Furlough Resources

If you or someone you know has been affected by government delays or furloughs, Purdue Extension Marion County can help. Our Health and Human Sciences team offers tools and resources to help Marion County residents navigate financial challenges and build long-term stability. 

IMMEDIATE TIPS

Calculate the “bare minimum” budget.

• Sit down and determine the essential monthly expenses (rent/mortgage, utilities, groceries, transportation, childcare).
• Identify all non-essential or discretionary expenses (streaming services, memberships, dining out) and pause or eliminate them.
• This gives a realistic view of how long income loss can be sustained and what adjustments need to happen now.

Reach out to creditors and your financial institution.

• Call banks, credit card companies, mortgage/auto‐loan lenders: explain the situation and ask for relief options (payment deferral, lower payments, interest relief).
• Ask if they offer hardship programs — many lenders and banks do, especially during furloughs or shutdowns.
• Also check with your bank/credit union about short‐term loan options or emergency lines, but be mindful of cost.

Explore unemployment insurance or other benefits.

• While some furloughed employees may qualify for unemployment benefits, the rules vary by state and whether you’ll receive back‐pay.
• If you’re a federal employee, refer to official guidance from Office of Personnel Management (OPM). (U.S. Office of Personnel Management)
• Important: If you later receive retroactive pay for furloughed time, in some jurisdictions you may need to repay portions of unemployment benefits. (aflcio.org)

Maximize access to community & public assistance resources.

• Food assistance: Find local food banks or services (for example via platforms like Findhelp.org or “FoodFinder.us”).
• Energy & housing assistance: Many states (including Indiana) have programs like the Low‐Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for utility help.
• Use locally operated nonprofits, 2-1-1 lines, local charities, faith‐based organizations.
• Because you work with Purdue Extension, you can refer neighbors to these community resource networks and help them navigate them.

Update your resume / evaluate short‐term income options.

• Even during a furlough, explore temporary work, freelancing, or gig‐economy options to bring in some income. (HSI)
• At the same time, use the downtime (if any) to refresh your resume, LinkedIn, or network in preparation for when normal operations resume.

Communicate with your household.

• Make sure the whole household is on board with the adjusted budget, know what’s essential vs. non‐essential.
• If you have dependents (you do!), review with them what changes might happen temporarily (less discretionary spending, possibly a more modest lifestyle for a while).
• Emotional support is also essential—furloughs carry stress and uncertainty.

Remember

• Reach out early — many organizations have waitlists or limited funds.
• Keep receipts and documentation for any benefits or financial aid.
• Lean on community: neighbors helping neighbors make all the difference.