SAN ANTONIO – The federal government shut down on Wednesday after President Donald Trump and Congress failed to reach an agreement on funding.
Roughly 750,000 federal workers were expected to be furloughed, with some potentially fired, according to the Associated Press.
Recommended Videos
While work at some government offices will continue and furloughed federal workers will continue to get paid, many offices will be shuttered — perhaps permanently, the AP reported.
>> What happens now that a government shutdown is underway
About 38,000 federal workers are located in the San Antonio and New Braunfels area.
If you’re a government employee impacted by the shutdown, here’s how local organizations are offering assistance:
Bexar County Sheriff’s Office
BCSO is offering jobs to federal employees impacted by the shutdown.
Those interested must pass both written and oral exams, and they’ll be offered a conditional offer of employment on the spot, according to BCSO.
Walk-in testing is available from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday at 207 N. Comal St.
Anyone with questions can text “DEPUTY” to 210-934-7028 or email bcso.recruiting@bexar.org.
“In moments of uncertainty, the Sheriff’s Office is proud to stand with our community and provide opportunity,” BCSO said in a news release.
Click here for more information on BCSO careers.
CPS Energy
CPS Energy has a variety of assistance programs that offer assistance to customers.
The utility recently launched Assistance Finder, which helps customers apply for bill assistance. Customers can submit an application to gauge which programs they qualify for.
Here are some other CPS Energy assistance programs to know about (descriptions provided by the utility:
- Burned Veterans’ Discount Program – Program only applies to veterans who have a significantly decreased ability to regulate his or her body’s core temperature because of severe burns received during armed conflict or in combat.
- Residential Energy Assistance Program (REAP) - CPS Energy contributes $1 million or more each year to the REAP. The program helps pay energy bills for customers who qualify for assistance.
- Budget Payment Plan – Customers’ annual energy bill is averaged over the past year, and a fixed amount is billed, making it easier to budget and predict energy dollars for the year.
- Senior Citizen Billing Program – Senior customers are allowed additional time to pay the net amount of energy bills.
- Senior Citizen Late Fee Waiver – Qualifying seniors over 60 years old can sign up to have their late charges waived.
- Affordability Discount Program – Customers may be eligible for a discount on their monthly service charge.
- Casa Verde – Qualifying customers can receive an average of $5,000 in energy efficiency upgrades to their home at no cost, helping save energy month after month.
- Disabled Billing Program – Disabled customers on Supplemental Security Income are allowed additional time to pay the net amount of their energy bills.
- First Responders with Burn Injuries Discount Programs – Our First Responders with Burn Injuries Discount Program provides electric bill payment assistance to those who have significantly decreased abilities to regulate their core body temperatures due to severe burn injuries sustained in the course of providing first responder duties.
- Critical Care – If you or a dependent living at home must use electrically-operated medical equipment, the CPS Energy Critical Care Program gives you additional time to pay your bills.
For a list of other assistance programs, click here or call 210-353-2222.
RBFCU
Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union will offer eligible members a government shutdown Consumer Relief Loan once their normal pay schedule is interrupted.
Members who are federal employees or federal benefits recipients and have an existing direct deposit with RBFCU may be eligible for the loan.
RBFCU will not pull credit for members eligible for the loan.
RBFCU encourages members affected by the government shutdown to contact them for assistance. Click here for more information.
San Antonio Food Bank
The San Antonio Food Bank offers food assistance and free services to connect people with benefits.
“A government shutdown can push families in our community to make tough choices—like keeping food on the table or paying the bills. If you or a loved one are feeling the impact, know this, your San Antonio Food Bank is here for you," the San Antonio Food Bank posted on Facebook.
Anyone in need of services can click here or call 210-431-8326. The food bank’s phone line is open from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturdays.
USAA
San Antonio-based USAA is offering a no-interest loan and payment relief options for employees affected by the shutdown.
USAA members employed by impacted federal agencies who have received a direct deposit into a USAA checking or savings account within 30 days prior to the beginning of the shutdown will be able to apply for a no-interest loan equal to the amount of one net paycheck, up to $6,000.
In addition to the loan, eligible members may qualify for various payment relief options across USAA banking and insurance products.
“We have an unwavering commitment to ensure the financial security of our members and this program is part of that value that we deliver every day,” Michael Moran, president of USAA Federal Savings Bank, said in a news release. “Members trust USAA because they can count on us to stand by them through life’s unexpected moments, and exceptional service means meeting them with offerings like this to give them additional peace of mind.”
Applications can be completed via the USAA app, website or by phone. Click here for more details.