Furloughed Federal Workers Face Struggles Amid Government Shutdown

Sat Nov 01 2025 22:53:16 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As the government shutdown persists, thousands like Imelda Avila-Thomas confront the challenges of accessing unemployment benefits, navigating a complex system while managing financial strains.

Imelda Avila-Thomas, a furloughed Department of Labor employee, exemplifies the struggles of federal workers during the ongoing government shutdown. Many have faced hurdles in applying for unemployment benefits, raising questions about eligibility and financial viability as state systems struggle to process claims amid a significant workforce furlough.

As the government shutdown continues into its third week, federal employees like Imelda Avila-Thomas are facing significant difficulties in receiving unemployment compensation. Avila-Thomas, an employee of the Department of Labor in San Antonio, has been on unpaid furlough, struggling to provide essential needs for her family, including food and mortgage payments.

Despite following the necessary procedures and submitting proof of income, her application for unemployment benefits remains unresolved due to the system's inability to verify her wages. She expresses concern that key personnel to help with her situation might also be furloughed.

Avila-Thomas represents a growing number of furloughed federal workers navigating the unemployment system, which saw approximately 26,000 initial claims from September 28 to October 18, according to the Department of Labor. Although relief options are available, the specifics vary state to state, ranging from $235 to over $1,100 weekly, disproportionately affecting workers across different regions.

With her husband still working as a disabled veteran at the Department of Veterans Affairs, their single income has forced them to seek assistance from food banks and reduce their daughter's tutoring sessions—a critical need given her dyslexia.

As Avila-Thomas points out, unemployment compensation laws are strictly reliant on state regulations, which can impact the timing and amount of benefits received. Many workers have not received essential verification forms due to the shutdown, and some state regulations regarding job search requirements may not apply to furloughed employees.

Compounding these challenges, employees who remain on the job without pay—around 730,000 across various sectors—are not eligible for unemployment. These individuals will receive back pay once the government reopens, adding further stress to the current financial landscape.

Avila-Thomas has expressed her determination to return to work and regain stability for her family. This would cover the essential basics, she stated, reflecting the broader realities faced by thousands of federal employees during this uncertain period.