Federal government employees that have been furloughed due tothe ongoing government shutdown have been taking advantage ofassistance offered by their credit unions.

The $2.3 billion Service Credit Union in Portsmouth, N.H., forexample, said it has credited direct deposits of full or partialpay for more than 1,400 Department of Defense civilian employeemembers impacted by the shutdown.

“By calculating the last direct deposit of the members andmaking up the difference, Service Credit Union credited members.This credit covers biweekly payrolls on October 11^th formembers with an existing Service Credit Union direct deposit whoare paid by DFAS CIVFED SAL or DFAS FED SALARY,” said a Service CUpress release on Thursday. “This one-time service is cost free andwill be debited from accounts with the next payroll.”

Members who sign up for direct deposit are eligible for aspecial 4.9% APR shutdown loan up to $1,000. Service CU is alsoallowing non-members to join the credit union and take advantage ofthe same offer.

“As a result of the government shutdown, many of our memberswere impacted either receiving no or partial pay. We believe it isour responsibility to make our members whole,” said Gordon Simmons,president/CEO of Service Credit Union.

“Our top priority is to ensure the financial well-being of ourmembers. We stand ready to assist our members and ease the burdenduring these trying times,” he added.

Since Oct. 1 when the shutdown took effect, the $599 millionJustice Federal Credit Union in Chantilly, Va., said it's seeingmore than $1 million per day in special unsecured, zero and lowinterest rate loan applications. The credit union expects thisnumber to rise as the shutdown continues.

Credit Union Times reported on Oct. 4 that the shutdown had resulted in 353 loanapplications for furloughed federal employees at Justice FCU totaling$1,834,046. As of Oct. 11, Justice FCU has “received well over1,500 Special Assistance Furlough Loan applications from furloughedfederal employees totaling nearly $8 million,” the credit unionreported.

Justice FCU has also received almost 1,000 loan payment deferralrequests for existing consumer loans. Prior to the shutdown,Justice FCU told Credit Union Times it averaged 350 callsto the member service call center per day prior to theshutdown.

Since the shutdown began, it has been averaging 727 calls eachday.

“Justice FCU Members affected by the federal government shutdownmay apply for a special unsecured loan up to $10,000 at an annualpercentage rate of 0% for the first 60 days. After that time, therate will convert to 4.90% for a term of 24-months. The loan amountis based on the member's net pay deposit, with direct depositrequired,” according to a Justice FCU press release issued onThursday.

“In addition, members may defer their first loan payment for upto 60 days. Existing members with a Justice FCU consumer loan, orVISA credit card, may request to defer one payment per loan,” therelease also said.