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Relief Available for Federal Employees Impacted by Shutdown Through Bank of North Dakota Short Term, Low-Interest Loans

Posted: Oct 08 2025

North Dakota residents affected by the recent federal government shutdown now have access to financial assistance through the Furloughed Federal Employee Relief Program (FFERP), a partnership between Bank of North Dakota (BND) and local financial institutions. The program was announced by North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong, along with North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley, and Rick Clayburgh, president of the North Dakota Bankers Association at a press conference on October 8.

This program is available to federal government employees, members of the armed services stationed in North Dakota, and federal contractors paid directly by the government who are currently not receiving a paycheck due to the shutdown on October 1, 2025. Eligible applicants can receive short-term, low-interest loans equal to up to three months of their base net pay, unless pay is reinstated sooner.

To qualify, borrowers must meet a number of criteria:

Be North Dakota residents or members of the armed forces stationed in the state.
Be directly impacted by the shutdown and not currently receiving pay.
Be current customers of the participating financial institution (the "lead lender") with their federal paycheck directly deposited there.
Not apply for any other government shutdown loan programs.

Loans are unsecured and structured as a non-revolving line of credit, with the ability to draw funds in multiple advances that follow the borrower’s usual pay schedule. Borrowers will begin repayment three months after their first disbursement, with three equal monthly payments due after that. The loan carries a fixed interest rate of 2% and includes no prepayment penalty or default interest rate.

At the Minot Area Chamber EDC, we recognize the vital role our federal workforce plays in the strength and success of our region. From the dedicated service members in the Minot area to the civilian professionals supporting essential operations, these individuals are critical to both our national defense and our local economy. Supporting efforts like the Furloughed Federal Employee Relief Program aligns closely with our organizational pillars of Advocating for Community, Advancing Business, and Championing People. It’s through this lens that we remain committed to ensuring the well-being of those who serve and support our country.

Applications are open from October 10, 2025, through January 2, 2026, or until the federal government shutdown ends, as determined by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Individuals should contact their local financial institution to begin the application process.

To learn more about FFERP or to download the official program fact sheet, visit the Bank of North Dakota website here: https://bnd.nd.gov/fferp/