OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington Employment Security Department will host a free virtual webinar on Thursday, October 23, for federal employees and other workers impacted by the ongoing federal government shutdown.

The session, scheduled from 1 to 2:30 p.m., will offer guidance on applying for unemployment benefits, maintaining health care coverage, and accessing free job and training resources. Federally funded state workers who are facing furloughs are also encouraged to attend.

Participants will receive step-by-step information on how to apply for unemployment, file weekly claims, and connect with available assistance. Additional topics include job search help, career counseling, and expanding job skills through Washington’s community and technical college system.

The webinar is part of the state’s Rapid Response program, which helps workers affected by large-scale layoffs. The session is being cohosted by the Washington Employment Security Department and Pacific Mountain Workforce Development, in partnership with several organizations including WorkSource, the Washington Healthplanfinder, the Washington State Community & Technical Colleges system, and the Washington State Labor Council.

Registration for the webinar is available through Zoom, and more information about Rapid Response can be found on the Washington Workforce Association website.