With just hours remaining before a Sept. 30 deadline to avert a government shutdown, the top four leaders in Congress are scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday afternoon in a final push to secure a funding agreement.

The House passed a continuing resolution last week to keep the government running through Nov. 21, but that measure—and a Senate alternative—failed before both chambers adjourned for recess, leaving federal agencies and millions of employees bracing for a potential lapse in funding.

Among those preparing for the possibility of a shutdown are credit unions across the country, which are mobilizing financial relief programs to assist members whose paychecks could be delayed.

Members 1st Federal Credit Union in Enola, Pennsylvania, with $8.3 billion in assets and nearly 616,000 members, said it has spent weeks laying the groundwork for immediate aid if the government closes.

“At Members 1st, our mission has always been to support our members, especially in times of uncertainty,” said Mike Wilson, the credit union’s President and CEO. “When someone is facing a sudden hardship, your financial institution should be a first line of defense, a source of support and peace of mind.”

The credit union is prepared to offer several relief options, including:

• Payment-deferred personal loans for up to six months
• A no-fee skip-a-payment option on existing loans
• Loan extensions and financial assistance loans
• Financial education and one-on-one counseling through GreenPath

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“Every member’s situation is unique, which is why our team is committed to providing personalized support and guidance,” Wilson said. “This is a great example of how credit unions, time and time again, do the right thing in finding ways to help their member-owners.”

Members 1st previously played a key role during the COVID-19 pandemic, assisting local businesses with Paycheck Protection Program loans.

Navy Federal Credit Union, the world’s largest credit union with $191.8 billion in assets and nearly 14.8 million members, also announced it will revive a paycheck assistance program for those impacted.

Designed for military service members, federal employees and government contractors who are paid directly by the federal government and bank with Navy Federal, the program offers 0% APR loans during the shutdown period.

“We understand how unsettling a potential government shutdown can be for our members and their families,” said Matt Freeman, Navy Federal’s senior vice president of digital payments. “In these challenging times, it’s important our members know we are here to provide dependable support when they need it most.”

Eligible members will be able to register for the program beginning Friday, Sept. 26, through Navy Federal’s mobile app or website, with coverage beginning for the first missed pay period.

“Credit unions historically step up and offer assistance for members whose financial well-being could be impacted by a shutdown, and [we] will support the industry with resources, advocacy to restore funding, and more,” America’s Credit Unions said in a statement.

While congressional leaders and the White House continue negotiations, credit unions are preparing for the worst—working to ensure that, even amid political gridlock, financial lifelines remain intact.

“This is the credit union difference. We are here to help and stand in the gap for unexpected events such as natural disasters, government shutdowns or pandemics.”

 – Mike Wilson
President & CEO
Members 1st FCU