More credit unions roll out government shutdown aid

Shutdown drags on

As the partial government shutdown enters its second week with no clear end yet in sight, credit unions nationwide are delivering relief to those affected in the shutdown. Whether it be low- or no-interest loans or delayed payment plans for those who were furloughed, here's a look at some of the offers available for those going without pay as a result of the conflict.

Previous coverage on this issue can be found here.

Navy Federal Credit Union

Government shutdown assistance is available for federal government employees or active duty Coast Guard service members whose pay was affected – so long that the aforementioned groups have set up direct deposit through Navy Federal. The Vienna, Va.-based credit union is also offering 0 percent APR loans during the government shutdown.

Pictured: Mary McDuffie, CEO of Navy FCU

Department of Agriculture Federal Credit Union

For members of AgFed Credit Union, a deferred payments option on AgFed consumer loans becomes available during the furlough period thanks to the CU's Skip-a-Payment option. The Washington D.C.,-based CU is providing personal loans with rates of 6.49 percent APR that also grant flexible repayment terms of up to 60 months and a first payment deferral that stretches up to 45 days. Though six of its branches will be closed during the government shut down, the $300 million-asset CU's Park Center branch will remain open.

Fort Knox FCU

Fort Knox FCU in Radcliff, Ky. is offering a variety of options to members impacted by the shutdown, incuding federal employees and contractors within the Deparmtents of HOmeland Security, State, Justice, Interiror, Agriculture and more. Among the offers available to membes are personal loans with no payments for 90 days, penalty-free certificate withdrawals up to $10,000, deferred payments on current loans and more.

“Supporting members and the broader community during the partial government shutdown is part of our ‘people helping people’ philosophy,” said President and CEO Ray Springsteen, pictured above. “During the 16-day shutdown in 2013, we provided 200 emergency loans for those impacted. As the largest member-owned financial institution in Kentucky, we want to help hard-working Kentucky families through this shutdown as well.”

Jax Federal Credit Union

Jax Federal Credit Union is providing several options of assistance throughout the government shutdown. Through the CU's Visa Balance transfer, credit card payments can be consolidated onto a JAXFCU Visa card. The Jacksonville, Fla.-based CU is also allowing members a 90-day amnesty period without auto loan payments and more.

Pictured: Jax FCU CEO Gerri F Sexsion.

Yolo Federal Credit Union

To assist Federal employees who may have been furloughed, Yolo Federal Credit Union is offering an interest-free budget impasse loan to eligible members who currently receive, or sign up, for either a direct deposit or payroll deduction account at Yolo Federal. Members will not be required to make payments until their payroll resumes.

Service Credit Union

Portsmouth, N.H.-based Service Credit Union is assisting members through the partial government shutdown by offering advance pay to eligible members. For members with direct deposit, Service CU will post credits based on the postings closest to Dec. 1. Once the government resumes payroll, Service CU will reverse the one-time posting and for members who do not receive automatic direct deposit posting, the $3 billion-asset CU will extend a six month no-interest loan of up to $3,000 for qualifying members.

Pictured; David Araujo, CEO of Service CU

State Department FCU

State Department Federal Credit Union in Alexandria, Va., is offering members furlough relief by refunding any late fees on loan payments, eliminating penalties for cashing share certificates early, offering 0 percent interest on emergency credit card loans for two months and delaying loan payments on circumstantial basis. The Alexandria, Va.-based credit union is also refunding cash advance fees for the CU's Visa Platinum or Premium Cash Back+ credit cards when members use an ATM. The aforementioned services are scheduled to end on January 31, 2019.

Pictured above: Jan Roche, CEO of State Department FCU