A government shutdown can create sudden financial strain for federal workers. At People Driven Credit Union, we understand how difficult this time can be, and we’re here to help our members through it. Our Government Furlough Assistance Program is designed to provide fast, flexible support.
What’s New (Effective Immediately)
- Payment Extensions: Up to 60 days (two months) deferment available for qualified members to match the loan’s 60 days of 0% and no payments.
- No Fee for Furlough Extensions: If a member already used their 2025 Skip-A-Pay, affected government employees can still request this extension.
- May Use Both: Members can apply for both the Furlough Payment Extension and the Furlough Relief Loan.
- No Credit Check: There is no credit check for this loan application. (Loans still report to credit bureaus.)
- Documentation Required: Members must provide a layoff/furlough notice to qualify.
This program offers three key forms of assistance: Financial Counseling, Payment Extensions, and Furlough Relief Loans.
Payment Extensions
If you’re a federal employee impacted by the furlough and already have a loan with PDCU, a payment extension may be a simple way to ease your financial stress without taking on a new loan.
- Eligibility: Members in good standing with existing PDCU loans may apply. If you are not in good standing, we will review your situation on a case-by-case basis.
- Deferment Length: Up to 60 days (two months) of deferment is available for qualified members.
- Cost: $0 fee for Furlough Extensions. Members who have already used their 2025 Skip-A-Payment may still request a Furlough Extension.
- Agreement Required: A “Furlough Extension” modification agreement must be signed to finalize the updated terms.
- Documentation: A layoff/furlough notice is required.
- Exclusions: Real estate loans and revolving lines (including credit cards and HELOCs) are not eligible for this extension program.
Furlough Relief Loans
For current members furloughed by the government shutdown who need extra funds during this period, PDCU offers a special furlough loan designed to provide immediate relief with supportive terms.
- Interest & Payments: 0.00% interest and no payments for the first 60 days, then a fixed rate of 8.24% APR for the remainder of the term (up to 12 months). Your credit score does not affect the rate.
- Loan Amount: Based on your most recent eligible net direct deposit prior to the shutdown (see chart below). If that deposit was unusually low, we will average your typical deposit amounts.
- Underwriting: Streamlined for members with existing direct deposit at PDCU. For members without direct deposit, standard underwriting applies.
- Credit Check: No credit check will be run for this loan application. (Loans still report to credit bureaus.)
- Loan Reporting: All loans are reported to credit bureaus as regular unsecured loans.
- Disbursement: Funds will be deposited into your usual direct deposit account.
- Repayment: Many members repay after receiving back pay; however, all borrowers are contractually obligated to repay the loan. Failure to repay may result in collection actions and could affect access to other People Driven Credit Union services.
- Use with Extension: Members may apply for both the Furlough Payment Extension and the Furlough Relief Loan.
- Documentation: A layoff/furlough notice is required.
Maximum Loan Amounts (Based on Last Net Deposit)
| Last Eligible Net Deposit | Max Loan Amount |
|---|---|
| Up to $500 | $1,000 |
| $501 – $1,000 | $1,500 |
| $1,001 – $1,500 | $2,500 |
| $1,501 – $2,000 | $3,500 |
| $2,001 – $2,500 | $4,500 |
| $2,501 – $3,000 | $5,500 |
| $3,001 – $3,500 | $6,500 |
| $3,501 – $4,000 | $7,500 |
Note: Members requesting more than the allowed maximum will undergo standard underwriting and may be offered custom terms.
What If I’m Not in Good Standing?
- Previous Delinquencies: We’ll evaluate your situation on a case-by-case basis.
- Fresh Start Loans: Needing a fresh start doesn’t automatically disqualify you. We’ll work with you to explore options.
- CPI on Vehicle Loans: These will be evaluated individually based on payment history.
- Courtesy Pay: No changes will be made to the program at this time. If the shutdown extends beyond six weeks (~1.5 months), we may revisit Courtesy Pay terms.
Proof of Furlough
To qualify for any part of the assistance program, members must provide official furlough documentation (preferably a government-issued furlough/layoff letter).
Next Steps
Ready to Apply?
- Gather your official furlough documentation.
- If you need a Payment Extension, complete the Skip-a-Pay form in the MyPDCU app or call us at 248-263-4100. Be sure to label your request as a Furlough Extension and state whether you are requesting 1 month or 2 months of deferment.
- For a Furlough Relief Loan, apply online:
Additional Support: GreenPath Financial Counseling
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or nearing a financial crisis, People Driven Credit Union encourages you to connect with our trusted partner, GreenPath Financial Wellness. They offer free, confidential financial counseling and support to help you stay financially stable through this and beyond.
Our entire team—from Member Service Representatives to eServices, Loan, and Solutions Departments—is ready to assist you with care and compassion. We’re committed to helping each member navigate this period with personalized solutions that make a real difference.
Together, we’ll help you weather this furlough and come out stronger. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
