Government Shutdown Day 13: 4,000 Federal Workers Fired, Military Gets Emergency Pay, and the Crisis Deepens
- Joeziel Vazquez
- Oct 13
- 19 min read
Updated: Nov 7
By Joeziel Joey Vazquez-Davila, CEO of Credlocity
October 13, 2025 | Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day | Reading Time: 18 minutes
It's Day 13 of the government shutdown, and I'm watching something I never thought I'd see in America.
On Friday afternoon, over 4,000 federal employees received notices that they were being permanently fired. Not furloughed. Not temporarily suspended. Fired. Including the entire Washington D.C. office of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Then yesterday, the White House said "oops, our bad" — hundreds of those CDC terminations were a "coding error." They've been reinstated. But roughly 600 CDC employees are still fired. And thousands more across seven federal agencies are now jobless.
Meanwhile, tomorrow is October 15th — military payday. Service members were bracing to miss their first paycheck since the shutdown began. But in a surprise move Saturday night, President Trump announced he'd found $8 billion to pay the troops.
And through all of this? Congress isn't even in Washington. The House hasn't been in session since September 19th. That's 24 days ago. Speaker Mike Johnson just extended their "district work period" (read: vacation) through today, October 13th.
I've been helping federal workers navigate financial crises for over a decade at Credlocity. I wrote about the first day of this shutdown and the shocking Day 2 developments. But what's happening now — on Day 13 — is beyond anything I've seen before.
Let me walk you through everything that's happened, what it means for you, and where this is headed.
BREAKING: The Mass Firing That Shocked Federal Workers
Friday, October 11: The Notices Go Out
At approximately 4:00 PM EST on Friday, federal employees at seven agencies started receiving emails with the subject line: "Notice of Reduction in Force (RIF)."
The agencies affected:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Entire D.C. office
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) - Multiple divisions
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - Widespread
Treasury Department - Various offices
Department of Education - Multiple programs
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) - Selected positions
Department of Labor - Various divisions
According to a court filing the Trump administration submitted Friday, over 4,000 employees received these permanent layoff notices.
The "Coding Error" That Wasn't
Here's where it gets bizarre.
By Saturday morning, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) — the union representing many federal workers — started receiving panicked calls. CDC employees who'd been terminated Friday were suddenly getting emails saying never mind, you're not fired after all.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services told CBS News that "some of the RIF notices that went to CDC employees Friday were sent because of a coding error and have been rescinded."
Let me be blunt: I don't buy the "coding error" explanation.
You don't accidentally fire the entire Washington D.C. office of the agency responsible for tracking disease outbreaks, approving vaccines, and protecting public health. That's not a coding error. That's either incompetence at a staggering level or intentional targeting that got walked back when the backlash hit.
According to AFGE, approximately 1,300 CDC workers received termination notices Friday. By Saturday, about 700 were reinstated. That means roughly 600 CDC employees are still permanently laid off.
And that's just one agency.
What RIF Really Means
Let me explain what a Reduction in Force actually is, because this is critical:
RIF is NOT a furlough. When you're furloughed:
You're temporarily sent home
You keep your job
You get back pay when the shutdown ends
Your benefits continue
RIF is permanent termination. When you're RIF'd:
You're fired
Your job is eliminated
You get NO back pay
Your health insurance ends
Your career is over at that agency
The Trump administration is doing something that has never been done in the history of government shutdowns: using a funding crisis to permanently remake the federal workforce.
As I explained in my Day 2 analysis, the Office of Personnel Management has long-standing rules that you cannot conduct RIFs during shutdown furloughs. The administration issued new guidance claiming they could do exactly that.
Now they're actually doing it.
The Political Targeting
Here's what I find most disturbing: the pattern of who's getting fired.
Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska — a member of Trump's own party — publicly criticized the layoffs as "poorly timed" and "another example of this administration's punitive actions toward the federal workforce."
She wrote on X: "The termination of federal employees in a shutdown will further hurt hard-working Americans who have dedicated their lives to public service and jeopardize agency missions once we finally re-open the government."
When a Republican senator is calling out a Republican administration for "punitive actions," you know something is wrong.
The agencies being targeted — CDC, Education, HUD, parts of Treasury — are exactly the agencies conservatives have long wanted to reduce or eliminate. This isn't about budget constraints. This is about ideology.
The Military Pay Crisis (And the Last-Minute Fix)
The October 15 Deadline
Tomorrow is October 15th — military payday.
When I wrote my comprehensive shutdown guide on Day 1, I warned that military families would face this exact crisis. Active duty service members, reservists, and National Guard personnel all require their mid-month paycheck.
For two weeks, military families have been:
Cutting expenses to the bone
Calling creditors to explain they might miss payments
Reaching out to military relief societies for emergency loans
Watching their savings accounts drain
Wondering how to buy groceries if the paycheck doesn't come
The pressure was mounting. Military spouses were organizing protests. Veterans groups were demanding action. Both parties were pointing fingers.
Trump's Saturday Night Announcement
On Saturday night, President Trump posted on Truth Social:
"I am directing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to use all available funds to get our Troops PAID on October 15th. We have identified funds to do this, and Secretary Hegseth will use them to PAY OUR TROOPS. I will not allow the Democrats to hold our Military, and the entire Security of our Nation, HOSTAGE."
According to Pentagon officials, they found approximately $8 billion in prior-year funds that can be used to cover the mid-October paycheck.
What This Actually Means
The good news:
Military members WILL get paid tomorrow
Families can breathe (temporarily)
Mortgage payments won't be missed
Credit scores won't take a hit this month
The bad news:
This is a one-time fix using old money
The November 1 paycheck is still at risk
This doesn't help the 750,000 furloughed civilian workers
Civilian defense contractors still get nothing
What I'm telling military family clients:
This buys you two weeks. Use this time to:
Build any emergency savings you can
Contact creditors NOW about potential November issues
Look into military relief societies as backup
Document everything for potential credit disputes later
Check your TSP and other accounts — don't panic-withdraw
The next crisis point is November 1st. If the shutdown continues past then, we're right back in this same situation.
The Smithsonian Closure: A Symbol of Dysfunction
Starting yesterday, Sunday, October 13th, the Smithsonian Institution closed all of its museums, research centers, and the National Zoo.
This includes:
National Museum of American History
National Air and Space Museum
National Museum of Natural History
National Gallery of Art
National Zoo
And 15 other museums and research facilities
The Smithsonian had been using prior-year funding to stay open through October 11th. That money ran out Saturday night.
Why This Matters
I know some people reading this might think: "Who cares about museums when people are losing their jobs?"
Here's why it matters:
1. Economic Impact The Smithsonian attracts 30 million visitors annually. Those visitors spend money on:
Hotels
Restaurants
Transportation
Local businesses
Souvenirs
With October being fall break for many schools, families had planned trips to D.C. months ago. Hotels are booked. Plane tickets are purchased. And now kids can't visit the museums.
2. Educational Loss School groups from across the country planned educational trips that are now canceled. Research projects disrupted. Field trips wasted.
3. Symbolism The Smithsonian represents American culture, history, and achievement. When it closes, it's a visible symbol that our government is broken.
4. Jobs Smithsonian employees are now furloughed without pay. More families struggling to make mortgage payments. More people calling me about protecting their credit scores.
Air Traffic Controller Crisis: Your Flight Delays Explained
The TSA Partisan Videos
If you've flown recently, you may have seen something extraordinary: videos playing at TSA security checkpoints where Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem blames Democrats for the shutdown.
From the video (obtained by Fox News):
"It is TSA's top priority to make sure that you have the most pleasant and efficient airport experience as possible while we keep you safe. However, Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government, and because of this, many of our operations are impacted, and most of our TSA employees are working without pay."
Let that sink in. The federal government is using taxpayer-funded airport security infrastructure to play partisan political videos.
Regardless of whether you agree with the message, this is inappropriate use of government resources. And it may violate federal law about politicking on government time and property.
The Real Impact: Flight Delays
But beyond the political theater, there's a real operational problem: air traffic controller shortages.
According to Southwest Airlines internal memos and FAA reports:
Controllers at Nashville and Hollywood Burbank were critically understaffed last week
Fort Worth facility was short-staffed for an hour
Multiple flights delayed or canceled
Situation is "dynamic and could change rapidly"
Here's what's happening:
13,294 air traffic controllers are considered essential and must continue working — without pay.
Imagine showing up to work every day knowing:
Your paycheck isn't coming
Your bills are piling up
Your family is suffering
You're responsible for the safety of thousands of passengers
One mistake could cost lives
The stress is unimaginable. And some controllers are calling in sick. Not because they're shirking duty, but because they're human beings under immense financial and psychological pressure.
The 2018-2019 shutdown ended partially because air traffic controller shortages at New York airports created such chaos that political pressure forced a resolution.
We're heading there again.
For Travelers: What You Need to Know
If you're flying in the next few weeks:
✅ Build in extra time - Add 30-60 minutes to your airport arrival✅ Check flight status frequently - ATC delays can cascade✅ Consider travel insurance - Delays may worsen✅ Download airline apps - Get real-time notifications✅ Have backup plans - Be flexible if possible
Congress: Missing in Action
The House That Isn't in Session
Let me give you the timeline:
September 19: House passes funding bill and goes on break
September 29-30: Original deadline approaches, House doesn't return
October 1: Government shuts down at 12:01 AM
October 2-13: House remains out of session
Speaker Mike Johnson has now extended the "district work period" through October 13th. The House might return Tuesday, October 14th. Maybe.
In Johnson's words: "The House has done its job."
His argument is that since the House passed a funding bill on September 19th, it's now the Senate's problem. The House doesn't need to be in Washington while the Senate figures it out.
The Senate's Groundhog Day
Meanwhile, the Senate has held seven votes on the exact same two bills:
Republican bill: Fund the government through November 21st, clean CR, no add-onsDemocratic bill: Fund through October 31st, include ACA subsidy extension
All seven votes have had the same result:
Both bills fail to reach 60 votes
Neither side gains support
Everyone goes home
The Senate is scheduled to hold an eighth vote on Tuesday evening. Expecting different results from the same actions is, as Einstein supposedly said, the definition of insanity.
Physical Altercations Between Lawmakers
On October 8th, tensions boiled over. There were reportedly two physical altercations between members of Congress.
Speaker Johnson addressed it at a press conference:
"Emotions are high. People are upset. I'm upset. I'm a very patient man, but I'm very angry right now. Because this is dangerous stuff. And so, is it better for them probably being physically separated right now? Yeah, probably is. Frankly, I wish that weren't the case."
When the Speaker of the House is suggesting that members of Congress need to be physically separated to prevent fights, you know we've hit a new low.
The Financial Impact: Day 13 Reality Check
As CEO of Credlocity, here's what I'm seeing on the ground:
Federal Workers (900,000 Furloughed)
Week 1-2: Depleted savings and emergency fundsWeek 3 (Now): Missing first full pay periodsThis week: Mortgage and rent payments coming due
My phone is ringing constantly. Federal workers asking:
"Can I get a mortgage modification?""Will my car get repossessed?""How do I explain this to credit card companies?""Can they evict me?"
Here's what I'm telling them — and what I told you in my Day 1 comprehensive guide:
Priority Actions:
✅ File for unemployment NOW if you haven't
✅ Contact ALL creditors before missing payments
✅ Get hardship agreements in writing
✅ Document everything for credit disputes
✅ Consider credit counseling services
The 4,000+ Who Were RIF'd
These workers face something far worse. They don't just need to survive until the shutdown ends. They need to:
Find new jobs (in a uncertain economy)
Deal with health insurance loss (COBRA is expensive)
Explain employment gaps to future employers
Potentially relocate if their skills don't transfer
Watch their entire career derailed by politics
And unlike furloughed workers, they will never get back pay.
Federal Contractors (No Back Pay Ever)
The forgotten casualties. Janitors at federal buildings. Security guards. Food service workers. IT support staff.
When the shutdown ends, federal employees will eventually get every penny owed. Contractors get nothing. They've now missed nearly two full weeks of income they'll never recover.
Many are low-wage workers living paycheck to paycheck. This could destroy them financially.
The Credit Score Disaster Unfolding Right Now
Let me explain exactly what's happening to credit scores across America.
The 30-Day Late Mark
Most mortgage and car loan payments have a grace period of 10-15 days. After that, if you're 30 days late, it gets reported to credit bureaus.
The timeline:
October 1: Shutdown begins, paychecks stop
October 1-15: Grace periods expire
October 15-30: 30-day late marks start hitting credit reports
We're right in the danger zone. For workers who had mortgage payments due October 1st, they're now past the grace period. If they haven't worked out arrangements with their lender, late payment reports are imminent.
Impact of one 30-day late payment:
Credit score drops 60-110 points
Stays on credit report for 7 years
Affects: Mortgage rates, car loans, credit cards, job applications, apartment rentals
Can cost tens of thousands in higher interest rates
What You MUST Do This Week
If you're a federal worker or military family member:
TODAY (Monday, October 14):
Call EVERY creditor
Explain your situation
Request hardship accommodations
Get agreements in writing
Send follow-up emails confirming conversations
This Week:
Document your furlough notice or RIF letter
File for unemployment if you haven't
Contact a non-profit credit counselor (not for-profit scam companies)
Consider consulting with Credlocity for credit protection strategies
Don't wait. Once a 30-day late mark hits your credit report, the damage is done.
What Services Are Actually Affected (Day 13 Update)
✅ What's STILL Working
Social Security & Medicare:
All benefit payments arriving on time
This has never changed, won't change
Medicare claims processed
BUT: New applications delayed, card replacements delayed
Mail:
U.S. Postal Service fully operational
All deliveries continue
Post offices remain open
TSA & Air Travel:
TSA screening continues (agents unpaid)
Air traffic control operating (controllers unpaid)
Some delays due to staffing issues
Flights are safe but may be delayed
Military:
All operations continue
October 15 paycheck now secured (one-time)
November 1 paycheck still at risk
Essential Law Enforcement:
FBI, DEA, Border Patrol continue working
All working without pay
Investigations continue but some delayed
❌ What's CLOSED or LIMITED
Museums & Parks:
All Smithsonian museums CLOSED (as of yesterday)
National Zoo CLOSED
Many national parks closed or unstaffed
No visitor services, rangers, or maintenance
Federal Offices:
Most closed or skeleton crew only
IRS limited operations (no refunds being processed)
Passport processing severely delayed
Small Business Administration closed
Data & Research:
CDC research severely limited
NIH studies paused
September jobs report was NOT released Friday (data blackout)
Government economic data delayed
WIC Program:
At risk of running out of funds
7 million low-income women and children affected
States have some reserves but running low
The Economic Data Blackout
Here's something most people don't realize: the Federal Reserve makes interest rate decisions based on government economic data.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics was supposed to release the September jobs report on Friday, October 4th. It didn't happen. The agency is shut down.
Why this matters:
The Fed is expected to announce interest rate decisions at their upcoming meeting. Without current employment data, they're flying blind. Interest rates affect:
Your mortgage rate
Your car loan rate
Your credit card APR
Your savings account interest
The entire stock market
Economists at EY-Parthenon estimate this shutdown is costing the U.S. economy $7 billion per week. We're now at $91 billion in economic damage.
What's Next: Three Possible Scenarios
Scenario 1: The Military Pay Pressure Works (25% Likelihood)
What happens:
Military families relieved by October 15 payment
But November 1 deadline looms
Neither side wants military families as hostages again
Quick deal within next 7-10 days
What it would take:
Democrats accept clean CR through November 21
Republicans promise to negotiate ACA subsidies in good faith
Someone blinks
Why it might not happen:
Military pay crisis was supposed to force resolution
Trump found $8 billion to kick the can down the road
Pressure valve released temporarily
Scenario 2: The Extended Standoff (50% Likelihood)
What happens:
Shutdown continues another 1-3 weeks
More services close (WIC runs out of money)
Air traffic problems worsen
Economic damage mounts
Public outrage grows
What it would take:
Economic pain reaches critical mass
Vulnerable Republicans in swing districts demand action
Trump decides it's politically damaging him
Someone caves
Timeline: End of October / Early November
Scenario 3: The 2018-2019 Redux (25% Likelihood)
What happens:
Nobody backs down
Shutdown lasts 4+ weeks (2018-2019 was 35 days)
Catastrophic economic damage
Hundreds of thousands of workers permanently scarred financially
Government services collapse
What it would take:
Both sides believe they can win PR battle
Trump views this as opportunity to permanently shrink government
Democrats dig in on healthcare principle
Miscalculation on both sides
Timeline: Into November, possibly Thanksgiving
The Partisan Messaging War
Both sides are going all-in on messaging, and honestly, it's exhausting to watch.
Republicans' Message
"Democrats are holding the government hostage over healthcare that doesn't expire until December 31st. We passed a clean bill. They're being unreasonable."
Their evidence:
House passed funding September 19th
It's a clean CR like they've voted for before under Biden
Healthcare subsidies don't expire for 2.5 more months
Senate Democrats are blocking it
Democrats' Message
"Republicans control everything — White House, House, Senate. They're refusing to negotiate. They're firing federal workers to punish blue states. They're spreading lies about healthcare."
Their evidence:
GOP needs Democratic votes to pass Senate (60-vote threshold)
Trump admin canceling blue state infrastructure projects
Mass RIFs targeting regulatory agencies
History of GOP not negotiating in good faith
The Truth (From My Perspective)
Both sides have valid points. Both sides are being stubborn. And real people are suffering while they argue about who gets to claim victory.
Republicans are right that:
Clean CRs are standard procedure
The House did pass a bill
Healthcare subsidies don't technically expire until year-end
Democrats are right that:
They have leverage and should use it
Republicans have a history of promising to negotiate later, then not doing it
The "One Big Beautiful Bill" cut healthcare for millions
Someone needs to force the healthcare conversation
But here's what matters: While they argue, 900,000 federal workers aren't getting paid. 4,000+ were fired. Military families were on the brink of missing paychecks. The CDC is operating with hundreds of employees fired. And our economy is bleeding $7 billion per week.
Both sides are wrong for letting it get this far.
Debunking Day 13 Misinformation
New lies are circulating. Let me clear them up:
❌ MYTH: "CDC Firings Were an Accident"
VERDICT: Highly Suspicious
The administration claims a "coding error" sent termination notices to 700 CDC employees who weren't supposed to be fired.
I've worked with HR systems. I've seen how termination processes work. You don't accidentally fire 700 people. That requires:
Generating termination letters
Getting approval from multiple levels
Processing through HR systems
Sending official notices
Either the administration has catastrophically incompetent HR systems, or this was intentional targeting that got walked back when the backlash hit.
Even if we accept the "coding error" explanation, 600 CDC employees are still fired. The entire D.C. office is devastated.
❌ MYTH: "Military Pay Was Never at Risk"
VERDICT: False
Trump supporters are claiming military pay was never at risk and Democrats manufactured the crisis.
The facts:
October 15 paycheck requires appropriated funds
Those funds weren't available due to shutdown
Pentagon confirmed military members would not be paid without action
Trump administration only found alternative funding on Saturday (4 days before payday)
November 1 paycheck is still at risk if shutdown continues
Military families were absolutely at risk. Trump administration deserves credit for finding the $8 billion, but let's not pretend the crisis was fake.
❌ MYTH: "Social Security Will Stop Next Week"
VERDICT: Completely False
This rumor circulates during every shutdown. It's never true.
Social Security, SSI, Medicare, and Medicaid payments continue no matter how long the shutdown lasts. These are mandatory spending programs funded separately from annual appropriations.
This has been true in every shutdown in history. I explained this thoroughly in my Day 1 guide.
What IS affected:
Processing new applications
Issuing replacement cards
Benefit verification services
In-person assistance at SSA offices
But existing payments? Completely safe.
UPDATED: Who Gets Paid, Who Doesn't (Day 13)
✅ GETTING PAID
GroupStatusMembers of CongressPaid in full (constitutionally protected)The PresidentPaid (Trump donating salary)Social Security RecipientsAll payments on timeMilitary (October 15)NOW SECURED ($8B found)Federal workers funded separatelyAbout 750,000 continue working with pay⏸️ DELAYED (Will Get Back Pay)
GroupStatusEssential federal workersWorking without pay (will get back pay)Furloughed workersHome without pay (will get back pay)Military (November 1+)Status uncertain if shutdown continues❌ NOT GETTING PAID (No Back Pay)
GroupStatus4,000+ RIF'd workersPermanently terminated, no back payFederal contractorsNo work, no pay, no back pay everGig workers in closed facilitiesTourism, food service, etc.Protecting Your Finances: Emergency Strategies
If you're affected by this shutdown, here's your action plan:
This Week's Priorities
MONDAY (Today):
✅ Call every creditor — mortgage, car, credit cards
✅ Request hardship accommodations before missing payments
✅ Document all conversations
✅ Follow up in writing (email)
TUESDAY:
✅ File for unemployment (if you haven't)
✅ Check state-specific programs for federal workers
✅ Contact utility companies (many have shutdown programs)
✅ Review your budget — cut all non-essentials
WEDNESDAY:
✅ Military families: Confirm October 15 payment will arrive
✅ Everyone else: Make backup plans if it doesn't
✅ Contact military relief societies if needed
✅ Research food banks if necessary (no shame in this)
THURSDAY:
✅ Check credit reports (free at annualcreditreport.com)
✅ Set up credit monitoring
✅ Document furlough notice for future disputes
✅ Consider credit counseling consultation
FRIDAY:
✅ Military families: Verify payment arrived
✅ Everyone: Plan for next pay period
✅ Start working on resume (if RIF'd)
✅ Research COBRA and health insurance options
For the 4,000+ Who Were RIF'd
You're facing the hardest situation. Here's what to do:
Immediate:
Apply for unemployment TODAY
COBRA enrollment (you have 60 days)
Update resume immediately
Network with former colleagues
Document everything about your termination
This Month:
File for any available severance or benefits
Review unemployment benefits carefully
Apply for Medicaid if income qualifies
Consider career counseling
Update LinkedIn and start job search
Credit Protection:
Contact Credlocity for RIF-specific strategies
This is different from furlough — permanent job loss
Need aggressive creditor negotiations
May need formal credit counseling
Possible credit report disputes if termination was improper
For Everyone Else
Even if you're not directly affected, this shutdown impacts you:
Monitor:
Flight delays if you have travel plans
National park closures if you had visits planned
Government service delays (passports, etc.)
Economic news — Fed decisions affect everyone
Prepare:
Check your own emergency fund
Review your credit report
Ensure you're not relying on government services in next few weeks
Consider how extended shutdown could affect your job/industry
What I'm Telling My Clients at Credlocity
Over the past 13 days, I've consulted with hundreds of federal workers. Here's my advice:
The Credit Score Reality
If you miss ONE mortgage payment:
Score drops 60-110 points
Stays on report for 7 years
Can cost $50,000+ in higher interest rates over life of loans
Affects job applications, apartment rentals, insurance rates
How to protect yourself:
✅ Contact creditors BEFORE missing payments
✅ Request hardship accommodations IN WRITING
✅ Document your government employment and furlough
✅ Set up payment arrangements
✅ Get confirmation of any agreements
The Long-term Financial Strategy
This shutdown will end. But the financial damage could last years. Plan ahead:
Short-term (Next 30 days):
Survival mode — preserve credit at all costs
Work with creditors
Use available resources (unemployment, relief societies)
Cut expenses to absolute minimum
Medium-term (3-6 months after shutdown ends):
Rebuild emergency fund immediately
Review all credit reports for errors
Dispute any improper late marks
Consider credit repair services if needed
Slowly restore normal spending
Long-term (6-12 months):
Build 6-month emergency fund (federal workers need more than most)
Diversify income if possible
Consider whether federal employment is sustainable
Protect credit score — it's your financial foundation
Resources for Federal Workers and Military Families
Financial Assistance
Federal Employee Credit Unions:
Many offer emergency shutdown loans
Lower interest than payday lenders
Specifically designed for federal workers
Military Relief Societies:
Army Emergency Relief: (866) 878-6378
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society: (800) 654-8364
Air Force Aid Society: (800) 769-8951
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance: (800) 881-2462
General Resources:
Credlocity Emergency Consultation: Schedule Here
National Foundation for Credit Counseling: (800) 388-2227
Legal Resources
If You Were RIF'd:
Document everything about your termination
Consult employment attorney (many offer free consultations)
File for unemployment immediately
Contact your union if applicable
If You're Being Harassed by Creditors:
Know your rights under Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
Document all communications
Report violations to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Consider legal consultation
Mental Health Resources
This is incredibly stressful. Don't suffer alone:
SAMHSA National Helpline: (800) 662-4357 (free, 24/7)
Veterans Crisis Line: (800) 273-8255, Press 1
Employee Assistance Programs: Many still active during shutdown
Your healthcare provider: Many offering telehealth
What's Coming This Week
Tuesday, October 14
Senate returns from Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day recess
House Democrats caucus meeting in evening
Possible House return (Johnson hasn't committed)
Senate vote #8 on same two bills (expect same results)
Wednesday, October 15
Military payday (now secured)
Other federal workers continue without pay
Day 15 of shutdown
WIC program may start running out of funds in some states
Thursday, October 16
Senate likely votes again (Groundhog Day continues)
Pressure mounts as shutdown enters week 3
More services may close as reserves deplete
Friday, October 17
End of week three
Economic damage: ~$119 billion
Negotiations (maybe?)
Or more of the same gridlock
The Question I Keep Getting Asked
"Joey, how does this end?"
Honestly? I don't know.
Both sides are dug in. Neither wants to be seen as caving. Trump seems to view this as an opportunity to permanently reshape the federal government. Democrats see it as a last stand to protect healthcare for millions of Americans.
What I do know is this: The longer it goes, the worse it gets.
If it ends this week:
Damage is significant but recoverable
Most federal workers will get back pay quickly
Credit score damage can be minimized
Economy rebounds relatively fast
If it goes 3-4+ weeks:
Financial devastation for hundreds of thousands
Credit scores destroyed
Economic damage in hundreds of billions
Government services collapse
Air travel chaos
Potential security risks
If it goes 5+ weeks (2018-2019 territory):
Catastrophic
Some federal workers will never financially recover
Contractors permanently destroyed
Economic recession possible
Government legitimacy questioned
My Final Thoughts on Day 13
I started Credlocity because I believe everyone deserves financial security and the opportunity to build wealth through good credit.
But I'm watching thousands of dedicated public servants have their financial lives destroyed because politicians can't do their jobs.
I'm watching military families — people who've sacrificed everything for this country — told they might not get paid for their service.
I'm watching contractors — often the lowest-paid workers — lose income they'll never recover.
And I'm watching Congress take vacation days while Rome burns.
This isn't governance. This is a game where real families are the pawns.
If you're a federal worker or military family member affected by this shutdown:
You didn't create this crisis. You don't deserve this. And you're not alone.
At Credlocity, we're here to help you protect your credit, navigate this financial disaster, and rebuild on the other side.
If you're not directly affected:
Don't look away. This matters. Call your representatives. Demand better. Hold everyone accountable — both parties.
We deserve a government that works.
Stay strong. Stay informed. And demand accountability.
About the Author:
Joeziel Joey Vazquez-Davila is the CEO of Credlocity, a credit repair and financial wellness company. With over a decade of experience helping federal workers navigate financial crises, Joey has become a trusted voice for consumer financial rights during government shutdowns. This is his third article in the 2025 shutdown series.
Read the Series:
Part 1: The 2025 Government Shutdown: What's Really Happening (Day 1 Complete Guide)
Part 3: This article (Day 13 Update)
BREAKING: Supreme Court Halts Full SNAP Benefits for 42 Million Americans
Resources for Federal Workers:
Contact Credlocity📧
Email: admin@credlocity.com 💬 Live Chat: Available 24/7 at www.credlocity.com
Last Updated: October 13, 2025 at 10:00 PM ETGovernment shutdown: 13 days, 0 hours, and counting
Next Update: Following Tuesday's Senate votes and any major developments
Disclaimer: This article represents the opinions and analysis of the author based on publicly available information as of October 13, 2025. Situations are rapidly evolving; please verify all information with official government sources. For personalized guidance regarding your specific situation, please consult with appropriate professionals.
Sources: CBS News, CNN, NBC News, ABC News, NPR, White House.gov, Department of Defense, Social Security Administration, AFGE, Congressional Budget Office, Pentagon briefings, official congressional statements.
