KEY TAKEAWAYS: Keesler Federal expands paycheck relief to unpaid TSA workers in New Orleans Program provides no-fee payroll advances for up to 90 days Shutdown has left thousands of DHS employees without pay since February Credit union staff deployed on-site to assist airport workers   Keesler Federal Credit Union is expanding efforts to provide financial assistance to Transportation Security Administration employees at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport who have gone more than a month without pay due to the ongoing partial government shutdown. The credit union said March 24 it is bringing its Paycheck Relief program directly to affected workers, with representatives scheduled to be on-site at the airport to assist TSA personnel. The shutdown, which began in February, has left thousands of federal employees — primarily within the Department of Homeland Security — without pay, disrupting travel operations and placing financial strain on workers and their families. Through the Paycheck Relief program, Keesler Federal advances funds equivalent to eligible employees’ direct deposit paychecks. The program is designed to help workers meet financial obligations until regular pay resumes once the shutdown ends. “There is no charge or fee to participate in Paycheck Relief,” the credit union said, noting that both members and nonmembers can enroll. TSA employees who are not current members can join by providing proof of direct deposit from their last three paychecks. Participants may receive advanced payroll deposits for up to 90 days. Once the shutdown concludes and back pay is issued, the credit union will automatically recoup the advanced funds from members’ accounts. “This government shutdown has placed an unexpected burden on thousands of federal employees and their families,” said Keesler Federal Chief Operations Officer Joshua Brown. “Our focus is to be there for the people in our communities and help ease some of the financial pressure during this difficult time.” Keesler Federal, founded in 1947 and headquartered in Biloxi, Mississippi, serves more than 380,000 members with approximately $5 billion in assets. The credit union operates more than 50 branches across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the United Kingdom. ...read more read less