Only furloughed federal workers eligible for Colorado unemployment

Not every federal employee who is going without pay because of the government shutdown can draw on state unemployment insurance benefits to cover the gap. And even those who tap benefits should plan on paying the money back eventually.

As the federal government shutdown enters its 18th day, and as bank account balances dwindle, some federal workers are becoming more desperate to find income to tide them over until the uncertain day Congress passes a spending bill.

“Employers may not prohibit a worker from filing for unemployment insurance benefits under any circumstances,” said Cher Haavind, the deputy executive director of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, during an online webinar for federal workers held Friday. “It does not mean a worker will be determined to be eligibl