SHUTDOWN ASSISTANCE RESOURCES



SHUTDOWN ASSISTANCE RESOURCESRESOURCES FROM :Feeding America - How to Find Your Local Food BankFind United Way & 2-1-1 Services Near YouFinancial Assistance InformationTSP Loan Payment InformationFurloughed Worker Support from Union PlusApply at Union PlusBCBS Continuation of FEP Coverage During Government Shutdown InformationUnited Consumer Financial Services Payment Deferment NoticeBenefit Architects AssistanceColonial Life Notice to Government EmployeesAflac Offers Premium Grace Period for Policyholders Impacted by the ShutdownT-Mobile: Flexible Payment Options For Customers Affected by Government ShutdownPayPal Interest-free Cash Advance Up to $500 For Those Affected By the ShutdownAFGE Policy Holders: AFGE is working to ensure no AFGE policy lapses due to the Government shutdown, and that 100% of members claims are paid without a grievance. Email: Lapse@ if you receive a lapse letter.FINANCIAL SERVICESTexas Workforce Commission - Federal Credit Union - Starting January 3rd, the Credit Union will be offering financial relief to members who will be affected by the Government Shutdown.?We are offering Furlough Skip a Payments on loans to assist members who will miss their paycheck due to the government shutdown.Furlough LoanMust be a member in good standing as of December 21st, 2018?Maximum amount up to $6,000 based on missed paycheck0% APRNo credit checkNo hidden feesOne Furlough Loan per pay periodMust reapply for each missed paycheckRecent paystub if no direct deposit at JSC FCUCLICK HERE TO APPLY?- PLEASE DO NOT CLICK ON LINE OF CREDIT WHEN APPLYING FOR FURLOUGH LOAN*Maximum number of loans granted is 3 with an aggregate limit of $18,000. Please contact a representative for more details.Loan Extensions/Skip a Payment: JSC FCU will monitor the situation and may allow up to three Skip a Pays on all consumer loans excluding real estate loans. Members wishing to skip consecutive months will have to apply for each month separately depending on the duration of the shutdown.?We will continue to monitor the situation as it changes; please check back regularly for updates. Call 281.488.7070 or visit a branch location for more details.League City waives utility bill penalties for furloughed federal workers. Water bills are not being waived. The policy only applies to late fees or penalties. Customers will be expected to settle any balances once they’re back to work.CenterPoint Energy offers: payment extensions (extending due dates); payment arrangements (for example, payment of past due amounts over a four or five month period); and energy assistance programs for low income customers. CenterPoint’s customer service representatives are ready to help should a federal employee on furlough reach out to cast: "We appreciate the work that our nation’s government employees do and are here to support them. We want them to stay connected during the government shutdown and are offering flexible payment options by pushing out billing due dates and waiving fees. Our care teams are available to help assist our customers on the phone, in retail stores and across social channels to ensure that they get the support and flexibility they need."24 Hour Notary Houston: "I would like to offer my mobile notary services for impacted government employees who may require notary services such as a hardship loan request, home or auto loan modification, and other related documents. Government ID required and proof of zero pay.METRO Houston: "Federal workers ride free. Beginning today (Monday), employees affected by the partial government shutdown can ride METRO free until the government reopens. Just show the operator your government ID." The Houston Business Journal reports that BBVA Compass Bank and Amegy Bank are offering to waive fees and other financial assistance.Verizon is waving late fees and agent-assist fees.Ally Financial: The company announced in a Jan. 18 news release that it had expanded its assistance program to “provide aid and resources for customers affected by the partial U.S. government shutdown.” Based on individual needs, expanded benefits may include: refunds of transaction fees or of non-sufficient funds fees, CD early withdrawal penalty waivers, expedited check fee waivers, wire fee waivers, late charge waivers and payment extensions. Contact customer care at 877-247-2559, through chat or email to discuss options.Bank of America: The bank’s Client Assistance Program is offering personalized financial assistance and can be reached at 844-219-0690.Better Mortgage: The digital mortgage lender announced in a news release that it has launched a mortgage refinance program called Shutdown Relief Emergency Refi that “allows federal employees to tap into their home equity for living expenses and delays loan payments for impacted federal government employees for up to 30 days after the end of the furlough.” Learn more at shutdownrelief.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 card members 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 .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. zero-percent loans for furloughed workers.PayPal: The online payment company is offering cash advances of up to $500 with 0% interest.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.In order to help, many companies are extending offers big and small to help furloughed workers while the government leaves them hanging. Some major corporations, for example, are offering extended time for federal workers to pay their bills. Cellphone companies like AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile, for example, have all said they will waive late fees for workers impacted by the shutdown, and will work with them on payment plans. Banks like Chase, Citi, American Express, and Capital One are giving similar offers too.HOUSEHOLD ITEMSTexas Diaper Bank is offering six months of supplies such as diapers, wipes and feminine hygiene products as well as classes to furloughed workers who sign up before Feb. 1 at its website.SPECIALIZED ASSISTANCEEvolution Rx Pharmacy -?931 Eldridge Road in Sugar Land. "If anyone needs any help paying for their medications, we’re happy to offer deferred payment or payment plans depending on household size and need." Also, we can ship out at no charge so that we can help as many people in the viewing area. South by South Vets: Veterinarian in Houston offering no or low cost services for government employees for their animals in need.AirBnB: Airbnb’s new program, “A Night on Us“, will give up to $110 extra to any federal worker who hosts an Airbnb Experience or has guests for three nights in their home between Dec. 18, 2018 and March 18. The application for “A Night on Us” is at this link.3 Men Movers?- "Direct Federal Government Employees (not contractors) will be eligible for 25 percent off their move pending the following terms:?Call in to book your move;?The representative will ask you to email them a photo of your current Federal Government ID;?Discount is valid Monday -- Thursday for afternoon moves only;?Discount applies to the hourly rate and transparent travel fee only." LOCAL FOOD & RESTAURANTSAntone's Famous Po'boys:?Government workers receive 50 percent off during both lunch and dinner at this classic Houston restaurant.??Art of Coffee, 1849 El Dorado Clear Lake: get a cup of house black, gratis.Axelrad, 1517 Alabama: the casual midtown hangout is giving a free beer to laid-off federal workersBistro Provence:?The Memorial-area French restaurant offers workers a free lunch from one of two blackboard specials that will be available that day, plus a non-alcoholic beverage.?Good one time per person.?Reservations required.Bosscat Kitchen?and?BCK Kitchen & Cocktail Adventures:?Both of these bar-forward cocktails spots will take 20-perfect off the total bill for eligible federal workers.?Bread Man Baking Company:?The craft baker will give federal workers a free loaf of bread. Available at the bakery (9127 Stella Link Rd.) on Friday from 8 am to 3 pm and at Saturday's Urban Harvest Farmers Market from 8 am to 12 pm. Limited quantities.?Caroline’s Kitchen, 411 West Main, Tomball: This Mexican restaurant specializing in tamales is giving unpaid government employees with a dozen on “Furlough Fridays.”?Added January 18, 3:05 p.m.Chick-fil-A Deerbrook Mall -?20131 Highway 59 N Suite 2106, Humble, TX – On Thursday, from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Chick-fil-A Deerbrook Mall invites all government employees affected by the government shutdown to enjoy a free original Chick-fil-A sandwich or a 4-count chicken mini. Valid government ID is required, one offer per guest present. Offer is valid at Chick-fil-A Deerbrook Mall Chick-fil-A Nassau Bay - all who present a valid Government ID between 10:30am - 10:00pm on Wednesday, January 23 at Chick-fil-A Nassau Bay will receive a FREE Original Chicken Sandwich! **Must be present to redeem, one per person, per federal government identification card, while supplies last.**Cottonwood:?Federal workers will receive 25 percent off food at the family-friendly craft beer spot.?D’Amico’s Italian Market Café:?The Rice Village restaurant will provide a worker and one guest with a free order of its classic spaghetti and meatballs, plus a non-alcoholic beverage. Available Monday through Thursday at lunch or dinner. Good one time per person. Reservations encouraged.Decatur Bar & Pop-Up Factory, 2310 Decatur: The brand-new restaurant replacing the original Beaver’s is offering either a free canned beer or half-off one cocktail to government employees affected by the shutdownFuzzy's Pizza - 613 B South Mason Road, Katy, TX, 77450 - Fuzzy's is offering 50 percent off to furloughed employees. Golden Corral in Conroe, TX:?This location?will provide free meals for any furloughed worker - and their family - during normal operating hours ALL WEEKEND (Jan. 19 - 20). ?Each federal employee showing a valid work ID will receive a free meal for themselves and their family during the weekend (starting at 7:30 a.m. Saturday and ending at 9 p.m. Sunday). Gringo's Tex Mex: Federal workers can have free meals at all Gringo's Tex Mex locations up to a family of 4. They must first contact lindi@ to enroll and then?they can visit a restaurant for complimentary meals.? Killen's Barbecue:?Ronnie Killen and crew are offering a free family pack of brisket, sausage, potato salad, and beans. Pick up at the to-go window on the west side of the restaurant. Available only on Friday, January 18, from 11 am while supplies last.?Killen's Burgers -?2804 S Main St., Pearland, TX 77581. "Starting this Monday and every day until further notice. We will be giving away a Cheeseburger basket with a beverage to all Furloughed Government employees, 1 per person." La Grange:?Federal workers will receive 25 percent off food at the Mexican-influenced patio bar spot.?Lasagna House:?The 1960 location of the Italian-American restaurant will serve federal workers a free pasta bowl or order of lasagna and a glass of iced tea this Friday, January 18.?Michael’s Cookie Jar, 5330 Weslayan, 711 Louisiana and 1864 Fountain View: Cookies can’t make everything better but they don’t hurt, either. Owner Michael Savino is offering furloughed government workers their choice of a free, freshly baked cookie. The offer is for one cookie per person and good until the shutdown ends.NobiliTea Clear Lake - 11510 Space Center Blvd STE A-1 Houston TX 77059. "Stop in this Saturday with your Government ID for Free Sweet Saturday!! Grab any size tea bar tea and a delicious chocolate chip cookie." Ouisie's Table:?Get a free lunch entree or free dinner entree under $30 at this River Oaks comfort food institution. Available for dine-in only to groups of four people or fewer. Once per week per person. Reservations required.?Papa John's - 3 locations. "We are offering 75% off our menu item prices for all the affected government employees who present on our?3 locations listed below with their government issued ID's." List of participating locations: Papa John's Pasadena138 Southmore Ave,?Pasadena TX 77502713-534-7272 Papa John's Rosharon14634 Hwy 6Rosharon TX 77583281-915-5867 Papa John's Southwest Houston8420 South Sam Houston Pkwy WestHouston TX 77085713-721-8383 Pipeline Pizza - 3931 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, TX, 77504 – Free pizza every day for anyone affected by the partial government shutdown. Identification requested.? Poitín Bar & Kitchen: Receive one free happy hour bar snack per person per day at this Southern-inspired restaurant in Sawyer Yards. Happy hour happens daily from 4 - 6 pm and Sunday through Wednesday from 9 pm to close.?Rainbow Lodge:?Receive a free bowl of smoked duck gumbo Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 am until 3 pm. The restaurant requests people purchase a drink and tip their servers. Offer is for dine-in only and groups of four or fewer. ?Ray's BBQ Shack - 3929 Old Spanish Trail, Houston, TX 77021. "In the spirit of MLK Day & lending a helping hand to our neighbors, we will be providing FURLOUGHED federal government employees free meals TODAY. ?Individuals will receive a 2 meat plate with their choice of 2 sides. Families will receive a Family Pack #1. You must provide the appropriate Government ID for the agencies affected by the furlough." Riel:?Take 50 percent off all happy hour, beers are $2, and wines by-the-glass are $3.50, and select cocktails are $4. Available Monday through Friday from 5 - 6:30 pm.Rosewater:?Furloughed NASA employees and contractors can drown their sorrows at Clear Lake's best cocktail bar with a special menu of $6 and $7 cocktails, $4 draft beers, and $6 glasses of Malbec.? ?Tacos My Way -?17068 Saturn Lane Houston TX 77058 - 20% off for furloughed employees. Identification required. This Is It, 2712 Blodgett:?Free breakfast and coffee.?Must have government-employee ID. Three B's Grill -?4590 Kingwood Dr.?Kingwood, TX77345 - "Three Bs Grill would like to help all those affected by the ongoing Government shutdown.?All Goverment workers affected please bring the family and stop by the restaurant where we will feed the kids, and take care of half of mom and dad’s food! Please bring your Government ID Smallcakes - 10555 Pearland Pkwy Unit H, Houston, TX 77089 - The Pearland Parkway location will be providing desserts on Friday, accompanying the BBQ dinner provided by Killens BBQ to those affected by the furlough. BBQ and Smallcakes desserts will be handed out at Killens BBQ To-go window. While supplies last. GalvestonFish Company Taco, 1914 23rd Street, Galveston: This casual island hangout posted this to Facebook: “If you are furloughed by the Shutdown, come get a free lunch. If the Government doesn’t have your back, the “for the People, by the People” do.”FOOD OFFERSIf you or another federal government employee are forced to seek charitable food after missing a paycheck, visit?Hunger Free America, a nonprofit group helping people locate free food.The Houston Food Bank is offering assistance. More information is at its website.West Houston Assistance Ministries: West Houston Assistance Ministries (WHAM) is providing immediate assistance with food for federal employees whose paychecks are on hold and who are experiencing financial crisis due to the partial government shutdown. “WHAM is here to help, and we are honored to serve those in our community who have been affected by this situation,” said Mark Brown, WHAM CEO. Affected individuals and families can receive groceries from WHAM’s food pantry at 10501 Meadowglen Lane, Houston, TX 77042, Monday-Friday from 10am to 2pm. Proof of government employment or copy of last paycheck will be required for assistance. Please call 713-977-9942 for further information.Crossbridge Christian Church: We have an open pantry every Sunday at 11:50 a.m, or so at the far end of the complex. Usually each person gets two grocery plastic bags, sometimes more and can shop from what’s on the tables. Show an ID and the dollar a person will be waived. For diapers, they would need to contact me, Bill at 281-961-1659 and we can meet at the gym, portico.Chef's Table Charities is offering cash, gift cards and supplies at their websiteCy-Fair Helping Hands?is encouraging any Cy-Fair resident that is a federal employee to come to their pantry to receive assistance with food. Applicants are asked to bring their government ID. The pantry is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and the first and third Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.?CY-FAIR HELPING HANDS7510 CHERRY PARK DRIVE, SUITE GHOUSTON, TX 77095OTHER OFFERSHouston Metros is offering free rides for federal government employees. Must show federal ID.The Clear Creek Independent School District?recognizes the uncertainty and worry among our families who are affected by the current government shutdown and is immediately instituting the following measures under?the CCISD Cares program:Any child who needs a regular meal will receive one regardless of his or her account balance.Extracurricular sponsors will be sensitive to the financial position of a significant percentage of our families and will refrain from seeking program fees during this government shutdown.Payment for all pending technology, library, and other campus fees and fines will be placed on hold until the shutdown is ISD counseling team is ready to help families connect to school and community resources.?A listing of the counselors can be found here in the CCISD Cares website.Houston Symphony is offering furloughed employees free tickets to attend?Ravel’s La valse?and?The Ella Fitzgerald Songbook. Tickets may be picked up at the box office upon presenting a valid government ID. Reserve today >>?bit.ly/2TXJVv5The Children's Museum of Houston and the Fort Bend Children's Discovery Center will offer free admission to families affected by the federal government shutdown beginning Jan. 19, 2019. Furloughed workers will be requested to show their federally-issued government ID.Harlem Globetrotters are offering free tickets?to families of furloughed federal workers when they perform in Houston on Feb. 15-17.The Alley Theatre - 615 Texas Ave., Houston, TX 77002. "All federal employees can purchase two discounted tickets to preview performances of The Carpenter by entering the promo code SHUTDOWN. A federal employee or federal contractor ID is required to pick up tickets. The offer is good for performances ofThe Carpenter January 18-23. To purchase discounted $16 tickets and view preview performance dates, or call the Box Office at 713-220-5700." Bethels Heavenly Hands - 12660 Sandpiper Drive Houston 77035 - offering free groceries between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, and free hot meals every Tuesday and Thursday between 11 a.m. and noon. 24 Hour Notary Houston - "I would like to offer my mobile notary services for impacted government employees who may require notary services such as a hardship loan request, home or auto loan modification, and other related documents. Government ID required and proof of zero pay.? "Services will be be provided at the customers location of choice." METRO Houston - "Federal workers ride free. Beginning today (Monday), employees affected by the partial government shutdown can ride METRO free until the government reopens. Just show the operator your government ID." 713-Fix-My-AC: We are a small heating and air conditioning company in Houston. We know times are tough and so is the weather. If there is any families we can help out with repairs please contact us at 713 FIX-MY-AC.Victoria Harrison, Therapist: “I can offer stress management and psychotherapy at no charge during this time for 3 or 4 people. My clinical website is .”Habitat for Horses (409-935-0277): Will provide hay for horses owned by government workers in need. Must call office at 409-935-0277 and schedule pick-up time. Need to show Federal ID. Two square bales/horse, max 6 square bales. Pick-up location in Alvin.Houston Party Playland - 1121 W. Nasa Parkway, Webster, Texas 77598. "Houston Party Playland is offering free admission Monday the 21st through Friday the 25th for government workers and their children. After that, it will be $5 admission until the shutdown ends."Lily’s Toy Box: A non-profit founded by a local nine-year-old. She provides new toys to kids going through a difficult time and would love to send a toy to any child that is having their birthday during the shutdown. Visit to apply.The Health Museum - 1515 Hermann Dr. Houston, Texas 77004. "Federal employees affected by the government shutdown are invited to visit the John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science for FREE! The Health Museum is offering free admission to furloughed federal employees, providing access to Houston’s most interactive science & health learning center through the month of February 2019."Pearland Pets is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in Pearland. We are needing your help in getting the word out that the Pearland Pet Food Bank will be opening on an appointment-only basis for anyone affected by the Government Shutdown. As with many of us, many government workers live paycheck to paycheck and we want to ensure their pets remain well fed during this time. We also want to ensure that these pets remain in their homes, instead of surrendered to a local shelter, because someone affected by the shutdown may be unable to afford pet food or supplies for their pets during the government shutdown. All pet food and supplies are given at no cost. Our goal is to provide a 30-day supply of food for each pet. We are also needing help stocking our Pet Food Bank. We are needing pet food and supply donations that can be dropped off at one of our many drop-off locations throughout Pearland. For assistance, donated items needed, drop-off locations and more info, click here. West Houston Assistance Ministries - "Affected individuals and families can receive groceries from WHAM’s food pantry at 10501 Meadowglen Lane, Houston, TX 77042, Monday-Friday from 10am to 2pm. Proof of government employment or copy of last paycheck will be required for assistance. Please call 713-977-9942 for further information." Warehouse Live – Those impacted by the shutdown can enjoy a show free until shutdown ends.WHITE SANDSFirstLight Federal Credit Union - is offering assistance to eligible government employees affected by the federal shutdown. For members who have an outstanding loan, there are payment-extension programs, as well as a 0 percent APR emergency loan option.?"FirstLight Federal Credit Union will also forgive any early withdrawal penalties for members that need to withdraw money from their share certificates to cover their financial obligations due to the government shutdown," the credit union said in a news release.The credit union said it's also willing to assist non-members, who can visit a branch location to find out their options.Wells Fargo?announced?it is taking a series of steps?to help affected federal workers, including fee reversals, forestalling?negative reports to credit agencies and special accommodations?for loan or mortgage payments. Customers of that bank should call a newly set up hotline,?800-219-9739, or visit a branch location for more in-depth info.Bank of America, via its Client Assistance Program,?also has?a hotline for affected federal workers to discuss their financial options:?844-219-0690??OTHER WSTF RESOURCESMVD Express?will waive its convenience fee on vehicle registration renewal and/or driver’s license renewal services for federal employees and their dependents until the shutdown concludes.?To receive the waived convenience fee, furloughed workers must be present and show proof of federal employment with ID badge or pay stub. Required taxes and state fees are still applicable. For info, visit?.Casa de Peregrinos?emergency food pantry,?999 W. Amador Ave., Suite F, in?Las Cruces offers food to residents in need, whether they're furloughed federal workers or not. For info, call 575-523-5542.El Paso Electric Co.?says it's?working to help?furloughed federal?employees on a one-on-one basis?as the shutdown continues. Affected residents may call the EPE's Customer Care Department:?575-526-5555.Peace Lutheran Church, 1701 E. Missouri Ave.,?and?Andele Restaurant?are joining together to host an "Appreciation Dinner" for federal employees and their families at?6 p.m.?Sunday, Jan. 20. In addition, through Sunday, the church is?collecting donations of non-perishable food items and $25 gift cards from Walmart or Albertsons to distribute to affected employees. It's also accepting financial donations to benefit workers.New Mexico Highlands University?is offering a free online geographic information systems class to furloughed federal employees.?The eight-week two-credit class is called Introduction to Geospatial Technology. The class, which began Wednesday, offers flexibility for students to access the online sessions on their own time and at their own pace.?Furloughed federal employees can register online for the Introduction to Geospatial Technology class at?nmhu.edu/GIS. For more info, contact the Highlands Registrar's Office at 505-454-3437. To learn more about the class, contact Joe Zebrowski, geospatial technology director at Highlands, at?jpzebrowski@nmhu.edu.Beck's Roasting House & Creamery, 130 N. Mesquite St., in Las Cruces, is hosting "Federal Employee Appreciation Day" event on?Wednesday, Jan. 23. Federal employees affected by the shutdown can visit before noon that day for music, free coffee and muffins,?according to the business' Facebook.Two yoga studios,?Dwellyoga and?Downtown Desert Yoga, are working together to host free yoga classes on Wednesday, Jan. 23, in Klein Park, 155 N. Mesquite St., for affected federal workers. Sessions are slated to start at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m., and people can arrive or leave at their convenience. Wear comfortable clothes. ................
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