Federal Employees Can Still Access TSP Loans During Shutdown

The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board today reminded federal employees that loan options from the Thrift Savings Plan remain available even during the ongoing government shutdown, and payments will not be considered delinquent if missed due to the lapse in funding.

The TSP board has received positive feedback regarding its loan program, with some participants describing it as a “true lifesaver,” and others noting it has helped alleviate financial stress. TSP operations are continuing uninterrupted as the board is not funded by congressional appropriations. This provides a critical financial safety net for federal workers impacted by the shutdown, many of whom are facing uncertainty about back pay and income.

In other federal news, the Department of the Navy is reviewing the social media activity of sailors to ensure compliance with service guidelines, according to Navy Secretary John Phelan. The review aims to confirm accounts are clearly identified as personal and do not imply endorsement of personal views by the Department of the Navy. For more information on federal benefits, visit the Office of Personnel Management website.

Meanwhile, the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA) is rapidly depleting its emergency grant funds, having distributed thousands of $150 grants to lower-income federal employees, with many more applications pending. “We will rapidly exhaust that as we provide grants to more of those people who have already applied,” said FEEA’s executive director, Robyn Kehoe. The Marine Corps has also postponed a generative artificial intelligence workshop until early 2026 due to the shutdown. The EPA is also continuing its work with water utilities to bolster cybersecurity, as detailed by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Officials stated that the TSP board will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.