Consumer complaint received 2026-03-07 00:00:00
Product: Vehicle loan or lease — Loan
Issue: Struggling to pay your loan — Denied request to lower payments
Company: ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP
State: MN

Complaint narrative:
Im writing a complaint regarding my situation with Associated Bank Auto Loan. I request for assistance during this partial government shutdown as Im currently still affected. I was very appreciative of the assistance I received by Associated Bank with my auto loan the first time dealing with the government shutdown. Unfortunately another partial shutdown has affected me as I am an XXXX employee. I have been with this agency for 15 years. Im currently working without receiving my pay check as Im an essential employee. Im being optimistic for this issue will be resolved this month and that we will be funded. I had reached out to associated bank auto loan on XXXX of last month. I had provided a letter from my employer which states the current situation as I did last time to associated bank auto loan. I would like to mention that Associated bank told me during the 43 day shutdown that if it continued longer to call them and they would defer my payment with no issues. I felt blessed to have had the help as it took some of that stress away from me. On my this time this isnt the case, they refuse to assist me. I understand that they dont have to, but why do they have a message on there website saying they will help those affected by the government shutdown? Why would they offer during the last shut down that happened not to long ago that they cant help me? They denied me because I havent paid 12 months worth of payments. I bought this car in XXXX when I returned from military and the first shutdown happened in XXXX. I had no issues with payments and I wouldnt have issues if it wasnt for a situation I have no control over. Please dont get me wrong, I was happy they helped me the first time but this time they treated me like its my fault, I can understand the rules about the 12 months for someone in a different situation. Im literally working and waiting for my back pay. I asked for just one month extension, just so I can save that money as I have to pay rent. I have bills and I purchase my groceries. Its money I can save for the time being until I get paid. They didnt care and refused me to speak to someone above stating that this decision was final. This cant be true and I felt disregarded. Im a single person with a single income. Id like to mention that they also never told me I was denied, they didnt answer my message on the online messaging center only closed the message chat, and I didnt know I was denied until I called for a follow up. Which is super unprofessional and disorganized. When I called after going back and forth about why I was denied, the gal over the phone told me that someone will reach out to me within 24 to 48 hours to discuss further as to why I was denied and that never happened. I allegedly was going to speak to someone hirer and that never happened. I called today XXXX26XX/XX/year> and while the gal I spoke with was professional, I was told that this decision was final, I couldnt talk to anyone else, and that was it. She wasnt anyone higher up. I understand that no one has to help me, but how can I just be told this? Im not asking for this because of something that is my fault, this is a situation that is out of my hands and Im asking for some help. Im looking to some consideration, how can other places where I have a loan from can help me but not here? How can other banks help some of my coworkers in my same position, but associated bank cant? I have great credit and Im always on time with my payments. For years and Im just unhappy with this and it appears that it doesnt matter. I got told so many different things and some of that being wrong or inconsistent. I have co workers who have done extension again and have been approved. Why cant I? I hope I can get help and hold these Folks accountable for being in consistent with what they say, they tell me different things, and refuse to even acknowledge a situation or let me speak to someone who has made this decision.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation