Federal Employee Assistance During the Partial Shutdown

As the partial government shutdown continues, more employees are looking for resources to help them get through this.  Here are some things you may want to share.

Missouri Resources – Provided by Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (II)’s Office

Health

All current Health and Dental plans are active.  Take care of yourself first.  Stress is the number one cause of illness.  Remember every federal employee has access to a Employee Assistance Program (EAP).  Don’t hesitate to contact your agency’s EAP provider.

Employment and Pay Status

OPM GUIDANCE

General guidance:  

Applying for unemployment:

Kansas:  https://www.getkansasbenefits.gov/Home.aspx

Missouri:  https://www.mo.gov/work/unemployment/

TSP:

Financial assistance:  

Food Pantries:  https://www.harvesters.org/Get-Help/Service-Locator.aspx

If you have additional information you would like to share with the rest of the community, please feel free to pass it along to me and I will distribute it.

Other resources:

Local Deals:

  • St. James Lutheran Church is hosting a free spaghetti dinner on Saturday, February 2nd, from 5:30 pm to 7 pm for federal employees, contractors and their families to show our appreciation for their hard work, especially during the government shutdown.  Since there are no tickets nor ID required, RSVP is appreciated (https://bit.ly/2RpMTH8 ). Donations will be taken on behalf of and sent directly to the Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (feea.org).
  • Metro Lutheran Ministry (MLMKC.org) Food Pantry (3031 Holmes, KCMO) will be open on THURSDAYS from 1:30 – 3:00 pm for a special shopping session. Government ID required.
  • Restaurants offering discounts: https://fox4kc.com/2019/01/16/restaurants-transportation-companies-offer-freebies-for-furloughed-workers/ 

National Deals:  https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/01/10/government-shutdown-freebies-deals-and-help-furloughed-workers/2523404002/

IMPACT:

More than 9,000 of our local federal employees are furloughed/working without pay.  The number may be closer to 12,000, but I don’t have an accurate figure.  Roughly one fourth of local employees are furloughed.

.  Agencies in our area affected by the shutdown:

  • Agriculture
  • Commerce
  • Homeland Security
  • Interior
  • Justice
  • Transportation
  • Treasury
  • Environmental Protection Agency
  • Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
  • General Services Administration (partial, since some funding comes from fees)
  • Housing and Urban Development