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As the shutdown continues, its threats to the economy, industries and individuals continue to snowball. On a macro level, the White House estimates the shutdown will cost the economy 0.1 percent in GDP each week, or double its original estimate, . Some experts estimate that should the government remain partly closed through March, first-quarter growth could fall to zero, tipping the economy toward a recession, . In total, the shutdown is estimated to cost . Insurance coverage for federal workers is now at risk. from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management indicated that unless workers started paying their dental and vision premiums directly, their BENEFEDS coverage would be terminated. Even air travel is affected by the shutdown. Airline industry union workers released a on Wednesday warning of the “unprecedented” risk the shutdown brings, citing understaffing, absent workers and a lack of safety inspectors posing a major threat to the safety of air travel in the country. On Friday morning, the FAA temporarily halted flights into New York’s LaGuardia Airport because of a shortage of TSA workers. And as for the future of the federal workforce, some experts question how the shutdown will change retention and recruitment. “As we see growing impacts on vital functions of the federal workforce including food inspections, transportation funding, TSA security and air traffic control, we’re reminded that the nation is reliant on a fully-functioning and engaged government,” says Mark Hamrick, senior economic analyst at Bankrate. “The primary goal of any employer is to attract and retain good workers. In that regards, the shutdown is violently counterproductive.” On Wednesday, , demanding it work to create alternative payment arrangements instead of forcing workers to tap into their savings. Resources for federal workers still without pay
The shutdown has put immense strain on the financial wellbeing of federal workers; some are now to feed their families. According to the , almost a quarter of government workers in 2017 said they rarely or never have money left over at the end of the month. Bryan Ward, an economist at the University of Montana, estimates that about 200,00 of the 800,000 workers, or one-fourth, affected by the shutdown were struggling before the shutdown even occurred. And now, their situations are even worse. “Another 200-250K were likely doing okish before the shutdown, but a full month without a paycheck is likely imposing a real burden on these families,” . Aside from being without funds, workers are now facing from unpaid bills and increased risk. The fate of March benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) remains unclear. For federal workers struggling during the shutdown, there is relief. A few resources offering assistance to those affected by the shutdown include: What banks are doing
Some financial institutions have stepped up to help furloughed workers. For example, U.S. Bank is for customers in need of assistance during the shutdown. Other institutions are working on a case-by-case basis. has launched a to help affected customers receive assistance. Citigroup will make adjustments to fees and interest rates of affected customers, and Bank of America . What lenders are doing
Federal workers with personal loans who can’t make payments might have some relief. The following lenders are offering assistance to affected customers: Marcus by Goldman Sachs SoFi Payoff Wells Fargo Prosper LendingClub For specifics on how these lenders are helping, and how to contact them for relief, . What mortgage companies are doing
As funds continue to dwindle for many, fear of defaulting on a mortgage and losing a home could grow. The following lenders are offering assistance programs to clients impacted by the shutdown: FedChoice Federal Credit Union USAA Navy Federal Credit Union Bank of America Quicken Loans U.S. Bank Wells Fargo For specifics on how these lenders are helping, and how to contact them for relief, . Unemployment benefits
Furloughed workers considering filing for unemployment benefits should carefully consider their options. Only those who are furloughed can file; those who are reporting to work, but aren’t being paid, cannot. Additionally, workers who receive unemployment benefits will have to pay them back once the government reopens and they receive back pay. For more information on how furloughed workers can qualify and apply for unemployment benefits, . Free advice
Some financial services companies are reaching out specifically to furloughed workers, offering free consultations for how to manage their money during this time. Betterment, for example, is offering via phone to any government employee affected by the shutdown. The company hopes to “provide guidance” to those considering withdrawing from retirement accounts, using credit cards or taking out a loan to help get by while not receiving pay. Learn more
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