Financial and economic hardship can hit anyone at any time. These events can be particularly stressful when you have bills and loan payments to make. Hardship loans like the ones administered by the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund can help to bridge the gap when disaster strikes. Emergency hardship loans are available to federal employees experiencing hardships related to illness and injury, a death in the immediate family, loss or major damage to their place of residence, identity theft resulting in financial loss, or being a victim of certain criminal acts of violence. Loans of this type are confidential, charge no interest, and are usually capped at $1,500. Proceeds from a hardship loan can be used to make rent or mortgage payments, cover medical or funeral expenses, or pay for temporary housing, utility payments, and some emergency travel expenses. These unplanned expenses can often lead to financial distress, especially if other bills go unpaid as a result. A hardship loan can often mean the difference between financial survival and disaster.