From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Department of Labor reported that federal employees who have been furloughed due to the partial government shutdown can apply for unemployment compensation benefits. Employees who are not working due to the shutdown may apply online at www.labor.alabama.gov or by calling 1-866-234-5382.
Furloughed employees must meet state eligibility requirements, which can be found on page 4 of the Rights & Responsibilities Handbook. In Alabama, unemployment compensation benefits weekly amounts range from a minimum of $45 to a maximum of $265, and are available for up to 26 weeks, according to the Alabama Department of Labor.
“There are thousands of federal employees in Alabama who may be impacted by this shutdown,” said Fitzgerald Washington, secretary of the Alabama Department of Labor. “Should these workers need assistance during this time, I would encourage them to apply for unemployment compensation benefits.”
Employees should be prepared to provide verification of their wages, as the Alabama Department of Labor may not be able to confirm wages with affected federal agencies. Valid documents include pay stubs or W-2s.
Should the affected employees receive back pay at a later date, any benefits received would need to be repaid to the Alabama Department of Labor, as required by law. Payment plans can be arranged by contacting the agency, reported the Alabama Department of Labor.
More information and Frequently Asked Questions can be found HERE.