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Due to the Federal Government shutdown, we recognize that many individuals may experience a temporary financial hardship due to a disruption in pay.

To support NIH employees – and those at other HHS operating and staff divisions – who are impacted, the NIHFCU is offering a Special Assistance for Federal Employees (S.A.F.E.) program.

  • All federal government employees with NIH and those at other HHS operating and staff divisions that experience a disruption in pay due to the shutdown are eligible.1  

S.A.F.E. Closed-End Loan 2

  • Borrow up to $10,000 (to a maximum of 2 month’s gross pay)

  • Terms to a maximum of 36 months

  • Rates as low as 7.49% APR 3

How to Apply

To apply for the SAFE loan, please:

Please have the following items available (including co-applicant information, if applicable) when applying for a SAFE Loan.

  • Loan amount requested ($500 – $10,000)

  • Two most recent pay stubs

  • An official Federal Government furlough notification and documentation verifying you are a current Federal Government employee with NIH, or another HHS operating and staff division 4

  • Other items as needed

If you are not yet an NIHFCU member, now’s a great time to consider joining us!

  • You can apply without having an NIHFCU membership.  However, you must first become an NIHFCU member for a loan to be disbursed.

  • To apply for membership now or upon approval of your SAFE loan application, click here.

If you need to speak with an NIHFCU representative on membership, please call us at 1-800-877-6440, or visit our Rockville Metro Plaza, Silver Spring or NIH-Clinical Center branch locations

The SAFE loan is available for federal employees of the NIH or another HHS operating and staff division.  Contractors and Fellows are not eligible.

Employees that have been subject to Government ordered Layoffs (RIF), at any time up to the date that they are expected to receive their loan, would not be eligible.

 

 

Rates, fees and terms as of October 1, 2025 and subject to change without notice

1 Subject to membership and product guidelines qualifications.  Contractors and fellows are not eligible.
2 SAFE loan proceeds will be disbursed only if/when the borrower experiences a financial hardship, which means there is an actual decrease in the borrower’s normal paycheck, or there is no paycheck, as a result of a Federal Government shutdown.
3 APR = Annual Percentage Rate.  Loan decisions are based on creditworthiness, with rates and terms subject to change without notice. Restrictions may apply. Advertised APR includes 0.25% rate reduction for auto-pay on this loan from an NIHFCU account. For example, A $10,000 loan for 36 months at a 7.49% APR for the remainder of the term would result in 36 monthly payments of $311.02 each month.  Payments are due every month.
4 If you are furloughed but do not have an official Federal Government furlough notice, other alternative and acceptable documentation may be considered