Businesses offer furlough freebies, shutdown specials and assistance to federal workers

UPDATED: Many businesses said their shutdown specials would end when the shutdown ended but some are expected to continue until furloughed workers are paid. Check with locations before heading out to confirm.

Call them "shutdown specials" and "furlough freebies."

While a deal to end the longest government shutdown appears to be far off, some businesses are offering furloughed federal workers a little relief ranging from free meals, restaurant discounts to deferring payments and zero-interest loans.

Around 800,000 federal employees have been furloughed or working without pay since Dec. 21 and won't receive their next paychecks until the government reopens. 

Jan. 11 was the first payday most furloughed employees missed.

"We’re here to help ease the burden of trying to pay bills on time during the shutdown," AT&T said in a statement. "As long as the shutdown is in effect, our customer service team will waive late fees, provide extensions and coordinate with you on revised payment schedules."

Other major wireless providers including Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon are also willing to work with affected government employees.

Here are the businesses helping out:

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Assistance programs

Here are some of the announced assistance programs. Other creditors including credit card companies, lenders and loan servicers also have assistance options available. It is better to request help before missing payments.

Ally Financial: The company announced in a Jan. 18 news release that it had expanded its assistance program to "provide aid and resources for customers affected by the partial U.S. government shutdown.” Based on individual needs, expanded benefits may include: refunds of transaction fees or of non-sufficient funds fees, CD early withdrawal penalty waivers, expedited check fee waivers, wire fee waivers, late charge waivers and payment extensions. Contact customer care at 877-247-2559, through chat or email to discuss options.

Bank of America: The bank's Client Assistance Program is offering personalized financial assistance and can be reached at 844-219-0690.

Better Mortgage: The digital mortgage lender announced in a news release that it has launched a mortgage refinance program called Shutdown Relief Emergency Refi that "allows federal employees to tap into their home equity for living expenses and delays loan payments for impacted federal government employees for up to 30 days after the end of the furlough." Learn more at www.better.com/shutdownrelief.

Chase: The bank announced its efforts to help its customers who are U.S. government employees on Dec. 22 and is encouraging customers to call a special care line at 888-356-0023 to discuss available hardship programs. The help also is available for customers who do business with a federal agency that is also affected, Chase said in a statement.

Congressional Federal Credit Union: Furloughed employees and those working without pay can apply for the “Relief Line of Credit” with an interest-free rate over 60 days.

Discover: Impacted federal workers who are Discover cardmembers or have a loan with Discover Bank may be eligible for assistance such as skipping a payment and having late fees and interest charges reversed if they miss a payment because of the shutdown, company officials told USA TODAY. To request assistance, call 800-347-2683.

FedChoice: The Federal Credit Union has several options listed in its Furlough Center at www.fedchoice.org.

Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund: Small grants are available for furloughed and excepted federal employees. Learn more and find other resources at www.feea.org/shutdown.

Homesnap: The national home search platform has launched a relief program to pay the rent or mortgage of 10 government workers or contractors in February who are not being paid during the shutdown. To participate, share what your home means to you by snapping a photo, recording a video or writing up a few words and then tagging Homesnap and using #MyHomeMeans and #ShutdownStories on social media by Jan. 31. You can also apply and learn more at www.homesnap.com/myhomemeans.

Marcus by Goldman Sachs: Eligible government employees impacted by the temporary government shutdown may be eligible for a payment deferral on their Marcus loan and savings customers may be eligible to have early withdrawal penalties waived. For request assistance and to discuss options, call 844-627-2876.

Navy Federal Credit Union: Impacted union members who have direct deposit of their government pay may be eligible for interest-free loans. Government contractors may be eligible if their direct deposit is received directly from the federal government and will be impacted by a government shutdown. 

Old National: Furloughed government employees and employees of federal contractors impacted by the government shutdown can apply for a 90-day, no-fee, interest-free loan of up to $1,500, the bank announced. They also can get payment extensions, refunds of overdraft fees, waiver of monthly checking service charges and more. Call the Old National Bank Client Care Centers at 800-731-2265 or visit banking centers.

U.S. Bank: The bank created a new, low-rate quick loan for federal employees affected by the shutdown. It is available to customers with any U.S. Bank product, including mortgage, auto loans or U.S. Bank credit cards, the company announced. The designated federal government shutdown line is 877-760-6046.

U.S. Employees Credit Union: Impacted union members who have direct deposit of their government pay may be eligible for interest-free loans. According to its website, the Government Shutdown Loan is to be “repaid in 60 days or when the government processes back pay, whichever is sooner.”

Wells Fargo: The bank says it "will work with individuals and business banking customers whose income is disrupted as a result of the shutdown." Customers should call 1-800-TO-WELLS, or the number on their credit card, debit card or statement for assistance, or visit any Wells Fargo branch. Mortgage, loan, and credit customers may qualify for forbearance or other payment assistance programs based on their individual circumstances, the company posted on its website.

Unemployment benefits: According to a U.S. Office of Personnel Management fact sheet, federal employees may be eligible for "Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees," which is administered by state unemployment insurance agencies. The fact sheet notes "the law of the state in which an individual’s official duty station in Federal civilian service is located will be the state law under which an individual’s eligibility for benefits is determined."

Utilities and other assistance: Many gas and utility companies also are working with furloughed employees. Contact your company to see what options are available. 

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Wireless providers

AT&T: Customers affected by the shutdown are eligible for flexible payment options to keep service including cellphones, television and internet running. Make payment arrangements online at www.att.com.

Sprint: "Our Care reps will coordinate with qualified customers and our financial team to find a payment option that works and keep your service uninterrupted during the government shutdown," Sprint said in a statement. Impacted customers should call 888-211-4727 or do an online chat at www.sprint.com.

T-Mobile: Short-term account assistance can be tailored to meet the needs of customers who are federal workers, T-Mobile said, noting options include payment deferral and "flexible payment options" that allow customers to spread their service payments over time." The company is also offering support to government account customers. Customers can call T-Mobile Customer Care to discuss options at 611 from a T-Mobile device or 877-746-0909 from any phone. 

Verizon: The company announced flexible payment options and a "Promise to Pay" program that can be set up in the My Verizon app or website. Further assistance is available by calling 866-266-1445.

Community Phone: The Boston-based company told USA TODAY it is offering furloughed, federal employees in Massachusetts “a full contract free year of unlimited everything” and “to all furloughed in all states, a free $100 of credit for a no contract, no credit card required service on our nationwide networks.” Learn more at www.communityphone.org.

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Washington D.C.-area deals

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema: Four Virginia locations are offering federal employees free movies throughout the month of January to “help cure the Government Shutdown blues,” the company posted on Facebook. The free tickets are available Mondays through Thursdays for federal employees when they present a federal ID at the box office. The Ashburn, Woodbridge, Charlottesville and Winchester locations are participating in the offer.

America Eats Tavern: The Georgetown restaurant is giving away free sandwiches to furloughed workers from 2 to 5 p.m. daily. One of Chef José Andrés' six D.C.-area restaurants, Andrés is pledging to feed workers until the shutdown ends.

&pizza: The pizza restaurant has teamed up with World Central Kitchen to provide free food to furloughed government employees and their families daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the World Central Kitchen site (701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW) and Broccoli Bar (1817 7th Street Street NW).

Baked by Yael: The bakery across from the National Zoo is offering federal employees and contractors free coffee for the duration of the current partial government shutdown, while supplies last, according to the bakery's website. The bakery also is offering a free bagel sandwich or small soup each weekday while supplies last to essential Zoo employees "who must stay at work to keep the animals safe," the website notes.

Bar Method: The boutique fitness studio’s three D.C.-area locations are offering two weeks of unlimited barre classes for new and lapsed clients for $39 with code SHUTDOWN, down from the regular price of $80. Purchase at www.barmethod.com/locations/washington-dc.

Beefsteak: Show a government ID to get a free Beefsteak Burger 2 to 5 p.m. daily through the end of the furlough.

Bikram Yoga Works: Noon classes will be free for furloughed employees until the shutdown is over when a valid ID is presented at check-in. This offer is for the Riverdale Park, Ivy City and Baltimore, Maryland locations. The Takoma Park location will offer free classes at 10 a.m.

California Shabu Shabu-Fairfax: Furloughed federal workers can get a free dinner Thursday, Jan. 24 and free lunch Saturday, Jan. 26 and Sunday, Jan. 27 at the Fairfax, Virginia restaurant when they show government ID. The free meal is from a special menu.

Compassion Cultivation Training: A donor is sponsoring scholarships for furloughed government workers to take an eight-week class starting Wednesday, Jan. 30 from 7 to 9 p.m. The program – designed to develop the qualities of compassion, empathy, and kindness for oneself and others – will be held at The Insight Shop at 114 Courthouse Rd. SW in Vienna, Virginia. Registration is required by Jan. 27 and the regular cost of the course is $395. For questions and more information, visit www.lauralbanks.com or email info@lauralbanks.com.

District Doughnut: Furloughed employees get a free cup of coffee, dubbed Furlough Joe, with any purchase.

The Dog Park: The Alexandria, Virginia-based dog and cat boutique is offering 20 percent off all dog and cat food for government employees and contractors affected by the shutdown. Present a government or contractor ID for the discount.

Fibre Space: The Alexandria, Virginia shop is hosting free learn-to-knit classes for all furloughed government employees and federal contractors during the shutdown. Learn more and find class schedule at www.fibrespace.com.

Jaleo by José Andrés: Furloughed workers get a free Flauta de Jamon Serrano, which is a Spanish sandwich, from 2 to 5 p.m. daily in its D.C., Maryland and Virginia locations.

Kraft: The company's pop-up grocery store “Kraft Now Pay Later” will be open until the shutdown is over and is located at 1287 4th Street NE, two blocks from Union Market. Current federal government workers with their government ID can take home a bag of Kraft Heinz products from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily or while supplies left. In return, Kraft is asking workers to pay it forward by donating to their charity of choice or someone in need once they are able to do so. On Jan. 25, additional brands joined with Kraft and now the D.C. "store" will also give out Tropicana juices, Land O’Lakes butter, Oscar Mayer cold cuts, Capri Sun juice pouches, Fillo’s American Made beans and H&M winter clothing. Learn more on Kraft's Facebook event page.

La Côte d'Or Café: The Arlington, Virginia restaurant has a special discounted furlough menu for federal government employees when they show their government ID. Find the menu at www.lacotedorarlington.com.

Live Grow Bloom: The D.C.-area career coaching practice for moms is offering a limited number of spots in a three-session coaching program for free to furloughed government employees. To sign up or learn more, email to contact@livegrowbloom.com.

Mad Fox Brewing Company: The shutdown special at the Falls Church, Virginia-based company is 20 percent off food for all federal workers with an ID. Members of Congress will be charged 20 percent more, according to an Instagram post.

The Meatball Shop: Everybody, not only government workers, gets 50 cent Mini Buffalo Balls and half-priced draft beer, TMS wine and well cocktails at the D.C. location, according to this tweet.

Modern Market Eatery: The chain with a D.C. location, restaurants in Maryland, Colorado, Texas and Arizona, is giving a free grain bowl to federal employees Friday through Sunday from 5 p.m. until close when they show their federal government ID. Excludes airport and university locations.

Museums: Several non-federal museums are offering furloughed workers free admission including Newseum and the National Building Museum in D.C.

National Conference Center: The National in Leesburg, Virginia, announced on Jan. 23 that it extended “complimentary dining to all metro area federal employees affected by the furlough and will continue the program one week after the federal government fully reopens.” The National is issuing one dining ticket per weekday to furloughed employees who show their federal ID at the front desk beginning at 7 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Zaytinya: With a government ID from 2 to 5 p.m. daily, get a free Chicken Schwarma through the end of the furlough at the D.C. location.

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Deals and freebies outside D.C. 

Other businesses across the country also are helping out federal workers. Here are some of the offers:

8th Street Barber Shop: The Huntington, West Virginia barber shop is “offering our services FREE of charge” to government employees affected by the shutdown, it posted on its Facebook page.

BAM Rose Cinemas: At New York’s Brooklyn Academy of Music movie theater, furloughed federal staffers can see the first show of the day of any film Monday through Thursday for free when they present a federal employee ID at the box office, according to this blog post.

Bark! Pawsitive Petfood: Show your government employee ID and get a free bag of pet food at the eight Maryland locations. 

Boston’s Pizza Restaurant & Sports Bar: The two Texas locations and the Waldforf, Maryland location are offering government employees 50 percent off in-restaurant food purchases with an active government ID until the shutdown is over.

Brickwall Tavern: The restaurant’s three locations are offering federal workers with a valid ID a percentage off of their food bill starting Tuesday, Jan. 15, day 25 of the shutdown, with a 25 percent discount. Each day the discount will increase through the end of the shutdown, the company announced on Instagram. Locations are in Asbury Park and Burlington, New Jersey, and Philadelphia.

Bubbakoo’s Burritos: U.S. Coast Guard service members eat free when they show their valid ID at the New Jersey chain’s Point Pleasant, Manasquan Neptune, Wall and Seabrite locations, according to this Facebook post.

Bulletproof: Any customer with a valid government ID can get a full case of Collagen Protein Bars in person at one of the three locations. This promotion is scheduled to go through Feb. 15 but might be extended a representative told USA TODAY. Locations are in Seattle, Los Angeles and Santa Monica, California.

Condado Tacos: Through Jan. 30, all locations will be offering a free taco to furloughed employees who show their government ID. No purchase is necessary and there are locations in Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati, Ohio, Indianapolis, Indiana and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 

Cyc Fitness: Government workers affected by the shutdown can attend free beat-based cycling classes at locations in New York, Madison, Wisconsin, and Boston, Massachusetts. Walk in 15 minutes before any of the classes and present your government ID. Spots are subject to availability. Find class schedules at www.cycfitness.com.

Farm Burger: The 11 Farm Burger locations have dubbed Fridays until the shutdown is over #FurloughFridays. Federal government employees get a free chicken burger, fries and an iced tea when they show their valid government IDs. While supplies last. The chain has locations in Alabama, California, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee.

Fazoli’s: Until the shutdown ends, participating Fazoli’s restaurants nationwide are giving furloughed federal government employees with a valid ID a free Pizza Baked Spaghetti with the purchase of a regular-size or larger drink. There’s a limit of one meal per eligible guest per day.

Hackensack Meridian Health: Furloughed federal employees and their covered family members can seek emergency care at Hackensack Meridian Health's 17 hospitals and its vast network of urgent care centers without incurring the cost of co-pays and deductibles, Hackensack announced Jan. 18.

Hotel Association of New York City: Furloughed federal workers who need to travel to New York City for personal emergencies during the shutdown can get free hotel rooms, the association announced in a Jan. 18 news release. Affected federal workers in personal emergency situations interested in applying for a free hotel stay should send an email explaining their circumstances with subject “GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN ROOM APPLICATION” to sandy@hanyc.org, the release states.

Inspira Health: The health system announced on Jan. 24 that it is waiving out-of-pockets costs for furloughed federal employees and their dependents during the government shutdown at Inspira’s emergency departments in Bridgeton, Elmer, Vineland and Woodbury, as well as its 11 urgent care centers throughout South Jersey. Inspira also is waiving monthly membership Fitness Connection fees for these employees during the shutdown

Java Joe’s Cafe: The Saint Ignace, Michigan restaurant is giving local Coast Guard, Homeland Security officers and National Forest Service workers a free breakfast, according to a Facebook post.

Kings Dining & Entertainment: With a government ID, get two free games and shoes Monday through Thursday from open to 6 p.m. at all locations, a Kings representative told USA TODAY. There are Kings locations in Massachusetts, Florida, Illinois, North Carolina and Tennessee. Must mention the promotion, which cannot be combined with other offers or on holidays and is “first come first serve.”

Lucha Cantina: The Colorado restaurant with locations in Littleton and Georgetown is serving adults with government IDs and their children free meals from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. “every day until the government reopens.”

Miami Grill: From Sunday, Jan. 27 through Wednesday, Jan. 30, Miami Grill restaurants in Greenacres, Lake Park and Riviera Beach, Florida will give federal employees affected by the shutdown and up to three guests free meals from 2 to 5 p.m. each day. According to a news release, the same offer is also available at Miami Grill restaurants in Gainesville and Jacksonville, Florida.

Miss Ricky’s Diner: From 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28, the diner at Virgin Hotels Chicago will give a free “Quicky With Ricky” meal to federal furloughed government workers with valid ID. The free meal offer includes choice of tomato soup or garden salad, and choice of a grilled cheddar and brie sandwich, avocado BLT, avocado toast with egg or bacon cheeseburger.

Modern Market Eatery: The chain with a D.C. location, restaurants in Maryland, Colorado, Texas and Arizona, is giving a free grain bowl to federal employees Friday through Sunday from 5 p.m. until close when they show their federal government ID. Excludes airport and university locations.

Mondo Wood Fired Pizza: Through Valentine’s Day, the Stuart, Florida restaurant is offering a free one-topping 10-inch pizza “for all affected by the government shutdown,” the restaurant posted on its Facebook page. Must show government ID for this one-time offer.

Museums: Many attractions outside D.C. are also offering free admission including many in Colorado, the Denver Channel reported, and the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Miami, Florida.

Orangetheory Fitness: Through Jan. 31 at all 50 Chicagoland studios, federal workers get free workouts and a free heart rate monitor rental with valid proof of current government employment.

PETA: The group is offering Coast Guard personnel and other government workers affected by the shutdown in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area free spay or neuter services and free rabies vaccinations for pets on PETA’s fleet of mobile veterinary clinics, according to a news release. Appointments can be made by calling 757-622-7382, extension 3, or going to www.peta.org/spayneuterappt and mentioning the shutdown offer. Valid government-issued work ID needed. PETA is also sending free dog food to Coast Guard personnel in Cape May, New Jersey. Call 757-622-PETA for assistance.

Peninsula YMCA: The Virginia-based YMCA is waiving membership dues for Y members “whose pay is being delayed due to the partial government shutdown,” it announced Jan. 20. Members affected should present their government ID to their local Peninsula YMCA center in January to have their dues waived.

Poke3: The El Paso restaurant chain is offering a free bowl, a $7.95 value, to employees with a government ID, every Saturday and Sunday at all locations until the government shutdown ends, according to the El Paso Times.

Poor Richard’s Restaurant: The Colorado Springs restaurant is giving away free meals to government employees not being paid and their families, according to its Facebook page. Employees need to present their government ID at the restaurant register.

Punch Bowl Social: Many locations including the Portland, Oregon, Sacramento, California and Minneapolis, Minnesota are offering a 25 percent discount on food, beverages and games to federal government employees with an ID. Check location’s Facebook pages to see if your closest location is participating. Offers may vary.

Pure Pizza: The Charlotte, North Carolina restaurant's two locations are feeding furloughed government workers and their families. Federal workers need to present their government IDs.

Rail Explorers Las Vegas: Furloughed federal employees and their families can ride on the rails for free during the government shutdown. The rides usually cost $45 a person and federal contractors impacted by the shutdown can also ride for free. To make reservations and for more details, call 877-833-8588.

Ruby Slipper Cafe: Affected federal workers and their immediate families with a valid ID badge or business card will be treated to a free meal. There are locations in New Orleans, Louisiana, Alabama and Florida.

San Diego Symphony: Federal employees impacted by the shutdown can receive up to four free concert tickets for any San Diego Symphony Jacobs Masterworks program between now and May 26 with their current government ID. Reserve tickets by calling 619-235-0804 or in person at the box office at Copley Symphony Hall, Jacobs Music Center in downtown San Diego. The Joshua Bell concert on April 14 is excluded from the offer due to limited availability.

Scout’s Honor Pet Food Pantry: Located at Dogwood Boarding in Culloden, West Virginia, the pet food pantry has opened up its “pet food pantry parameters to include anyone with a current federal ID who is not receiving pay due to being furloughed,” it wrote on its Facebook page. For assistance, email scoutshonorpfp@gmail.com.

The Second City: The Chicago comedy club, theater and improvisation school is offering federal workers with a federal ID free comedy show tickets, a free meal at its 1959 Kitchen & Bar free improvisation drop-in classes at The Second City Training Center. Learn more at www.secondcity.com.

Simple Venue: Entrepreneur Michael Sinensky’s  New York hospitality company Simple Venue is offering free meals at his New York restaurants until the government reopens or government workers pay is reinstated in what is being called the “Funbars Government Meal Plan.” Sinensky’s restaurants include Juice Shop stores, which are giving away free juice for breakfast, Sushi by Bou in Flatiron giving away lunch, and government employees can get a free entrée and a Bud Light draft at Sidebar, a sports bar in Union Square. To participate and learn more, affected employees should email shutdown@funbars.com or call 212-677-2900.

Smokin’ This and That BBQ: Since Dec. 22, this Florence, Kentucky restaurant has been giving free meals to furloughed government workers and will continue through the end of the shutdown, the restaurant posted on its Facebook page.

SweetWater Brewery: The Atlanta brewery is offering furloughed federal employees two free beers when they show their government ID.

Taco Cabana: The Texas chain is offering federal employees affected by the shutdown 20 percent off its entire menu, with a maximum savings of $20. “Federal employees only need to show valid federal government employee identification issued by a department affected by the shutdown in order to redeem this offer,” the company said in a news release. The offer is valid at all participating locations for dine-in or drive-thru orders and “will continue through the period of the shutdown, unless otherwise announced.”

Too Cool Traffic School: The online traffic school serving Florida, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin is offering free courses for furloughed government workers and their families. Email a photo of your paystub to support@toocooltrafficschool.com “as proof of your lack of wage as a federal employee” to get a promo code for a free course.

Virgin Trains USA: The Florida passenger railroad, also known as Brightline, is offering federal employees free Smart Service rides between its Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach stations. The free rides can only be booked at the station and federal employees must present their government issued employee ID.

More deals: Other restaurants are offering specials or support for furloughed government workers. Search social media with terms like #ShutdownSpecials or Google furlough freebies, shutdown assistance with the name of your city.

Nationwide deals

Boot Camp Digital: Federal employees can get three months of free access to the training program’s All Access Pass Training, a $291 value. The training includes over 30 online training courses on topics like LinkedIn, Facebook marketing, online advertising, social media strategy and more. A valid federal email address that matches your name is required. Learn more at www.bootcampdigital.com.

Daily Burn: The streaming fitness program is offering a 100-day free trial to U.S. federal employees impacted by the government shutdown. After 100 days, get 50 percent off the next 12 months. Learn more and sign up at www.dailyburn.com/govshutdown.

Floyd’s 99 Barbershops: Shops across the nation are providing half-priced haircuts and free massage shampoos to furloughed workers until the end of the shutdown when government employees present a valid federal government ID. Offers are available in Arizona, California (Los Angeles and Orange County), Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Texas (Houston and Austin) and Virginia.

The FruitGuys: The fruit delivery company is delivering fruit and vegetables to TSA workers at designated airports across the U.S. Here’s when TSA workers should be able to get the free food: On Thursday, Jan. 24 at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Chicago Midway International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport; and on Friday, Jan. 25 at Philadelphia International Airport.

Great Harvest Bread Co.: More than 50 locations have set up a "Shutdown Shelf" and giving away free bread to federal workers. Sarah Burtch, a Great Harvest franchisee in Lawrence, Kansas, started the idea and it has since spread. Find the list of participating locations here.

Harlem Globetrotters: Any furloughed government employee can show their valid government ID at their local box office and receive two free game tickets to the team's 2019 Fan Powered North American tour, according to a news release. The offer is only valid during the government shutdown and not valid on previously purchased tickets. Quantities are limited and seat locations vary by venue. The release said fans should check with their local box office for details.

HealthWarehouse.com: The online pharmacy is offering furloughed government employees up to 50 percent off prescription drugs. Call 800-748-7001 to speak with a licensed pharmacy technician to discuss options. Company CEO Joseph Peters said the company will “continue the federal employee discount pricing for a month beyond the shutdown’s conclusion.”

Hudson Group: This deal is for TSA and customs employees. The Hudson Group, which has more than 1,000 stores in airports and transportation terminals, is offering TSA and customer workers 20 percent off food, beverages and core store products when they present their TSA or Trans border ID. This special will continue until the end of the shutdown. 

Lifesize: Create a free unlimited Lifesize account to use during the shutdown for videoconferencing. No credit card is required and when the shutdown ends, Lifesize will "extend an opportunity to sign up for a paid subscription," a company representative told USA TODAY. Learn more and sign up at www.lifesize.com/en/ldp/trial-gov.

Notarize: The online notarization company is offering free notarizations during the government shutdown for all federal employees who sign up for an account with a .gov email address, according to a company blog post at www.notarize.com.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop: Government workers can get a buy-one-get-one free sandwich deal Wednesday, Jan. 23 to Sunday, Jan. 27 when they show a federal government ID. A company representative said this offer is for all locations nationwide.

Romano's Macaroni Grill: Through Jan. 23 or until the government shutdown ends, Macaroni Grill is offering all furloughed federal government employees a free "Mom's Ricotta Meatballs + Spaghetti" from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily with a federal ID.

Rosetta Stone: Furloughed government workers can get a free three-month online subscription. Email your name and validation information to expandyourworld@rosettastone.com. Learn more here.

sweetgreen: From 6 to 8 p.m Saturday, Jan. 26 and Sunday, Jan. 27, federal employees get a free signature bowl when they show their federal government ID at all locations. 

Sky Zone: At participating parks, federal government employees furloughed or currently without pay and up to three immediate family members can get 60 minutes of free play every Tuesday through Thursday in January. Sky Zone socks are required but you can reuse SkySocks from previous visits. Valid government ID required. Learn more at www.skyzone.com.

Thrive Market: The natural online grocer said it is donating a $50 Thrive Market grocery credit to any government employee who emails them at mission@thrivemarket.com and includes a picture of their government ID.

Uno Pizzeria & Grill: Furloughed federal workers get a free individual pizza for lunch weekdays until 3 p.m. with a valid federal ID. The Facebook post says "Valid until furlough ends."

Visor: The first 500 government workers who sign up can get free tax prep from the San Francisco-based tech-enabled tax service, a $99 value. Create an account at https://landing.visor.com/govt and upload a federal government paycheck to claim your free tax filing. "Once registered, they will be able to tell their Visor tax professional that they’d like to apply for the government shutdown assistance program and will then be aided through the process," the company announced in a news release.

Whataburger: The chain announced its furlough freebie – a free Taquito and coffee every morning from 6 to 11 a.m. at select locations with a valid federal ID – on Friday, Jan. 25 hours before a deal was reached to end the shutdown. However, in a second tweet, Whataburger said they “remain committed to helping our friends and neighbors get back on their feet” and the offer would be honored “every morning until further notice.”

White Castle: On Tuesday, Jan. 29, federal employees affected by the government shutdown can get a free combo meal (No. 1-6) or any breakfast combo meal by showing a federal ID card at one of nearly 400 locations across the country, the fast-food chain announced in a news release.

Kelly Tyko is a consumer columnist and retail reporter for Treasure Coast Newspapers and TCPalm.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK. Read her Bargainista tips at TCPalm.com/Bargainista, follow her on Twitter @KellyTyko and email her at kelly.tyko@tcpalm.com.