Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019 | 7:45 p.m.
A credit unions with 10 branches in Las Vegas is offering its members affected by the U.S. government shutdown a chance to borrow money without interest.
Utah-based America First Credit Union’s Furlough Assistance Loan provides up to $4,000 to government employees who have lost out on a paycheck since a partial federal government shutdown on Dec. 22 left more than 300,000 federal employees temporarily without work. The loan incentive, which started last month, requires proof of federal employment and a paycheck stub. It is interest-free if paid back within 30 days.
“The financial well-being of our members is our organization’s chief concern,” said Troy Stevenson, the credit union’s vice president of product management.
Stevenson said that more than 10 Las Vegans had already received assistance under the program as of Tuesday, but added that number was likely to multiply over the next weeks because the first two-week pay cycle for most federal employees stalled by the shutdown was just completed.
America First is joining at least three other credit unions across the country to offer an interest-free loan option for members during the government shutdown. Navy Federal Credit Union, with four branches in the Las Vegas Valley, is doing the same for its members, as is Florida-based Launch Federal Credit Union and Chicago’s U.S. Employees Credit Union.
To apply for access to America First’s interest free loan, membership applications can be found at www.americafirst.com. Applicants can also call 800-999-3961.
