How much, and how quickly, depends on the state.
In Maryland you qualify for unemployment from the first day of a shutdown, and could get a maximum of $430 a week.
In Virginia and D.C., you qualify after you’ve been out of work a week. The top benefit is $359 in the District.
In Virginia the top benefit is $378.
Federal workers in West Virginia also would qualify. The maximum weekly benefit in West Virginia is $424.
If they end up getting back pay after the shutdown, they’ll have to pay back any unemployment payments they got.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member