Last updated: October 24, 2025
The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) has compiled financial and community resources for federal workers impacted by the federal government shutdown.
Washington Banks and Credit Unions Offering Assistance
Many Washington banks and credit unions are offering special loan products, skip-a-payment options, loan modifications, and other assistance programs. Contact your local financial institution to discuss your options.
Mortgage and Rent
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have issued guidance encouraging mortgage lenders and servicers to work with customers affected by the shutdown:
- Fannie Mae — Lender Letter (LL-2025-E)
- Freddie Mac — Bulletin 2025-E
If you’re unable to cover your mortgage or rent payment, contact your lender or landlord immediately. They may offer options such as waived late fees, repayment plans, or forbearance.
Assistance for Mortgage Borrowers
- Call 1-877-894-4663 (HOME)
Call the Washington Homeownership Resource Center to be connected with a free housing counselor. - If I Can’t Pay My Mortgage Loan, What Are My Options?
Guidance from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. - List of Housing Counseling Agencies in Washington
Find certified housing counselors near you.
Student Loans
The U.S. Department of Education has stated that the shutdown will not disrupt core student loan servicing operations such as billing, payments, and deferment processing.
If you are not being paid due to the shutdown, contact your federal student loan servicer about deferment or forbearance options.
Get Temporary Relief: Deferment and Forbearance — Federal Student Aid
Unemployment and Furlough Guidance
- Unemployment Benefits for Federal Workers
You may be eligible for unemployment benefits depending on your situation.
Learn more from ESD - Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Guidance
Pay and leave information for furloughed federal workers.
OPM Furlough Guidance (Pay and Leave)
Financial and Debt Assistance
- Emergency and Cash Assistance
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Provides temporary, monthly cash to eligible families. - Credit Card Payments
Contact your lender early to ask about hardship programs or payment flexibility options. - Financial and Credit Counseling
Certified credit counselors can help with budgeting and debt management.
National Foundation for Credit Counseling - Help with Utility Bills
Some utility companies offer hardship programs for electricity, water, and gas bills.
UTC: Energy Assistance Programs
Watch Out for Fraud and Scams
Be alert for scams targeting affected workers, including fake job offers and debt relief schemes.
- Debt Relief Scams — FTC
- Job Offer Scams — WA Attorney General
- Report scams to the Washington State Office of the Attorney General
Local Resources and Assistance
Connect with local organizations providing food, housing, and mental health support.
- WA211
Get connected to local resources, including mental health and substance use services. - Washington Connection
Find out what state assistance you may qualify for after a change in income. - Basic Food (SNAP)
Access Washington’s food assistance programs. - Washington Food Banks
Locate nearby food banks and emergency food providers.