Credit unions stand by members as shutdown drags on
As the government shutdown enters its third week, leagues and credit unions are offering tailored support to impacted federal workers and military servicemembers to ensure members can still meet their financial obligations.
Army veteran and civilian engineer Cassandra Clouse turned to Navy Federal Credit Union and its 0% APR loan program designed to help members bridge pay gaps without fees, credit checks, or credit reporting. The program, available to active-duty service members, federal employees, and contractors with direct deposit, provides quick digital access to funds during missed pay periods. Clouse’s story is detailed in a new America’s Credit Unions blog post, as well as insights into how Navy Federal prioritizes supporting military families with empathy and practicality.
Prince George’s Community Federal Credit Union (PGCFCU) announced a series of financial relief programs to support members directly impacted by the federal government shutdown to “provide short-term stability and peace of mind.” The credit union supports tens of thousands of federal employees and contractors living and working in Prince George’s County, and offers specialized services including a government shutdown loan, payment deferrals on existing loans, and a waived early-withdrawal penalty on certificates of deposit.
“As a community-based credit union, we understand that a government shutdown can create serious financial uncertainty for many households,” said PGCFCU President/CEO Diane Coleman Brown in a press release. “Our members are at the heart of everything we do, and we’re committed to helping them stay financially stable through challenging times.”
FedChoice Federal Credit Union was founded to support the federal community and has jumped into action to help those members. A FedAssist webpage outlines current offerings and encourages members to reach out to work directly with the credit union to discuss options and specific needs. "We have been through government shutdowns before and truly understand the financial challenges our members face. That’s why we, and many other credit unions, immediately activated support measures from day one of the shutdown,” said FedChoice FCU President/CEO Brett Noll.
"We have been through government shutdowns before...That’s why we, and many other credit unions, immediately activated support measures from day one..."@FedChoiceFCU CEO Brett Noll to @USATODAY #creditunion assistance➡️https://t.co/he8YqmYsJ0 pic.twitter.com/tPfIYA2e1E
— MD|DC CUA (@MDDCCUA) October 16, 2025
The MD|DC Credit Union Association helped spread the word about FedChoice FCU’s program, along with a detailed list of credit unions offering assistance and state resources for federal employees in D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware on their resource page.
Across the country, Golden 1 Credit Union in Sacramento, Calif., put together a member webpage providing information on resources and programs, including a Payroll Assistance Loan with 0% APR for federal employees who are existing Golden 1 members. Golden 1 sent direct messages about the program to members who may have been impacted and many have already utilized the programs.
Chris Dols, co-executive director of the Federal Unionists Network, said federal workers are receiving needed help from their credit unions and communities.
America’s Credit Unions encourages credit unions to share the ways they’re assisting members through the survey on the Government Shutdown Assistance page. The Advocacy Team is eager to share your story and it will help as advocacy efforts to highlight credit unions’ government shutdown efforts nationwide continue.
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