Federal Government Shutdown Leaves Workers Struggling with Unemployment Benefits

Sat Nov 01 2025 21:30:32 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Amid the ongoing government shutdown, federal employees like Imelda Avila-Thomas are facing financial hardship, struggling to access unemployment benefits while on furlough.

Imelda Avila-Thomas, a furloughed Department of Labor employee, represents thousands of federal workers battling the unemployment system during the ongoing government shutdown. With claims increasing and processing delays, many struggle to pay essential bills and rely on food banks. Variations in benefits across states add to the confusion for those seeking aid.

For more than two weeks, Imelda Avila-Thomas, a dedicated employee at the Department of Labor in San Antonio, has attempted to secure unemployment compensation amidst the ongoing government shutdown. With essential bills piling up, she turned to the unemployment system for assistance. However, despite submitting proof-of-income documents, she was deemed ineligible for benefits.

I wonder if the person who could help me is also furloughed, Avila-Thomas expressed, shedding light on the struggles many furloughed federal workers face.

As a mother of a 12-year-old daughter and a local union leader, Avila-Thomas embodies the plight of thousands of furloughed federal employees grappling with the complexities of the unemployment system, which stipulates various requirements that differ by state.

From September 28 to October 18, around 26,000 federal workers filed initial claims for unemployment benefits, a stark jump but only a small fraction of the approximately 670,000 furloughed federal workers, as reported by the Bipartisan Policy Center.

This would cover the essential basics, Avila-Thomas stated, emphasizing the importance of the support amidst their ongoing struggles.

The specifics of unemployment benefits vary widely among states, with Massachusetts offering up to $1,105 per week for up to 30 weeks, while states like Mississippi cap benefits at just $235 per week. In Texas where Avila-Thomas resides, the maximum benefit is $605 per week for a duration of 26 weeks.

With processing delays due to the government shutdown, many federal employees have struggled to receive their unemployment payments. The Texas Workforce Commission has faced scrutiny as claims verification processes are slow with federal agencies being impacted by the same lack of workforce.

Avila-Thomas, who has worked with the Labor Department for 16 years, is pressing for a resolution to the stalling assistance. With her husband, a disabled veteran, being the only income earner now, they are forced to limit essential services for their daughter, such as tutoring.

In the face of these hardships, Avila-Thomas continues to seek employment and expresses her readiness for the shutdown to conclude. I think I’ve driven my family crazy with things and projects,” she said, reflecting the sentiments of those eagerly awaiting the return to normalcy.