DCUC Official Press Update: Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) hosted its weekly press call Monday ahead of the government shutdown to share how credit unions were preparing to support servicemembers, veterans, federal employees, and their families; see more in Military Times’ coverage here. DCUC also issued a letter to Congress addressing concerns about Coast Guard pay, which falls under the Department of Homeland Security.

Since that time, DCUC has been providing routine updates to its member credit unions and engaging with its Military Advocacy Committee, which gathered industry-wide CEOs and credit unions’ government affairs officers on Thursday, October 2, to share insights and best practices.

DCUC provides the following update:

"As the government shutdown continues, we want to be clear: this has real consequences for our servicemen and women, federal employees, and their families. If the shutdown stretches on into next week, which it seems is likely at this point, we’d expect military paychecks to be delayed, and as a result, bringing real challenges for families trying to keep up with mortgages, loans, credit cards, and everyday living expenses,” says DCUC Chief Advocacy Officer Jason Stverak. “Additionally, there’s the suspension of the National Flood Insurance Program, which could stall home sales and purchases. This can directly impact military families when they’re in the process of relocating under PCS orders."
 
DCUC President and CEO, Retired Air Force Colonel Anthony Hernandez, adds:
"Credit unions have always stood ready to serve those who serve our nation. In times like a government shutdown, these institutions continue to step up by offering tailored support and assistance to ensure the financial readiness and well-being of our servicemembers, veterans, and federal employees."
 
Credit unions nationwide have launched tailored support programs to help bridge the gap until pay resumes (with the next pay period expected October 15):
 
Andrews Federal Credit Union

• Financial Assistance Loans: Up to $5,000, no interest or payments for 90 days; fixed 6.00% APR thereafter
• Penalty-Free Share Certificate Withdrawals
• Skip-a-Pay: Up to two skipped payments per year on eligible loans
• Consumer Loan Flexibility: Extensions, repayment plans, or modifications
• Mortgage Assistance: Deferred payments, forbearance, repayment plans, loan modifications, and other options to avoid foreclosure
• Free Financial Counseling through GreenPath™

 
Members 1st Federal Credit Union
 

• Payment-deferred personal loans for up to six months
• No-fee Skip-a-Pay program on existing loans
• One-on-one financial counseling for members’ unique needs
• Relief programs designed to ease burdens without generating extra fees or interest

 
"We understand that every member’s situation is unique. That’s why our team is dedicated to providing personalized support and guidance to help our members navigate life’s financial challenges with confidence.” – Michael Wilson, Members 1st FCU President/CEO
 
Cobalt Credit Union
 

• Furlough Relief Loan: 0% APR for 90 days, up to $5,000, no fees, no payments due for 60 days
• Loan Assistance: Payment extensions (30–60 days) on auto, RV, boat, motorcycle, and personal loans booked prior to Oct. 1, 2025

 
"At Cobalt, our members are our top priority," said Robin Larsen, Cobalt President/CEO. "We understand the strain that furloughed employees are facing. Our mission has always been to stand with our members in times of uncertainty."
 
ABNB Federal Credit Union
 

• Short-term 0% loans
• Waived overdraft, late, penalty, and early withdrawal fees
• Skip-a-Pay programs with no fees or penalties

 
New Cumberland Federal Credit Union
 

• Low-interest Relief Loans for furloughed employees
• Skip-a-Pay options on existing loans

 
AmeriCU Credit Union
 

• 0% APR loans to cover income gaps
• Fee and penalty relief
• Postponement of loan payments without penalties
• Penalty-free share certificate withdrawals

 
"We have been here to support our members for 75 years, and this time of uncertainty is no different," said Ronald Belle, President/CEO of AmeriCU Credit Union.
 
American Southwest Credit Union
 

• 0% APR emergency loans up to $6,000 for federal employees, contractors, and active-duty Coast Guard members
• Waived early withdrawal penalties on CDs

 
"We understand the stress and uncertainty a government shutdown can bring," said Jay Williamson, ASCU President/CEO. "Our goal is to provide immediate financial relief and peace of mind to our members during this time."
 
Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union (RBFCU)
 

• Government Shutdown Consumer Relief Loan: Available once a member’s normal pay schedule is interrupted; eligibility includes federal employees or benefits recipients with existing government ACH direct deposit at RBFCU
• No credit pull required for eligible members
• Fee waivers and early withdrawal penalty waivers on certificates

 
"While we are hopeful our elected officials will find a timely resolution to this issue, RBFCU will remain focused on serving its members working for the federal government."
 
Frontwave Credit Union
 

• Government Shutdown Loans to bridge income gaps
• Penalty-free loan extensions and skip-a-payment options on existing loans
• One-on-one personalized solutions for financial relief

 
"A government shutdown doesn’t just affect the government, it affects the lives and wallets of the hard-working men and women that serve our community and country,” said Bill Birnie, President/CEO of Frontwave Credit Union. “That’s why we’re 100% committed to fight for our members through these uncertain times.”
 
DCUC encourages impacted individuals to contact their local credit unions to explore available programs. Members can use the NCUA’s locator tool here: mapping.ncua.gov.
 
Additional resources are available on DCUC’s Government Shutdown Resource Page: dcuc.org/govtshutdown.