Federal Workers Are Barely Making It Through the Government Shutdown

In late September, a federal worker based abroad learned that her husband, who is also a federal worker and a military veteran, had “high risk, very aggressive cancer.” Doctors told the couple that the cancer needed to be removed immediately or it would no longer be treatable.

Her husband is covered by TRICARE, the health care program offered to members of the military and veterans. “You basically pay upfront, and then you’re reimbursed,” says the federal worker, who asked to remain anonymous as she is not authorized to speak to the press. “Typically with big surgeries like this, you get preapproval and the payment process is easier,” she says.

But on October 1, just days before her husband went in for surgery, the government shut down. This meant that his claims can’t be paid until the government reopens. “As soon as the shutdown happened I didn’t hear from any more [TRICARE] representatives. I’ve tried to call and can’t get anyone on the phone,” says the federal worker. The couple is out tens of thousands of dollars.

These are just two of the 750,000 furloughed federal workers trying to make ends meet as the government reaches 30 days in shutdown. WIRED spoke with more than a dozen federal workers who have struggled through the last few weeks and described picking up side gigs, taking advantage of free food programs, or working under demoralizing conditions to survive.

Food banks and other organizations like chef José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen have stepped in to try and soften the blow for furloughed feds, offering free meals. But on entering Andrés’ DC restaurant Jaleo, a Justice Department employee says, they were overwhelmed with a feeling of despair. Sitting along the restaurant’s bar were feds quietly eating free sandwiches. “Something about that was really sad to me,” says the Justice Department worker. “It just felt like, wow, we really are just abused people.”

To make up for the missed pay, some workers are picking up side gigs, like babysitting or playing live music, to earn extra cash.

“I’m worried about my mortgage as I don’t have much in savings, but I’m fortunate to make some cash [with] random backup gigs around town and have a partner who can help some. I am very fortunate, so trying to help colleagues who I know don’t have that support,” says one General Services Administration worker.