Federal Employee Left Without Pay
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The government shutdown has affected many, many, many federal employees. 800,000 people suddenly without a paycheck. 800,000 people with bills and families.
It's hard to think about that sort of thing until it comes knocking on your front door. My name is Brandi. I'm 22 years old and I've been working as a File Clerk for the IRS for a loyal 3 years. I've seen furloughs before and even shutdowns, but nothing quite like this one.
I was positive it would be over soon. A week wouldn't hurt. One week turned to two, then three. Unemployment benefits for my state was estimated to be delayed by 6-8 weeks by our Union Chapter. Missed my first paycheck, about to miss a second, still no unemployment help in sight.
The government has promised back pay, and we're all doing our best to hold on until that can be processed to everyone after the shutdown ends. But there's no telling when that will come at this point.
Bills have come due. Rent, car payment, credit cards wracked up with medical bills. Declined payments, late fees, declined loans... And my department at the IRS was called in to work, despite the pay freeze of the shutdown. As a result, I no longer qualify for Unemployment past the unpaid first week and the delayed second week of partial pay.
It's been a month with no paycheck and the only way I have gas for work is the kindness of my already struggling family.
I hate to ask for help, but I'm at the end of my rope running out of options to turn to.
I understand there are so many people struggling out there. But if anyone out there has a moment of time or anything to spare, anything to help just 1 out of 800,000 struggling during this time of anxieties and uncertainties, I'd be forever grateful. Thank you so, so much. Any little bit helps.
It's hard to think about that sort of thing until it comes knocking on your front door. My name is Brandi. I'm 22 years old and I've been working as a File Clerk for the IRS for a loyal 3 years. I've seen furloughs before and even shutdowns, but nothing quite like this one.
I was positive it would be over soon. A week wouldn't hurt. One week turned to two, then three. Unemployment benefits for my state was estimated to be delayed by 6-8 weeks by our Union Chapter. Missed my first paycheck, about to miss a second, still no unemployment help in sight.
The government has promised back pay, and we're all doing our best to hold on until that can be processed to everyone after the shutdown ends. But there's no telling when that will come at this point.
Bills have come due. Rent, car payment, credit cards wracked up with medical bills. Declined payments, late fees, declined loans... And my department at the IRS was called in to work, despite the pay freeze of the shutdown. As a result, I no longer qualify for Unemployment past the unpaid first week and the delayed second week of partial pay.
It's been a month with no paycheck and the only way I have gas for work is the kindness of my already struggling family.
I hate to ask for help, but I'm at the end of my rope running out of options to turn to.
I understand there are so many people struggling out there. But if anyone out there has a moment of time or anything to spare, anything to help just 1 out of 800,000 struggling during this time of anxieties and uncertainties, I'd be forever grateful. Thank you so, so much. Any little bit helps.Organizer
Brandi Showalter
Organizer
Ogden, UT
