Atlanta Federal Workers Scramble to Make Ends Meet During Shutdown

As of November 14, 2025, federal workers across the country, including in Atlanta, are returning to their jobs after a 42-day government shutdown. For many, the past six weeks have been a financial crisis, pushing them to the edge.

Peter Farruggia, a legal advisor at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), says the shutdown was "one of the most trying times" he's had to go through financially. Furloughed at the start, Farruggia went over a month without a paycheck and had to scramble for side work, including food delivery and virtual tutoring, just to afford groceries and keep up with rent.

Antonio Gaines, a housing specialist with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), echoes Farruggia's experience. Gaines says the shutdown left him and many of his colleagues anxious about bills and daily expenses. However, both men are relieved to be returning to work and anticipate receiving their back pay on November 21, 2025.

While the government has reopened, the relief comes with caution. Funding is only guaranteed through January 30, 2026, and federal workers fear another shutdown could be just around the corner. As they brace for the possibility of a similar crisis early next year, the Atlanta-based employees are grateful to have their jobs back, but the financial strain of the past six weeks will linger.