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.
Company | Category | Offer | Expiration | Locations |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ally Financial | Money & Finance | Many fees and penalties are waived, plus additional assitance | - | Nationwide |
Bank of America | Money & Finance | Unclear, but offers to help. | - | Nationwide |
Capital One | Money & Finance | Unclear, but offers to help. | - | Nationwide |
Chase | Money & Finance | Waived fees and extending payment deadlines | - | Nationwide |
Citibank | Money & Finance | Refund service fees & modified payment plans | - | Nationwide |
Discover | Money & Finance | Unclear, but offers to help. | - | Nationwide |
FEEA | Money & Finance | $100 grants to those who qualify | - | Nationwide |
Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) | Money & Finance | Interest-free loans, up to $6,000, based on your most recent pay. | - | Nationwide |
Paypal | Money & Finance | Interest-free, one-time cash advance, of $250-$500 | - | Nationwide |
PenFed | Money & Finance | Skip payment for the month of January, plus other services. | - | Nationwide |
PNC | Money & Finance | Waive fees | - | Nationwide |
TD Bank | Money & Finance | Up to $1,000 cash advance, with other fees waived. | - | Nationwide |
USAA | Money & Finance | Special loans | - | Nationwide |
U.S. Bank | Money & Finance | Low-rate, quick loans along with other services. | - | Nationwide |
WAEPA | Money & Finance | Waive January premiums and fees. | - | Nationwide |
Wells Fargo | Money & Finance | Reversing monthly service charges and fees. | - | Nationwide |
AAMD Museums | Entertainment | Free admission | - | Nationwide |
Harlem Globetrotters | Entertainment | Free ticket to a game | While supplies last | Nationwide |
Punch Bowl Social | Entertainment | 25% off food, beverages, and games | - | CA, CO, GA, IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, OR, TX |
RPM Raceway | Entertainment | Free indoor kart race | - | CT, NJ, NY |
Second City, Chicago | Entertainment | Free classes and tickets | - | IL |
Second City, Hollywood | Entertainment | Free classes and tickets | - | CA |
SkyZone | Entertainment | One free 60-minute jump, per day, on Tues-Thur | 1.31.29 | Nationwide |
Farm Burger | Food | Free chicken burger, fries, and iced tea | Fridays only | AL, CA, GA, NC, TN |
Fazoli's | Food | Free pizza baked spaghettit with the purchase of a drink | 1.27.19 | Nationwide |
Food Banks | Food | Hundreds of food banks are both accepting donations and allowing eligible employees access the food they need | - | Nationwide |
Great Harvest Bread Co. | Food | Free bread | - | AL, CA, CO, GA, HI, IL, IA, IN, KA, MD, MI, MN, MT, NE, NC, OR, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI |
Modern Market | Food | Free grain bowl | - | AZ, CO, DC, IN, MD, TX |
Pay It Furloughed | Food | Free beer | - | Nationwide |
Potbelly Sandwich Shop | Food | BOGO entrees | 1.27.19 | Nationwide |
Romano's Macaroni Grill | Food | Free Mom's Ricotta Meatballs + Spaghetti entree | 1.31.19 | Nationwide |
Ruby Slipper Cafe | Food | Free meal and beverage | - | LA, AL, FL |
Taco Cabana | Food | 20% off all meals (TX locations only) | - | TX |
Hudson Group | Retail | 20% off food, beverages, and core store products | - | Nationwide |
Tanger Outlets | Retail | Free $20 gift card | 1.28.19 | Nationwide |
Tanger Outlet Retailers | Retail | Various discounts | - | Nationwide |
2 Cool Traffic School | Service | Free online traffic school | - | FL, OH, TN, WI |
Natarize | Service | Free notarization | - | Nationwide |
Rosetta Stone | Service | Free 3-month online subscription | 1.31.19 | Nationwide |
Suave Products | Products | Free Suave products, up to $6 total | 2.13.19 | Nationwide |
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.