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Federal Government Shutdown Q&A

Q: If I am affected by the Federal Government shutdown, what assistance can Redwood Credit Union offer me?
A: As always, Redwood Credit Union is here to help with all of your financial needs, including during challenging times that may be caused by the government shutdown. Some of the services we provide Members include: 

  • Payroll replacement/advance assistance
  • Deferred payments on RCU loans and lines of credit
  • Early withdrawal of funds from RCU share certificates without penalties
  • Money management and budgeting information and tools

Please visit one of our branches or contact us at 1 (800) 479-7928 to discuss any concerns or questions you may have.


Q: Is my share account still guaranteed during the shutdown?
A: Yes, all RCU Members’ deposits are federally insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF), a division of the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), which is the federal regulator for credit unions. Properly established share accounts in federally insured credit unions are insured up to at least $250,000.

Additional information about the federal government shutdown gathered from reputable government sites and sources, including USA.gov’s website.

Q: What causes a Federal Government shutdown?
A: The Constitution dictates that Congress must pass laws in order to spend money. If Congress is unable to agree on a spending bill, the government does not have the legal authority to spend money until a spending bill is passed.

Q: Why is this happening as of October 1?
A: The Federal Government operates on a fiscal year that runs from October 1 through September 30. Since no spending bill was passed by October 1, the government was shut down until a bill can be passed.

Q: Will I still get mail during the shutdown?
A: According to USA.gov, the U.S. government’s official website, the answer is yes. The United States Postal Service is funded outside of the congressional budget and operates as its own business unit.

Q: Will I continue to get Social Security benefits during the shutdown? A: According to ssa.gov, the Social Security Administration’s official website, the answer is yes. Social Security is a mandatory spending program so checks will still be issued.

Q: Can I still apply for Social Security Benefits, make changes to my address or sign up for direct deposit?
A: According to ssa.gov, the Social Security Administration’s official website, the answer is yes.  Please visit the Social Security office nearest you or visit their website at:
https://www.ssa.gov/. The Social Security Administration also has information about Social Security Benefits during the Federal Government Shutdown at: https://www.ssa.gov/

Q: Will the government continue to pay unemployment benefits:
A: The Department of Labor has indicated that the Employment and Training Administration will continue to provide essential functions, including payment of unemployment benefits. The first 26 weeks of benefit are generally funded by the state and extended benefits are funded by the federal government. If there is an extended government shutdown, benefits could be an issue but a short term shutdown should not impact unemployment benefits. Additional details can be found on your state Employment Development Department website. The California EDD website can be accessed here: https://www.edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/

Q: If I work for the Federal Government and am not furloughed as I qualify as an “essential employee”, will my paycheck be on time?
A: According to a Washington Post article, paychecks may be delayed. The article states that essential employees should receive retroactive pay if and when Congress decides to fund the government again. However, there is no confirmed answer to this question on the usa.gov site.

Q: If I am furloughed and am not an “essential employee” will I get paid for the time I am furloughed?
A: According to a USA Today article, (USA Today: 66 questions and answers about the government shutdown), the answer is “it depends.” In past shutdowns, Congress has agreed to retroactively pay furloughed employees. Congress would need to pass a bill granting retroactive pay. There is a possibility that this might not happen. There is no confirmed answer to this question on the usa.gov site.

Q: I am an active-duty Military employee. Will I get furloughed?
A: According to USA.gov, the U.S. government’s official website, the answer is no. All active-duty military are deemed “essential employees” and should continue to report for duty and collect a paycheck.

Q: Will I continue to receive Veterans benefits?
A: According to a Washington Post article, (Absolutely everything you need to know about how the government shutdown will work), some benefits will continue but many services will be disrupted. The Department of Veteran’s affairs has stated that if the shutdown continues into late October, it may not have enough money for disability claims and pension checks. More information can be found on the Veterans Benefits Administration Website under the Veterans Field Guide to Government Shutdown at:  https://benefits.va.gov/benefits/

Q: Can I still receive a federally backed loan?
A: According to USA.gov, the U.S. government’s official website, it depends. Federal loans for rural communities and small business owners under the SBA 7(a) and 504 programs could stop. Please visit one of RCU’s branches or contact us at 1 (800) 479-7928 to see how we might be able to assist you.

Q: Will the Federal Reserve remain open during the shutdown?
A: According to the Insurance Journal, (Federal Government Shutdown Effect on Property & Casualty Insurance Industry), the answer is yes as the Federal Reserve and the Central Bank have an independent source of funding. However, there is no confirmed answer to this question on the usa.gov site.

Q: Will my tax refund be delayed?
A: According to an article in USA Today, (66 questions and answers about the government shutdown) a tax refund will most likely be delayed, especially if you filed a paper return. However, there is no confirmed answer to this question on the usa.gov site.

Q: Is my tax extension still due at the normal deadline?
A: According to an article in USA Today, (66 questions and answers about the government shutdown) the answer is yes, tax return deadlines have not changed with the shutdown. However, there is no confirmed answer to this question on the usa.gov site.