FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE          

CONTACT: Lauren Williams – CUNA Communications; (202) 626-7642; lwilliams@cuna.coop 

Washington, D.C. (January 11, 2019) – America’s credit unions are embodying their structure and mission to ensure their members affected by the government shutdown have access to low- or no-interest loans with generous repayment terms. An estimated 800,000 federal employees and their families are facing financial uncertainty because they aren’t being paid during the shutdown.  

Credit Union National Association (CUNA) is currently collecting information regarding the assistance credit unions across the nation are providing. Some of the furlough assistance programs include:  

• Zero percent APR interest signature relief loan for 12 months signature relief loan;  
• Pay Disruption Assistance Program with mortgage loan forbearances, loan and credit card payment deferments, and short-term low rate loans; 
• Online member portals with special furlough loans;  
• Preexisting loan deferred payment opportunities for up to 60 days; and  
• Cash advances of up to 90% of federal employee’s regular monthly pay.  

Credit unions are also helping federal employees who are not yet members have access to these services by welcoming eligible members across the country.  

“Credit unions across the country are stepping up to help federal employees and families affected by the government shutdown. Relief programs offering low rates and deferred payments will aid members who are struggling to make ends meet,” said CUNA Chief Advocacy Officer Ryan Donovan. “This is what we mean when we say that credit unions are people helping people.” 

Five federal financial regulators are encouraging financial institutions to work with borrowers affected by the federal government shutdown.  

Learn more about how credit unions are putting people over profits: www.cuna.org/shutdownassistance 

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About CUNA      
Credit Union National Association (CUNA) is the only national association that advocates on behalf of all of America’s credit unions, which are owned by 115 million consumer members. CUNA, along with its network of affiliated state credit union leagues, delivers unwavering advocacy, continuous professional growth and operational confidence to protect the best interests of all credit unions. For more information about CUNA, visit cuna.org.