SEATTLE —As the federal government shutdown extends into its 22nd day, more federal workers are applying for unemployment benefits in Washington state.
The Washington Employment Security Department (ESD) reported that as of Oct. 1, ongoing weekly unemployment claims totaled 2,784,350. That’s for all industries.
The state has experienced mass layoffs this year, and October marks the beginning of the busiest period for unemployment claims, including those from seasonal workers.
Terri Gentry, who was laid off this month, described the experience as “hard and challenging in a lot of aspects.” Mary Wong, who faced a layoff over the summer, expressed empathy for federal workers, saying, “Especially because they are so abrupt and it’s more questions than answers.” Gentry added, “It’s not fair; it doesn’t seem fair at all. My heart goes out to them.”
There are 80,000 furloughed or laid-off federal and essential workers in the state, with the five largest employers being the U.S. Dept. of Defense, U.S. Postal Service, U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security, and U.S. Dept. of Transportation.
Most affected workers received their last paycheck on Oct. 10 for work completed in September, before the shutdown began.
The state reports an increase in unemployment claims from federal workers, contributing to a growing workload for the Employment Security Department. Some federal workers, who wished to remain anonymous, reported long hold times over the phone and delays with their claims.
Despite the surge in claims, an ESD spokesperson stated there is “zero backlog,” though verifying wage information for federal workers without W-2s or pay stubs poses a challenge during the shutdown and can slow down the process.
Terri Gentry, who is not a federal worker, but was laid off on Oct.7th from a payroll position, found the process smooth, saying, “I would say it was a smooth experience, an immediate response. I did everything online.” As of Tuesday the state has received 1,625 applications from federal workers, with 411 claims paid, 377 pending, 514 applied but didn’t file a weekly claim, and 323 with other issues still being verified.
“Our number 1 goal is to get people paid as quickly as possible, ” ESD Commissioner Cami Feek said.” We understand the stress involved in being furloughed or laid-off.”
To assist federal workers impacted by the shutdown, the ESD will co-host a free webinar on Thursday with Pacific Mountain Workforce Development.
Topics will include how to apply for benefits, file weekly claims, manage health care benefits, expand job skills through training and educational programs, and access career guidance and job search help.
Those interested in Thursday’s webinar can sign uphere.
Additionally, the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions has developed a list of financial resources for those affected. More detailshere.
트위터 공유: 연방 노동자 실업수당 청구 폭증