The federal shutdown is here, and we're ready to help. With funding lapsing on October 1, 2025, many federal employees are now facing the reality of missed paychecks. The Office of Financial Empowerment is fully mobilized to support the economic security of federal workers and their families. Below are essential resources and actionable steps you can take right now to bridge this financial gap.
Free Financial Counseling
For those concerned about making ends meet, San Francisco Financial Counseling can provide free, confidential, one-on-one financial guidance and strategies to get through this tough time. The program is available to anyone living, working or receiving services in San Francisco.
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- Click here to make an appointment to discuss your financial situation. Â
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For Federal Employees Working at SF International Airport: In-person counseling is available at the Business and Career Center from 9 am – 5 pm Mondays and Tuesdays, as well as virtually Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Click here to make an appointment and indicate that the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) referred you.
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Dealing With a Financial Crisis
In moments of financial crisis, it is important to know all of your rights and options as you make a plan. Our Office has compiled guidance to help you plan for critical expenses and get you through this crisis.Â
Send Letter of Support to Landlord and Bill Collectors
For Federal workers falling behind on rent and other bills, our financial counseling team can provide letters of support which can be sent to landlords and other bill collectors. The letter requests a reprieve from payment, penalty, and fees for the duration of the shutdown. Note, granting this request is optional for landlords and bill collectors. To request a letter of support, make an appointment with a financial counselor. Â
Access a Quick, Small Dollar LoanÂ
Federal workers may be looking for a quick, relatively small loan to bridge the gap through to the next paycheck. We have developed a quick loan tool to help you consider if this option is right for you and compare loan products. Access the tool here, plus a calculator to compare the costs of different flat-fee loans.Â
Below is a list of financial products available specifically for government workers at this time:
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FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
| FINANCIAL PRODUCT | | California Community Credit Union | Government Employees Assistance Program, offering 0% APR short-term loans, available to credit union members. | |
California Credit Union |
Interest-free relief line of credit for up to 60 days; low interest personal loans; loan payment deferrals and line-of-credit increases, for Congressional Federal members.  | |
First US Community Credit Union |
Short-term, 0% APR loans for employees experiencing a disruption in pay, available to existing members and new members. | |
Golden 1 Credit Union |
Payroll Assistance Loan with 0% APR up to one month net payroll amount, for existing members with direct deposit. | |
Meriwest Credit Union |
Line of credit up to $5,000, early withdrawal from term products, and loan adjustments for credit union members. | |
Navy Federal Credit Union |
Interest-free paycheck advances for up to 60 days for federal employees, servicemembers, and contractors for members with direct deposit. Apply within three days after the first missed paycheck.   | |
PenFed Credit Union  |
Zero-interest paycheck protection loans to members whose federal paychecks are directly deposited; low interest furlough loans; “skip a payment” options on outstanding loans; and home loan hardship assistance.   | |
USAA  | No-interest, short-term loans in the amount of net pay for USAA members with direct deposit. Â
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Other Loans to Cover Expenses
For those considering a short-term loan to cover your expenses during the shutdown, we have gathered information on publicly available products through banks and credit unions. Of note, the City does not endorse or specifically recommend any of the financial products on this page. The City does not have control over eligibility or outcomes of applications. Applicants must apply directly with institution. Unless otherwise noted, these loans are available only to a bank’s existing customers. Â
Same Day Loans
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Product Name
| Loan Amount | Interest & Fees |
Loan Term | |
Bank of America  Balance Assist | Up to $500  | Flat fee of $5  | 90 days | | U.S. Bank  Simple Loan  | $100-$1,000  | $6 per $1,000 borrowed  | 90 days   |
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Product Name
| Loan Amount | Interest & Fees |
Loan Term | |
San Francisco Federal Credit Union      Personal Loans  | $500-$50,000  | APR 4.99% - 17.99%   | 1 – 84 months  | | Patelco          Personal Loans  | $300-$100,000  | APR 9.30% - 17.90%  | 6 to 84 months  | |
American Airlines Credit Union  Financial Hardship Loan  | Up to $1,500  | Inquire with credit union  | Up to 12 months  |
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Beware of Predatory Products
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About pay day loans: Payday loans, short-term, and some small-dollar loan often come with interest rates well over 300%. Lump-sum payments and hidden fees can eat up a large chunk of borrowers’ regular paychecks, fueling cycles of debt. Payday loans and other alternative financial services do not come with the insurance and consumer protections that banks offer.  Â
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About early wage access/ cash advance apps: Early Wage Access companies offer employees advances on their pay, often for a fee. Many provide an app to quickly apply for funds. Many of these loans carry interest rates as high as payday loans. These companies often distinguish the true cost of their product by marketing their loans as “free” while soliciting so-called “tips,” which can be very high relative to the amount of the loan. Learn more here before signing up.Â
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Impacts to Public Benefits for San Francisco ResidentsÂ
At this time, the Federal government shutdown is not impacting any of the Federally funded safety net benefits administered by SFHSA, including: Medi-Cal, CalFresh, or CalWORKS. Other benefits, such as Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, Medicare and unemployment insurance, are also expected to continue without disruption. Should the shutdown last longer than a few weeks, certain programs may be impacted. We are monitoring the situation closely and will provide further updates as needed. Â
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