Furlough Assistance

We are committed to supporting you during these challenging times and providing the financial tools and resources you need to succeed. If you need assistance during the government shutdown, turn to us. We have loans and payment solutions to help. 

Skip-A-Pay**

If you currently have an auto loan, personal loan, or VISA credit card with us, you may be able to skip one monthly payment. Our Skip-A-Payment program gives you the freedom to handle your financial obligations without tarnishing your credit. The best part is that we’ll even waive the Skip-A-Payment fee. Proof of furlough is required.

Penalty-Free Certificate Withdrawals

Members with savings certificates can withdraw their funds with a one-time penalty waiver. 

Free Financial Check-Up

Connect with someone from our team to review your budget, potentially refinance high-interest debt from another financial institution, discuss credit management, and more.

Additional Resources

In Virginia, Governor Glen Youngkin declared a state of emergency last week, allowing the use of emergency funds to provide relief for 850,000 Virginians who receive federal food assistance through the SNAP program. Furloughed workers can apply for unemployment benefits. Visit the state’s website for more information.

In Maryland, Comptroller Brooke Lierman has announced that the state will offer tax payment plan deferments for federal employees experiencing financial hardship. To sign up for relief, federal workers must send an email to: GovShutdownRelief@marylandtaxes.gov and include the following information: full name, address, last four digits of their social security number, and case number or payment plan identification number. The deferment program is in place through the shutdown, plus an additional 60 days after the federal government resumes business. Additional information on available resources and support can be found on the state’s website.

In DC, furloughed federal workers can apply for unemployment by visiting the Department of Employment Services website.

Food Resources

1. Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) – DMV Region

• Eligibility: Federal employees and contractors (must show government ID)
• Offerings: Shelf-stable pantry items, fresh produce
• Distribution Sites:
  • Washington, D.C.: Urban Outreach, 5343 C St SE (Fridays, 11am–1:30pm)
  • Maryland:
    • No Limits Outreach Ministries, Hyattsville (Tuesdays, 12pm–2pm)
    • So What Else, North Bethesda (Wednesdays, 10am–11:30am)
    • LindaBen Foundation, Beltsville (Saturdays, 1pm–2:30pm)
  • Virginia: United Community, Alexandria (Fridays, 11am–1pm)
• Hunger Lifeline: (202) 644-9807

2. Bread for the City – Washington, D.C.

• Eligibility: D.C. residents who are furloughed federal workers or contractors
• Offerings: Five-day supply of groceries
• NW & SE Centers

3. Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance

• Purpose: Temporary replacement for SNAP benefits during shutdown
• Eligibility: All SNAP recipients in Virginia
• Benefits: Weekly payments loaded onto existing EBT cards
• Start Date: November 3, 2025

4. Maryland Food Bank

• Support: Free food distribution for federal workers and contractors
• Tools: “Find Food” search tool to locate nearby pantries
• SNAP Team: 1-888-808-7327
• snapteam@mdfoodbank.org

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. For example, for $3,000 for a term of 18 months with a rate of 4.50% APR, the monthly payment would be approximately $172.97. TFCU Emergency Furlough Loan based on credit worthiness. Must be a member for at least 30 days and in good standing. Only one loan per member. Loan available up to two weeks of member net pay or $3,000, whichever is lower. Finance charges will continue to accrue during the deferral period. Subject to credit approval. TFCU reserves the right to end the Emergency Furlough loan at any time. Certain restrictions apply. Contact us for details.

**Interest will continue to accrue on your outstanding loan balance(s), and this action could result in additional payments required to pay your loan in full. When payments resume, unpaid interest and fees will be collected first, and the remaining monies will be applied toward principal.

Member will only qualify for one program. At no time, can a member be granted a furlough skip-a-pay if they have a furlough loan and vice versa. Lastly, members with involuntary unemployment coverage on existing loans will be eligible to file a claim with CUNA Mutual on day 15^th  from the furlough date.