Local Support, Real Impact: Credit Unions Step Up During Shutdown

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on October 8, 2025

With the federal government shutdown heading into its second week, credit unions across the region are showing up with programs and services to support their members who may be impacted.

As local, not-for-profit financial cooperatives, credit unions are uniquely positioned to respond quickly in times of need.

Here are some of the many ways GoWest member credit unions have stepped up and stepped in:

Westerra Credit Union – Colorado

Westerra is offering the Westerra Cares Government Relief Loan, a special 6-month, 0% interest loan to help eligible members bridge the gap between paychecks. This support is available to existing members who provide documentation of federal furlough and proof of income and is intended to ease financial stress during the interruption in federal services.

In addition to financial assistance, Westerra is helping connect individuals to trusted nonprofit organizations offering essential services, including:

• Colorado Pet Pantry, providing pet food and supplies
• Food Bank of the Rockies, offering food distribution throughout the region
• Mile High United Way (Call 211), connecting residents to a broad network of community resources

Vantage West Credit Union – Arizona

Vantage West Credit Union is offering services for eligible members who work for the federal government and are on furlough or working without pay:

• Temporary payment deferral for eligible loans
• Government Shutdown Loans with terms up to 24 months, loan amounts up to 2x’s net salary with a $5,000 maximum, and 90 days to first payment
• Waiver of CD early withdrawal penalties
• Free financial coaching appointments to review accounts and budget

WECU – Washington

WECU provides steady support and guidance through uncertain times. The credit union’s member support resources include:

• Skip-a-Pay: Members can skip a loan payment twice per year (excluding mortgages), and WECU will waive the $15 fee for any member affected by the shutdown.
• Accounts Control Loan Extensions: They will offer up to two loan extensions (mortgages not included) for members affected by the shutdown. This would be in addition to any previous unrelated extensions (or skip-a-pays).
• Consumer Loan Programs: WECU is ready to support members affected by the shutdown with consumer loans.
• Real Estate Forbearance: The Real Estate team will work with any impacted member, which would include a mortgage forbearance if the borrower qualified.
• Flexibility Options: They encourage members to contact them to explore personalized support options.

OneAZ Credit Union – Arizona

OneAZ Credit Union continues to be committed to helping its members reach their financial goals. If a member or a member of their immediate family is impacted by the government shutdown as a federal employee or contractor, they may be eligible for the following programs:

• Fee waiver for Early Certificate Withdrawals
• Fee waiver for Courtesy Pay Advances
• Assistance Loan
• Free financial guidance through a OneAZ in-branch Financial Coach or a Certified Counselor from GreenPath Financial Wellness
• Other additional financial hardship options

Ent Credit Union – Colorado

Ent Credit Union understands that a government shutdown may create financial challenges for many, including federal employees, government contractors, and military personnel. Solutions designed to support their members include:

• Possible deferral of loan payments without penalty
• Use of Skip-a-Pay program if loan qualifies
• Additional personalized assistance

Sound Credit Union – Washington

Sound Credit Union stands by its members through all waves of life, and this includes challenging times. Members may qualify for some flexible options through the Member Assistance Program:

• Sound Relief Loans up to $6,000 with no payment for 90 days (interest accrues), low interest rate of 6% APR, and terms of 10 – 40 months
• No fee Skip-a-Pay
• Early withdrawals on certificates with no penalty fees
• Free one-on-one financial counseling through GreenPath Financial Wellness

Foothills Credit Union – Colorado

Foothills Credit Union is participating in a government resources fair on Oct. 14, which being hosted on by 7th Congressional District Rep. Brittany Pettersen. The fair will provide resources to government employees who may be affected by the recent government shutdown and possible future furloughs or layoffs. Foothills Credit Union will provide resources on topics including budgeting, debt management, loan deferrals/rewrites, and additional resources that government employees could utilize during the shutdown and after the shutdown.

For more information about these financial support programs, please contact each credit union directly.

If your credit union has already created programs, offered resources, and provided reassurance to your members who will be impacted by the shutdown, we want to hear about it! Send your success stories to Katy Wagnon, SVP of Marketing and Communications, so we can highlight your efforts with media and policymakers.

Posted in Across the Region, Arizona, Colorado, Public Awareness, Regional Member News, Top Headlines, Washington.