SPECIAL EDITION: Resources for Unemployed Federal Workers
Updated February 21, 2025
If you're one of the thousands of federal workers who’ve recently lost their jobs — or if you’re concerned that you’re about to join them — you need and deserve support. We’ve assembled some helpful resources to get you through the next couple of weeks and months as you figure out what to do next.
Here, you’ll find information on applying for unemployment and securing health insurance benefits, as well as job-searching tips for returning to the civilian workforce. We’ve included resources that will help you find job listings, training programs, and career coaching assistance.
This is a scary time but you are not alone. Here’s where to look for help.
Layoffs, Unemployment, and Employee Benefits
Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE) provides unemployment compensation for federal employees who have lost their employment at no fault of their own. Claims should be filed in the state where the federal employee's last official duty station was located, with limited exceptions.
Federal News Network has advice on appeals, unemployment, health benefits, and life insurance for terminated probationary employees.
Reddit's News, Information, & Discussion for Federal Employees (/r/fednews) has information on layoffs, firings, and litigation.
Career Guidance and Employment Support
Fed Layoffs is a community resource that helps federal employees navigate their next chapter. It includes information on worker rights, support services (financial and mental health), transition services, networking, career planning, job searching, and skills development.
Maryland’s Department of Labor has resources for federal workers, including unemployment insurance benefits, career guidance, reemployment support, and legal assistance.
Maryland's American Job Center offers job listings, referrals to training programs, placement services, resume preparation assistance, and workshops.
Virginia Career Works has helpful information on transitioning from the federal government, with tips and resources for federal employees who may be returning to the civilian workforce. Virginia Career Works also offers free services, including job listings, resume help, career coaching, and training programs.
Congressman Gerry Connolly's list of resources for federal workers includes information on employment rights, unions, whistleblower protections, and the right to appeal a termination.
Job Search Resources
Write a LinkedIn Open to Work post: Here's a guide to writing an Open to Work post on LinkedIn to let your connections and recruiters know that you’re available.
Federal 2 Industry (F2I) is showcasing "Open to Work" posts from federal workers on LinkedIn and has a free Resume GPT tool that transfers federal resumes to industry resumes.
Best Military Resume is offering 2 free tailored resumes and LinkedIn optimization to all federal workers. You’ll also find tips and advice for transitioning to the private sector.
Teal: Use Teal’s AI Resume Builder to tailor your resume for jobs, the Job Tracker to organize and manage your job search, the Chrome extension to bookmark open positions from 40 job boards, and the interview practice tool to get ready to ace your interviews (the basic version is free).
Job Search Database: When you're looking for a job in a specific industry or career field, using job sites that focus on the types of jobs you're interested in can be a time-saver. The Job Search Database includes links to hundreds of niche career sites organized by category.
Choose the Right Resume Writer: If you’re considering hiring a resume writer, look for someone with federal resume writing experience. It’s important because federal resumes are different from industry ones and you need someone with expertise in converting them.
Avoid Scammers on LinkedIn: Unfortunately, there are almost as many scammers as there are helpers and federal employees are a prime target. Here’s what to watch for so you can avoid getting scammed.
Chat With Us
We aren’t experts on federal employment, but we would be glad to answer any job search or career-related questions we can. Join us on our Substack chat.
Thank you so much for this information!