GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN: RESOURCES FOR FEDERAL CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES
Hope in Challenging Times
Even in uncertain seasons, we believe that God provides. Sometimes through the helping hands of others. If you or someone you know has been impacted by the government shutdown, we’ve gathered a list of resources to support you. Explore opportunities for temporary assistance, job fairs, and community programs that can help lighten the load.
Remember, you are not alone. Your Mount Hope family is here with you.
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
FEEA Grant and Loan Programs
FEEA has both an Emergency Hardship Loan program and Shutdown Grants available for qualifying full-time federal civilian employees. It is important to note the differences between the two programs, notably:
- The Emergency Hardship Loan program does not cover pay loss during a government shutdown.
- The Shutdown Grant application will only become available should a shutdown persist beyond the point that federal employees miss all or part of a paycheck.
For more information, click here.
Shut Down Assistance Grant
In past shutdowns, FEEA has offered micro-grants to support federal employees impacted by the shutdown, covering essentials like groceries, gas, diapers, and other basic necessities.
- Applications for shutdown grants will only be made available if the shutdown continues beyond the point that federal employees miss all or part of a paycheck.
- Shutdown grants are generally available to full-time federal employees who are either furloughed or working in an excepted status. Exact amounts and income limits will be announced if the program is activated. During past shutdowns grants have been $100.00.
Emergency Hardship Loan
FEEA’s no-fee, no-interest Emergency Hardship Loan program is a regular part of our year-round assistance to qualifying feds. Please note the qualifying factors and differences between our Shutdown Grant and our Emergency Hardship Loans.
Emergency Hardship Loans:
- A qualifying hardship does not include pay loss during a government shutdown.
- Available with eligible hardships, including: severe illness or self or immediate family members; death of immediate family member, major loss/damage to primary residence due to qualifying disasters; victim of domestic violence with immediate need for safe housing, victim of violent crime; victim of identity theft.
- You must be a full or part-time permanent federal civilian or postal employee, employed with the federal government for more than one year.
- Loan applications will require supporting documents such as SF-50, recent earnings statements, evidence of qualifying emergency, and copy of eligible bills you are seeking assistance with through the loan program.
For a comprehensive understanding of FEEA’s Emergency Hardship Loans, including specific eligibility criteria, maximum loan amounts, and permissible loan uses, we invite you to visit our loan page.
Unemployment Benefits
Furloughed federal employees whose official duty station is in Virginia are eligible to file for Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE).
How to apply: You can file a claim online through the Virginia Employment Commission's (VEC) Customer Self-Service portal, or by calling the VEC Customer Contact Center at 1-866-832-2363.
Repayment: Keep in mind that any unemployment benefits received must be repaid to the VEC once you return to work and receive your federal back pay.
For more information, click here.
Emergency Aid
Local organizations may be able to provide direct aid for immediate financial crises.
Rappahannock United Way: This organization provides housing program assistance for eligible individuals.
The Salvation Army: The local Fredericksburg Corps can assist with various human needs.
Virginia 211
For a comprehensive list of resources, dial 2-1-1, text "Connect" to 247211, or visit the website 211virginia.org to be connected with local and state services for housing, food, and more.
Federal Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
Employees should contact their own federal agency's EAP for confidential counseling, financial and legal services, and referrals. For many agencies, these are provided through Federal Occupational Health (FOH), which can be reached at 1-800-222-0364.
Local Banks
- Bank of America: announced assistance available to furloughed Federal employees. Call the priority assistance line 844.219.0690.
- Chase Bank: Chase today announced efforts to help its customers who are U.S. government employees affected by the U.S. government shutdown. Here's the special line they set up 1-888-356-0023.
- Congressional Federal Credit Union: For more information on our Relief Line of Credit or any of our assistance programs, contact our Member Service Representatives at 800-491-2328 or stop by one of our branch locations.
- Fed Choice: They're offering quite a few different options to assist - for existing and new members.
Fredericksburg Department of Social Services
This is the primary local point of contact for residents to apply for and manage state benefits, including SNAP (food assistance). The office can be reached at 540-372-1032.
For more information, click here.
The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) offers housing resources and eviction reduction programs. The city's Department of Social Services can also provide additional resources.
For more information, click here.
Federal Protections
Legislation passed in Virginia provides temporary eviction and foreclosure protection for furloughed federal workers and contractors during a government shutdown.
Military Meals
Military families go to militarymeals.org for a free Grocery box & Commissary Gift Card shipped to you. Each box feeds a family of four for a week. This not rank based!
For more information, click here.
Secretary of Commonwealth: Resources for Impacted Federal Workers
If you are impacted by the Federal government workforce transition, Virginia stands ready to support you. The Commonwealth’s agencies and partners work together to provide every Virginian the resources needed for each step of your journey visit VirginiaHasJobs.com.
For More Information, Click Here:
Federal Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
Employees should contact their own federal agency's EAP for confidential counseling, financial and legal services, and referrals. For many agencies, these are provided through Federal Occupational Health (FOH), which can be reached at 1-800-222-0364.
For more information, click here.
Virginia 211
For a comprehensive list of resources, dial 2-1-1, text "Connect" to 247211, or visit the website 211virginia.org to be connected with local and state services for housing, food, and more.
For more information, click here.
Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB)
The RACSB provides behavioral health, substance use, and developmental disability services. They offer 24/7 emergency services for residents in Fredericksburg and the surrounding counties. You can call their emergency line at 540-373-6876.
For more information, click here.
Virginia Works
f you are impacted by the Federal government transition, we’re here for you. Virginia Works, the Commonwealth’s workforce development agency, is committed to helping every Virginian navigate career transitions and find the best job for them.
For more information, click here.
Secretary of Commonwealth Constituent Services
If you are impacted by the Federal government workforce transition, Virginia stands ready to support you. The Commonwealth’s agencies and partners work together to provide every Virginian the resources needed for each step of your journey visit VirginiaHasJobs.com.
Career and Hiring Expo
The Career & Hiring Expo will be held Friday, October 17 from 10 AM – 3 PM at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 21 Cool Springs Rd, Fredericksburg!
This event will feature local and regional employers from a variety of industries who are ready to connect with job seekers like you. Whether you’re starting your career, looking to make a change, or exploring new opportunities, this is the place to take your next step.
Free admission for all job seekers, meet employers face-to-face and explore full-time, part-time, and entry-level opportunities.
FXBG Career and Resource Fair
City of Fredericksburg's Career & Resource Fair! This is your chance to meet with hiring managers, explore open positions, and get valuable resources to advance your career.
Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Fred Nats Stadium
42 Jackie Robinson Way,
Fredericksburg, VA 22401.
Confirmed to attend will be top employers from across the city, including: City Government Departments, Fredericksburg City Schools, Police & Fire Department, Public Works, Social Services, and many more!