a significant uptick in participation,  reflecting the anxiety many families feel about prolonged disruption.

Why military members often turn to credit unions

Credit unions don’t just provide immediate relief; they contribute to long-term financial resilience, trust, and preparedness. According to a 2024 industry survey*, credit union member military households are 1.8 times more likely than nonmembers to say they feel their financial institution has improved their financial well-being.  

That kind of trust is what drives Navy Federal’s ongoing commitment to its members. From front-line staff equipped with real-time guidance to digital tools that simplify access, the credit union’s focus is on making help available quickly, compassionately, and with long-term impact front and center.

Veterans, too, benefit from these programs. Those relying on federal benefits or fixed incomes are eligible for the same 0% APR loan if they meet the direct deposit criteria, as well as access to financial counseling, credit education, and emergency relief programs.

“Our contact center and branches are trained to listen and respond,” Repczynski said. “Whether it’s an active-duty service member deployed overseas or a veteran managing on a fixed income, we make sure support is available and accessible.”

Financial support becomes personal support

Navy Federal’s approach underscores a truth that resonates across the credit union movement: every community faces unique challenges, and every response must be personal. For military families, financial stability often depends on institutions that understand their realities of relocations, deployments, and sacrifices that shape their lives.

“We stand by our members to support them to the best of our ability,” Repczynski said. “Our mission is to protect their financial health and ensure we can serve them for another 90-plus years.”

For Clouse and thousands like her, that mission translates into more than financial relief; it’s a sense of belonging. It’s knowing that someone is paying attention when uncertainty hits hardest.

Her story is a reminder of what makes credit unions like Navy Federal so essential: 
they don’t just provide accounts and loans, they provide reassurance.

“This is not something [Navy Federal] has to do,” Clouse said. “[Navy Federal] chooses to do it for members of the military community, a lot of whom live paycheck-to-paycheck. It’s a big deal.”

^{* America’s Credit Unions 2024 National Pulse Survey}

America's Credit Unions has a Government Shutdown Assistance webpage with resources and will continue to engage with Congress on getting funding restored.