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In the event of a Federal Government shutdown, we recognize that many NIH employees may experience a temporary financial hardship due to a disruption in pay. To support our members who are impacted, the NIHFCU is offering a Special Assistance for Federal Employees (S.A.F.E.) program. All Federal government employees with NIH that experience a disruption in pay are eligible.1

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

  • Borrow up to $10,000 for 24 months

  • 0% APR for the first 60 days

  • Then, rates as low as 3.99% APR 3 for the balance of the loan term

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 paystubs

  • An official Federal Government furlough notification and documentation verifying you are a current Federal Government employee with NIH.

  • Other items as needed

Not yet an NIHFCU member? You can apply without having an NIHFCU membership.  However, for a loan to be disbursed, you must first become an NIHFCU member.  To apply for membership now, or upon approval of your SAFE loan application, click here.

Should you need to speak with a consumer lending representative, they can be reached at 301-296-0621.

Rates, fees and terms as of April 30, 2025 and subject to change without notice

The NIHFCU is still following its COVID-19 branch hours.  NIH Building 31, NCI, and NIAID branches remain closed.  Please click here for other branch hours and social distancing guidelines.
1 subject to membership qualification
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.  If no SAFE loan funds are disbursed, the member may want to consider applying for one of the credit union’s other loan products, such as an unsecured signature loan, which will be subject to the NIHFCU normal underwriting and terms.
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 0.50% rate reduction for auto-pay on this loan from a TotalCare checking account with NIHFCU. For example, A $10,000 loan for 24 months with 0% interest for 60 days at a 3.99% APR for the remainder of the term would result in 24 monthly payments of $434.20 each.  Payments are due every month.