Furlough Assistance

Businesses are attempting to alleviate some of the hardship for the 800,000 federal workers who are not receiving pay during the government shutdown. Banks are offering assistance programs for the furloughed employees who are impacted by the shutdown and wireless providers have developed flexible payment options. Check out the list below. In addition, to the companies listed in this article, there are many local businesses around the country who are offering discounts and free products and services.

Financial/Banking Assistance Programs

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

Chase: To discuss hardship programs, call a special care line at 888-356-0023.

Discover:  The company is offering assistance such as skipping a payment and having late fees and interest charges reversed if customers miss a payment because of the shutdown. To request assistance, call 800-347-2683.

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.

Wells Fargo:  Customers affected by the shutdown 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.

Wireless Providers

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

Sprint: Impacted customers should call 888-211-4727 or do an online chat at www.sprint.com to find a payment option.

T-Mobile: Assistance options include payment deferral and flexible payment options that allow customers to spread their service payments over time. 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 will be offering 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.