In the event of a Department of Homeland Security shutdown orfurlough, the $627 million Justice Federal Credit Union inChantilly, Va., said it plans to offer special assistance to itsDHS members.

“As the financial partner to the justice and law enforcementcommunity, supporting our members in time of need is a vital partof our mission,” President/CEO Peter Sainato said. “We were therefor our members during the last government shutdown and stand readyto offer special assistance once again.”

Congress has not passed a bill that would provide DHS withfunding for the rest of the year. Senate Democrats have blocked Republican attempts tostop President Obama's executive action on immigration as part of aDHS funding bill.

The creditunion announced that members confronted with a shutdown orfurlough would be able to apply for a special unsecured loan up to$10,000 at an annual rate of 0% for the first 60 days, which wouldthen convert to 4.90% for 24 months. Justice FCU said the loanamount would be based on the member's net pay deposit with directdeposit required.

“In addition, members may defer their first loan payment for upto 60 days. Members with existing Justice FCU consumer loans orcredit cards may request to defer one payment per loan,” JusticeFCU announced. “The credit union will make every effort to workwith members who may find themselves struggling financially as aresult of a federal government shutdown or furlough.”