SEATTLE —Nearly 80,000 federal government workers in Washington state are feeling the effects of the federal government shutdown that began Wednesday.
The Washington Employment Security Division (ESD) reports that the state has 79,532 federal workers with total wages of $2 billion as of the first quarter of 2025.
Furloughed federal workers and federal contractors not working during the shutdown may be eligible for unemployment benefits, according to Feek.
However, some federal employees deemed ‘essential workers’ may be required to work without pay and are not eligible for unemployment benefits if working full-time during the shutdown, Feek said.
ESD encourages furloughed workers and contracted federal employees to consider applying for unemployment benefits as a precaution.
“We understand that there is a high level of concern and anxiety for folks, and we have been as proactive as possible to be ready. We’re here to provide the supports and assistance that impacted workers might need, whatever that pathway is. And so I encourage people to explore our work source system, online or in person, and to really reach out and apply if they feel like they need the support of unemployment insurance, and we stand ready to help them,” Feek said.
There are 40WorkSource centersacross the state available to assist workers.
Additionally, a spokesperson for the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) indicated that if the shutdown persists, there could be an increase in applications for services such as food assistance, cash assistance, and child care subsidies for those who qualify.Residents can access DSHS’s online benefit portal,The Washington Connection,for more information.
트위터 공유: 워싱턴 연방셧다운 8만 근로자 혼란