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.
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.
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.
FedChoice – FedAssist Program
FedChoice’s FedAssist is designed to help federal employees navigate furloughs or delayed pay periods via short-term financial relief.
USSFCU – Federal Government Shutdown Assistance
USSFCU provides resources and perhaps emergency aid to federal employees affected by shutdowns.
USAA – Government Shutdown Program
USAA offers a “shutdown program” to help qualifying members (often military / federal affiliated) with payments or short-term relief.
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.
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.
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.
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.).