Government Employee Relief & Home Sale Guidance

When federal employees face a furlough, funding gap, or financial uncertainty, it can be challenging to manage mortgage payments, monthly expenses, and long-term financial planning. This resource is designed to help government employees explore loan & assistance programs and provide guidance on selling your home strategically and responsibly. Note: This resource is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for financial or legal advice. Always consult your mortgage servicer, credit union, or a licensed financial advisor before making decisions.

Financial Relief & Loan Options

A variety of credit unions, nonprofit funds, and federal programs have created assistance avenues during shutdowns or financial hardship. Below is a summary of some programs, with contact info and eligibility.

Navy Federal Credit Union – Government Shutdown Assistance

Navy Federal offers special programs to help federal employees during furloughs or shutdowns. These may include loan advances, skip-payment options, or short-term emergency loans.

Learn more on their official page

Apple Federal Credit Union – Government Assistance Resources

Apple FCU provides informational resources and relief options tied to government shutdowns and other federal employee financial stress.

Visit Apple FCU’s assistance page

Congressional Federal Credit Union – Furlough / Personal Loans

Congressional FCU offers furlough relief through personal loan programs, often designed for lower interest and flexible repayment during shutdowns.

View their furlough solutions page

FedChoice – FedAssist Program

FedChoice’s FedAssist is designed to help federal employees navigate furloughs or delayed pay periods via short-term financial relief.

Learn about FedAssist

USSFCU – Federal Government Shutdown Assistance

USSFCU provides resources and perhaps emergency aid to federal employees affected by shutdowns.

Visit their assistance page

USAA – Government Shutdown Program

USAA offers a “shutdown program” to help qualifying members (often military / federal affiliated) with payments or short-term relief.

USAA’s official program

Maryland – FWE Loan (State Program)

In Maryland, federal workers may access the FWE (Federal Worker Emergency) loan program through the state’s Department of Labor. This is often a short-term bridge loan.

Maryland FWE loan details

Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (FEEA)

FEEA is a nonprofit that provides emergency grants or low-interest loans to federal employees in crisis or during shutdowns.

FEEA shutdown assistance

Additional Tips & Considerations

  • Check eligibility carefully — some programs require you to be a current member of the credit union, have a minimum tenure, or meet other criteria.
  • Read all terms — interest rates, fees, repayment periods, and penalties vary widely.
  • Contact your mortgage servicer or lender to ask about forbearance, skip-payment, or hardship programs.
  • Keep documentation (pay stubs, employment verification, furlough notice) ready — many lenders will ask for proof.


Guidance on Selling Your Home

Selling your home can be a complex decision — especially during financial stress or potential market disruptions. Use the guidance below to make informed decisions.

Key risk during shutdowns: The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) often lapses during government shutdowns, which can delay closings for homes in flood zones if flood insurance renewals or new policies cannot be processed.

When Selling Might Be the Best Option

  • Mortgage payments are unaffordable due to loss of income.
  • You have substantial equity and can move to more affordable surroundings.
  • Carrying costs (taxes, insurance, maintenance) become too burdensome.
  • You’d rather free up liquidity and downsize.


Market & Timing Considerations During a Shutdown

  • Buyers may be more cautious; market activity can slow.
  • Closings may be delayed due to agency staffing constraints.
  • Flood insurance issues (if applicable). If your property is in a flood zone, lapses in the NFIP can be a deal-breaker.
  • Loans requiring governmental agency review (FHA, VA, USDA) may be delayed or temporarily suspended.


Best Practices When Selling

  • Work with a real estate agent aware of shutdown risks (e.g. delays, insurance lapses).
  • Get a pre-inspection and appraisal early to avoid surprises.
  • Avoid overly tight closing deadlines — build in buffer time for possible delays.
  • Understand your net proceeds (sale price minus payoff, closing costs, commissions, taxes, etc.).
  • Plan post-sale housing (renting, buying elsewhere). Don’t rush into a move you can’t afford.

Alternatives to Selling (When Possible)

  • Rent out part or all of the home (if local rules allow).
  • Take on a roommate or short-term rental (Airbnb, etc.).
  • Request forbearance or loan modification with your mortgage servicer.
  • Sell nonessential assets or reduce other costs instead of selling the home.


Net Proceeds Estimator

A simple formula:
Estimated Net = (Expected Sale Price) – (Mortgage Payoff) – (Closing Costs + Commissions + Taxes) – (Other Fees)

You can embed an interactive form here (input fields for sale price, payoff, estimated costs, etc.).

Loan vs Relief Decision Tool

A question-driven flowchart to help users decide whether a short-term loan, credit union advance, or selling might make more sense based on their cash flow, debt, and timeline.

Disclaimer: This site is maintained to provide general informational help to government employees considering financial relief or selling their homes under difficult circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional financial advice, legal counsel, or personalized consultation with your credit union, lender, or real estate agent. I welcome feedback, corrections, or suggestions for additional programs.

IF YOU THINK THAT YOU MAYBE FACING FUTURE HARDSHIP OTHER THAN THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO NEEDS GUIDANCE AND NEEDS TO SELL THEIR HOME QUICKLY, GIVE ME A CALL AT (240) 284-4114