A Looming Crisis: Furloughed Federal Workers Barely Get By as Government Shutdown Enters 30th Day
The US government has been shuttered for over a month, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal workers on the brink of financial disaster. As the 30-day mark passes, many employees are struggling to make ends meet, with some resorting to desperate measures to put food on the table.
For one federal worker based abroad, her husband's diagnosis with "high-risk, very aggressive cancer" made the shutdown even more unbearable. The couple's health care provider is TRICARE, which requires a significant upfront payment that won't be reimbursed until the government reopens. With the shutdown dragging on, her husband underwent surgery without his insurance covering the costs.
"We didn't hear from any more [TRICARE] representatives as soon as the shutdown happened," she said. "I've tried to call and can't get anyone on the phone." The couple is now tens of thousands of dollars in debt.
While some federal workers have found ways to cope, such as taking up side gigs or relying on free food programs, others are facing more dire circumstances. A National Institutes of Health worker said she has been using babysitting offers from friends to make ends meet, but it's barely enough.
"We're a full fed family," another Department of Commerce employee said, "but this administration is about as anti-family as I have seen any public institution be." The shutdown has taken a toll on the employee's household, with income reduced by 65%.
Even federal workers who are still working – albeit without pay – are struggling to keep up. At the Internal Revenue Service, employees say that paperwork is piling up and will need time to untangle when the government reopens.
Meanwhile, some employees are turning to grassroots groups for support, including a possible credit from the Salvation Army to help with utility bills.
"I thought I could rest, get ahead on Christmas shopping," said one HUD employee. "But as it progresses with no end in sight, I'm scared to spend money." For another federal worker, the shutdown has been disheartening and enraging.
"We took the same oath, we're both federal employees. He is getting paid. I am not. He is getting health care. I am NOT," she said of Mike Johnson, the speaker of the House.
As the shutdown drags on, these workers are facing an uncertain future – one that may be shaped by their own sacrifices and determination to make it through until the government reopens.
The US government has been shuttered for over a month, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal workers on the brink of financial disaster. As the 30-day mark passes, many employees are struggling to make ends meet, with some resorting to desperate measures to put food on the table.
For one federal worker based abroad, her husband's diagnosis with "high-risk, very aggressive cancer" made the shutdown even more unbearable. The couple's health care provider is TRICARE, which requires a significant upfront payment that won't be reimbursed until the government reopens. With the shutdown dragging on, her husband underwent surgery without his insurance covering the costs.
"We didn't hear from any more [TRICARE] representatives as soon as the shutdown happened," she said. "I've tried to call and can't get anyone on the phone." The couple is now tens of thousands of dollars in debt.
While some federal workers have found ways to cope, such as taking up side gigs or relying on free food programs, others are facing more dire circumstances. A National Institutes of Health worker said she has been using babysitting offers from friends to make ends meet, but it's barely enough.
"We're a full fed family," another Department of Commerce employee said, "but this administration is about as anti-family as I have seen any public institution be." The shutdown has taken a toll on the employee's household, with income reduced by 65%.
Even federal workers who are still working – albeit without pay – are struggling to keep up. At the Internal Revenue Service, employees say that paperwork is piling up and will need time to untangle when the government reopens.
Meanwhile, some employees are turning to grassroots groups for support, including a possible credit from the Salvation Army to help with utility bills.
"I thought I could rest, get ahead on Christmas shopping," said one HUD employee. "But as it progresses with no end in sight, I'm scared to spend money." For another federal worker, the shutdown has been disheartening and enraging.
"We took the same oath, we're both federal employees. He is getting paid. I am not. He is getting health care. I am NOT," she said of Mike Johnson, the speaker of the House.
As the shutdown drags on, these workers are facing an uncertain future – one that may be shaped by their own sacrifices and determination to make it through until the government reopens.
It's absolutely heartbreaking to hear about federal workers struggling to make ends meet during this prolonged shutdown. Can you imagine not having a steady income, health insurance, or feeling like your family is being put in a tough spot? 
The thought of people resorting to desperate measures just to get food on the table is devastating.
This shutdown feels like a big ol' reminder of how vulnerable our public servants can be, even when they're doing their best.
Can we please do something to support them? Even if it's just spreading the word about the struggles they're facing or reaching out to your local representatives for help. We can make a difference, one small act of kindness at a time 
. It's not just about the financial struggles, but also the emotional toll this shutdown is taking on them. These are dedicated public servants who have dedicated their lives to serving the country, and now they're being left high and dry 
. The story of the couple dealing with my husband's cancer diagnosis is just devastating 
. How can we expect them to plan for their future when they don't know when or if they'll receive their next paycheck? 
It's unacceptable that some employees are turning to side gigs or credit from organizations like the Salvation Army to make ends meet. Can't the government offer more support, especially for those who are struggling with health issues like this poor couple 
. The shutdown may be a political impasse, but it's human beings' lives that are being affected 
think about if you had to do that, fam 
federal workers are supposed to be taking care of our country, not struggling to put food on the table 
the debt from their hubby's surgery is insane 
hope these people can get some support and get back to living normal lives soon 
This is a perfect example of what happens when politicians can't come together to agree on something 
. The fact that federal workers are being forced to go without pay and struggle to put food on the table is just ridiculous 
. And what about all these 'grassroots groups' that are stepping up to help? Sounds like a Band-Aid solution to me 
. This shutdown is a perfect storm of incompetence and I'm not buying the 'it's not my fault' excuses 
.
. This is not just an issue of federal workers' rights; it's a human rights crisis that needs immediate attention.
. We need to find a solution to this crisis soon, or else we'll be facing a long-term impact on our nation's workforce 
but you know what's crazy? these people are still showing up to work every day despite all this 
they're like "okay we might not get paid, but we gotta keep it moving" 
and some of them are even using their free time to help each other out like a community 
that's so heartwarming 
it's just too much 
that someone is gonna find a way to end this shutdown soon and get these workers the help they need 
. hope the gov opens soon, these workers deserve better 
And it's not like they're all in the same situation, but every story seems to be so personal and relatable. 
And what's up with all these TRICARE issues, it's just not right. Some ppl r even resorting to desperate measures like the lady who couldn't afford her husband's surgery...it's heartbreaking 
I feel bad for the ppl who are struggling to make ends meet, side gigs & free food programs ain't gonna cut it 4 long-term solutions.
. Can't even get help from TRICARE when you need it most 
we need to support our fed workers & find a way to end this shutdown ASAP 
federal employees deserve better than to be treated like dirt 
. It's wild how a shutdown can turn ppl's lives upside down 
They're barely getting by 
to get by 
Meanwhile, those still working without pay are struggling with paperwork 