Standing Together for Our Communities

Find resources, relief efforts, and real examples of how Carolinas credit unions are supporting members, communities, and fellow financial cooperatives during the government shutdown.

Resources for Credit Unions

Credit unions play a critical role in helping members and communities navigate the impacts of a government shutdown. Visit America’s Credit Unions’ Government Shutdown Assistance page for resources including state- and county-level data on impacted federal employees, a sample letter to members of Congress, press release templates, and op-eds.

member support government shutdownKey Credit Union Impacts:

  • Federal Regulators: The League maintains strong connections with NCUA Southern Region leadership and local examiners. Limited NCUA staffing may delay responses to inquiries, exams, or approvals. Deposits remain insured.
  • Federal Programs and Loans: Programs relying on federal funding, including SBA- or USDA-backed loans, may experience processing delays. Previously scheduled CDFI Fund releases could also be affected.
  • Member Services (military members & federal employees): Expect increased inquiries about government benefits, Social Security, or other federal programs. Planning for higher member traffic is recommended, as federal agencies’ payroll capabilities vary.
  • Liquidity Support: Central Liquidity Facility (CLF) remains operational, though new requests may face delays depending on staffing.
  • Branches in Government Buildings: Branches located in federal buildings may experience service interruptions if hours or access are limited.

Carolinas Credit Unions Offering Assistance

The following credit unions in North and South Carolina are offering support to workers, service members, veterans, and families affected by the government shutdown. To locate a credit union near you, visit NCUA’s credit union locator.

Bragg Mutual Federal Credit Union

  • Offering one or two skip-a-pays with verification of layoff.
  • Providing a paycheck replacement loan with a six-month term.

Champion Credit Union

  • Emergency extensions available for federal employees directly impacted by the shutdown. Extensions apply to non-mortgage consumer loans only and require documented proof of hardship.

Marine Federal Credit Union

  • Payroll Advancement Program available for active duty military, Department of Defense employees, and federal employees with direct deposit and good standing. It advances the member’s first paycheck during the shutdown, to be reimbursed once government operations resume. Designed to provide seamless financial relief during the shutdown period.

Mountain Credit Union

  • Fee waivers for late or overdraft fees on a case-by-case basis.
  • Short-term loan: equal to the member’s prior month net direct deposit at 0% APR.
  • Skip-a-pay available with no fee.

State Employees’ Credit Union

  • Assistance with making mortgage payments under MAP (includes partial payment plans, extensions)
  • Extensions and payment plans for consumer loans and credit cards
  • Variety of consumer loan options
  • How members can monitor their credit
  • Debt counseling

Santee Cooper Credit Union

  • Reduced or no-interest loan
  • $5 donation to local food bank for every “Shutdown Rescue” loan originated while the government is shutdown.
  • Debt consolidation
  • Additional assistance (e.g, donations to community organizations, etc.)

South Carolina National Guard Federal Credit Union

  • Skip monthly loan payments with no fee.
  • Payroll gap loan: structured as a 12-month personal loan with a qualifying interest rate (12–18%); interest is waived if paid off within 60 days.

Spero Financial

  • Loan amounts up to 100% of most recent two-week net pay (maximum $5,000) at 0% interest, with 60 days until first payment.
  • Payment deferral: no payments for up to three months.
  • Reduced payments: short-term modification allowing reduced payments for up to six months.
  • Payment modification: restructure existing loans to align with current financial situations.
  • Loan consolidation: combine existing Spero loans to lower overall monthly payments.

Additional Resources

For a more comprehensive list of resources across the U.S., visit America’s Credit Unions’ Government Shutdown Assistance page.

Share How Your Credit Union Is Helping

Credit unions across the Carolinas continue to show the cooperative difference by supporting members and communities in times of need. Have a story or resource to share? Connect with our Advocacy team to help us highlight how credit unions are making an impact.

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