United Way is deeply concerned about the communities and federal employees who are impacted by certain services, programs and pay being either reduced or paused due to the longest Federal Government shutdown in history.
Community members and Federal Government employees affected by the shutdown can use the following resources to learn more about ways to access immediate assistance:
Call 2-1-1
- 2-1-1 is committed to helping our communities impacted by the federal government shutdown. Federal employees and government contractors in need of social services and individuals with questions about availability of public benefits can 2-1-1 to get help.
- 2-1-1 specialists can help vulnerable families connect to food pantries, health care services and utility and eviction prevention assistance. Callers can also receive information on mental health counseling, transportation, job training, substance use recovery services, child care and volunteer opportunities.
- For more information visit here.
Furloughed Government Employees
- Review guidance about unemployment benefits here.
- Review the Department of Labor's website to view individual State offices.
SNAP Benefits
- SNAP, WIC, Free & Reduced Price Lunch, among other food security benefits, are currently still active. To stay up-to-date with information, visit USDA's website.
- The state of Oregon currently has funding to continue covering benefits through the month of January. You will receive notice and communication, when provided, regarding February benefits if the shutdown continues and funding is impacted.
Federal Tax Refunds
- All federal tax refunds are being accepted and the IRS should begin processing returns as early as January 28. Be prepared for slower processing times given current staffing shortages.
- Free tax preparation sites and services in Oregon are open as scheduled.
- For more information regarding your tax refunds during the government shutdown visit here.
Corporate Partners Offering Support
- Wells Fargo:
- Automatically reversing monthly service and overdraft/non-sufficient fund fees for any customer who is an employee of an affected federal government agency and whose payroll was directed deposited into the customer's account in November 2018.
- Wells Fargo will work with customers who do not have direct deposit or are not receiving an automatic fee reversal on an individual basis to assist them.
- Late fees on consumer credit accounts will be suppressed for those who are employed by an affected federal government agency and whose payroll check was direct deposited into the customer's checking account in November 2018.
- For customers having difficulties making your loan payments due to the federal government shutdown, the company will work with you to identify short- or long-term assistance options that may be available.
- Wells Fargo Home Lending customers who contact the company to discuss payment options won't be assessed late charges or be subject to negative credit reporting, and applicable foreclosure activities will be placed on hold, for up to 90 days.
- For customer contact numbers pertaining to the federal government shutdown, click here.
- U.S. Bank
- Qualified federal government employees can apply for a $100-$6,000 low-rate, quick loan. Available to customers with any U.S. Bank product, including mortgage, auto loans and U.S. Bank credit cards.
- Contact U.S. Bank's designated federal government shutdown line to speak with a customer service representative at 877-760-6046.
- OnPoint Community Credit Union
- As part of their commitment to helping their members and community, OnPoint is offering short-term solutions for members impacted by the current federal government shutdown. For more details contact OnPoint Member Services at 503-228-7077 or 800-527-3932
- You can also visit your nearest OnPoint branch for assistance.
- Key Bank
- KeyBank has processes in place to support clients affected by the shutdown. The processes are retroactive to Dec. 22, 2018, when the shutdown began and continue until 30 days after the shutdown ends.
- KeyBank is reaching out to clients who may be impacted by the furlough to offer short-term unsecured personal loans.
- Clients may also be eligible for a waiver of late fees due to delays in receipt of paychecks and credit card or loan payment assistance programs.
- For more information visit Key Bank's website.
- Pacific Power
- If you’ve been affected by the current government shutdown, or if you’re going through financial hardship, call Pacific Power at 1-888-221-7070 or visit pacificpower.net/help. We have arrangements and resources available to assist you in times of need.
- If you’ve been affected by the current government shutdown, or if you’re going through financial hardship, call Pacific Power at 1-888-221-7070 or visit pacificpower.net/help. We have arrangements and resources available to assist you in times of need.
- Umpqua Bank
- Qualified customers may be eligible for relief on existing loans. They may also be able to apply for additional assistance through our Loan by Phone service. Please call us or visit any Umpqua Bank store to discuss your accounts and options available to you.
- Numbers to call for immediate assistance:
Existing loan and mortgage customers – Contact Customer Loan Support at (877) 367-5773.
Existing credit card customers – Call the Cardmember Service phone number listed on the back of your card.
Additional financial assistance – Contact the Loan by Phone team at (866) 790-2121.
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Portland General Electric
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If you're a Portland General Electric customer impacted by the federal government shutdown, or need assistance paying your energy bill, please contact PGE at 800-542-8818.
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PGE customer service is ready to work with you to create a plan that helps meet your needs. Visit portlandgeneral.com for more information.
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