Resources: Federal Workers
Welcome!
While ICNW focuses on our Northwest Side neighbors, these resources serve the broader Chicagoland or Illinois communities.
We will continue to add to these resources over time.
Unemployment Information
The Illinois Department of Employment Security has curated state resources for affected federal workers, including details about:
- State employment law
- Illinois unemployment insurance options
Career Advice and Resources
Most Detailed List of Resources for Federal Workers
The Job Hopper has an extensive, tailored list of career resources (last updated May 17, 2025):
- Lists of companies offering free coaching, certificate programs and career support
- Job search tools and regional listings
- Support communities for federal workers
- Layoff, unemployment, and employee benefits information and pro bono services
- Financial planning resources
Free Career Advising and Resume Review for Federal Workers
Assistant Dean Derek Attig (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Assistant Dean for Career & Professional Development) has partnered with professionals in the Graduate Career Consortium to offer free career advising and resume or CV reviews for affected federal workers.
Free Career Pivot Bootcamp
The Partnership for Public Service provides a free Career Pivot Bootcamp with expert-led training videos, downloadable tools and other resources to help:
- Craft an effective elevator pitch
- Build and maintain a professional network
- Write compelling resumes and cover letters
- Optimize a LinkedIn profile
- Prepare for interviews with confidence
- Understand and negotiate salary offers
It also includes:
- Tips for transitioning from government in into the private sector (including links to a second free webinar, "The Fed Exit Strategy")
Financial Advising Webinar
The Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Board released a webinar (March 28, 2025) for federal workers to manage financial uncertainty, including:
- Techniques for surviving without a paycheck, the appropriate use of debt and understanding the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- Should you say yes to Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA), and what happens to your health insurance, life insurance and other benefits if you lose your job or retire
- How to avoid missteps with retirement decisions, including claiming Social Security or withdrawing from your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
Mental Health & Wellness Resources
You are not alone!
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, 24/7 assistance and compassionate support via phone, text, chat and deaf/HoH options.
988 provides:
- Counselors for mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns or just someone to talk to
- Advice and self-care while supporting a friend or loved one
Pro Bono Legal Resources
The Federal Workers Legal Defense Network has created a nationwide network of pro bono attorneys to provide free legal support to federal workers who are concerned about their employment or been fired.
Advice for Federal Workers Over Age 50
Resources for Fired Federal Workers Over Age 50
According to AARP, more than 42% of government employees are age 50 or older. AARP provides advice for those who are fired after 50 with links to help you along the way.
Broad Resource Lists for Federal Workers
The Caring Citizens Network is a not-for-profit site providing connections to resources for terminated United States federal employees.
- Links to a variety of sites that provide career and other assistance
- "Fed Layoffs" resource bank searchable by topic (including Know Your Rights, career planning, support services, etc.).
Senator Tammy Duckworth has collected resources for Illinois federal workers affected by the Trump Administration’s mass layoffs:
- Know Your Rights information
- How to File a Complaint
- How to Appeal the Merit System Protection
- Healthcare Resources
- Illinois Resources
- Mental Health Resources
The Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund has collected a list of national and regional resources for people impacted by federal layoffs and provides programs for federal employees in a variety of areas:
- Information Resources for workers impacted by layoffs
- Emergency hardship loans
- Disaster relief grants
- Scholarships
- Free tutoring for lower-income families with K-12 children
- Childcare subsidies
- "FEDLifehacks" (in areas like financial crisis strategies, budget hierarchies, health and wellness, caring for aging parents, family and domestic issues, education and professional growth)
FedSupport is a nonpartisan organization that provides a resource hub and weekly "FedSupport Newsletter" covering updates and topics like:
- Benefits and Retirement
- Change in Employment Status
- Career Assistance
- Reductions in Force
- Probationary Period
- Whistleblowing
- Employee Rights and Appeals
- Leadership
- Personal Protections
It also provides free programming, including:
- Free Career Pivot Bootcamp
- Webinars and Events (e.g. how to ethically use AI, career expo for current and former feds on July 24)
Read Stories about Neighborhood Federal Workers by Amplify:
- Gutting Environmental Justice
- Living in the Shadow of the DOGE Axe
- Top Ten Tips for Fired Federal Workers
Ways to Support our Federal Workers
Want to Be a Helper?
There are many ways to support federal workers: monthly meetups, volunteer opportunities and more.
Add Your Voice to the Story!
Do you–or did you recently–work for a federal agency?
Do you want to give insight into what it’s like, or how you’re dealing with the assault on federal workers?
Click here to share your story in an anonymous form.
We will share your thoughts on our website, with our members and with local elected officials!
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