October 30, 2025
The current federal government shutdown means that essential federal workers — including Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and air traffic controllers — have been working without pay since October 1. The Port of Seattle relies on their partnership to keep aviation and maritime gateways operating, and so it is taking steps to support them during this challenging time.
In particular, the Port is hosting a food pantry for federal workers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), including nonperishable, unexpired goods and other household items. Anyone interested in donating can bring supplies to the SEA Conference Center lobby on weekdays from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. or contact Eric Schinfeld at [email protected].
In addition, the Port has compiled the following list of resources in support of our federal partners.
Financial Assistance
Sound Credit Union
Impacted federal employees may qualify for some flexible loan options through its Member Assistance Program.
- No fee Skip-a-Pay
- 90-day deferred loan at 6% APR, up to $6,000, no credit check required
- Waived early withdrawal penalty on existing certificates
- 1:1 financial counseling, debt management services, and financial education tools
Get more information. Call (800) 562-8130, visit your local branch, or email Sound Credit Union.
BECU
BECU has a couple options that may help federal employees manage their BECU loan payments.
- Short term payment modifications on existing BECU loans: email [email protected] or visit the web site
- New loans: (800) 233-2328, ext. 7404 or visit the web site
American Financial Solutions
- The nonprofit offers financial education and credit counseling
- Get a list of tips and resources
- Contact American Financial Solutions online or call (888) 864-8548
WECU
Whatcom Educational Credit Union (WECU) is offering the following resources for government employees:
- Skip-A-Pay (offered twice per year; $15 fee waived for any member affected by the shutdown), loan extensions, consumer loan programs, and real estate forbearance
- Furlough loan programs
- Get more information online
Harborstone Credit Union
The following options are available for members impacted by the government shutdown.
- Furlough loans (0% APR the first six months)
- Skip one month payment on qualifying loans (fee waived for impacted members)
Learn more or call (253) 584-2260 or 1-800-523-3641
Utility Assistance
Puget Sound Energy
Puget Sound Energy offers the following energy assistance programs for impacted federal workers.
- The PSE HELP (Home Energy Lifeline Program) Program
- The PSE Home Weatherization Assistance Program
- The Salvation Army Warm Home Fund
- Payment arrangements
Visit online to determine eligibility.
Seattle City Light
Payment plans are available for impacted federal employees, as well as the following assistance programs:
- Federal Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Utility Discount Program (UDP)
- Emergency Low Income Assistance (ELIA)
Learn more online at:
or Need Assistance with your City Light Bill?
Tacoma Public Utilities
Payment assistance programs are available for income-qualified customers. To receive support, federal employees should contact (253) 502-8600 or email [email protected]. Or go online for more information.
Assistance Programs
King County Veterans Program
The program honors and serves the county's nearly 122,000 veterans and active-duty service members and their families. The program has income limits and uses the last 30 days for the household to determine qualification. For more information, call (206) 477-8282 or go online.
Pierce County Veterans Assistance
Federal employees impacted by the shutdown who are veterans may be able to qualify for assistance with food, medical need, rent, and utilities. Call (253) 798-7449 or go online for more information.
Hopelink
Hopelink helps provide food assistance, family shelter, transitional and long-term housing, energy assistance, emergency financial assistance and rental assistance, to those who qualify in King County. Services are provided through five shelters in Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Shoreline, and Sno-Valley.
Impacted federal employees can call (425) 869-6000 or email [email protected] to learn more. Income qualifications apply. Go online for more information.
Des Moines Food Bank
Federal employees experiencing a shutdown related hardship are invited to visit the Des Moines Food Bank. Go online for more information.
The food bank is located in the lower level of the Des Moines United Methodist Church. 22225 9th Avenue South, Des Moines.
United Way of King County/United Way of Pierce County
Government employees affected by the shutdown are encouraged to call 2-1-1 to connect with resources. Get more information online at South Sound 2-1-1 or contact a specialist by email at [email protected].
Northwest Harvest
Northwest Harvest’s hunger relief network comprises more than 350 food banks, meal programs and high-need schools. Impacted federal workers can go online to find the closest location.
Parents can get more information online or call The Family Health Hotline: 1-800-322-2588, operated by WithinReach to sign up for other public assistance and food benefits.
Food Lifeline
Impacted federal workers can use this Food Map to connect to food pantries, community meal programs, and other support services near them.
Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD)
Washington State ESD is expanding unemployment benefits to federal workers who have been working full time without pay. This includes TSA agents, Coast Guard personnel, border patrol agents, food safety inspectors, FBI agents, and many others. Visit the ESD website to apply.
Workforce Development Council
The Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County (WDC) is a nonprofit, grant-making organization dedicated to creating career pathways for adults and youth through demand-driven workforce and training programs. It brings together public, private, and community partners to remove barriers, align resources, and support economic opportunity for all — especially those furthest from it. Impacted federal workers can go online to learn about available support.
Miscellaneous
SEA restaurants
SEA Airport restaurants Salty's at SEA (Central Terminal), Brewtop Social (Central Terminal), Pallino (Central Terminal), and P.F. Chang's (N Concourse) are offering a 50% discount on all food and beverage (excluding alcohol) to federal employees for the duration of the government shut down.
Bambuza Hospitality Group is offering free black coffee and a 25% discount for uniformed federal employees at their three locations: 9th & Pike (C Concourse), Embarque Whiskey Grill, and Bambuza Vietnam Kitchen (N Concourse).
