Credit Unions Offer Assistance During Government Shutdown

Unique offerings like skip payments, no- or low-interest loans and other immediate assistance available

DENVER, Oct. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the federal government shutdown continues, credit unions are stepping up to help members during the financial strain. With many families facing delayed paychecks and increased uncertainty, credit unions are deploying unique programs that underscore their mission of "people helping people."

From no- and low-interest loans, skip payments and flexible options, credit unions are providing immediate relief to those affected and encouraging them to avoid payday loans and buy now pay later schemes.

"Credit unions were built to serve their members in moments just like this," said Troy Stang, President and CEO of GoWest Credit Union Association. "Credit unions are moving quickly to provide relief and demonstrate their unwavering commitment to their members. I am proud to be part of a movement that finds solutions and improves lives."

Westerra Credit Union in Colorado is offering the Westerra Cares: Government Relief Loan, a special 6-month, 0% interest loan to help eligible members bridge the gap between paychecks. This support is available to existing members who provide documentation of federal furlough and proof of income and is intended to ease financial stress during the interruption in federal services.

"Our commitment to the community goes beyond banking," said Anneliese Elrod, chief operations officer at Westerra Credit Union. "We're here to provide stability, resources and ready solutions when our members need it most. It's times like these when local financial institutions show how much they matter to their community."

WECU in Washington offers a range of member support resources, including free Skip-a-Pay, fee waivers, loan extensions, consumer loan programs, and mortgage assistance, including forbearance options.

OneAZ Credit Union in Arizona is offering a fee waiver for early certificate withdrawals, fee waivers for courtesy pay advances, assistance loans, free financial guidance and additional financial hardship options, including pay deferment options and loan modification options.

Interim CEO for OneAz Credit Union, Mike Boden said, "Our mission to improve the lives of our members, associates and communities isn't just a slogan, it's what we do. At OneAZ, we are working to ensure that members and their families are supported during the government shutdown."

Blue Federal Credit Union, based in Wyoming, is offering Skip-a-payment on loans, waived penalty for early term share withdrawals and 0% interest loans for six months and no payment for 90 days.

"Life doesn't pause even if paychecks are paused," said Neal Weber, CFO for Blue Federal Credit Union. "Credit unions are stepping up and helping families, individuals, and communities get through seasons like this because we're grounded in the communities we serve. We're working hard to ensure there are resources available so families and individuals don't get caught in a payday loan or buy now pay later cycle."

Credit unions have a long history of offering financial lifelines during natural disasters, economic downturns, and other emergencies. As cooperative, not-for-profit institutions, they reinvest earnings back into their members and communities rather than distributing profits to investors. Families facing a paycheck delay shouldn't also face financial penalties or buy now pay later schemes. Credit unions ensure members and communities have the breathing room and support they need.

For more information or to find a credit union offering shutdown relief programs, visit the GoWest website.

About GoWest Credit Union Association

GoWest Credit Union Association is the trade association representing credit unions in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. GoWest advocates on behalf of nearly 300 member credit unions, and their 17.4 million consumer members.

Contact: 
Madlynn Schreibvogel, Vice President, Public Relations
303.513.3765
[email protected]

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SOURCE GoWest Credit Union Association