🛑 Navigating the Government Shutdown: Resources and Resilience for Connecticut Federal Employees
- feaofct
- Oct 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 25
As the government shutdown continues, many federal employees across Connecticut are facing uncertainty, financial strain, and professional disruption. Whether you're furloughed or working without pay, this moment calls for solidarity, support, and smart planning. The Federal Executive Association of Connecticut (FEACT) stands with you — and we’re here to help.
💼 What You Can Do Right Now
1. Know Your Status
Confirm whether you’ve been furloughed or designated as “essential.”
Stay in touch with your agency’s HR or leadership for updates.
2. Tap Into Financial Resources
Unemployment benefits: Connecticut allows furloughed federal workers to apply. Visit CTDOL for details.
Hardship assistance: Some banks and credit unions offer deferred payments or emergency loans.
Community support: Local nonprofits may offer food, rent, or utility assistance. Connecticut federal employees affected by a furlough can find assistance through various local nonprofits, state resources, and federal programs for food, housing, and utility costs. Resources include local nonprofits like the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut, which administers the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, as well as the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA), which offers grants. Additionally, the Connecticut Department of Labor can help with job placement and unemployment benefits, and organizations like Connecticut Water and Eversource may offer utility assistance programs.
3. Protect Your Mental Health
Furloughs are stressful. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a counselor, peer support group, or Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Apps like Calm, Headspace, and Moodfit offer free or discounted access for federal employees.
📚 Make the Most of Your Time
If you’re furloughed, consider using this time to invest in yourself:
Learn something new: Free courses from Coursera, edX, and FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute.
Volunteer locally: Many organizations welcome skilled federal professionals — and it’s a great way to stay engaged.
Network and connect: Attend virtual meetups and professional development sessions. Connecticut offers job search assistance and professional development for furloughed federal employees through the Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL), which directs them to the American Job Centers for services like resume writing and career workshops. Networking is facilitated through job fairs and other employment services, and some national organizations offer virtual professional development through programs like those from American University's School of Public Affairs and FedSupport Hub.
Connecticut-specific resources
American Job Centers: These centers provide in-person help, including resume writing, career workshops, and job search assistance, as well as help for veterans. You can find a full-service center in Bridgeport, Hartford, Hamden, Montville, or Waterbury to meet with a specialist.
CTDOL information: Visit the CTDOL website for information on how to file for unemployment benefits and to access career services specifically for federal workers and contractors.
Career ConneCT: Although this program was created during the COVID-19 pandemic, it offers free job training in various sectors and may have resources applicable to federal employees seeking new careers.
National and virtual opportunities
Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (FEEA): FEEA provides grants and loans for qualifying federal employees, so it is worth checking their resources for assistance.
FedSupport Hub: This site provides information on virtual webinars and events, including coaching and professional development, and you can check their events page for virtual sessions.
American University's School of Public Affairs: Look for updates on the school's social media for information on future professional development programs, as they have offered intensive weekend sessions focused on career pivoting and entrepreneurship in the past.
Shutdown Assistance Map (SAM): This map can be a helpful resource to find local and national assistance offers, including opportunities for virtual meetups, networking, and professional development.
Other assistance programs
AFL-CIO: The AFL-CIO website provides information on unemployment benefits for furloughed federal employees and directs them to resources for managing the financial impact of a furlough.
CT.GOV resources: The CT.GOV website also lists resources for dislocated workers, including webinars and information on health insurance options after a job loss. .
🧭 Stay Informed, Stay Empowered
Shutdowns are frustrating, but they’re also temporary. Keep an eye on:
Federal news outlets for updates on negotiations.
Your agency’s internal communications for return-to-work guidance.
FEACT’s blog and newsletter for Connecticut-specific resources and support.
💬 We Want to Hear From You
How are you navigating the shutdown? What resources have helped you? Share your story with FEACT — we may feature it in a future post to inspire others.
Stay strong, stay connected, and know that your service matters — even when the system falters.
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