Unpaid because of the government shutdown? Here are discounts, deals

If you’re among the 800,000 federal employees going without a regular paycheck because of the shutdown, here are some businesses and attractions offering furloughed workers a little financial relief: Phone and TV AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon and DIRECTV customers affected by the shutdown are eligible for flexible payment options to keep services including cellphones, television and internet running. Rent Relief American Homes 4 Rent, FirstKey Homes, Front Yard Residential, Invitation Homes, Progress Residential and Tricon American Homes offer deferred rent payment options with no late fees. Banking Bank of America, Chase and Wells Fargo are offering financial assistance or hardship programs.

In addition, furloughed employees are eligible to receive an interest-free loan up to a $500 from Check Cashing USA. Credit Unions FedChoice will cover the initial $5 deposit required to open an account and waive withdrawal penalties.

Congressional Federal Credit Union: Furloughed employees can apply for the “Relief Line of Credit” with an interest-free loan over the first 60 days.

If you are a member of U.S. Employees Credit Union or Navy Federal Credit Union, and have direct deposit set up for your government paycheck, you may be eligible for interest-free loans. Museums Several South Florida museums offer free admission to guests with a valid federal employee ID, including The Bass Museum of Art; The Wolfsonian-FIU; The Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU; and Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM).