SHUTDOWN INFORMATION FROM AFGE

• TSP Loan Payment Information— Furloughed? The TSP allows for the suspension of loan payments when you go into nonpay status to prevent your loan from going into default
• Financial Assistance Information— Several banks have set up assistance programs to help federal employees struggling with their banking and loan repayments.
• Furloughed Worker Support from Union Plus—You may be eligible for financial assistance through the Union Plus Furlough Grant Program.
• AFGE Policy Holders — AFGE is working to ensure no AFGE policy lapses due to the Government shutdown, and that 100% of members claims are paid without a grievance. Email Lapse@benefitarchitects.com if you receive a lapse letter.
• Feeding America —AFGE is partners with Feeding America and they have 60,000 food banks open to help. Log on to find your local food bank.
• Find United Way & 2-1-1 Services Near You— A free nationwide information and referral line that helps people find local resources they may be eligible to obtain 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Free Food and Discounts at Various Restaurants— As the shutdown is most-felt per capita in the District of Columbia, restaurants in the Washington D.C. area are offering free food and drinks for federal employees who show their ID.
• BCBS Continuation of FEP Coverage During Government Shutdown Information—FEP members receive their healthcare coverage during the government shutdown.
• United Consumer Financial Services Payment Deferment Notice—United Consumer Financial Services will work with customers who contact them.
• Local unemployment offices:
  • Illinois
  • Michigan
  • Ohio
  • Indiana
  • Minnesota
  • Wisconsin

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES COLLECTED BY AFGE LOCAL 704

• MyFEDBenefits Shutdown Assitance Map by State 
• 1959 – The Second City’s full service restaurant and bar at 230 W. North Ave, 2nd Floor, Chicago is offering a free meal (up to a $15 value) and a non-alcoholic beverage to furloughed federal workers with a valid government ID.
• WDNR Museum – Federal Employees can visit  for free with one guest through January if you show a valid government ID: Wed. 4 – 7 pm, Thurs. 12 – 8:30 pm and Fri. 12 – 8:30 pm.
• US Employee Credit Union Skip a Payment Form

If you have information to post to this list contact us right away to get it posted.

1,000 Word Essay

What would you say to legislators to defend today’s environmental issues (ex: climate change, air toxics emission, water contamination)?  What action(s) would you take to bring this important environmental issue to legislation attention?

Eligibility Requirements

1.  A high school senior with at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (CGPA) based on a 4.0 weighted GPA or college student enrolled in a 2-year or 4-year college/university with a least a 2.75 cumulative grade point average (CGPA) based on a weighted 4.0 GPA scale is eligible to apply. A copy of the most recent report card or official transcripts would be needed to verify CGPA.
2. A clear photocopy of a valid school identification of current school enrollment.
3. A letter of recommendation from a School Official (counselor, teacher, principal, Dean of Students), community involvement leader or church official.
4. A 1,000-word, double-spaced, typed essay on the following question.
5. The applicant or a parent/legal guardian must be a member of AFGE, Local 704.
6. Awards are for tuition and school expenses for one school year only. Applicants are not eligible if they have received two prior scholarship awards.

Submission Instructions

Complete the AFGE Local 704 2019 Scholarship Application (PDF) and send other required documents by close of business on Friday, May 17, 2019:

• by email to  – afgelocal704scholarship@gmail.com
• by mail  to – AFGE Local 704, Scholarship Committee P.O. Box 0799, Chicago, IL 60690-0799

All information will be kept confidential.

Additional Information

AFGE Local 704, Scholarship Committee
Shari Holloway
312-886-6778

The winners will be notified by Friday, June 7, 2018 by the Scholarship Committee. Thank You for your participation.

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The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) ® is the largest federal employee union that offers legal representation, legislative advocacy and other services to government workers nationwide and overseas. AFGE Local 704 has established five $1000.00 scholarships to provide financial support to 12th grade high school students or college students who desire to excel in their educational career.