If you find yourself in a difficult financial situation, perhaps due to losing your job through downsizing,
these resources may help:
Virginia 211: 2-1-1 Virginia is a 24/7 free service that connects you with local resources.
This service includes information on getting help with:
- Food and Meals
- Healthcare
- Housing
- Income Support and Assistance
- Mental Health
- Transportation, Clothing, and Household Needs
- Utility Assistance
- ...and more
Common questions
Am I eligible for unemployment benefits if my job ended due to federal lay-offs?
The page Resources for Virginia’s Former Federal Employees and Other Workers Impacted by the Federal Government Transition, opens a new window has information on:
- Unemployment Insurance for Former Federal Employees
- Unemployment Insurance for Other Workers Impacted by Federal Actions
- Video: Navigating Unemployment Benefits - Federal Employees
You can apply for and manage unemployment benefits online, opens a new window and/or visit the Virginia Employment Commission's local office., opens a new window
Is there special financial help for federal employees who have lost their jobs?
The Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (feea.org, opens a new window) administers:
Emergency hardship loans:, opens a new window FEEA offers eligible federal employees confidential, no-interest loans to help them bridge their financial gaps in times of emergency.
Layoff loans:, opens a new window no-fee, no-interest loans up to $2,000 to assist recently laid-off civilian federal and postal employees
"Weathering the Storm: Financial Crisis Strategies for Federal Employees", opens a new window (4/28/25): A brief article from FEEA on priorities and considerations when employees are abruptly separated from their jo
I’m not able to pay my utility bills. Is there help?
Assistance from the Dominion Energy EnergyShare Program, opens a new window: May be applied to the cost of heating and cooling from any source. EnergyShare is not income based so any customer in crisis is eligible to apply. Customer applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine eligibility. If approved, the benefit is paid directly to the customer’s energy provider. Call 540-288-8223 for eligibility screening and more information or visit 211virginia.org, opens a new window.
To find additional resources, visit 211virginia.org and search your zip code, plus “utilities,” for areas of need.
I’m worried about getting behind on rent and being evicted. Is there help?
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, opens a new window has recommendations for those experiencing housing insecurity: "If you're concerned about how to pay your mortgage or rent, we have information on what you can do now, and what your options are for mortgage and rental relief."
Eviction Legal Helpline:, opens a new window 1-833-NoEvict - Provides phone-based legal services for tenants facing eviction or lease termination. It does not provide legal representation in court or negotiation with landlords or 3rd parties.
Legal Aid Works, opens a new window has offices in Fredericksburg, Culpeper, and Tappahannock. The organization serves low-income individuals, and the amount and type of legal help they will give depends on the case's circumstances and resources available. A representative from Legal Aid Works visits the library's Fredericksburg Branch twice monthly as part of the Lawyer in the Library, opens a new window program.
Can I get assistance with my medical bills?
Financial assistance is available through a special program offered by Mary Washington Healthcare. If you have concerns regarding your ability to pay your balance with Mary Washington Healthcare, please contact them at 540.741.1041 or 800-395-2455. Or, visit marywashingtonhealthcare.com/pay-my-bill, opens a new window.
HCA Virginia Health Systems, opens a new window (including Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center) "offers many forms of financial assistance for patients without healthcare insurance needing emergent or non-elective services."
Related News and Information
Federal
Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice: How to Get out of Debt, opens a new window
"If you’re worried about how to get out of debt, here are some things to know — and how to find legitimate help."
Healthcare.gov:, opens a new window Check this site if you lose job-based health insurance.
Office of Human Resources Management:
- Severance Pay, opens a new window - Severance pay is a cash payment to an employee who is involuntarily separated from Federal employment and who meets the conditions of eligibility.
- Temporary Continuation Of Coverage (TCC) under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, opens a new window
State
Resources for Impacted Federal Workers from the Secretary of the Commonwealth, opens a new window - Includes sections on:
- Applying for Unemployment Benefits
- Preparing for a Job Search
- Considering Your Healthcare Coverage Options
- Exploring Opportunities to Reskill or Upskill
Local
If you are interested in more resources for managing and making the most of your finances, check out CRRL's Money Smart, opens a new window page.
Ask us for help
Library staff are available to help via email, phone, and live chat. Contact us.
