US EditionFurloughed federal workers face delays getting unemployment pay during shutdown
Over 670,000 federal workers furloughed amid shutdown face delays in unemployment claims and wage verification, causing financial hardship and increased reliance on food banks, officials say.
- Data published by the Department of Labor indicate about 26,000 federal workers filed claims from Sept. 28 to Oct. 18, while the Labor Department warned shutdown delays may slow Texas Workforce Commission processing.
- As furloughs mounted, the government shutdown left about 670,000 federal workers furloughed, increasing unpaid staff, the Labor Department warned.
- Benefit levels vary across states, with Massachusetts offering up to $1,105 weekly for 30 weeks while Mississippi caps at $235 for 26 weeks; states normally issue payments within two to three weeks after approval.
- Families of furloughed federal workers are coping by cutting back on tutoring and using food banks, while some seek part-time work to avoid unemployment aid repayment if back pay arrives.
- States must verify federal employment and earnings, the Labor Department said waivers may apply, and the Texas Workforce Commission did not immediately respond as the Labor Department warned of processing delays.
84 Articles
84 Articles
Furloughed federal workers encounter delays in getting unemployment pay
For more than two weeks now during the government shutdown, Imelda Avila-Thomas has been trying in vain to get approved for unemployment compensation to help cover essentials such as food and mortgage payments for her family while she’s on unpaid furlough from her federal government job. Read more...
This Saturday, November 1, marked a month of partial cessation of the operation of the US federal authorities and no solution in sight to put an end to this "shutdown". Budgetary paralysis, caused by an arm of iron between Democrats and Republicans on the basis of a refusal to vote the budget, could well become the longest in the history of the United States. With impacts that are worsening for millions of Americans, because food or medical aid,…
Los Angeles Times
Independent EspañolFor more than two weeks during the government's closure, Imelda Avila-Thomas has tried in vain to get unemployment insurance to help herself cover basic needs such as food for her family and mortgage payment while on unpaid leave as a federal government employee.
PBS NewsHour
One News PageFederal workers furloughed during shutdown face delays getting unemployment pay
Thousands of furloughed federal workers are trying to navigate the unemployment system — a sharp increase, but still a fraction of the 670,000-plus furloughed workforce, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center.
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