2026 Financial Assistance
The following resources have been verified as active for the February 2026 DHS partial shutdown. Contact each institution directly for the most current details on eligibility and terms.
Contact your mortgage lender, landlord, and utility companies now — do not wait until you are behind. Many lenders offer hardship assistance including payment deferrals for public servants during shutdowns.
- Notify your mortgage company, landlord, and all creditors of your situation as soon as possible. Ask about hardship programs, payment deferrals, and late fee waivers.
- Create a priority-based spending plan focusing on essentials: housing, food, transportation, and medications.
- Contact your local utility companies to ask about hardship programs and payment deferrals for federal employees.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers guidance on managing finances during a furlough. Call 1-877-833-1745.
- Local food banks and pantries have set up special distributions for public servants in many communities. Check the Shutdown Assistance Map for locations near you.
Navy Federal Credit Union
|
What they offer |
0% APR paycheck assistance program. Disbursement based on your most recent direct deposit amount. |
|
Confirmed for 2026? |
Yes. If you registered during the January 2026 shutdown, you do not need to re-register. If your registration was for a previous shutdown, you must re-register. |
|
Eligibility |
Federal employees, military service members, and federal contractors paid directly by the government with direct deposit at Navy Federal. |
|
Repayment |
Automatic debit once back pay is deposited, or 60 days after last disbursement. |
|
Credit check? |
No. Will not appear on your credit report. |
|
Contact |
888-842-6328 | navyfederal.org |
USAA
|
What they offer |
No-interest loan equal to one net paycheck, up to $6,000. Additional payment relief on auto and property insurance, life insurance, credit cards, and other products. |
|
Confirmed for 2026? |
Yes. No-interest loan became available February 25, 2026, before the first missed paycheck. |
|
Eligibility |
Members employed by an impacted federal agency with eligible direct deposit into a USAA account within 30 days before the shutdown. |
|
Repayment |
Within 3 months, split into two equal installments (60 days and 90 days). |
|
Contact |
210-531-8722 | usaa.com |
PenFed Credit Union
|
What they offer |
Furlough Relief Assistance: zero-interest paycheck protection loan, skip-a-payment on qualifying loans, and home loan hardship assistance. |
|
Confirmed for 2026? |
Yes. Currently offering furlough assistance for this shutdown. |
|
Eligibility |
Existing PenFed members with pay directly deposited to a PenFed checking account. |
|
Contact |
800-247-5626 | penfed.org |
First Command Financial Services
|
What they offer |
No-interest pay advance loan equal to your normal monthly direct deposit. Also: penalty-free early CD withdrawals, waived cash advance fees, and guidance from financial advisors. |
|
Confirmed for 2026? |
Yes. Active for impacted federal employees. |
|
Eligibility |
Employed by an impacted federal agency with government pay on direct deposit with First Command for at least 60 days before the shutdown. |
|
Contact |
firstcommand.com |
United Way - https://211.org/
Find Help/resources - https://www.findhelp.org/
Hunger Free America - https://www.hungerfreeamerica.org/en-us/national-hunger-hotline
Feeding America - https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
TSP continues normal daily operations during the shutdown. You can take a loan against your account balance. Existing TSP loans remain in good standing even without payments during the shutdown period. Visit tsp.gov/shutdown for details.
SNAP and WIC Benefits
SNAP has already been funded for FY2026 and is not affected by this shutdown. Federal employees experiencing financial hardship may apply for SNAP and WIC benefits through their state.
Unemployment Insurance
Depending on the length of the shutdown, your status, and your state of residence, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits through the Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE) program. Important: Some states have strict filing deadlines — you may have as little as two weeks from the start of the shutdown to open a claim. Check with your state’s Department of Labor immediately.
Shutdown Assistance Map
A crowdsourced online map identifying local resources for affected public servants — including assistance with groceries, utilities, transportation, and other needs. Anyone can add information about special deals or offerings in their community. View the Shutdown Assistance Map
AFL-CIO State Shutdown Resources
The AFL-CIO has compiled state-by-state resource pages including food distributions, mutual aid directories, and state-level assistance programs for union members. View state resources
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