Safe Loan

Special Assistance for Federal Employees (SAFE)

Special Assistance for Federal Employees

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 furloughed NIH employees – as well as current NIHFCU members furloughed from other Federal Government agencies – the NIHFCU is offering a Special Assistance for Federal Employees (S.A.F.E.) program to help ease the disruption of pay.1

  • Borrow up to $10,000 (to a maximum of 2 month’s gross pay)2
  • Terms to a maximum of 36 months
  • Rates as low as 7.49% APR3

 

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.

3APR = 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.

All information as of 01/20/2026 and subject to change without notice.

The SAFE Loan is available to the following individuals who are experiencing a disruption in pay due to the shutdown 1

  • federal employees of the NIH
  • federal employees of other government agencies who are current NIHFCU members 1
  • NIH Fellows who are FTEs and receive a salary from the Federal Government

NIH Fellows who do not meet the above criteria, as well as Contractors are not eligible.

  • Eligible individuals who are not NIHFCU members can apply1. However, NIHFCU membership must be established before the loan can be disbursed. To apply for membership now or upon approval of your SAFE loan application, please visit our “Join Us” page.
  • Employees who 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.

 

1 Subject to membership and product guidelines and qualifications.  SAFE loan applicants from federal government agencies other than NIH or another HHS operating or staff divisions must be an existing NIHFCU member as of October 1, 2025.

All information as of 01/20/2026 and subject to change without notice.

Required items (including co-applicant information, if applicable)

  • Loan amount requested ($500 – $10,000)
  • Two most recent pay stubs
  • An official Federal Gov’t furlough notification and documentation verifying you are a current Federal Government employee with NIH, or another HHS operating and staff division4
  • Other items as needed.

 

4 If you are furloughed but do not have an official Federal Government furlough notice, other alternative and acceptable documentation may be considered.

All information as of 01/20/2026 and subject to change without notice.

  • Call us at 800-877-6440

This loan is not available in our online loan application platform.

All information as of 01/20/2026 and subject to change without notice.

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