ALEXANDRIA, La. (WNTZ) – Heart of Louisiana Credit Union has announced the launch of a temporary Furlough Relief Program to assist members facing financial hardship due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

The program, available immediately at all Heart of Louisiana branches and by phone, is designed to support existing members whose paychecks have been delayed or reduced.

“Heart of Louisiana was founded to support our members through both the good times and the challenges,” said Cindy Beauregard, CEO of Heart of Louisiana Credit Union. “If a paycheck is delayed, the bills do not stop. This program provides quick, practical relief so our members can focus on what matters most while we help them bridge the gap.”

Program Details

The Furlough Relief Program offers three primary assistance options:

• Skip-A-Payment Options: Eligible members may skip up to two consecutive payments on qualified consumer loans and lines of credit. Real estate loans and credit cards are excluded. Skipped payments will be added to the end of the loan term, with regular interest continuing to accrue.
• Low-Rate Emergency Relief Loan: Members can borrow up to $5,000 at 0% interest through February, after which the rate adjusts to 7.00% APR. Terms extend up to 16 months, and loans paid off before February incur no interest.
• Fee Waivers: The credit union will waive early withdrawal penalties on certificates of deposit and refund overdraft fees incurred between Oct. 1 and Oct. 20, the date of the program’s launch.

Eligibility Requirements

The program is open to current Heart of Louisiana Credit Union members who are:

• Employed by a federal agency affected by the shutdown, or
• Experiencing income loss or delay directly related to a federal furlough.

Members must provide documentation verifying their furlough or delayed pay status.

How to Apply

Members can apply in person at any Heart of Louisiana branch or by calling 318-473-4562 to speak with a representative who will help determine the most appropriate relief options.

Heart of Louisiana Credit Union serves communities across Louisiana, offering checking, savings, loans, and financial wellness services. As a member-owned financial institution, it operates with the mission to “help members like family.”

The credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).