For many families, the government shutdown has added another layer of financial stress to an already difficult year. At Members First Credit Union, your accounts and digital banking access remain fully secure and insured. While we can’t change what’s happening in Washington, we can help you navigate the uncertainty with confidence and care.

Whether you’re dealing with delayed pay or broader economic effects, here’s what to know—and how Members First is supporting members through it.

How a Government Shutdown Can Disrupt Financial Life

A shutdown puts real financial pressure on households that depend on steady paychecks. When income is delayed, covering everyday expenses and keeping up with bills can quickly become difficult—especially for workers living paycheck to paycheck. The longer the shutdown lasts, the greater the domino effect on long-term financial stability.

On top of that, uncertainty around when pay will resume—or whether back pay will come at all—adds even more stress, making it hard to plan ahead or know what relief to seek.

Smart Steps to Manage Your Finances During a Shutdown

While no one can predict how long the shutdown will last, there are proactive steps you can take to protect your finances and reduce stress in the meantime. Even small adjustments can help you stay in control until things return to normal.

• Prioritize essential expenses. Focus on the basics first—housing, utilities, insurance, and food.
• Reach out early. If you anticipate having trouble making payments, contact your lenders or service providers as soon as possible. Many organizations, including Members First, have programs in place to help.
• Press pause on nonessentials. Temporarily cut back on discretionary spending, subscriptions, or extras to free up cash for what matters most.
• Use savings strategically. If you need to dip into emergency funds, do so with a plan. Avoid high-interest credit options that could make recovery harder later.
• Stay informed. Follow official updates from your employer or federal agency so you’ll know when back pay, benefits, or assistance programs resume.

By staying proactive and communicating early, you’ll be better positioned to manage short-term challenges and recover more smoothly once regular pay resumes.

What Members First Credit Union Is Doing to Help

At Members First, we understand how stressful a government shutdown can be—especially when it affects your ability to manage daily expenses. Our priority is helping members stay financially stable during uncertain times.

• Deferred Payment Options: Members directly impacted by the shutdown can request to defer certain loan payments, giving you extra breathing room until regular pay resumes
• Fee Flexibility: We’ll work with you on possible fee relief or adjustments to help reduce strain while income is delayed
• Early Withdrawal Penalties: If you need to access funds from a certificate early, we’ll review options to reduce or waive penalties for members affected by the shutdown.
• Streamlined Relief Application: To make the process easier, affected members can complete a short online form to request support (and skip lengthy hold times)

We know this situation brings a lot of uncertainty, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our team is here to help you find stability—now and in the weeks ahead.

How to Request Assistance

If you’re a government employee and your income has been directly affected by the shutdown, please complete our Government Shutdown Relief Request Form to apply for assistance.

After submitting your request, our team will review it promptly and follow up with next steps. Any information you provide will remain secure and confidential.

We’re Here for You

Members First Credit Union was founded on the belief that community matters most — and that includes being there when times are tough. Whether you need temporary relief or simply someone to talk to about your financial options, we’re ready to help.

Reach out to us through secure channels, visit your local branch, or explore additional budgeting and financial wellness resources on our website. Together, we’ll get through this.