“As a result of the government shutdown, many of our members were impacted either receiving no or partial pay. We believe it is our responsibility to make our members whole,” said Gordon Simmons, president/CEO of Service Credit Union.

“Our top priority is to ensure the financial well-being of our members. We stand ready to assist our members and ease the burden during these trying times,” he added.

Since Oct. 1 when the shutdown took effect, the $599 million Justice Federal Credit Union in Chantilly, Va., said it's seeing more than $1 million per day in special unsecured, zero and low interest rate loan applications. The credit union expects this number to rise as the shutdown continues.

Credit Union Times reported on Oct. 4 that the shutdown had resulted in 353 loan applications for furloughed federal employees at Justice FCU totaling $1,834,046. As of Oct. 11, Justice FCU has “received well over 1,500 Special Assistance Furlough Loan applications from furloughed federal employees totaling nearly $8 million,” the credit union reported.

Justice FCU has also received almost 1,000 loan payment deferral requests for existing consumer loans. Prior to the shutdown, Justice FCU told Credit Union Times it averaged 350 calls to the member service call center per day prior to the shutdown.

Since the shutdown began, it has been averaging 727 calls each day.

“Justice FCU Members affected by the federal government shutdown may apply for a special unsecured loan up to $10,000 at an annual percentage rate of 0% for the first 60 days. After that time, the rate will convert to 4.90% for a term of 24-months. The loan amount is based on the member's net pay deposit, with direct deposit required,” according to a Justice FCU press release issued on Thursday.

“In addition, members may defer their first loan payment for up to 60 days. Existing members with a Justice FCU consumer loan, or VISA credit card, may request to defer one payment per loan,” the release also said.