The government shutdown has reached the one-month mark, and many people are feeling its effects.

One silver lining is that many individuals and organizations are stepping up and stepping in to help affected federal workers get through this difficult time – banks are offering special loan and payment deferral programs, restaurants are offering free meals, and the Hawaii Food Bank is encouraging donations as it prepares for an increase in food needs.

For its part, the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations announced the availability of unemployment benefits for civil employees of the federal government placed on non-pay status due to the government shutdown.  Affected federal employees may apply for benefits online.  One catch, however, is that after the shutdown ends, any unemployment benefits received may need to be paid back.