Resources for Federal Workers and their Families During the Federal Shutdown

Donate Diapers & Feminine Hygiene Products
Union County Donation Drive

Please note the collection will continue until further notice

Donate Money to Help Affected Workers and their Families

If you would like to donate to help provide meals to affected federal workers and their families, click here.

Food Pantries, Soup Kitchens and Diaper Bank Sites

Please use the tables below or use the interactive Find Food map on Community FoodBank’s website.

If you would like to donate to help provide meals to affected federal workers and their families, click here.

Federal Employees Applying for SNAP Benefits (Food Stamps)

Federal workers regardless of whether they are furloughed or working without pay, are eligible to apply for SNAP benefits and will be screened for expedited eligibility under normal SNAP procedures. Furloughed workers do not have to apply for Unemployment. The income of the entire household will be considered in determining eligibility. There will be no overpayment for SNAP benefits or need for recipients to repay SNAP benefits if workers receive retroactive payments for the time off during the shutdown.

Health programs

Atlantic Health System: Waiving co-pays for federal government workers on furlough and their families for the duration of the shutdown in all of our Emergency Departments and Atlantic Medical Group practices. Holding a job fair today and Jan. 31st for federal workers who want to learn more about our part time, per diem and temporary opportunities.

Trinitas Medical Center: Co-pays will be waived for those who are not receiving paychecks.

Westfield YMCA: As the government shutdown continues, the Westfield Area YMCA would like to help relieve some stress by reminding the community about our financial assistance program and by offering federal employees access to the Y.

Assistance programs

Information below is from a USA Today article

Bank of America: The bank’s Client Assistance Program is offering personalized financial assistance and can be reached at 844-219-0690.

Chase: The bank announced its efforts to help its customers who are U.S. government employees on Dec. 22 and is encouraging customers to call a special care line at 888-356-0023 to discuss available hardship programs. The help also is available for customers who do business with a federal agency that is also affected, Chase said in a statement.

Congressional Federal Credit Union: Furloughed employees and those working without pay can apply for the “Relief Line of Credit” with an interest-free rate over 60 days.

Discover: Impacted federal workers who are Discover cardmembers or have a loan with Discover Bank may be eligible for assistance such as skipping a payment and having late fees and interest charges reversed if they miss a payment because of the shutdown. To request assistance, call 800-347-2683.

FedChoice: The Federal Credit Union has several options listed in its Furlough Center at www.fedchoice.org.

Marcus by Goldman Sachs: Eligible government employees impacted by the temporary government shutdown may be eligible for a payment deferral on their Marcus loan and savings customers may be eligible to have early withdrawal penalties waived. For request assistance and to discuss options, call 844-627-2876.

Navy Federal Credit Union: Impacted union members who have direct deposit of their government pay may be eligible for interest-free loans. Government contractors may be eligible if their direct deposit is received directly from the federal government and will be impacted by a government shutdown. 

U.S. Bank: The bank created a new, low-rate quick loan for federal employees affected by the shutdown. It is available to customers with any U.S. Bank product, including mortgage, auto loans or U.S. Bank credit cards, the company announced. The designated federal government shutdown line is 877-760-6046.

U.S. Employees Credit Union: Impacted union members who have direct deposit of their government pay may be eligible for interest-free loans. According to its website, the Government Shutdown Loan is to be “repaid in 60 days or when the government processes back pay, whichever is sooner.”

Wells Fargo: The bank says it “will work with individuals and business banking customers whose income is disrupted as a result of the shutdown.” Customers should call 1-800-TO-WELLS, or the number on their credit card, debit card or statement for assistance, or visit any Wells Fargo branch. Mortgage, loan, and credit customers may qualify for forbearance or other payment assistance programs based on their individual circumstances, the company posted on its website.

Unemployment benefits: According to a U.S. Office of Personnel Management fact sheet, federal employees may be eligible for “Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees,” which is administered by state unemployment insurance agencies. The fact sheet notes “the law of the state in which an individual’s official duty station in Federal civilian service is located will be the state law under which an individual’s eligibility for benefits is determined.”

Wireless providers

Information below is from a USA Today article

AT&T: Customers affected by the shutdown are eligible for flexible payment options to keep service including cellphones, television and internet running. Make payment arrangements online at www.att.com.

Sprint: “Our Care reps will coordinate with qualified customers and our financial team to find a payment option that works and keep your service uninterrupted during the government shutdown,” Sprint said in a statement. Impacted customers should call 888-211-4727 or do an online chat at www.sprint.com.

T-Mobile: Short-term account assistance can be tailored to meet the needs of customers who are federal workers, T-Mobile said, noting options include payment deferral and “flexible payment options” that allow customers to spread their service payments over time.” The company is also offering support to government account customers. Customers can call T-Mobile Customer Care to discuss options at 611 from a T-Mobile device or 877-746-0909 from any phone. 

Verizon: The company announced flexible payment options and a “Promise to Pay” program that can be set up in the My Verizon app or website. Further assistance is available by calling 866-266-1445.

Nationwide deals

Information below is from a USA Today article

Harlem Globetrotters: Any furloughed government employee can show their valid government ID at their local box office and receive two free game tickets to the team’s 2019 Fan Powered North American tour, according to a news release. The offer is only valid during the government shutdown and not valid on previously purchased tickets. Quantities are limited and seat locations vary by venue. The release said fans should check with their local box office for details.

Hudson Group: This deal is for TSA and customs employees. The Hudson Group, which has more than 1,000 stores in airports and transportation terminals, is offering TSA and customer workers 20 percent off food, beverages and core store products when they present their TSA or Trans border ID. This special will continue until the end of the shutdown. 

Notarize: The online notarization company is offering free notarizations during the government shutdown for all federal employees who sign up for an account with a .gov email address, according to a company blog post at www.notarize.com.

Rosetta Stone: Furloughed government workers can get a free three-month online subscription. Email your name and validation information to expandyourworld@rosettastone.com. Learn more here.

Ikea Elizabeth: Free breakfast for federal government employees during shutdown. If you’re a federal government employee, stop by IKEA Elizabeth for a free breakfast. Bring in your valid federal government ID to get one free breakfast combo meal, plus your choice of coffee or tea.

Sky Zone: At participating Sky Zone parks, federal government employees furloughed or currently without pay and up to three immediate family members can get 60 minutes of free play every Tuesday through Thursday in January. Sky Zone socks are required but you can reuse SkySocks from previous visits. Valid government ID required. Learn more at www.skyzone.com.

HUD

HUD has made us aware that Section 8 rent payments will go out as scheduled for January and February.

Corrections / Updates to Web Pages

If you find any errors or have updates for our web page, please e-mail info@ucnj.org.

Press Release