Government Shutdown Assistance for Members

Columbia Credit Union is supporting our federal employees during the government shutdown. We believe in standing by our members—especially when times get tough. With the federal government shutdown beginning October 1, 2025, and many being furloughed, we understand the financial strain this may cause for many in our community. If your paycheck has been impacted, we’re here to help.

Who’s Eligible?

If you’re a federal government employee and either a current member in good standing or a new member, you may qualify for our Government Shutdown Assistance programs. We’ve designed two key solutions to help bridge the gap between paychecks: A Short-Term Shutdown Loan and a Loan Skip-Payment Program.

0% APR Short-Term Government Shutdown Loan

Avoid the pitfalls of payday lenders and high-interest credit cards. Our short-term loan offers:

• 0% APR for the first 90 days
• No fees
• Loan amount up to two (2) net paychecks, max of $3,500 per member
• Available to impacted members in good standing and new members

This loan is a hand-up, not a setback—providing immediate relief without the burden of interest or fees.

Loan Skip-Payment Program

If you’re struggling to make payments on qualifying existing consumer loans with Columbia Credit Union due to the shutdown, our Skip-Pay Program can help:

• Skip payments on eligible loans
• All standard fees waived
• Available to impacted members in good standing and new members
• Cannot be combined with the 0% APR Short-Term Loan

Let’s Work Together

Even if you don’t meet the eligibility requirements for these programs, we encourage you to visit a branch or contact us directly. Our team is ready to listen, understand your situation, and explore other ways we can support you.

At Columbia Credit Union, making life better for our members is more than a mission—it’s a promise. During this challenging time, we’re committed to helping you navigate financial uncertainty with compassion and care.