1-9-2019
OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Employment Security Department is putting out the word that furloughed federal workers can apply for unemployment benefits.
Commissioner Suzi LeVine says, “Just like other workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own, federal workers have the unemployment safety net.”
She says workers can apply online or by phone at 800-318-6022.
Furloughed workers should be ready to provide wage verification as the department may not be able to contact their federal employers.
She says the law requires any workers who do get unemployment benefits to pay them back if they receive back pay when the federal government reopens.