Freebies, Discounts, & Deals for Government Shutdown Workers

With the government shutdown unnecessarily stretching into its 5th week, hundreds of thousands of government workers have found themselves running out of money, patience, and hope. The idea of a surprise furlough or being asked to work for free sounds insane to most people, yet here we are. Perhaps some of them are Hiffers or have a friend, family, or loved one in this boat.

While I can't end the shutdown, I can find as many discounts, deals, and freebies as possible – so I did!

For most of these, you need to have official government employee ID, so don't leave that at home. I'd also make sure to call ahead to confirm your local spot is participating!

There are also lots of local restaurants and companies offering discounts to eligible employees. I highly suggest Googling your area and “shutdown discounts” to find any deals. For instance, here's a good round-up of San Antonio, Texas based discounts. Many similar articles can be found for other big cities, such as Seattle, Chicago, Atlanta, etc.

CompanyCategoryOfferExpirationLocations
Ally FinancialMoney & FinanceMany fees and penalties are waived, plus additional assitance-Nationwide
Bank of AmericaMoney & FinanceUnclear, but offers to help.-Nationwide
Capital OneMoney & FinanceUnclear, but offers to help.-Nationwide
ChaseMoney & FinanceWaived fees and extending payment deadlines-Nationwide
CitibankMoney & FinanceRefund service fees & modified payment plans-Nationwide
DiscoverMoney & FinanceUnclear, but offers to help.-Nationwide
FEEAMoney & Finance$100 grants to those who qualify-Nationwide
Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU)Money & FinanceInterest-free loans, up to $6,000, based on your most recent pay.-Nationwide
PaypalMoney & FinanceInterest-free, one-time cash advance, of $250-$500-Nationwide
PenFedMoney & FinanceSkip payment for the month of January, plus other services.-Nationwide
PNCMoney & FinanceWaive fees-Nationwide
TD BankMoney & FinanceUp to $1,000 cash advance, with other fees waived.-Nationwide
USAAMoney & FinanceSpecial loans-Nationwide
U.S. BankMoney & FinanceLow-rate, quick loans along with other services.-Nationwide
WAEPAMoney & FinanceWaive January premiums and fees.-Nationwide
Wells FargoMoney & FinanceReversing monthly service charges and fees.-Nationwide
AAMD MuseumsEntertainmentFree admission-Nationwide
Harlem GlobetrottersEntertainmentFree ticket to a gameWhile supplies lastNationwide
Punch Bowl SocialEntertainment25% off food, beverages, and games-CA, CO, GA, IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, OR, TX
RPM RacewayEntertainmentFree indoor kart race-CT, NJ, NY
Second City, ChicagoEntertainmentFree classes and tickets-IL
Second City, HollywoodEntertainmentFree classes and tickets-CA
SkyZoneEntertainmentOne free 60-minute jump, per day, on Tues-Thur1.31.29Nationwide
Farm BurgerFoodFree chicken burger, fries, and iced teaFridays onlyAL, CA, GA, NC, TN
Fazoli'sFoodFree pizza baked spaghettit with the purchase of a drink1.27.19Nationwide
Food BanksFoodHundreds of food banks are both accepting donations and allowing eligible employees access the food they need-Nationwide
Great Harvest Bread Co.FoodFree bread-AL, CA, CO, GA, HI, IL, IA, IN, KA, MD, MI, MN, MT, NE, NC, OR, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI
Modern MarketFoodFree grain bowl-AZ, CO, DC, IN, MD, TX
Pay It FurloughedFoodFree beer-Nationwide
Potbelly Sandwich ShopFoodBOGO entrees1.27.19Nationwide
Romano's Macaroni GrillFoodFree Mom's Ricotta Meatballs + Spaghetti entree1.31.19Nationwide
Ruby Slipper CafeFoodFree meal and beverage-LA, AL, FL
Taco CabanaFood20% off all meals (TX locations only)-TX
Hudson GroupRetail20% off food, beverages, and core store products-Nationwide
Tanger OutletsRetailFree $20 gift card1.28.19Nationwide
Tanger Outlet RetailersRetailVarious discounts-Nationwide
2 Cool Traffic SchoolServiceFree online traffic school-FL, OH, TN, WI
NatarizeServiceFree notarization-Nationwide
Rosetta StoneServiceFree 3-month online subscription1.31.19Nationwide
Suave ProductsProductsFree Suave products, up to $6 total2.13.19Nationwide

Finally, if you know of any good deals, discounts, or freebies that I've missed, then please share in the comments and I'll get it added to this list!

Best of luck, out there, folks.



Sorry, but this freebie has expired.

However here are five recent freebies still available!

About the Author:

I'm a nationally renowned freebie finder & sample vetter, which I never imagined I'd be doing while getting my Bachelor's Degree in History almost 20 years ago. In my spare time, I enjoy launching my own space program and disproving the Coriolis effect.