Updated Financial and Wellness Resources for NATCA Members

Oct 16, 2025

NATCA Family,

We know that as the shutdown continues and you face yet another zero-dollar paycheck, the psychological and financial strain of this situation is becoming untenable. You are facing stress, fatigue, and the impossible task of deciding which basic needs to be prioritized: rent or mortgage, childcare, gas, or groceries.

This situation is unacceptable and unsustainable. We know an end to this shutdown and a return to normalcy is what our members need the most. NATCA is continuing to advocate for an end to this shutdown on Capitol Hill, in the media, and in conjunction with our partners in the aviation industry.

We have compiled an updated list of resources available to our members to assist with the impact of the shutdown. This list has a number of new resources, including a letter from the FAA that you can send to creditors and financial institutions explaining that you are impacted by the shutdown.

Please contact your Regional Leadership with questions about these resources.

Employee Assistance Program – Magellan

FAA employees have access to a wide variety of free services through Magellan. Magellan offers guidance and support during major life events or just day-to-day challenges. Call 800-234-1327 for any issue.

Other resources available through Magellan include:

Counseling: Magellan offers up to eight free counseling sessions per issue, per 12-month period.
Legal Consultation: Magellan offers a free 60-minute legal consultation, including but not limited to, wills and trusts, estate planning, family law, and other standard legal services.
Financial Resources: Magellan offers confidential financial well-being programs, including but not limited to, paying off debt, managing student loans, or planning for retirement.
LifeMart Grocery Discounts: LifeMart is a members-only discount program that offers savings on groceries and other everyday essentials. You can access these benefits through the Work-Life Services page of the Magellan website, or download the LifeMart app.

Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)

We know that this shutdown is incredibly stressful for our members. Examples of potential stress and distractions caused by the shutdown include added worry about meeting financial obligations, paying medical bills, or simply putting gas in your car to get to and from work. The NATCA CISM team provides confidential, non-judgmental, peer-to-peer support in the wake of stressful events to promote recovery following a difficult experience. If the stress is impacting your ability to focus at work, you can reach a CISM peer via the CISM hotline at 202-505-CISM or by email at [email protected].

Payment Deferrals or Extensions

Contact your lenders, credit card companies, and utility providers to explain your situation and request payment deferrals or extensions.

For more information about these benefits and other information relevant to the shutdown, please visit the Shutdown Resources page on NATCA’s website. If you have additional questions related to the shutdown, you may send them to [email protected].

Letter to Creditors

The FAA has provided a letter that you may send to creditors and financial institutions explaining that you are impacted by the shutdown.

Financial Institutions

American Bankers Association (ABA)

The ABA has compiled a list of publicly announced steps banks have taken to assist customers during the shutdown.

SkyOne

SkyOne is offering an emergency relief loan of up to $5,000 for NATCA members with a SkyOne account with funds available in as little as one business day. SkyOne is also offering members with existing loans the opportunity to re-write their existing SkyOne loans at the same rate regardless of their current credit score with 90 days to make the 1st payment. For information, please contact Katia Santos at [email protected].

Union Plus

NATCA members with a personal loan, mortgage, or credit card through Union Plus may be eligible for hardship assistance.

Bank of America

Bank of America is supporting account holders who are impacted by the shutdown. It will tailor financial assistance according to each individual’s situation. You may submit a request online here or call the bank at 844-219-0691.

Chase

Chase is assisting its customers who are affected by the U.S. government shutdown. The Bank set up a special phone line, 888-356-0023, to discuss available options.

USAA

USAA provides members a government shutdown program, which includes a 0% interest loan equal to the amount of your net pay, from $500 to $6,000. The program further helps with special payment arrangements for banking, credit cards, auto and property insurance. For more information or to apply, go to the USAA website.

Fidelity Bank

Fidelity Bank offers federal employees who are affected by the shutdown a government employee assistance loan of up to $2,500 with 0% APR and a 12-month repayment plan. For more information visit Fidelity’s website or call the Client Care Center at 800-581-5363.

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

For employees with a TSP loan, TSP allows for the suspension of loan payments when they go into non-pay status. Missing one or two payments will not cause the loan to go into default. Employees may log in to their account to check the status or simply call the Thrift Line at 877-968-3778. They also may request a TSP loan during a lapse in appropriations. The established eligibility requirements continue to apply and can be found in the TSP loan booklet and TSP loans website.

UNUM

Unum has indicated that the long term disability coverage it provides will not lapse if employees are unable to pay premiums through the shutdown.

Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA)

FEEA is offering $150 grants to civilian federal employees who are members of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) who are not receiving a paycheck during the current shutdown due to being furloughed or working in excepted status. To apply, visit the FEEA website.

Car Companies

Ford Credit

Ford Credit asked consumers impacted by the shutdown to call them at 800-727-7000.

Hyundai Motor Finance

Hyundai Motor Finance asked consumers impacted by the shutdown to call them at 800-523-4030.

Kia Motors Finance

Kia Motors Finance asked consumers impacted by the shutdown to call them at 866-331-5632.

Toyota Financial Services and Lexus Financial Services

Affected lease and finance customers in good standing with their accounts may be eligible to take advantage of up to two months of finance contract payment extensions or lease deferred payments. To reach Toyota Financial Services call 800-874-8822 and Lexus Financial Services call 800-874-7050.

Phone Companies

AT&T

AT&T is offering flexible payment arrangements for federal workers during the shutdown.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile is offering some short-term assistance and you may spread out service payments over time. For setting up a payment arrangement go to the T-Mobile website.

Verizon

Verizon is offering flexible payment arrangements and asks customers to call 800-Verizon. The customer must provide proof of federal employment.

Miscellaneous

Feeding America

Feeding America has a network of local food banks searchable by zip code.

Free Meal at TGI Fridays

Air Traffic Controllers eat free at TGI Fridays nationwide during the shutdown with a valid ID.

Partnership for Public Service

The Partnership for Public Service has created a resources page for federal employees with links to mental health and financial services including shutdown grants for federal employees.

State Resources

Your state may provide subsidized or free meals in your children’s schools. Contact your school district and notify them of your emergency which may qualify your children for free or subsidized meals.