The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) has announced efforts to help more than 110,000 federal workers in the state during the ongoing federal government shutdown. The department is offering access to benefits, services, and information to support those affected.
“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 have been furloughed may be able to apply for unemployment insurance benefits. Claims can be submitted online through the MyUI Claimant Portal at https://dol.georgia.gov or in person at one of GDOL’s 34 career centers across Georgia. To streamline access, GDOL has created a dedicated webpage with up-to-date resources for federal workers.
Unemployment claims for federal employees are determined by their last duty station rather than their state of residence. Workers must provide employment and wage details from their agency when filing claims; delays can occur if agencies do not respond quickly during a shutdown or if required information is missing.
Furloughed federal employees are classified as “job-attached” and are exempt from job search requirements for the first six weeks. Those still working without pay must report gross earnings when requesting weekly unemployment payments. Once Congress resolves the shutdown, furloughed employees will receive back pay and any unemployment benefits paid out during this period will need to be repaid.
In addition to unemployment insurance, GDOL’s career centers work with partners such as the Technical College System of Georgia and WorkSource Georgia to provide training programs, job support, 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.”
Employers seeking personalized assistance can contact GDOL staff via https://dol.georgia.gov/employeremail. For questions about unemployment benefits or claims, individuals can call 877.709.8185 or use their MyUI Claimant Portal online. Career Centers continue offering in-person support statewide.
Labor market data and current job openings are available through the Georgia LaborMarket Explorer website.
