Information for Furloughed Federal Employees in Maryland

Assistance programs

Here are some of the announced assistance programs. Other creditors including credit card companies, lenders and loan servicers also have assistance options available. It is better to request help before missing payments.

Bank of America: The bank's Client Assistance Program is offering personalized financial assistance and can be reached at 844-219-0690.

Chase: The bank announced its efforts to help its customers who are U.S. government employees on Dec. 22 and is encouraging customers to call a special care line at 888-356-0023 to discuss available hardship programs. The help also is available for customers who do business with a federal agency that is also affected, Chase said in a statement.

Congressional Federal Credit Union: Furloughed employees and those working without pay can apply for the “Relief Line of Credit” with an interest-free rate over 60 days.

Discover: Impacted federal workers who are Discover cardmembers or have a loan with Discover Bank may be eligible for assistance such as skipping a payment and having late fees and interest charges reversed if they miss a payment because of the shutdown. To request assistance, call 800-347-3085.

FedChoice: The Federal Credit Union has several options listed in its Furlough Center at www.fedchoice.org.

Navy Federal Credit Union: Impacted union members who have direct deposit of their government pay may be eligible for interest-free loans. Government contractors may be eligible if their direct deposit is received directly from the federal government and will be impacted by a government shutdown. 

U.S. Employees Credit Union: Impacted union members who have direct deposit of their government pay may be eligible for interest-free loans. According to its website, the Government Shutdown Loan is to be “repaid in 60 days or when the government processes back pay, whichever is sooner.”

Wells Fargo: The bank says it "will work with individuals and business banking customers whose income is disrupted as a result of the shutdown." Customers should call 1-800-TO-WELLS, or the number on their credit card, debit card or statement for assistance, or visit any Wells Fargo branch. Mortgage, loan, and credit customers may qualify for forbearance or other payment assistance programs based on their individual circumstances, the company posted on its website.

Unemployment benefits: According to a U.S. Office of Personnel Management fact sheet, federal employees may be eligible for "Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees," which is administered by state unemployment insurance agencies. The fact sheet notes "the law of the state in which an individual’s official duty station in Federal civilian service is located will be the state law under which an individual’s eligibility for benefits is determined."

Washington Gas, which has more than 1 million customers in D.C., Maryland and Virginia, said it’s offering a range of flexible payment options for federal workers, including deferred payments and a plan that will allow customers to spread the cost of winter heating over the course of the entire year.

Washington Gas said federal employees affected by the shutdown who want to make arrangements should call customer service representatives at 1-844-WASHGAS (844-927-4427) to discuss their individual situations.

“We recognize that federal government employees may be in a challenging financial position as the shutdown continues,” said Adrian Chapman, president and CEO of Washington Gas, in a statement. “We will work with affected employees so that they continue to receive their natural gas service without interruption.”

Washington Gas said it will work with cash-strapped customers who “show a willingness to pay past due amounts” by deferring payments. The deferred payment agreements prevent customers from accruing late charges, turn-off notices and collection calls.

Washington Gas also offers a 12-month budget plan, which allows customers to spread the cost of winter heating over the entire year to account for typically higher winter bills.

The Washington Area Fuel Fund, administered by the Salvation Army, helps families who do not qualify or have exhausted other types of assistance. Washington Gas has recently increased funding for the program to broaden eligibility beyond low-income customers. Washington Gas says a family of four earning about $75,000 would qualify for assistance under the fund.

Trump Shutdown Freebies and Deals for Federal Employees

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Will Hamm 

You are correct. There are many families that need a helping hand until they receive their pay checks.

Rockville Offers Assistance to Workers Struggling During Trump Shutdown

Federal employees and contractors who are struggling financially could be eligible for delayed payment, with no penalties, on certain city services, such as such as preschool and before- and after-school care, water bills and animal registration fees.