Government shutdown: How to pay your bills during the shutdown. Here's what to know.

A pause in paychecks during the federal government shutdown could create temporary financial hardships for thousands of employees on Long Island who are already struggling with the high cost of living and inflation.

With their last paychecks on the way, if not already received, federal workers who live on Long Island and nationwide may need to lean on savings to bridge the gap until pay resumes — a feat that has become increasingly difficult in a region where about a third of residents above the poverty line still struggle to keep up with their bills.

With more than 16,000 federal civil employees working on Long Island and nearly 31,000 living in the region, according to previous Newsday reporting, a wide swath of locals may need to tighten their belts for the foreseeable future.

The 2019 Government Employee Fair Treatment Act ensures agencies will issue backpay once funding resumes, but in the meantime, resources are available to help cash-strapped households.

Here’s what you need to know.

Can I file for unemployment benefits?

Most furloughed federal employees can apply for unemployment benefits in New York, according to the state Department of Labor, although they will need to pay them back after returning to work.

Furloughed employees should file a claim during their first week out of work, according to the Labor Department.

Federal employees who are still working but not getting paid are not eligible for unemployment, the state said.

Are there programs to help cover utility bills?

Workers struggling to pay their electric bill can call PSEG Long Island to set up a payment plan with installments as low as $10 per month to cover past due balances, a company spokesperson said. Customers can request financial assistance online or call 631-755-3407 for advice.

Suffolk County Water Authority does not offer resources at this time for impacted federal workers, spokesperson Dan Dubois said, although payment plans are available to “customers in certain circumstances.”

Those interested in a payment plan can call SCWA's customer service center at 631-698-9500 or use the live chat feature online.

Is there help for mortgage and rent payments? 

Homeowners struggling to make mortgage payments can access free counseling through the state attorney general office's Homeowner Protection Program, also known as HOPP, via 855-466-3456 or they can visit HomeownerHelpNY.org to connect with a local nonprofit, said Pilar Moya-Mancera, executive director at Housing Help, a nonprofit with locations in Central Islip, Riverhead and Huntington.

Housing Help, which is part of the HOPP network, also assists with applications to the Equitable Reverse Mortgage Assistance Program, which helps seniors avoid foreclosures, she said. 

For renters, Housing Help maintains listings of available rentals on Long Island, information on tenant rights and referrals to agencies that provide free legal assistance for housing issues, she said. Tenants interested in more information can fill out an online intake form at www.housinghelpinc.org.

Housing Help can be reached at 631-754-0373 or info@housinghelpinc.org.

What about student loans?

Student loan borrowers struggling financially may qualify for a forbearance, according to the Federal Student Aid website. Forbearance allows you to either temporarily pause payments or make reduced payments during times of financial hardship for up to a year at a time, although interest still accrues.

Where to get food supplies?

Long Island nonprofits also offer several community-based programs with social services that could help families during the shutdown, including United Way Long Island, which offers a 24/7 phone service that provides referrals to resources.

Long Islanders looking to connect with the line can dial 211 or 888-774-7633 if off the Island.

There are also multiple food pantries around Long Island operated by Long Island Cares and Island Harvest Food Bank.

SNAP benefits for families will continue as usual through October, with Departments of Social Services continuing to accept applications, Newsday has reported.

What about health insurance?

Health insurance will remain in place, although premiums will accrue and be deducted from the first paychecks issued after the shutdown is lifted, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

What help is available for veterans and military?

Some credit unions may offer programs to military and veteran families with members missing paychecks, according to the Defense Credit Union Council, such as low- or no-interest loans to cover the period between paychecks. The council is a resource for credit unions on military and veteran affairs.

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, the official relief society of the U.S. Coast Guard, is one such agency offering financial relief to member families by providing interest-free loans to cover expenses like rent and groceries, according to a news release.

Government funded health care for veterans will continue through Veterans Affairs medical centers, outpatient clinics and veteran centers, Newsday has reported. Call centers like the Veterans Crisis Line will also stay open.

Other services though, including regional benefits offices and career counseling, will pause under the shutdown.

"As the government shutdown continues, we want to be clear: this has real consequences for our servicemen and women, federal employees, and their families,” said Jason Stverak, chief advocacy officer at Defense Credit Union Council. “If the shutdown stretches on into next week, which it seems is likely at this point, we’d expect military paychecks to be delayed, and as a result, brings real challenges for families."

The Defense Credit Union Council has encouraged service members and other federal workers to reach out to their credit unions and is offering further resources online.