More than 110,000 federal workers in Georgia are facing missed paychecks as the government shutdown continues. In response, the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) has partnered with the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and WorkSource Georgia to offer support and resources to those affected.
“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.”
The GDOL is using its Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program to provide career counseling, labor market information, and access to training for those filing unemployment claims. This includes federal workers affected by the shutdown. The WorkSource Georgia Portal offers job seekers résumé assistance, education programs, and access to over 1,600 job listings across sectors such as logistics, healthcare, and IT.
TCSG also offers help 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 shutdown’s effects are being felt beyond federal employees. According to estimates from federal sources, Georgia faces about $443 million in lost funding due to delayed contracts and frozen Small Business Administration loans if the shutdown lasts a month. The decrease in spending by federal workers also impacts local businesses such as restaurants and retailers. Additionally, there is a projected weekly decline of $458 million in Georgia’s Gross State Product during the shutdown.
“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 affected by the shutdown can file unemployment claims online at dol.georgia.gov or at any of GDOL’s 34 career centers across Georgia. Furloughed employees are considered job-attached for six weeks after their last day worked and do not need to search for work during that period. Claims can be tracked through the MyUI Claimant Portal. Once the government reopens, furloughed workers will receive back pay but must repay any unemployment benefits received during that time.
Those who experience a change in employment status should continue filing weekly claims as required; eligibility for unemployment insurance will be determined based on any status changes.
For more information on available resources for federal employees during the shutdown or for personalized assistance for employers, visit dol.georgia.gov/employeremail or call 877.709.8185. Additional labor force data can be found at Georgia LaborMarket Explorer.
