Helping Federal Employees Weather Uncertainty

When unexpected challenges arise, North Dakotans show up for one another. That spirit of support is at the heart of the Furloughed Federal Employee Relief Program (FFERP), launched by the Bank of North Dakota (BND) in response to the federal government shutdown that began October 1.

This short-term loan program is designed to help federal employees and active-duty military members stationed in North Dakota who are facing financial hardship due to missed paychecks. Through partnerships with local lenders, including community banks like First International Bank & Trust (FIBT), eligible individuals across North Dakota can access low-interest loans to cover up to three months of their base net pay.

What You Need to Know About the Program

• Eligibility: The program is open to North Dakota residents who are federal employees, active-duty military, or federal contractors directly paid by the government. Applicants must be current customers of the participating lender and have their federal paycheck directly deposited with that institution.
• Loan Details: Loans are unsecured and structured as non-revolving lines of credit. Borrowers can draw funds in alignment with their regular pay schedule. Loan funds will remain accessible for as long as eligible borrowers continue to experience missed pay due to the shutdown. The interest rate is fixed at 2.00%, and the maximum term is five months.
• Application Window: Applications are accepted from October 10, 2025, through January 2, 2026, or until the shutdown ends, whichever comes first.

This initiative reflects the values we share at First International Bank & Trust: standing by our customers and communities when it matters most. We’re proud to partner with the Bank of North Dakota on efforts like FFERP that offer practical solutions during uncertain times.

If you or someone you know may benefit from this program, we encourage you to learn more by visiting the Bank of North Dakota’s FFERP website.

To apply for the FFERP, we invite you to connect with a local banker at your nearest FIBT location. You can also contact us at (800) 359-8092 or email CustomerCare@fibt.com to get started.