Unemployment Benefits Not Affected by Shutdown Says GDOL

The Georgia Department of Labor says those collecting unemployment benefits will continue to receive their checks during the federal government shutdown.

Department of Labor Spokesman Sam Hall said Tuesday, the federal government shutdown is expected to have limited impact on the Georgia Department of Labor’s (GDOL) ability to serve the public.

 “Despite the federal shutdown, all Georgia Career Centers will remain open and operate on their normal schedules from 8a to 5p,” Hall said. “Customers of the Georgia Dept of Labor should proceed as if everything is normal. If you have an appointment, keep it. If you are scheduled to go to a workshop, go to that workshop.”

Additionally, Hall said The shutdown will not affect the payments of  unemployment insurance benefits.

 “Not at all. The federal government shutdown is having no impact on the State’s government unemployment insurance program or the federal EUC program. All unemployment benefits will be paid on schedule as they are supposed to be,” Hall said.

Hall said those collecting unemployment benefits should continue to validate weekly that you are out of work so that your unemployment insurance benefits will continue.

Hall said additionally, while a large number of federal employees might file claims for UI benefits during the closure, most of the claims are expected to be filed online and not result in large crowds at career centers.