SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – Many federal employees across the country have now been furloughed or working without pay for 23 days. And a local bank in South Dakota wants to help those workers get through this period of uncertainty.

“To no problem of their own, people have been put in a tough spot. The government shutdown but their bills didn’t shutdown,” Dave Kroll, Chief Lending Officer for First Dakota, said.

Property tax task force pushes for more relief

That’s why First Dakota National Bank has a Federal Employee Shutdown Relief Program.

“This is a program that First Dakota actually did back in 2019 when we had another extended federal shutdown and it was received really well,” Kroll said. “The program is meant to help those that have been affected by not receiving a paycheck and being laid off with the federal shutdowns. So, First Dakota is offering an interest-free, no-fee loan for three months of net pay.”

Applications for the program opened Monday and Kroll says they’ve already made a few loans.

“Again, because we did this in 2019, we had inquiries as the rumors of the shutdown started. We were really waiting to see if it would be prolonged and if they would miss a paycheck,” Kroll said. “Once they did, we stepped back up and doubled the amount of commitment that we did from 2019.”

Kroll says any federal employees living in communities that have a First Dakota bank can apply for this loan.

“Our business is built in the communities that we support,” Kroll said. “So, you know, this is something being done to the folks in our communities that’s out of their control. So, it’s really a good will gesture for First Dakota to help those the need the support at this time.”

If you are interested in the loan program, talk to your local First Dakota banker.