SPECIAL EDITION: Resources for Unemployed Federal Workers
Updated April 19, 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.
The Partnership for Public Service has information and resources on federal workforce reductions and reorganizations, the rights and responsibilities of federal employment, congressional procedures, and more.
Rise Up Federal Workers Legal Defense Network connects federal workers who have lost their jobs or who are concerned about losing them with free legal support through a network of pro bono attorneys.
Reddit's News, Information, & Discussion for Federal Employees (/r/fednews) has information on layoffs, firings, and litigation.
Get Financial Help: You you may be eligible for financial assistance to help you through this difficult time. Here’s a list of financial strategies and resources for unemployed workers.
Career Guidance and Employment Support
Career Pivot Bootcamp offered by the Partnership for Public Service is a 30 day free boot camp providing career coaching, practical tools, and resources to help you navigate a career pivot from federal employment.
Coaching Collaborative is offering free coaching to former federal employees, contractors, and implementing partners who have been recently furloughed, laid off, put on administrative leave, are otherwise unemployed as a result of executive action and federal workforce reductions, and individuals who are concerned that they may fall into these categories in the near future.
The National Career Development Association is offering pro bono career services to displaced federal workers. Here's a list of members providing free assistance.
Solutions For Starting Your Federal Career Transition eBook provides step-by-step guidance for transitioning from the federal workforce, including how to position yourself for private sector success, resume writing, translating fed-speak into corporate language, getting the most out of LinkedIn, and the essential strategies you need to land your next opportunity.
FiredFed Resources is a LinkedIn Group with lots of resources for federal workers, including webinars, support groups, employment resources, and job postings.
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.
The Depot supports federal employees and contractors whose roles were eliminated or who are experiencing unexpected job changes.
Bryce Legal has transition resources including general, and military resources for federal government lawyers and law students impacted by the current administration.
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
Free Tools for Your Job Search: Use these free tools to streamline your job search, including a checklist of what you need to get started, resume and cover letter writing and editing tools, the best ways to find relevant job postings, apps to manage and track your job search, and interview practice tools to help you get hired.
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.
Attend a LinkedIn Webinar: LinkedIn’s Rock Your Profile Webinars will help you build a great profile.
Federal 2 Industry (F2I) is showcasing "Open to Work" posts from federal workers on LinkedIn and has tools to help those transitioning from the federal workforce.
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.
Update Your Federal Resume for Private Sector Jobs: Advice on how to modify your federal resume for private sector jobs and stand out from other applicants from MyPerfectResume.
Civic Match: Connects public sector talent with state and local government jobs.
JobMatch Pro: JobMatch Pro is an AI-powered career platform that helps job seekers optimize applications, practice interviews, and find their ideal role with personalized coaching, smart job matching, and insights into company culture. 80% of users report finding a new and self reported “better” job in 60 days or less HRbrain.ai is offering this free for all federal government workers, whether you are impacted by cuts or not. Email: TimGlowa@HRbrain.ai to learn more.
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.
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).
States Recruiting Federal Workers: Some states have implemented special hiring programs to recruit federal workers for state jobs.
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.
More Information
The Impact Map: The Impact Map provides data on policy, funding, and workforce changes and their effects on local communities.
Federal Government Layoff Trackers: These trackers report on federal workforce cuts.
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!