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(DENVER) — Today, civilian federal workers in Colorado received word that they will be furloughed due to a federal government shutdown. Many of them will likely be eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits while they are out of work. While there are 54,300 federal workers in Colorado, not all of them will be impacted by the federal shutdown.
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE)'s website provides information about furloughs related to the federal government shutdown, including specifics related to the claims process. Furloughed federal workers should file their claims online at coloradoui.gov. CDLE also has resources specifically designed to support recently laid-off federal employees.
Workers should not file their claim until their last day of work. Unlike most claimants, furloughed federal workers are considered “job attached.” This means they will not be required to complete their work search activities during their furlough.
The Federal Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 (GEFTA) requires retroactive pay and leave accrual for federal employees affected by a furlough. The law does not cover employees of federal contractors. When a federal employee receives back pay for any time they were furloughed and collected unemployment benefits, they are responsible for paying back any unemployment benefits they received.
The Unemployment Insurance Division’s main call center line (303-318-9000) will be open during regular hours outside of any upcoming state holidays.
Current claimants who are concerned that a federal shutdown will affect the payment of their unemployment benefits need not worry; all benefits will continue to be paid regardless of the government shutdown.
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