WASHINGTON – At the outset of the government shutdown earlier this month, several federal agencies gave their employees official letters explaining the shutdown to their bill collectors.
The Social Security Administration’s letter says Congress and the president haven’t reached an agreement on federal appropriations, meaning the agency can’t pay employees.
The shutdown “will make it exceedingly difficult for many employees to meet their financial obligations,” the letter says. “Any assistance you could provide in arranging the postponement, temporary reduction, or rescheduling of payments for any current financial obligation with your organization is appreciated.”
The document asks its recipient “for your assistance at a time of personal financial hardship” for the employee. Two Social Security employees shared their creditor letter with HuffPost. The missives named the employees and were signed by their direct supervisors.
Other federal agencies, including the Labor Department and the Treasury Department, have posted similar letter templates on their employee resource webpages this month. The Department of Transportation has a letter from the 2019 shutdown on its website.
