Financial safety

Federal employees prepare for a long shutdown

A quarter of the federal government will likely begin the new year out of work or working without pay.
For the 380,000 federal employees on furlough and the other 420,000 working without pay, this means it's time to start making plans for how to pay January bills without the promise of their next paycheck as part of the government remains shutdown.
The US Office of Personnel Management tweeted out sample letters for federal employees to send to their creditors, mortgage companies or landlords. The letters suggest that employees ask to pay a reduced amount or create a payment plan in the coming months because they are out of work and not getting paid during the shutdown.
Each sample letter ends with, "I appreciate your willingness to work with me and your understanding during this difficult time."
The sample letter for employees to send to their landlords suggests they offer to trade services like painting or carpentry work "in exchange for partial rent payments."