In early 2025, widespread federal layoffs across Washington triggered a coordinated statewide response. Led by the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County, partners quickly mobilized to connect displaced federal workers to unemployment support, job training, and reemployment services.

State and local agencies are coming together to support federal workers affected by recent layoffs, offering vital resources to help navigate this challenging time. A series of statewide webinars will provide information on unemployment benefits, health coverage options, and reemployment services. These efforts aim to ensure that impacted workers have access to the support they need to regain stability and plan their next steps.

Matthias was laid off from his job at a major hospital in 2017 as part of a restructuring. In some ways this was fortunate, as injuries to his feet and joints had left him unable to pursue a career in healthcare. Constant daily pain and the inability to walk one hundred yards without a break forced him to reconsider his career options. He had little money but a strong desire to move into the technology sector, so he applied for Training Benefits from the Employment Security Department.