The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) has begun efforts to support over 110,000 federal employees in the state during the ongoing federal government shutdown. The department is providing access to benefits, services, and information for those affected by the lapse in federal funding.
Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said, “The Georgia Department of Labor is committed to supporting every worker affected by the federal government shutdown. Millions of workers across industries – from manufacturing to healthcare – depend on stable government funding to keep paychecks coming and operations running. A lapse in funding threatens not only livelihoods, but also the momentum of our economic recovery. Protecting jobs means protecting families, communities, and the future of our nation. The time to act is now.”
Federal employees who have been furloughed may be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits. Claims can be filed online through the MyUI Claimant Portal at https://dol.georgia.gov or at any of GDOL’s 34 career centers across Georgia. To streamline access to resources and information, GDOL has launched a dedicated webpage with guidance specifically for federal workers.
Unemployment claims for federal workers are determined based on their last duty station rather than their state of residence. Those filing claims must provide employment and wage details from their agency; however, processing may be delayed if agencies do not respond quickly or if claimants do not submit required documentation.
Furloughed employees are classified as “job-attached” and are exempt from job search requirements during the first six weeks of their claim period. Federal employees who continue working without pay must report their gross earnings when applying for weekly unemployment payments. Once Congress resolves the shutdown, furloughed workers will receive back pay and will need to repay any unemployment benefits received during this period.
In addition to unemployment assistance, GDOL career centers offer connections to workforce partners such as the Technical College System of Georgia and WorkSource Georgia. These partnerships provide training programs, job support services, and other community resources.
“Our priority is making sure Georgia’s federal employees have accurate information, easy access to services, and clear guidance on what steps to take next,” Rivera Holmes added. “We’ve been through shutdowns before, and our staff are prepared to assist quickly and with compassion.”
For more information about unemployment insurance for federal employees or general assistance from GDOL staff, individuals can visit https://dol.georgia.gov/employeremail or call 877-709-8185. In-person help is available at GDOL Career Centers statewide.
Additional data about jobs and labor market trends can be found via the Georgia LaborMarket Explorer website.
