Resource List for Federal Workers

The Port of Seattle has compiled this list of resources in support of our federal partners who are continuing to work without pay during the current partial government shutdown.

Download this list in PDF format.

Financial Assistance

Sound Credit Union:

Impacted federal employees may qualify for some flexible loan options through its Member Support program.

• Free Skip-a-Pay
• 90-day deferred loan at 0% APR, no credit check required
• Waived early withdrawal penalty on existing certificates

Get more information. Call (800) 562-8130, visit your local branch, or email Sound Credit Union.

BECU:

BECU has several options that may help federal employees manage their BECU loan payments. 

• Short term payment modifications on existing BECU loans: (206) 439-5787 or (206) 439-5987, option 1, or email [email protected]
• New loans: (800) 233-2328, ext. 7404

American Financial Solutions:

• The nonprofit offers financial education and credit counseling.
• Get a list of tips and resources
• Contact American Financial Solutions online or call (888) 864-8548

WECU:

Whatcom Educational Credit Union (WECU) is offering an Interim Paycheck Loan for impacted federal employees. Loan is based on net pay and will help cover the income gap lost during the shutdown. To learn more about this short term loan opportunity, please call (800) 525-8703 or visit online.

Washington Federal Bank:

The largest bank headquartered in Washington is offering a loan program for impacted government workers that provides loans for up to six missed paychecks for up to 90 days interest free. More information

Harborstone Credit Union:

The following options are available for members impacted by the government shutdown.

• Unsecured loans
• Existing loan modifications
• Certificate secured loans

Learn more or call (253) 584-2260 or 1-800-523-3641

Utility Assistance

Puget Sound Energy:

Puget Sound Energy offers two energy assistance programs in partnership with PSE.

• The PSE HELP (Home Energy Lifeline Program) Program 
• The PSE Weatherization Assistance Program 

Visit online to determine eligibility.

Seattle City Light:

Payment plans are available for impacted federal employees, as well as the following assistance programs:

• Federal Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Utility Discount Program (UDP)
• Emergency Low Income Assistance (ELIA)

Learn more online at:

Assistance Programs

or Need Assistance with your City Light Bill?

City of Auburn:

Residents who are federal government workers will have late fees waived on city services including water, storm, sewer, and garbage. Service interruptions for non-payment will also be suspended during this time. For more information, contact the City’s utilities division at (253) 931-3038, online, or in person at the customer service desk located on the second floor of 1 East Main.

Tacoma Public Utilities:

The following services are available:

• Offer to extend their payment due date for up to 60 days
• Waive late fees on bills issued on or after today’s date
• Not disconnect services for up to 60 days
• Payment assistance programs are also available for income-qualified customers

To receive support, federal employees should contact (253) 502-8600 or email [email protected]. Or go online for more information.   

Assistance Programs

King County Veterans Program:

The program honors and serves the county's nearly 122,000 veterans and active-duty service members and their families. The program has income limits and uses the last 30 days for the household to determine qualification. For more information, call (206) 477-8282 or go online. 

Pierce County Veterans Assistance:

Federal employees impacted by the shutdown who are veterans may be able to qualify for assistance with food, medical need, rent, and utilities. Call (253) 798-7449 for more information.

Hopelink:

Hopelink helps provide food assistance, family shelter, transitional and long-term housing, energy assistance, emergency financial assistance and rental assistance, to those who qualify in King County. Services are provided through five shelters in Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Shoreline, and Sno-Valley.

Impacted federal employees can call (425) 869-6000 or email [email protected] to learn more. Income qualifications apply. Go online for more information.

Des Moines Food Bank:

Federal employees experiencing a shutdown related hardship are invited to visit the Des Moines Food Bank. Go online for more information.

The food bank is located in the lower level of the Des Moines United Methodist Church. 22225 9th Avenue South, Des Moines. 

United Way of King County/United Way of Pierce County:

Government employees affected by the shutdown are encouraged to call 2-1-1 to connect with resources. Get more information online at the Federal Government Shutdown page or South Sound 2-1-1 or contact a specialist by email at [email protected].

Northwest Harvest:

Northwest Harvest’s hunger relief network comprises 375 food banks, meal programs and high-need schools. Impacted federal workers can go online to find the closest location.

Parents can get more information online or call The Family Health Hotline: 1-800-322-2588, operated by WithinReach to sign up for other public assistance and food benefits. 

Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD)

Washington State ESD is expanding unemployment benefits to federal workers who have been working full time without pay. This includes TSA agents, Coast Guard personnel, border patrol agents, food safety inspectors, FBI agents, and many others. Visit the ESD website to apply. 

Miscellaneous

Doug Fox Parking:

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees can park in Doug Fox Parking at Sea-Tac Airport for $1 a day until the shutdown is over. Learn more

Pallino:

The Pallino Italian food kiosk, located in the Central Terminal at Sea-Tac Airport, is offering a 50 percent discount to all TSA and Department of Human Services (DHS) employees from now until the shutdown has ended and paychecks have been issued. Learn more

Seattle Children’s Theatre:

Furloughed federal employees or contractors can receive up to four comp tickets for the 2018-19 season. Bring federal ID to book tickets by January 25. Call (206) 441-3322, go online, or visit the theater at 201 Thomas Street, Seattle. 

Seattle Symphony/Seattle Opera:

Impacted federal employees can receive up to four comp tickets for the 2018-19 season. Tickets must be reserved by February 1.

Seattle Symphony:

(206) 215-4747

Benaroya Hall, 200 University Street, Seattle. 

Seattle Opera:

(206) 389-7676

McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer Street, Seattle Center Campus. Learn more 

WestSide Baby:

WestSide Baby is offering families affected by the government shutdown free diapers and wipes on a walk-in basis. Families affected by the furlough should come to WestSide Baby anytime during open hours to receive diapers and wipes while the shutdown continues. Please bring proof of government employment.

For more information, go online, email [email protected] or call (206) 767-1662

Airporter:

All TSA personnel employed at the airport will be provided complimentary transportation to/from the airport on any Airporter bus to and from the scheduled service locations. Visit the Kitsap/JBLM Airporter desk situated at Door 00 or call (360) 876-1737 for more information.  

MEOW Cat Rescue:  

The organization is providing free cat food to cat owners who are federal employees impacted by the government shutdown. Email [email protected] or call 425-822-6369 to check current availability before coming to the shelter.