Federal Employee Assitance | Atlantic County Library System

Federal workers, families and businesses across Atlantic County have been financially and emotionally affected by the Government shutdown. As a consequence, many local business, utility companies, large corporations as well as charity organizations are doing what they can to ease the burden and stress that has been caused.

While we are happy a temporary agreement has been reached to reopen Federal services, assistance may still ne need until folks can get themselves back on their feet.

To this end, the Atlantic County Library System will continue waiving library fines for Federal employees and contractors until at least February 15, 2019. Those affected can show their employee IDs at their local branch to get a fresh start. We welcome you to check out books, movies, and music as well as use our public computers and other services for some relief during this difficult time.

The list below encompasses some of the other support that can be found for our community. All financial assistance programs and services may not be listed and you can always contact a provider to ask if they are offering any type of help. This page will be updated frequently. If you know of any other avenues of support, suggestions for inclusion can be submitted through our Contact Us form.

Scheduled Events

Shutdown Relief Appreciation Dinner

In an effort to assist Federal Government Employees and contractors affected by the shutdown EHT PAL, in partnership with many other organizations and businesses, is holding a Shutdown Relief Appreciation Dinner for these workers and their families: Thursday, January 31, 2019 at the EHT Community Center. In addition to the dinner, gift cards will be distributed to each family to help them survive the shutdown.

Those who would like to attend, or a supporter looking for an opportunity to help, can call the EHT PAL office at 609-645-8413, email them at EHTPAL@comcast.net or visit their website www.ehtpal.org for more information.

First United Methodist Church Main Street Food Pantry - Mays Landing

In order to assist government employees (and members of the Coast Guard) who have been furloughed during this shutdown, the Main Street Food Pantry at the First United Methodist Church in Mays Landing will be open from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 30 specifically for folks in need. Please bring a photo I.D. and proof of how many people are in your household.

Credit & Financial Institutions

Bank of America

Client Assistance Program is available to you for personalized financial assistance, tailored to your specific situation and needs.

Chase

Chase will automatically waive or refund overdraft and monthly service fees on Chase checking and savings accounts if an employee’s salary from an affected federal agency was direct-deposited into the account in November, 2018. Call their special care line at 1-888-356-0023.

Citibank

Citibank offers a range of resources for customers.

Citi Cards: 1-800-950-5114 (TTY/TDD: 1-800-325-2865)
Citibank: 1-888-248-4226 (TTY/TDD: 1-800-945-0258)
CitiMortgage: 1-800-283-7918 (TTY/TDD: United States: 711, Puerto Rico: 1-866-280-2050); (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST)

The bank's contact information can also be found on the back of your credit card, on your bill statement, or in the CitiMobile App.

OceanFirst

OceanFirst customers experiencing financial hardship due to the U.S. Government shutdown should contact our Mortgage Relief Team at 732.240.4500 ext. 7714 or email Hardship@oceanfirst.com for possible assistance.

Navy Federal Credit Union

The credit union is offering assistance to Federal government employees and active duty members of the Coast Guard whose pay has been disrupted by the shutdown, and have an established direct deposit account. Navy Federal will also continue to accept registration for the program until three days after the scheduled pay day.

TD Bank

Customers who are federal employees, contractors, or get federal benefits are eligible for the TD Cares Customer Assistance Program. The program's benefits will extend to approved customers until they receive their regular government pay, according to TD Bank.

Wells Fargo

The bank will work with customers whose income is disrupted as a result of the shutdown. Customers should call the newly-established customer assistance line at 800-219-9739 to be connected with a team member who can assist based on their needs or visit any Wells Fargo branch for assistance.

Housing & Education

Edgewood Properties

Residents of any Edgewood property (Sunrise Bay in Galloway and Evergreen at Timber Glen in Mays Landing), who provide proof of unemployment due to the Government Shutdown, may be eligible to have their rent payment deferred, as well as waive late charges, until back wages are received.

Rutgers University

Students that are federal employees or dependents of federal employees should contact the bursar's office to place a delay on payment plans to have late fees waived during the furlough.

Cellphone Carriers

AT&T

Customers affected by the shutdown, are eligible for flexible payment options, late fee adjustments, and extensions to keep their service running.

Sprint

Those seeking short-term financial solutions can call Sprint Customer Care at 888-211-4727 or go online to chat with a Care representative.

T-Mobile

Customers who need short-term account assistance can work with a T-Mobile Customer Care representative. Options include flexible payment and payment deferrals. Call T-Mobile Customer Care (611 from a T-Mobile device or 1-877-746-0909 from any phone) for help.

Verizon Wireless & Residential

Waiving late fees and agent assist fees for federal government employees directly impacted for the duration of the shutdown.

You can utilize any of their self-service tools (online or through their app) or speak with one of their financial services representatives for further assistance: For support with wireless, call 1-866-266-1445. For assistance with residential home service, call 1-800-VERIZON.

Utilities

Atlantic City Electric

Offering assistance in South Jersey through LIHEAP. Atlantic City Electric offers a number of other programs, including the Universal Service Fund, New Jersey SHARES, and the Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE), which appears to be a good fit for the furloughed. It helps people with low to moderate income who are going through a temporary financial crisis.

Utility Assistance Information

There are several programs that offer support for paying utilities including the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Universal Service Fund (USF). You will find a full description of these programs and information on how you can apply for help by going to the Utility Assistance Programs page of NJ 2-1-1 Help website. Information about specific resources and assistance being provided by utility companies in response to the government shutdown are also included in their Guide.

Charitable Organizations

Atlantic County SPCA

Offering cat and dog food for impacted federal workers struggling to feed their pets. Call 609-927-9059 for more information.

Community Food Bank of New Jersey

Officials with the Community FoodBank of New Jersey are letting all government employees know that they are welcome at their pantry; all they need is their government ID. All red tape admissions and eligibility requirements are also being lifted during this government shutdown.

First United Methodist Church Main Street Food Pantry - Mays Landing

For those affected by the government shut down who need a little help with food, the Main Street Food Pantry at the First United Methodist Church in Mays Landing offers food for residents of Hamilton Twp. and the surrounding areas. Hours are 9-11 am, 2-4 pm, and 6-7 pm every Wednesday (note: normally closed the 5th Wednesday of each month, they will be open January 30 specifically for Federal Government employees). Please bring a photo I.D. and proof of how many people are in your household.

St. Vincent De Paul Parish Food Pantry - Mays Landing

The St. Vincent de Paul Parish Food Pantry has opened its doors to the parishioners and community. The Pantry Hours are Thursday from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, each week.

Local Restaurants, Businesses, & Entertainment

Ducktown Tavern - Atlantic City

Offering free meals to furloughed Coast Guards employees and enlistees working for delayed pay, and 15 percent off for other federal employees similarly affected by the government shutdown. Tax, tip, and drinks not included. Call 609-449-1212.

Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar - Somers Point

Giving free tacos on Tuesdays and Thursdays to federal workers affected by the shutdown. Call 609-927-6665.

Hair Designs by Christopher - Mays Landing

Offering free haircuts to furloughed employees and their immediate family Monday and Tuesday between 9 am and 4 pm. Call 609-837-0428 to make an appointment. 6027 Main Street, Mays Landing.

The Harlem Globetrotters

Offering two free tickets to federal workers whose pay is affected by the shutdown. Recipients must show their government ID at the box office. The team is playing at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City on March 7.

Howie Mandel’s Comedy Club - Hard Rock in Atlantic City

Offering two free tickets to any federal employees who show their government ID at the box office.

The Iron Room - Atlantic City

Offering a free meal for active Coast Guard members and their spouses, Tuesdays through Thursdays. Drinks, tax, and tip are not included, and Coast Guard ID is required. Call 609-348-6400.

Lucy the Elephant - Margate

Offering free entrance to impacted federal workers and their immediate family during the shutdown. Through March, the National Historic Landmark is open Saturday and Sunday. Recipients must show valid government ID.

Manco & Manco Pizza - various locations

Offering free pizza to all Coast Guard personnel and their families. Recipients must have ID.

Robert's Place - Margate

Offering a limited menu for free to all federal workers with ID - including pizza, pork roll and cheese sandwich, and a grilled ham and cheese sandwich with a cup of soup. Call 609-823-5050.

State Resources

NJ 2-1-1 Help for Federal Employees

NJ 2-1-1 is committed to helping our communities impacted by the federal government shutdown. Furloughed federal employees and government contractors in need of social services and individuals with questions about the availability of public benefits can call 2-1-1 to get help.

NJ Department of Labor

For filing unemployment claims in New Jersey, includes a guide for federal workers and links to get started on an application.

Federal Resources

US Office of Personnel Management Furlough Guidance

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has prepared human resources guidance for agencies and employees in the event of furloughs.

Federal News Network

An article listing financial institutions, funds, and assistance programs that offer relief for employees. The article is updated as new information becomes available.