During the ongoing partial shutdown of the federal government, Arlington County is taking actions to help ease the financial stress that County residents and businesses may be experiencing.

Read more about the County’s response to the federal shutdown

County Resources

Public Benefits Programs

The Department of Human Services is monitoring the status of federal assistance programs administered by the County, including Housing Choice Voucher, SNAP, WIC and others. These programs are not currently affected by the shutdown, but DHS will update their status page should any changes occur.

Employment Services

The Arlington Employment Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for any impacted federal employees who wish to receive job search and employment case management services or to receive assistance in applying for Unemployment Insurance (UI) through the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC).

Emergency Assistance

For any Arlington residents affected by the federal government shutdown and in need of emergency financial, housing, or transportation assistance, Arlington County is committed to helping its residents to the extent possible. Please call 703-228-1300 or visit Arlington County’s Department of Human Services (2100 Washington Blvd), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., or Tuesday evenings until 8 p.m.

Utility Bills

The Department of Environmental Services will be waiving late fees on the County utility bill for furloughed federal employees impacted by the government shutdown. Affected customers should call the County’s Customer Contact Center at 703-228-6570 to see if we may able to assist in a payment arrangement to avoid any late fees. This will be on a case-by-case basis.

Tax Deadlines

If you are having trouble meeting a tax deadline due to the furlough, call the Treasurer’s Office at 703-228-4000 for information about the Taxpayer Assistance Program.

Park and Recreation Fees

The Department of Parks and Recreation maintains a Fee Reduction Policy for individuals or families who might have difficulty paying park and recreation fees.

Arlington Public Schools

APS has provided reminders to parents about its meal services and Extended Day program policies, which may provide some relief to affected families.

Overdue Library Book Fines

Arlington Public Library may waive outstanding overdue fines for furloughed federal employees. Affected patrons should visit any location or contact the Library (703-228-5940) and provide a valid federal employee ID. Arlington Public Library locations offer free meeting room, public computers, comfortable seating and study space for those unable to access their regular office space.

Meet other job seekers at Job Club on Mondays at Central Library.

Small Business Assistance

Small businesses needing assistance can contact Arlington BizLaunch, the County’s small business and entrepreneurial assistance network. Please contact the office if you are seeking assistance on how to restructure your business, financing or to discuss changes to your business strategy.

Rental Property Owners

Arlington County urges landlords and rental property owners to exercise flexibility to not displace or adversely affect households during this difficult period. Residents who anticipate challenges in making their rent payment as a result of the shutdown are encouraged to speak with their landlords about their circumstances.

Community Nonprofit Resources

Emergency Financial Assistance

The Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) has received a grant from the United Way to provide direct emergency financial assistance to neighbors impacted by the shutdown. The amount of the fund is limited at the moment, but NVFS anticipates that additional funds could be made available. Neighbors in need of assistance can contact NVFS by calling 571-748-2552 or emailing shutdown@nvfs.org.

Food Assistance

The Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) is providing one-time services and short-term referrals to help Arlingtonians affected by the shutdown. Any Arlington resident may receive groceries from AFAC with a government-issued photo ID and proof of address (state ID, lease, or water/electric/gas bill in your name).

AFAC is providing free food kits for anyone impacted by the shutdown. The kits will be available on a first come, first served basis, starting Tuesday, Jan. 29, at the Circulation desks of Central Library and Aurora Hills branch library.

Federal workers can swing by Crystal City for a free lunch (11:30 a.m. — 1:30 p.m. at a different local eatery each day), thanks to Lunch on Us, a new partnership among businesses based in the neighborhood.

Pet Food Pantry

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington’s Pet Food Pantry is open to furloughed employees that need assistance. If you are a government employee and an Arlington resident, stop by the shelter to get pet food — all you need to do is bring your government ID!

Small Business Loans

The Latino Economic Development Center is willing to help provide loans for small businesses impacted by the shutdown. LEDC is a Certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) providing alternative financing to help build and grow local businesses in Arlington. LEDC partners with Arlington County to assist small businesses with their financial needs.

Helping Those in Need

Any Arlington resident interested in donating or helping fellow Arlingtonians affected by the shutdown and in need can contact Arlington Thrive. Thrive manages emergency funds for those seeking support through the County’s Department of Human Services.