During government shutdowns, federal employees face financial uncertainty due to furloughs or working without pay. Various businesses and organizations offer temporary relief through free meals, discounts, and financial assistance. Additionally, federal employees may access state-specific unemployment benefits and other support programs. This article outlines verified freebies, discounts, and assistance options available to federal workers during shutdown periods, based on official reports and program documentation.
Restaurant and Retail Discounts
Several restaurant chains and businesses provide immediate relief through free meals and discounts for federal employees affected by shutdowns. These offers typically require proof of employment, such as a valid federal or military ID.
TGI Fridays
TGI Fridays offers a free meal daily to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and air traffic control workers through October 23. The offer is available at more than 80 U.S. locations, including airports, though Atlanta airport locations are excluded due to an independent deal for TSA employees. Eligible workers must present a valid employee ID. The special menu includes: - Cheeseburger with fries - Chicken fingers with fries - Crispy or Grilled Chicken Sandwich with fries - Chicken Caesar Salad
&pizza
The Washington, D.C.-based &pizza chain provides a 30% discount on orders to federal workers through Sunday, October 12. To redeem, customers must show a federal or military ID in stores.
Compass Coffee
During the shutdown, federal workers can show their ID when ordering any drink at the Washington, D.C.-founded Compass Coffee chain to receive a free pastry.
Hard Rock Cafe
The Washington D.C. location offers government workers specials throughout the shutdown, including all-day Happy Hour specials: - $3 Domestic Drafts - $6 Single Well Liquor - $5 Select Wines - Food deals starting at $8 - $12 entrées
To access these deals, customers must show a government ID. The offer is available in the bar and lounge only.
Ruby Slipper Ruby Sunshine
Beginning Monday, October 13, and continuing through October 31, the New Orleans-founded chain will offer furloughed government employees a free entrée (valued at up to $20) at all 26 locations across the southern U.S. A valid government ID is required to redeem.
Thompson Restaurants
All government employees receive a 20% discount when dining at restaurants including Matchbox, Milk & Honey, Makers Union, and Hen Quarter in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Financial Assistance Programs
Federal employees may qualify for direct financial assistance through nonprofit organizations and government programs during shutdowns.
FEEA Emergency Grants
The Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA) offers $150 emergency grants to federal employees affected by shutdowns. Applicants must submit: - A copy of their furlough or excepted status notice - A copy of their most recent leave and earnings statement (LES) or paystub from when they last received pay
Documents must be in PDF, JPEG/JPG, or PNG formats. Screenshots must clearly show the employee’s name, identifying information, and current annual salary (or hourly pay rate for Wage Grade employees). Approved applicants receive an email with instructions to access an electronic payment card, which can be used online or added to a digital wallet. Only one grant is allowed per individual for the duration of the shutdown. Due to high application volume, processing may take a week or more.
Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees
Federal employees may be eligible for “Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees,” administered by state unemployment insurance agencies. Eligibility is determined by the law of the state where the individual’s official duty station is located. Each state has its own eligibility guidelines and application processes.
School District Meal Programs
Furloughed federal employees can notify their school district of their status to reduce food costs and ensure their child receives free breakfast and/or lunch. A loss of income is considered an emergency and typically qualifies households for participation in free meal programs.
Payment Assistance for Loans and Mortgages
Mortgage, loan, and credit customers may qualify for forbearance or other payment assistance programs based on individual circumstances. Federal employees should contact their financial institutions to discuss available options.
State-Specific Unemployment Resources
Federal employees seeking unemployment benefits must apply through their state’s unemployment insurance agency. Below are links to each state’s unemployment office for eligibility guidelines and application procedures:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Additional Resources
Federal Employee Benefits Workbook
The Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund provides a comprehensive benefits workbook offering an overview of all benefits available to federal employees. This resource covers items that HR departments may not have communicated and is useful for career planning and retirement preparation.
FERS Retirement Calculator
Federal employees considering retirement can use the FERS retirement calculator to determine their eligible retirement date and full benefits timeline.
Conclusion
During government shutdowns, federal employees have access to various freebies, discounts, and financial assistance programs. Businesses such as TGI Fridays, &pizza, Compass Coffee, Hard Rock Cafe, Ruby Slipper Ruby Sunshine, and Thompson Restaurants offer immediate relief through free meals and discounts. Nonprofit organizations like FEEA provide emergency grants, while state unemployment programs and school district meal programs offer additional support. Employees should verify eligibility requirements and present valid identification to access these benefits. For detailed state-specific unemployment guidelines, individuals should consult their state’s unemployment office.