U.S. Bank has launched a program to help customers affected by Minnesota's state government shutdown.

The Minneapolis-based bank said in a news release this week that it will allow affected customers to skip one monthly payment on most types of loans without incurring any late fees, penalties or impact to their credit ratings. Interest, however, will continue to accrue on loans.

Eligible loans include auto, recreational and marine vehicles, manufactured houses, home equity, small business lines of credit and consumer credit cards.

The bank already offers loan payment forbearance programs on home mortgages and private student loans for customers facing economic hardship.

The skip-a-payment program is available to U.S. bank customers as of June 30 who are current in all their accounts and are affected by the state's shutdown.

Spokesman Tom Joyce said the bank will review each consumer request on a case-by-case basis. But, generally, people who have been laid off under the government shutdown, as well as those who can prove they've been economically affected, will be considered for the program.

U.S. Bank has about 1.2 million consumer customers in Minnesota and 100,000 business customers.

For information, call 1-800-890-2233.

JANET MOORE