In the event of a 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:
Visit any NIHFCU branch, or
Call us at 800-877-6440
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, please visit an NIHFCU branch or call us at 800-877-6440.
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 May 29, 2025 and subject to change without notice
