More than 110,000 federal employees in Georgia are experiencing financial uncertainty as the government shutdown continues. In response, the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL), in collaboration with the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and WorkSource Georgia, is deploying resources to assist these workers in finding new employment.
“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.”
GDOL’s Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program is providing personalized career counseling, labor market information, and access to job training for affected federal employees. These services are complemented by TCSG’s WorkSource Georgia Portal, which offers résumé support, educational programs, and access to over 1,600 active job listings across fields such as logistics, healthcare, and IT.
TCSG is also supporting displaced workers through its Rapid Response program. “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 effects of the shutdown extend beyond federal employees. Commissioner Holmes highlighted that small businesses in Georgia are also impacted due to reduced spending and delays in federal contracts. Federal data estimates that a one-month shutdown could result in $443 million in lost funding from delayed contracts and Small Business Administration loan distributions in Georgia. Additionally, there is a projected $458 million weekly decrease in the state’s Gross State Product during the shutdown period.
“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 visit any of GDOL’s 34 career centers throughout the state. Furloughed workers are classified as job-attached and do not need to search for work during the first six weeks after their last day worked. Claim status can be tracked via the MyUI Claimant Portal, but once the government reopens, back pay will be issued and unemployment benefits received during that period must be repaid.
Employees who experience a change in their employment status should continue submitting weekly benefit claims; these changes will be factored into their eligibility assessment.
Additional resources for federal employees can be found on the Georgia Department of Labor website or through the WorkSource Georgia Portal. Employers seeking assistance can contact GDOL staff through https://dol.georgia.gov/employeremail.
For questions regarding unemployment benefits, claimants can call 877.709.8185 or use their MyUI Claimant Portal. In-person assistance is available at GDOL Career Centers statewide.
For current labor force data or more information on available jobs in Georgia, visit the Georgia LaborMarket Explorer for comprehensive reports.
