CFPB Employee's Medical Crisis Exacerbated by Sudden Benefit Termination
In December, Helen Shaw, an analyst at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), received a daunting diagnosis: she needed surgery to remove a brain tumor. Hoping to secure financial stability during her recovery, she inquired about the agency's short-term disability plan. A human-resources representative informed her that the plan "likely will not be available" by her anticipated surgery date in 2026. This prediction materialized in January when acting director Russell Vought announced the termination of not only the disability plan but also dental and life insurance coverage for all employees.
A Single Mother's Dilemma Amid Health and Financial Uncertainty
Shaw, a single mother of two children aged 9 and 4, one of whom has special needs, now faces a heart-wrenching decision. A neurologist suggested she could monitor the tumor's growth before opting for a craniotomy—a complex procedure involving skull incision. She had relied on the short-term disability plan to offset lost income during a recovery period that could span three months. Without it, she worries about supporting her family, especially when post-surgery restrictions may prevent her from performing basic tasks like walking downstairs.
Recent quotes for overnight care reached a staggering $11,000 per month, even with a discount offered due to her circumstances. Shaw expressed feeling overwhelmed and angered by the agency's transformation under President Donald Trump. "Everything the administration has been doing with regard to the CFPB is illegal," she stated, clarifying she spoke in a personal capacity. "From trying to shut down an agency that Congress created, down to my situation where they’re now coming for CFPB employees’ paychecks and health care and benefits."
Broader Assault on CFPB and Federal Unions
Shaw's personal ordeal mirrors a tumultuous year for the CFPB under Vought, who also serves as Trump's budget director. Vought has aggressively targeted the bureau, evicting employees from headquarters, halting their work, and attempting to defund and permanently close the agency. Although legal battles have temporarily stalled closure efforts, Vought has significantly weakened the CFPB. The workforce has plummeted from 1,750 to around 1,200, according to the staff union, following White House pressure to accept early retirement offers.
The eliminated benefits, including short-term disability, were part of a union-agency agreement from late 2024, intended to remain effective until 2026. Vought claimed these provisions were "not legally enforceable" and cited budget cuts from Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill as making them unaffordable. This move aligns with the Trump administration's broader hostility toward federal unions, including efforts to strip collective bargaining rights from up to a million workers.
Agency Response and Consumer Protection Implications
When questioned about the specific cut to the short-term disability plan, a CFPB spokesperson emphasized that federal workers have access to comprehensive health insurance, often dubbed "Cadillac plans." However, this does little to address Shaw's income replacement needs during recovery.
The CFPB, established after the 2008 financial crisis with a $750 million annual budget, has returned over $21 billion to consumers by policing predatory practices. Shaw's role involves reviewing land sales for regulatory compliance, ensuring property developers do not exploit individuals. Under Trump, the bureau has faced targeted dismantling, influenced by figures like billionaire donor Elon Musk and Vought, who aim to reduce the federal workforce.
"For whatever reason, he has a particular axe to grind with us," said Tyler Creighton, a CFPB lawyer and union representative. Former director Rohit Chopra, fired by Trump, noted the agency has ceased enforcement under Vought, rolling back fines and harming consumers. "Consumers have been hung out and left to dry," Chopra remarked, highlighting long-term damage from unaddressed illegal foreclosures and credit report errors.
Workplace Turmoil and Future Uncertainty
While some federal departments have endured Trump's policies with interim leaders, the CFPB suffers under Vought's explicit goal to traumatize civil servants. Employees have been idled for a year, drawing pay without assigned work. Richard Cordray, the bureau's inaugural leader under Barack Obama, criticized this as "asinine," questioning its benefit to taxpayers and consumers.
Vought continues to push for attrition, recently halting merit pay increases and performance bonuses, though workers can purchase more expensive dental and vision plans. The union has filed a grievance to restore benefits. Shaw warns that internal chaos jeopardizes consumer protection, as the CFPB's enforcement prevents financial abuses. "The CFPB still exists, and we all just want to continue serving the public," she asserted.
Shaw's Path Forward Amid Personal and Professional Struggles
Unsure about scheduling her craniotomy, Shaw explores options to cover income loss. The HR office suggested co-workers donate paid leave, and she started a GoFundMe campaign. Preparing to explain the situation to her children, she anticipates their difficulty in understanding her absence or altered state post-surgery. Her story underscores the human cost of political battles over federal agencies and worker benefits.
