The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) has begun mobilizing support for more than 110,000 federal workers in the state affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown. The department aims to ensure that these employees have access to benefits, services, and guidance during this period.
“The Georgia Department of Labor is committed to supporting every worker affected by the federal government shutdown,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “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 are furloughed may qualify for unemployment insurance benefits. Claims can be submitted online through the MyUI Claimant Portal at https://dol.georgia.gov or in person at any of GDOL’s 34 career centers across Georgia. The department has also created a dedicated webpage with up-to-date resources and guidance for federal workers.
Unemployment claims for federal employees are determined based on their last duty station rather than their state of residence. Workers filing claims must provide additional employment and wage information from their agency; delays may occur if agencies do not respond quickly or if required details are missing.
Furloughed federal employees are considered “job-attached” and do not need to conduct a job search for the first six weeks while claiming benefits. Those still working without pay must report gross earnings when requesting weekly unemployment payments. After Congress resolves the shutdown, furloughed workers will receive back pay and will be required to repay any unemployment benefits received during this period.
GDOL’s career centers offer connections with workforce partners such as the Technical College System of Georgia and WorkSource Georgia, providing training programs, job support, and 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.”
Employers seeking personalized assistance can contact GDOL staff via https://dol.georgia.gov/employeremail.
For more details about unemployment benefits or current labor force data in Georgia, individuals can visit the MyUI Claimant Portal or use resources like the Georgia LaborMarket Explorer for comprehensive reports.
