Oct. 2, 2025 7:35 a.m.
The Oregon Unemployment Department announced Wednesday that employees impacted by the federal government shutdown can already begin applying for unemployment insurance benefits.
OED Director Andrew R. Stolfi said in a release “Our mission is to support any workers, employers, and contractors affected by this shutdown.”
OED estimates there are about 10,000 workers in Oregon that could be affected by a lapse in appropriations. Furloughed federal workers and federal contractors who are not working during the shutdown may be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits.
There are multiple ways to apply for unemployment insurance benefits and tools to help with the process. Below is information from the Oregon Unemployment Departement.
Furloughed federal workers and federal contractors who are not working during the shutdown may be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits. Specific guidance is available at unemployment.oregon.gov/federal-shutdown.
The fastest way to apply is to file a claim is through Frances Online. Unemployed workers who don’t already have an account, should start by creating a Frances Online account.
People can also apply for benefits over the phone by calling 877-File-4-UI (877-345-3484). Both options are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.\
More information on how federal employees can apply for unemployment insurance benefits, including the documents needed, is available at unemployment.oregon.gov/federal-workers.
Additional information about the Unemployment Insurance program and employment services is available on our website at https://unemployment.oregon.gov/.