Federal Government Shutdown Freebies and Discounts for Employees

During a federal government shutdown, many businesses and organizations extend special offers, discounts, and free services to affected federal employees and contractors. These initiatives aim to alleviate financial stress and maintain access to essential goods and services. The availability of these offers varies by location, eligibility requirements, and the specific policies of the providing organization. This article outlines the types of assistance available, focusing on verified offers and resources compiled from recent shutdown periods.

Food and Dining Discounts

Restaurants and food service providers frequently offer discounts and free meals to federal workers during a shutdown. These deals typically require proof of employment, such as a valid federal or military ID. Offers may be limited to specific locations or timeframes.

TGI Fridays: Offers a free meal daily to Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) and air traffic control workers through October 23. The deal is valid 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.
&pizza: Provides a 30% discount on orders to federal workers. To receive the deal, customers must show a federal or military ID in-store. This offer was valid through Sunday, October 12.
Compass Coffee: Federal workers can receive a free pastry with the purchase of any drink at Washington, D.C.-founded locations by showing their ID.
Hard Rock Cafe: The Washington D.C. location offers specials including all-day Happy Hour with discounted drinks and food. Government workers must show a government ID to access deals available in the bar and lounge.
Ruby Slipper Ruby Sunshine: This New Orleans-founded chain offers a free entrée (valued up to $20) to furloughed government employees at 26 locations across the southern U.S. A valid government ID is required.
Thompson Restaurants: Government employees receive a 20% discount at locations including Matchbox, Milk & Honey, Makers Union, and Hen Quarter in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
District Winery: Offers Buy One Get One (BOGO) glasses of wine.
YUME Sushi, KYOJIN Sushi, and RIMTANG: Each offers a 20% discount.
Jaleo: Provides a free sandwich.
China Chilcano: Offers a free donburi bowl.
Oyamel: Provides a free torta.
Zaytinya: Offers a free durum wrap or pita sandwich.
El Tamarindo: Provides a free coffee with breakfast and a $15 lunch combo.
Tonic at Quigley's Pharmacy: Offers a free beer with the purchase of a burger or sandwich.
Opaline: Provides a 15% discount on menu items with a government ID.
IKEA College Park and IKEA Woodbridge: Offer free breakfast to furloughed government employees and contractors.
The José Andrés Group: Offers free dine-in lunch from 11:30 a.m.

Entertainment and Attractions

Various entertainment venues and cultural institutions offer discounted or free admission to federal workers during a shutdown. These offers often require a government ID or specific promo codes.

Washington Improv Theatre: Offers $5 tickets to Laugh Riot.
Pinstripes: Provides one free hour of bowling.
International Spy Museum: Offers 50% off tickets.
Blooms Collective: Offers a 20% discount on workshops.
Kraken Kourts and Skates: Offers two distinct deals using promo codes. Code FEDSKATE provides pizza and beer for $9.99 plus one hour of free skate admission and rental. Code SHUTDOWN provides a buy one hour, get one hour of pickleball deal.
The Phillips Collection: Offers $10 general admission and a 10% discount in the museum shop.
The Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum: Provides free admission to the LGBTJews in the Federal City special exhibition.
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens: Offers free admission.

Financial and Utility Assistance

Financial hardship during a shutdown extends beyond immediate spending money. Several organizations provide financial counseling, loans, and utility payment assistance.

Shutdown Assistance Map: A searchable, filterable map offers verified offers for food, financial help, utilities, transportation, and entertainment. It is available at https://myfedbenefitshelp.com/shutdown-assistance-map/.
Andrews Federal Credit Union: Provides resources for members impacted by the shutdown.
National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NCFE): Offers tailored financial support to furloughed federal employees.
City of Alexandria: Offers payment plan assistance to taxpayers directly affected by the federal shutdown.
FedChoice: Federal civilian employees or contractors not receiving paychecks may qualify for a FedChoice Furlough Loan.
WSSC Water: Temporarily suspends water service turnoffs and waives late fees for impacted federal employees.
Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE): Provides expanded bill payment assistance options for federal workers.
Pepco: Offers expanded customer support measures to help with bills and maintain service continuity.
Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO): Offers extended payment arrangements, waives late payment fees, and suspends disconnections for residential members experiencing hardship.

Child Nutrition and School Programs

Families affected by income loss may qualify for nutritional assistance programs through school districts.

School District Free Meals: Notifying a school district of furlough or excepted status can lead to reduced food costs. A loss of income is considered an emergency and typically qualifies a household for participation in free breakfast and/or lunch programs.

Mental Health and Crisis Support

Access to mental health resources is critical during periods of financial and personal stress.

Emergence Health Network: Operates a crisis hotline (915-779-1800) staffed by qualified mental health professionals, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The network serves El Paso, Hudspeth, and Culbertson counties.
211 Information Center: Acts as a central exchange for information on resources available to affected federal employees. Individuals can call 2-1-1 for additional support.

Federal Benefits and Retirement Planning

Long-term financial planning remains a priority for many federal employees, even during a shutdown.

Federal Benefits Workbook: This resource provides a comprehensive overview of benefits available to federal employees. It is designed to highlight benefits that may not be fully communicated by HR departments and is useful for career planning and retirement preparation.
FERS Retirement Calculator: Federal workers considering retirement can use the FERS retirement calculator to determine eligibility dates for full benefits and assess their retirement numbers.

Conclusion

During a federal government shutdown, a variety of businesses and organizations offer support to affected employees and contractors. These offers range from free meals and discounted entertainment to financial counseling and utility assistance. Eligibility typically requires proof of federal employment or furlough status. While many offers are concentrated in the Washington, D.C. area, national chains and regional utilities also provide widespread support. Individuals are advised to check directly with providers for current offer details, eligibility requirements, and expiration dates.