The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) announced that it will remain open during the partial federal government shutdown and that individual credit union accounts will continue to be federally insured through the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund, with member services expected to continue uninterrupted. NCUA noted that its operating budget is funded through fees charged to federal credit unions and transfers from the Share Insurance Fund. It warned that the shutdown could still affect credit unions, particularly those with federal employees in their memberships, and urged institutions to prepare for member questions, ensure policies allow flexibility to meet members’ financial needs, plan for potential service interruptions at offices located on federal property, work prudently with affected members including advances for individuals receiving direct deposits from the federal government, develop contingency plans for participation in government programs that may be disrupted, and communicate response plans to members, staff and volunteers. Consistent with safety and soundness, the agency also pointed to options such as special short-term loan programs, loans with modified terms or rates, and payment flexibility, and referenced Letter to Credit Unions 11-CU-05 on planning and preparedness for a potential government shutdown.