Local, state agencies assist government shutdown workers

Jan. 19--As the partial government shutdown nears one month long, local and state agencies are starting to take action to make up for what the federal government isn't keeping up with.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo this week directed state agencies to provide support for federal workers who have been impacted by the shutdown.

Among those agencies are the New York State Department of Labor, which Cuomo called on to provide increased support to workers seeking unemployment insurance benefits and the State's Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

Cuomo has also directed the Department of Labor to work with the federal unions to make sure their members are made aware of these benefits.

"It is unconscionable that the president is holding hostage the wages and livelihoods of hard-working Americans in an attempt to advance his hateful and regressive political agenda," Cuomo said in a news release. "These measures will ensure furloughed federal workers in New York receive prompt and special one-on-one services so they can obtain the vital safety-net benefits they need during this hard time."

Some furloughed federal workers or federal employees who are still working but not receiving a paycheck also may be eligible for emergency assistance to help meet basic needs through the state's Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, according to the state.

New York residents who have been affected by the federal shutdown and think they may be eligible for benefits can call 888-209-8124 and speak with Department of Labor specialists.

Most recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits received their full February benefits Thursday due to the shutdown.

The State's major utilities also will be assisting federal employees who may have a hard time paying their energy bills during the shutdown, according to the New York State Public Service Commission.

While the specific provisions will vary by utility, some of these special practices include: suspending or waiving late payment fees; extending or deferring payment due dates; and crafting deferred payment agreements tailored to each affected customer's financial circumstances.

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