As your trusted financial partner, American Southwest Credit Union (American Southwest) is dedicated to supporting our members
who may be impacted by a federal government shutdown, including our valued military personnel, federal employees, veterans, and their families.
We recognize that a lapse in funding can lead to financial stress and uncertainty. This resource guide is intended to provide clarity on how essential federal services are affected and to direct you to available local resources and credit union support.
American Southwest Financial Assistance: Government Shutdown Loan
American Southwest Credit Union offers eligible members a zero percent loan as a temporary solution due to the government shutdown.
| Feature | Details |
| Loan Type | Government Shutdown Loan 2 |
| APR | 0% APR |
| Fees/Interest | No fees or interest charges associated with this loan. |
| Credit Check | No credit check is required. |
| Maximum Amount | Up to a maximum amount of $6,000. |
| Loan Amount Basis | Calculated based on your direct deposit of pay processed into an ASCU deposit account(s) immediately before the government shutdown. |
Eligibility Requirements
You are eligible for this service if:
- You are a federal government employee or active-duty military members member whose direct deposit of pay will be impacted by a government shutdown.
- Your direct deposit was processed into an active American Southwest account immediately before the government shutdown.
How to Apply and Receive Funds
- Request a one-time loan. Call a Loan Specialist at 800-752-6394.
- Apply Early: For disbursement on or about your scheduled pay date, you must apply at least one day before the date your direct deposit would have been scheduled to be processed into your American Southwest account.
- Loan Disbursement: Loans will only be available and disbursed if the government fails to pay eligible members. The eligible Amount will be deposited into the account where your most recent direct deposit was processed.
Loan Repayment
- Automatic Deduction: Once direct deposit of pay resumes, the Amount credited to your account(s) will be automatically deducted as repayment of the loan.
- Repayment Date: American Southwest will debit your account for the Amount loaned to you when American Southwest understands the government has made back pay available, or 60 days after you receive the loan deposit, whichever is sooner.
- Warning: If the full Amount loaned is not available in your account(s) on the transfer date, your account(s) may be overdrawn, and you will be responsible for repayment in full. American Southwest will not provide any further notice before debiting your account.
Federal Benefit Status & FAQs
What is a Government Shutdown?
A “funding gap” occurs when Federal government agencies and programs lack budget authority after the expiration of appropriations. Under the Anti deficiency Act, most non-essential federal operations must cease. This can result in the furlough of federal workers and delays in non-essential government services.
Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid
| Program | Status During a Shutdown |
| Social Security & SSI | CONTINUE. Recipients will continue to receive benefits. |
| Medicare & Medicaid | CONTINUE. Recipients will still receive benefits. |
| Important Note | You may not be able to get a new or replacement Medicare card, and benefit verifications may stop or be significantly delayed. |
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
- CONTINUE. Payments for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are expected to be maintained.
Impact on Military & Veterans in Southern Arizona
For our active-duty service members and veterans, the impact of a shutdown can be particularly challenging.
Active-Duty Servicemembers & DoD Civilians
- Paychecks Delayed: Active-duty servicemembers and essential DoD civilian personnel will continue working without pay. Paycheck deposits will be delayed until a budget is passed. You will receive back pay once the shutdown ends.
- On-Base Services: Base housing services remain intact, and DoDEA schools remain open. On-base Child Development Centers may close on a case-by-case basis—please check with your local base for specific details.
- Credit Union Relief: As your local credit union, American Southwest offers the Government Shutdown Loan to active-duty military members and other impacted federal employees—see details above.
Veterans’ Benefits (VA)
Services That WILL CONTINUE (Protected by Advance Funding):
- Healthcare: VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centers will be open as usual and provide all services. This includes appointments, hospital operations, the Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1), and suicide prevention programs.
- Benefits Processing: Compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits will continue to be processed and delivered as scheduled.
- Cemetery Services: Burials will continue at VA national cemeteries. Applications for headstones, markers, and burial benefits will continue to be processed.
Services That WILL BE IMPACTED/SUSPENDED:
- Career & Transition Programs: VA will not provide Veteran career counseling or Transition Assistance Program (TAP) activities.
- Call Centers: The GI Bill Hotline (1-888-GIBILL-1) will be closed.
- Offices: VA benefits regional offices will be closed.
- Cemetery Operations: Routine grounds maintenance and placement of permanent headstones at VA cemeteries will cease. Processing for pre-need burial at VA cemeteries will not be done.
Southern Arizona Veterans Resources
- Arizona Military Family Relief Fund (MFRF): This state fund offers financial assistance for unforeseen hardships resulting from military service.
- DAV (Disabled American Veterans): Veterans needing assistance with obtaining VA benefits or services can contact their nearest DAV service office.
Food & Nutrition Assistance
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) / Arizona Nutrition Assistance (NA)
- STATUS: The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) expects October benefits to be issued according to the usual schedule. Applications and recertifications will continue to be processed.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
- STATUS: The Arizona WIC program is open and does not anticipate an immediate impact on benefits. Participants are encouraged to stay in contact with their local providers, which include clinics in Green Valley, Safford, Benson, Sierra Vista, and the greater Copper Basin area.
- Local Food Bank Support: Local food banks are key resources for all ASCU communities, including the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona and other local partners serving Graham, Cochise, and Pima Counties.
Housing & Utility Assistance in Your Area
For members across Safford, Benson, Green Valley, Sierra Vista, and Copper Basin who are struggling with rent, mortgage, or utility payments, local community resources are available.
- Pima County Resources (Green Valley Area): For Green Valley residents, the Pima County Community Action Agency (520-724-2667) offers rent, mortgage, and utility assistance.
- Cochise County Resources (Sierra Vista/Benson Area): Contact Cochise Community Agencies for localized help with rent and utilities. Your local Salvation Army or St. Vincent de Paul may also offer assistance.
- Graham/Greenlee County Resources (Safford Area): Contact the Community Services Department or local non-profits for specific programs related to utility and rental assistance in the Safford area.
- Copper Basin Resources (Ajo/Globe Area): Local assistance programs in Pinal and Gila Counties can provide support. Contact your local Community Action Program (CAP) office.
- Utility Relief: You can seek help with energy bills through LIHEAP or assistance with phone/internet via Lifeline. Contact your local utility provider (like Sulphur Springs Valley Electric or Arizona Public Service) immediately to inquire about payment options or service suspension waivers.
Other Federal Programs
| Program | Status During a Shutdown |
| Federal Student Loans (Pell Grant/Direct Loan) | CONTINUE. Payments can still be made. Note: Assistance and processing may be delayed due to furloughed staff. |
| U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Mail | CONTINUE. Operations are not affected by a government shutdown. |
| Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans | PAUSED. Most new business loan approvals and program support will pause. Disaster loan processing is expected to continue. |
| Airport Security (TSA/FAA) | CONTINUE. Most TSA and FAA personnel are required to work without pay. Note: Longer-than-usual security lines at Phoenix Sky Harbor and other airports may occur. |
We Are Here For You
American Southwest Credit Union is federally insured and is structured to remain fully operational during a government shutdown. Your deposits are safe and secure.
If the shutdown is affecting your personal finances, please get in touch with us. We are here to serve our members during challenging times.
Contact Us Today:
- Government Shutdown Loan Specialist: 800-752-6394
- Visit a Local American Southwest CU Branch