When a government shutdown occurs, many federal employees face furloughs or work without pay, creating immediate financial strain. In response, various businesses and organizations step forward to provide support in the form of freebies, discounts, and special deals. These offers, while not a substitute for regular income, can help ease the burden for affected workers. This article details the types of freebies and discounts available to government employees, based on information from official announcements and verified reports. It covers a range of categories, including food and drink, museum admissions, entertainment, and retail discounts, with a focus on offers that have been publicly shared during recent shutdown periods.
The availability of these offers often depends on the specific circumstances of a shutdown, and they are typically targeted at federal employees who can provide proof of their status, such as a government ID. It is important for individuals to verify the details of each offer directly with the provider, as terms, locations, and availability can change. The following sections outline the primary categories of freebies and discounts that have been documented, along with specific examples and eligibility requirements.
Food and Drink Deals
One of the most common forms of support during a shutdown comes from restaurants and food service establishments offering complimentary meals or discounted items to federal workers. These deals are often promoted as a gesture of community solidarity and are usually available during business hours on weekdays.
A prominent example is the José Andrés Group, which operates several restaurants in Washington, D.C. The group has offered free main dishes to government employees who present a work ID. Specific options have included a donburi at China Chilcano, a durum or pita at Zaytinya, a torta at Oyamel, and a sandwich at Jaleo. These free items were available from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The group’s statement emphasized their desire to support federal employees.
Other restaurants in the D.C. area have provided similar support. Paraíso, a Capitol Hill taqueria and mezcaleria, has offered an all-day happy hour for government employees with a valid ID, featuring $9 passionfruit margaritas, $4 Tecate beers, and $12 tapas. Immigrant Food locations at the Planet Word Museum and in Ballston, Virginia, have provided $5 margaritas for workers with valid government IDs, with the White House location serving $5 canned cocktails. Franklin Hall, a beer hall, has also stated it will keep deals rolling as long as the government is shut down.
Beyond Washington, D.C., national chains have also participated. TGI Fridays provided a free meal daily to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and air traffic control workers through October 23. The offer included a choice of a cheeseburger with fries, chicken fingers with fries, a Crispy or Grilled Chicken Sandwich with fries, or a Chicken Caesar Salad. This deal was available at more than 80 U.S. locations, including airports, though it excluded Atlanta airport locations due to an independent deal.
Homegrown Restaurant Group, led by Bill Blackburn, has a history of providing free pulled pork sandwiches during shutdowns, starting as far back as 2013. Blackburn described these offerings as a token of appreciation and a show of solidarity with affected workers.
Museum and Cultural Institution Offers
Museums and cultural institutions have also extended free admission to federal employees during shutdowns, recognizing their role in the community and providing a no-cost recreational option.
The Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens in Washington, D.C., offers complimentary admission to federal workers who present a government ID. The estate, which was once owned by heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, features a grand home and lavish gardens.
George Mason University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, located in Fairfax and Manassas, has offered free tickets to select performances for federal workers. Specific details for these offers are typically available on the university’s website or through official announcements.
In Maryland, Bennett’s Curse Haunted House and Creepywoods Haunted Forest in Baltimore and White Marsh have offered a “Furlough Fear Deal” to federal employees affected by a government shutdown. To be eligible, federal workers need to show their federal ID on site.
Automotive and Retail Discounts
While not always free, significant discounts on automotive and retail products are available to government employees through verification programs like ID.me. These discounts can provide substantial savings on necessary goods and services.
Automotive Discounts
- Thrifty: Offers car rental discounts for government employees and their families.
- AAA: Government employees can receive an exclusive up to $5 cash back on AAA memberships through ID.me. Additional savings may be available on hotels, car rentals, theme park tickets, and more.
- Cardo Systems: Provides a 20% discount on motorcycle communication systems after status confirmation with ID.me.
- MOVE Bumpers: Offers a 15% discount on custom bumper kits for trucks and SUVs after ID.me verification.
- OnX Offroad: Government employees can get 40% off on off-road GPS and mapping services with ID.me verification.
- Tirebuyer: Offers a 10% discount on top-quality tires after ID.me verification.
- TRUCKS R US: Provides a 10% off on truck accessories and parts through ID.me verification.
Food and Grocery Discounts
- BJ’s: Government employees can get a $10 welcome reward when joining the Club Card Membership and verifying eligibility through ID.me.
- Good Chop: Offers up to $12 cash back on high-quality meat and seafood orders after confirming government status through ID.me.
- Home Chef: Provides 50% off the first four boxes on meal kit deliveries.
Freebies and Services from Government Programs
Beyond private-sector offers, the government itself provides various free resources and services to eligible individuals, including some that are available to all citizens regardless of income.
For Low-Income Individuals and Families
- Laptops from Local Departments: Contacting your local Department of Social and Health Services (or similar state agency) may connect you to programs or non-profits that provide free laptops to low-income individuals. A directory of state departments is available on the USA.gov website.
- Tax Preparation Assistance: The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) initiative, offered by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), provides free tax return preparation for people with low to moderate income.
For Seniors
- Department of Aging Services: Each state has a Department of Aging (or similar named office) that offers free resources and low-cost services. For example, in Alabama, seniors can access free educational training.
For Everyone
- Business Advice from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA offers free advice and resources for individuals interested in starting a business.
Important Considerations and Verification
While the offers listed above have been reported by credible news sources and official announcements, it is critical for individuals to verify the current status of any deal before attempting to redeem it. Offers are often time-sensitive and may be modified or discontinued without notice. Always check the official website of the business or organization providing the offer for the most up-to-date information, including eligibility requirements, location restrictions, and necessary documentation (e.g., a government ID).
Furthermore, the source material indicates that some information may be based on reports from news outlets or deal blogs. While these are generally reliable for reporting on public offers, the most authoritative source is always the official provider. For example, the TGI Fridays offer was confirmed through a company news release, while the José Andrés Group deals were promoted on social media.
Conclusion
During government shutdowns, a variety of freebies and discounts become available to federal workers through both private businesses and government programs. These range from complimentary meals and museum admissions to significant retail discounts on automotive, food, and other goods. Additionally, the government provides free services like tax preparation assistance and business advice. For those seeking these offers, the key steps are to monitor announcements from credible news sources, verify details directly with the offering organization, and ensure eligibility by having a government ID ready. While these freebies do not resolve the financial challenges of a shutdown, they can provide valuable support and a sense of community solidarity.