LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — If you’re a federal employee with wages impacted by the government shutdown, you have rights and resources available through the state of Nevada.
There are 22,000 federal workers across Nevada, according to the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR). The agency has guidance on how impacted workers can obtain unemployment benefits if they are working without pay, furloughed or had hours cut. Once the shutdown ends and workers receive their back pay, they must repay unemployment benefits.
Some workers are already starting to receive eviction notices. The Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada has guidance for federal workers on rent, evictions, foreclosures and repossessions.
These protections only apply to federal workers whose pay has been impacted, attorneys tell FOX5.
“Nevada has some pretty good protections for federal workers,” said attorney Jordan Savage of the LACSN’s Consumer Rights Project. “The system puts into effect protections and relief until the shutdown ends, until they get back on their feet.”
Received an eviction notice?
Renters have the right to stay in their property until 30 days after the shutdown ends. You must:
- Put your request in writing
- Provide proof that you are an impacted federal worker
- Pay all rent charges within 30 days of the government reopening
Your landlord cannot charge late fees or retaliate against you.
Foreclosures
A foreclosure sale cannot be initiated during the shutdown and for 90 days after the government reopens.
“If your mortgage company or the bank begins a foreclosure sale during this period, you may be entitled to sue them for monetary damages because that is a violation of the law,” Savage tells FOX5.
Vehicle repossession
If you are late on your car payments. you are protected from vehicle repossession both during and 30 days after the shutdown is over. You may be entitled to damages if a company proceeds with repossession.
A warning from attorneys: scammers are looking to prey on desperate federal workers.
“A lot of companies and a lot of fraudsters will try to steal and rip off people when they’re vulnerable and when they’re desperate. There are all sorts of fraud schemes and scams. ‘I’ll fix your mortgage… I’ll get your car back, just pay me $1,000,’” Savage said. “Keep your eyes wide open to that. Come to Legal Aid. If you’re curious or suspicious about something, we will help you evaluate it.”
You can contact the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada here: Website
You can also visit the Civil Law Self-Help Center at the Regional Justice Center: Website
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