Unemployment benefits for federal workers during the partial federal government shutdown

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The Employment Security Department stands ready to assist our federal government colleagues affected by the partial federal government shutdown that began on Oct. 1, 2025.

Benefit eligibility

If you are impacted by the partial federal government shutdown, you may be eligible for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits, depending on your situation.

As a general rule, if you are unemployed through no fault of your own and are available to work, you should be eligible for benefits – assuming you meet other eligibility requirements. A short-term shutdown will not affect the Paid Leave program.

Furloughed federal employees and federal contractors

You may be eligible for UI if you are a furloughed federal worker or a federal contractor who is not working during the shutdown period.

Note this will likely result in an overpayment. This is because federal workers will likely receive back pay for the duration of the shutdown once Congress passes the budget. You must repay any benefits received during the period you receive back pay for.

Federal workers who are working without pay

Federal workers who are working but not getting paid are not eligible for benefits.

While Employment Security was able to provide benefits to workers in this situation during the last partial federal government shutdown—from Dec. 2018 to Jan. 2019—we are no longer able to because of new federal guidance.

How to apply for benefits

If possible, apply online to save time and receive financial support fastest. You can apply 24 hours a day, seven days a week in eServices. We suggest you use a laptop or desktop computer—our application is not designed for mobile devices at this time.

You can also submit your application using our automated phone system, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

To avoid potential issues with your application, be careful when noting:

  • If you are a federal employee or federal contractor when applying for benefits.
  • Which specific agency you work for.

Learn more about applying for unemployment benefits.

Additional required documents

Be aware: As a federal worker you will need to submit these additional documents during the application process:

  • Federal Affidavit 935.
  • Standard Form 8.
  • Standard Form 50.
  • Earnings information, including your 2024 W-2 and proof of earnings from April 1, 2024, to June. 30, 2025.