More than 110,000 federal workers in Georgia are facing missed paychecks due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. In response, the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) has partnered with the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and WorkSource Georgia to provide support and resources for affected employees.
“From the moment this shutdown began, we mobilized every available resource to protect Georgia’s workers,” said Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “We’re not just focused on processing unemployment claims – we’re focused on what comes next: Getting back to work. Through our longstanding partnerships with TCSG and WorkSource Georgia, we’re delivering the tools, training, and guidance these workers need to move forward. In Georgia, we stand together, act swiftly, and never leave anyone behind.”
The GDOL is offering personalized career counseling and access to training through its Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program. Impacted federal employees can receive labor market information and support designed to help them return to work more quickly. Alongside unemployment benefits and reemployment services from GDOL, TCSG’s WorkSource Georgia Portal allows job seekers to search over 1,600 active job listings statewide using advanced filters. Opportunities are available in sectors such as logistics, healthcare, and IT.
TCSG also offers additional assistance through its Rapid Response program for those who have lost their jobs because of the shutdown.
“Through coordinated Rapid Response efforts and the strategic use of retraining funds, dislocated workers are equipped with the skills, resources and support needed to transition successfully into high-demand occupations and contribute to a resilient state economy,” said TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier.
The economic impact of the shutdown extends beyond individual federal employees. According to federal estimates, delayed contracts and frozen Small Business Administration loan distributions could result in approximately $443 million in lost funding for Georgia over a one-month period. Missed paychecks mean reduced consumer spending in local communities, which puts pressure on small businesses such as restaurants and retailers. The state’s Gross State Product could decline by about $458 million each week during the shutdown—about $2 billion per month.
“This isn’t just about individual paychecks – it’s about the health of entire communities,” Rivera Holmes said. “When federal workers lose income, small businesses feel the strain, local economies slow down, and families face tough choices. Our job is to ensure Georgians have access to the support, skills, and opportunities they need to navigate this moment and emerge stronger.
“The Georgia Department of Labor and its partners are focused on solutions,” she said. “We’re connecting Georgians with immediate resources and real opportunities – from training and job matching to career counseling – so they can take the next step with confidence.”
Federal employees impacted by the shutdown can file unemployment claims online at dol.georgia.gov or at any of GDOL’s 34 career centers across the state. Furloughed employees are considered job-attached and do not need to search for work during their first six weeks away from their jobs.
Workers can track their claim status using the MyUI Claimant Portal. Once the federal government reopens, furloughed employees will receive back pay; any unemployment benefits received during that time must be repaid.
Those whose employment status changes after filing—such as being permanently laid off—should continue filing weekly benefit claims as required. Changes in employment status will be reviewed when determining continued eligibility for benefits.
For more information about resources for federal employees during the shutdown, visit the Georgia Department of Labor page Unemployment Claims for Federal Employees or the WorkSource Georgia Portal.
Employers seeking assistance can contact GDOL staff at this link. For details on unemployment benefits or current labor force data, visit Georgia LaborMarket Explorer.
