While thousands of federal employees are missing paychecks, Firstar Bank launched a Federal Employee Assistance Program to help their customers who have been furloughed and financially impacted by the government shutdown.

“It is tough to go without your paycheck, wondering how you’re going to pay your bills,” Eric Karr, Sallisaw Market President of Firstar Bank, said. “As a local community bank, stepping up to help our customers is simply the right thing to do during this time of uncertainty.” Benefits of the program include:

• Loan Payment Deferral – Furloughed customers can delay one of their installment loan payments and the bank will waive associated fees.

• Paycheck Continuity – Furloughed customers can withdraw funds equivalent to one month’s paycheck without overdraft fees.

“We encourage our customers who have been furloughed to visit our website for details about the program, reach out to us by phone, or stop by one of our local branch locations to discuss how we can support them. We want to help and give peace of mind to customers who are affected by the shutdown,” Karr concluded.

Furloughed Firstar Bank customers can visit www.firstar.bank or call (866) 681-1650 for more information.

Firstar Bank is a locally- managed community bank with 12 locations in Eastern Oklahoma and Arkansas. Named one of the 21st Century’s Highest-Performing Community Banks, the total organization holds more than $1 billion in total assets and $850 million in total loans. For more information, visit www.firstar.bank.