As 800,000 federal employees brace for another missed paycheck this week, banks, cellphone companies and nonprofit organizations are stepping up to help workers hurt by the month-long government shutdown.
Creditors from big banks to local credit unions and utility and telecom companies are offering forbearance, waiving late fees and providing short-term, no-interest loans for affected workers. For many, it’s the first time they have rolled out a nationwide plan for a government shutdown.