Proactively Supporting Members During the Government Shutdown
We’ve been closely monitoring recent developments and media coverage surrounding the potential government shutdown, which has created some concern among federal employees, contractors, and their families—many of whom are credit union members. This uncertainty can understandably lead to financial stress for those directly and indirectly impacted.
As credit unions, we have a unique opportunity to provide reassurance, support, and clarity to our members during times like these. It’s important to remind members why their choice to bank with a credit union is a smart and secure one, especially during periods of economic disruption.
Credit unions are fundamentally different from for-profit financial institutions. Our not-for-profit, cooperative structure ensures that we prioritize the needs of our members—not external investors. This people-first approach positions us to serve as a trusted financial partner in uncertain times.
CUs Supporting Members During Times of Crisis
In times of crisis, credit unions across our six-state region have consistently demonstrated their commitment to supporting their members. Here are some examples of how GoWest credit unions have stepped up to help during government shutdowns and other challenging times:
Mason County Credit Unions
- Major Employer Closure: A group of credit unions stood shoulder to shoulder when a major employer closed:
- Joint Press Releases: They issued joint press releases to assure their members and the community of their commitment.
- Collaborative Events: Together, these credit unions, partnered with cellphone providers, food banks, and organizations addressing food insecurity to put on community events.
Example Initiatives
- Penalty-free certificate withdrawal.
- ‘Skip A Pay’ options to provide relief from loan payments.
- Borrow and Save programs to assist with immediate financial needs.
- Shared secured loans to help members access funds.
- No-fee cash advances during critical times.
- All team members are trained financial counselors.
- An emergency paycheck advance loan program to provide immediate relief.
Unified Messaging: These credit unions came together with a unified voice through press releases and videos to emphasize that credit unions are always there for their members, especially during challenging times.
Credit Unions with Large Military Memberships
These credit unions extended their support to members impacted by government shutdowns and other crises.
- Offered zero-interest personal loans, to help workers avoid the need for high-interest payday loans
- Welcomed non-members to become members to access these benefits.
- Provided back-to-back skip pay options for existing loans.
- Allowed members to apply for multiple relief options for maximum flexibility.
One Oregon Credit Union
- Required members to be in good standing for 60 days.
- Proof of furlough status was needed to access certain benefits.
- Provided penalty-free certificate withdrawals for eligible members.
Elevations Credit Union
Elevations Credit Union is proud to provide peace of mind and assistance to its members impacted by the federal government furlough with two assistance plan options:
- Skip-a-Pay on outstanding Elevations consumer loans in good standing.
- Interest-free personal loans equal to the member’s monthly net pay up to a maximum loan amount of $20,000.
In addition, Elevations is asking members who have been furloughed to call them or visit a branch to discuss their situation with an Elevations team member if they need additional support beyond these offerings. Elevations Credit Union is committed to standing with its members in this time of uncertainty.
A Wyoming Credit Union Foundation
- Established a Heat Energy Assistance Trust (HEAT) program in 2023 to help pay home heating bills
- Members of Meridian Trust Federal Credit Union in any state could receive the grant, which was made to the service provider.
America’s Credit Unions wants your help to quantify how much credit unions have provided support to those most affected in the event of a shutdown. Please visit here to input your information.
Key Messaging
Key messages to share with your members:
- Credit unions remain strong and stable, thanks to our commitment to responsible financial practices and our focus on member well-being over profit.
- We are here to help. Many credit unions offer programs to assist members affected by the shutdown, such as emergency loans, payment relief options, and waived fees.
- The safety of members’ deposits remains a top priority. Funds are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).
We’ve updated our messaging resources to help you communicate effectively with your members during this period. These resources include talking points, FAQs, and member communication templates that address common concerns about the shutdown. Please use these tools to educate and support your members proactively.
As the situation evolves, we will continue to monitor developments and provide additional guidance. Thank you for your continued commitment to serving your members with compassion and care.
Compliance & Response Resources
Examples of CU Responses
- A message of support from Peninsula Credit Union
- Federal Government Shut Down from Peninsula Credit Union
Compliance Resources
A government shutdown can impact your credit union’s operations, especially if you primarily serve federal employees. We want to make sure that you are prepared.
As you are planning for the looming shutdown, here are some steps you can take:
Ensure Policies Provide Flexibility
- Review and update policies to provide flexibility in responding to members’ financial needs during a federal government shutdown.
Prepare for Service Interruptions
- Develop contingency plans for service interruptions, especially if your credit union has offices or branches in federal buildings that may be affected by a shutdown.
Direct Deposits Assistance
- Take steps to prudently assist members affected by the shutdown, including providing advances to individuals receiving direct deposits from the federal government.
Plan for Government Program Participation
- Develop contingency plans for participation in government programs. For example, if your credit union offers loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), you will need to decide if you will proceed with scheduled FHA loan closings and hold and guarantee new FHA loans until any impasse on federal spending ends.
Communicate
- Communicate your credit union’s response plans and efforts throughout the shutdown and once it is resolved. Keeping your members, employees, and customers informed is crucial to maintaining trust and clarity.
Safety and Soundness Considerations
Work with members who are facing economic challenges to address any financial difficulties that a federal government shutdown might create — it is in the best interest of your members and of your credit union. Here are some ways credit unions may assist:
Special Assistance Programs
- Consider offering special programs to assist members needing short-term loans or other financial assistance during the shutdown.
Customized Loan Programs
- Create loan programs with special terms and rates to cater to members’ unique financial needs during the shutdown.
Payment Flexibility
- Provide payment flexibility for existing loans to federal employees affected by the shutdown, offering temporary relief.
HR/Compliance Support
The NCUA has provided other articles and guidance related to the previous shutdowns (2018 ,2019), which credit unions may find helpful until the agencies issue updated guidance:
- Planning and Preparedness for a Potential Government Shutdown
- NCUA to Remain Open, Credit Union Members’ Shares Insured, While Federal Government Closed
- Regulators Encourage Institutions to Work with Borrowers Affected by Government Shutdown
- Guidance on the Lapse of FEMA’s Authority to Issue Flood Insurance Contracts
Guidance from Fannie Mae
- All Fannie Mae Single-Family Sellers Impact of Federal Government Shutdown
- All Fannie Mae Single-Family Servicers Impact of Federal Government Shutdown (Servicing)
If you have questions, please reach out to the GoWest Compliance team, [email protected].
FAQs - Federal Government Shutdown
What is a government shutdown, and how might it affect me as a credit union member?
- A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass funding legislation that authorizes the resources needed to maintain specific or broad government programs. This can result in furloughed federal employees, delayed government contracts, and ripple effects on the economy. If you are directly affected, your credit union is here to support you with financial solutions and guidance.
Are my funds at risk during a government shutdown?
- No, your funds are safe and federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) up to $250,000 per individual depositor.
I’m a federal employee/contractor and won’t receive my paycheck. What help can my credit union provide?
Many credit unions offer programs for affected members, including:
- Emergency loans with low or no interest.
- Payment deferral options for existing loans.
- Waivers for fees such as overdraft or late payment penalties.
Please contact us directly to learn about the specific options available to you.
Who will be affected by the shutdown?
- “Non-Essential” Federal Programs and Agencies: These will cease operation and personnel will be furloughed without pay.
- Furloughed employees can become eligible for unemployment compensation, but it depends on where they live. State laws apply. Some states require a one-week waiting period before an individual can quality for unemployed payments.
- Essential Workers: Essential workers — including military personnel, federal law enforcement, TSA agents, and border patrol workers — may be required to continue working despite not receiving their pay during the shutdown.
- SBA and FHA: The Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) may be unable to process loan requests and loan origination applications during the shutdown.
- IRS, FinCEN, and National Flood Insurance Program: Services provided by these agencies may experience interruptions. Please consult their websites for the latest information in case of a shutdown.
- FARM Bill: The FARM Bill, which funds the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is expected to expire. This could leave millions of low-income families without food-purchasing assistance.
How will the government shutdown impact my credit union’s operations?
- Credit unions remain stable and operational during a government shutdown. We are member-owned, not-for-profit institutions that prioritize your financial well-being. Our services and support systems will continue uninterrupted.
Will the shutdown impact my ability to access government-related financial services (e.g., tax refunds, federal loans)?
- Certain government processes, like IRS operations or federal loan disbursements, may be delayed. If you’re affected, your credit union can help you explore temporary financial solutions to bridge the gap.
If the government can’t fund itself, what happens to the NCUA insurance?
- The National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF) is fully funded and independent of the federal budget process. This means that your deposits remain insured and protected, regardless of a government shutdown.
How long will this shutdown last?
- While we don’t know exactly how long this will last, be assured credit unions are built to withstand economic fluctuations, including government shutdowns. Credit unions have experience navigating economic disruptions and are well-positioned to adapt and support members for the long term. Credit Unions have strong capital reserves and operate under conservative, member-focused lending practices. Additionally, the not-for-profit structure allows credit unions to prioritize stability over profits, ensuring they remain a safe and reliable financial partner.
Which services and programs continue?
- Mandatory Social Safety Programs: Programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid payments will continue, along with support for most employees who oversee these programs.
- Congress: Congress is considered “essential,” and all senators, representatives, and key staff will continue working and will be paid during any shutdown.
- Financial Regulatory Agencies: The NCUA (National Credit Union Administration) and other banking regulators are independent of the federal appropriations process and will remain in service to financial institutions. Additionally, the CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau) and the Federal Reserve will continue their operations.
Talking Points for Member Communication
Stability and Member Reassurance
- Credit unions operate independently of government funding, ensuring stability and continued service during a shutdown.
- Member deposits are federally insured by the NCUA, offering the same level of protection as FDIC insurance for banks.
- Our cooperative structure ensures we make decisions in your best interest—not for profit.
Support Programs for Affected Members
- We understand the financial strain caused by missed paychecks and other disruptions. That’s why we offer [IF/AS APPLICABLE]:
- Short-term, low-interest loans for emergency needs.
- Payment relief programs for existing loans.
- Fee waivers for overdrafts or late payments.
- Contact us today to learn how we can help you during this time.
Commitment to Community
- Credit unions were built on the principle of “people helping people.” During uncertain times, we’re here to support you and our community.
- If you’re feeling financial stress, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ll work with you to create a plan that fits your needs.
Educating Members
- Now is an opportunity to educate members about the unique benefits of credit unions:
- Not-for-profit and member-owned, meaning we prioritize people over profits.
- Strong financial stability rooted in responsible lending and operations.
- Tailored support programs that meet members where they are.
Proactive Communication
- Encourage members to reach out early if they anticipate challenges due to the shutdown.
- Reassure members that their credit union is ready to assist with personalized solutions.
