TAMPA, Fla. — As the federal government shutdown enters its third week, hundreds of thousands of government employees are now officially one paycheck short and by the end of the month, they’ll likely miss a second. 

However, there are advice and programs out there to help government workers. 

What You Need To Know

The government shutdown is now in its third week

Federal workers are now one paycheck short, and soon to be two short if the shutdown continues 

Lenders and landlords are bracing for a wave of missed payments by the end of October 

Some lenders are preemptively offering forbearance programs to impacted federal workers 

The financial pressure is mounting, especially for those with rent or mortgage payments due.

The impact is being felt not only by federal workers but also by landlords and lenders, who may soon see a wave of missed payments if the shutdown drags on. 

Still, financial experts say there are options available and communication is key.

Charles Gallagher III, an attorney with Gallagher and Associates, says some lenders are already offering forbearance programs to help struggling borrowers through this time.

Gallagher advises anyone affected by the shutdown to reach out early to creditors.

“Whether it be your lender in a mortgage matter, or your landlord in a potential eviction matter, ask them for help,” Gallagher said. “I can’t imagine too many lenders, whether big banks or small services, not being receptive.”

There are also financial incentives for banks and landlords to work with tenants and homeowners.

Foreclosures and evictions are costly and time-consuming processes that can take three to four months or more. With no certainty about how long the shutdown will last, most lenders are hesitant to start legal actions that could ultimately prove unnecessary.

Experts recommend that anyone at risk of missing payments due to the shutdown document their situation and be proactive in reaching out to financial institutions, landlords, or housing authorities.

There are programs available for those federal workers who are not getting any breaks from lenders or landlords.  

For more information, visit here feature.org.