National Resources & Articles

• Partnership for Public Service: FedSupport 
• USAA: Shutdown Help for Members 
• Feeding America: Find Your Local Food Bank 
• National Diaper Bank Network: Member Organization Locations 
• PenFed Credit Union: Member Programs 
• Navy Federal Credit Union: Shutdown Loans for Members 
• FedChoice Federal Credit  Union: FedAssist Furlough Loans 

 TSP Plan News and Announcements: TSP allows for the suspension of loan payments when you go into non-pay status. They do not require documentation about your furlough currently. Missing one or two payments will not cause your loan to go into default. Log in to your account to check your status or simply call the 

Thrift Line at 1-877-968-3778. 

Each service branch has a dedicated aid society that provides interest-free loans or grants for urgent financial needs, such as food, rent, and utilities.

• Army: Army Emergency Relief (AER) provides loans for Soldiers      and their families impacted by pay disruptions.
• Navy-Marine Corps: The Navy-Marine Corps Relief      Society (NMCRS) assists active-duty service members and their families      with immediate financial needs. https://www.nmcrs.org/news/navy-marine-corps-relief-society-stands-ready-to-help-during-a-government-shutdown
• Air Force/Space Force: The Air Force Aid Society      (AFAS) supports airmen, Guardians, and their families with emergency      financial assistance. https://afas.org/
• Coast Guard: Coast Guard Mutual Assistance      (CGMA) offers loans to help with essential bills.  https://mycgma.org/programs/shutdown-loan/

• Mortgage Payments:
      Contact your lender and ask about hardship programs that may be available. Hardship programs are designed to assist people who are facing financial difficulties.
• If You’re Behind On Your Mortgage:
      If you're behind on your mortgage or think you might fall behind, contact the Washington Homeownership Resource Center right away. They can help you understand your options and available programs.  Call 1-877-894-4663 (HOME)
• Credit Card Payments:
      Call your bank or lender and explain your situation to them. Ask if there are any hardship programs. It's better to contact your lenders early if you think you will have trouble making payments.
• Help with Utility Bills:
      Some utility companies offer special programs for those facing financial  difficulty. Programs may help with electricity, water, and gas bills. Contact your utility provider or visit the Utilities and Transportation Commission to learn more.
      You may also qualify for programs offered through Commerce grants: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
• Emergency Cash Assistance:
      Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, also known as TANF, provides temporary, monthly cash to eligible families. TANF website.
• Financial and Credit Counseling
      If you're struggling with debt, a certified credit counselor can help. They can work with you to create a budget and a repayment plan. The National Foundation for Credit      Counseling offers nonprofit credit counseling services to help you get out of debt.

Scammers target laid-off employees with fake job offers and debt relief schemes. Be cautious of individuals and groups exploiting the shutdown. Use official military aid societies and reputable organizations for assistance.

• Verify any job offer before handing      over private information.
• Learn about debt relief scams
• Learn about  job offer scams
• Report scams to the Washington State Office of the      Attorney General