The two words that are on the mind of most Americans: government shutdown. The pressure is on for the government, as many federal workers have been on furlough from their jobs for nearly two weeks. But one thing that furloughed workers may not have thought about is whether they can still collect benefits during the shutdown.
Unemployment benefits claims are still a venue for federal workers to receive financial help during the government shutdown, provided that they don’t look for a new job in the meantime. But what about workers’ compensation benefits? For example, can a federal worker who was collecting workers’ compensation benefits still collect those benefits if he or she is not technically “employed”?
Trying to find the answer to this type of question can be frustrating, especially if the worker’s family relies on the benefits. Fortunately, taking steps to confirm whether the benefits are still available can provide some relief during an otherwise uncertain time.
Source: The Daily Caller, “Furloughed federal workers can collect unemployment,” Brad Jones, Oct. 2, 2013.
