Lots of resources available for furloughed federal government employees

Furloughed workers protest the government shutdown in front of the White House (Greg Nash/The Hill)

As the shutdown of the federal government reaches its 26th day – and federal workers have now missed a paycheck – companies, nonprofits, and individual volunteers are stepping in to offer assistance.

The Virginia Employment Commission estimates nearly 178,000 federal employees live in the state, and more than 64,000 of them work for agencies affected by the shutdown. Click here for information on how to file for unemployment compensation.

The shutdown has cost Virginia $22 million in lost income tax revenue so far, reports Secretary of Finance Aubrey Lane Jr. The commonwealth will recoup some of that, however, when the shutdown ends and furloughed employees are reimbursed. But it will not recoup tax receipts for private federal contractors and lost sales taxes due to the shutdown.

The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association is offering $100 grants to federal workers who are not receiving a paycheck due to the shutdown and are members of NARFE. Apply here.

The Capital Area Food Bank gave away free produce and shelf-stable items at five Giant stores across the D.C. region last weekend, including one at 6800 Richmond Highway in Alexandria. The giveaways will continue until the shutdown ends. Check here for updates.

Award-winning chef Jose Andres’ organization World Central Kitchen is serving hot meals and to-go items to furloughed federal workers and their families at 701 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, near the Navy Memorial in D.C. The kitchen and café are open daily 11 a.m.-6 p.m. starting Jan. 16. Anyone interested in volunteering should email [email protected].

Washington Gas is offering flexible payment arrangements for government employees affected by the shutdown. Furloughed workers worried about paying their gas bill should call the company’s customer service staff at 1-844-WASHGAS to discuss their individual situation and possible solutions.

The Washington Gas Budget Plan allows eligible customers to spread the cost of winter heating over the entire year. Another option is payment deferments for customers who can’t pay their past due bill or current bill. Under that arrangement, customers can ensure their heat won’t be turned off and can avoid late charges.

The Washington Area Fuel Fund, founded by Washington Gas and administered by the Salvation Army, helps families who do not qualify for, or who have exhausted, government energy assistance. For more information or to apply for assistance, call 888-318-WAFF (9233).

Dominion Energy is offering payment extensions of up to a year, long-term payment options, and bill payment assistance. Click here to see if you are eligible.

Navy Federal Credit Union customers who are federal government employees or active duty members of the Coast Guard affected by the shutdown could be eligible for a no-interest “government shutdown loan” of up to $6,000 with no fees and no credit check. Click here for more information.

Wells Fargo Bank is helping customers who are federal employees affected by the shutdown by reversing monthly service or overdraft/non-sufficient fund fees on accounts with direct deposits of payroll checks and will reverse and waive late fees on credit accounts, including student loans, home equity loans, and mortgages.

The bank encourages account-holders impacted by the shutdown to call its newly established customer assistance line, 800-219-9739, to discuss short or long-term assistance options.

The Fairfax County government encourages federal employees, contractors, and others affected by the shutdown who need assistance to contact the Coordinated Services Planning department, 703-222-0880 (weekdays, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.) to get connected with whatever services they need from county and community-based organizations.

Beginning Thursday, Jan. 17, Fairfax Connector will provide free rides for federal government employees affected by the government shutdown who are still required to report for work. Bus riders will need to show a federal photo ID to the driver.

Families participating in the Fairfax County’s Child Care Assistance and Referral program who find their income has declined can request their childcare co-payment be reduced. For more information, contact [email protected], 703-449-8484. 

Affected families with children served by the School Age Child Care program can also request a reduced fee or payment plan or temporarily remove their children from the program. Contact SACC at [email protected], 703-449-8989.

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter has pet food and limited other pet supplies available for furloughed federal employees. The supplies are available during shelter business hours and no is appointment needed. For more information, call 703-830-1100 or email [email protected].

For furloughed workers and their families who need to get out of the house without spending money, the county suggests taking advantage of the many free programs offered at county libraries and low-cost Park Authority programs.