2019 Government Shutdown Survival Guide for Federal Employees
Now that the Federal Government Shutdown has been closed for a record-breaking 30 days (as of 1/21/19) at this time businesses are starting to plan for the worst financially. But for the affected there are many places providing assistance, offering discounts and freebies to affected government employees.
Note 1: We will be adding to our list as more information comes out so we can share with all of you.
Note 2: Since every individual’s needs are different we encourage you to reach out directly to these businesses to get specific details. In the case of restaurants and things to do we wouldn’t want you to just show up without confirming the requirements or if the #Shutdown Specials have ceased.
Assistance if you are affected and have a relationship with these businesses:
American Express: If you have a current account, you can ask for assistance by reaching out to customer service.
AT&T: Offering flexible payment options to maintain your services.
Bank of America: You can reach their Client Assistance Program by calling 844-219-0690.
Chase: The bank has set up a special care line at 888-356-0023 to discuss available hardship programs.
Citi Bank: You can reach their Customer Support at 800-374-9700.
Congressional Federal Credit Union: Member Service Representatives at 800-491-2328. Offering short term “relief” loans.
Direct TV: Offering flexible payment options to maintain your services.
Discover: If you have a Discover card or loan with Discover Bank you may be eligible for assistance. You can call 800-347-2683.
FedChoice: They have set up the “Furlough Center” where you can see what some potential assistance opportunities.
GEICO: Review billing options. You can reach their Customer Support at 800-207-7847.
Huntington Bank: You can reach their Customer Support at 888-697-4682.
Navy Federal Credit Union: May be able to assist with a “relief loan.” You can call at 888-842-6328.
Sprint: Offering flexible payment options to maintain your service. You can reach Customer Care at 888-211-4727.
T-Mobile: Offering flexible payment options to maintain your service. You can reach Customer Care at 877-746-0909.
USAA: Specifically Coast Guard members. Customer Support at 800-531-8722.
U.S. Bank: Offering a “relief” loan. The designated shutdown line is 877-760-6046.
U.S. Employees Credit Union: They have a resource page setup. Offering a “relief” loan, etc. You can call 312-922-5310.
Wells Fargo: The bank has various assistance programs. You can either call customer service at 800-869-3557 or visit your local branch.
Verizon: Offering flexible payment options to maintain your service. Financial Services Customer Service 866-266-1445.
Food & Services:
Feeding America: To get connected with your local food bank.
Hudson Group: This deal is for TSA and customs employees. Offering 20% off food and beverages with their TSA or Trans border ID.
Hunger Free America: Have set up a “Fed Food” hotline to connect you to available resources. Call 855-859-4647 from 9 am to 5 pm EST.
Rosetta Stone: Free three-month online subscription. Email your name and validation information to [email protected].
United Way: Assistance with rent and mortgage payments, utility bills and groceries. They direct everyone to 2-1-1.org to help with connecting those in need with resources based on their situation.
Information:
National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA): Unemployment benefit info during the furlough by state.
U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM): They have a large Fact Sheet on What You Need To Know as a furloughed federal employee. This includes things like Sick Pay Accrual and how to get Unemployment during this time.
Food & Entertainment:
There are several establishments that are providing heavy discounts for those affected from free food to free access to museums. Due to these things being way more locally based than most of the items above I suggest you look up the place you are considering and just call ahead to see if they are supporting the furloughed.
If you happen to know of any information or assistance resources that we should include please share the wealth so we can pass on the information to others. Please email us: [email protected].