The Office of Personnel Management said it 'inadvertently' posted a document from the 2013 shutdown that contained advice to furloughed government workers on how to negotiate with landlords, which advised them to barter services like carpentry for rent.

'OPM - itself acting with limited resources during the furlough period - inadvertently posted a legacy document from the 2013 shutdown. Although most federal employees have yet to miss a paycheck, OPM recognizes that many employees are concerned about the financial implications of a continued lapse. As such, OPM sought to provide a set of templates and information that could be used proactively by employees to address potential financial challenges, in the event that Congress does not resolve the lapse in appropriations before the end of the next pay cycle. Since discovering the out-of-date documents, OPM updated the website to reflect current information, and regrets any unintended concern caused by legacy documentation,' the agency said in a statement to The Washington Post.

The sample letters posted last week suggested workers who have been sidelined by the shutdown reveal their situation and offer to pay banks partial mortgage payments – while offering to repaint and do other tasks to fend off landlords.

OPM sent out the guidance as the partial government shutdown entered its seventh day. As many as 800,000 workers are affected.

With predictions the shutdown could easily run until the new Congress convenes Jan. 3 if not longer, many federal employees are facing the prospect of having to meet their obligations without benefit of a paycheck.

The federal Office of Personnel Management provided guidance for federal workers who have trouble paying bills thanks to the shutdown

'Feds, here are sample letters you may use as a guide when working with your creditors during this furlough. If you need legal advice please consult with your personal attorney,' OPM noted.

According to one sample letter, a federal employee might write: 'As we had agreed in our conversation, I will be able to make regular payments in the amount of $_______. I realize that I will be responsible to pay the remainder of the payments and, when I return to work, I will contact you immediately to work out a plan to take care of the reduced payments.'

'I will keep in touch with you to keep you informed about my income status and I would like to discuss with you the possibility of trading my services to perform maintenance (e.g. painting, carpentry work) in exchange for partial rent payments,' according to the sample.

A sign announcing the closure of the National Archives due to a partial government shutdown is displayed in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018. The partial U.S. government shutdown will continue at least into this weekend, after House Republicans said they didn't plan to schedule any votes for Friday and President Donald Trump said most federal employees losing pay because of the closure were Democrats. Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers check and watch airline passengers at Reagan National Airport in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018. TSA employees are working through the partial government shutdown without pay. There is no end in sight to the partial government shutdown

OPM sent out the guidance on Thursday

Workers are advised to reference the furlough 'due to a lack of funding'

Call before you write, the workers are counseled

Workers can try to negotiate reduced payments

One idea is to offer to perform maintenance services such as painting and carpentry to a landlord

Workers who lack savings will soon be unable to make rent or mortgage payments

Workers are advised to call first rather than just sending out the letter.

A sample letter to a creditor stresses: 'As we discussed, I am a Federal employee who has recently been furloughed due to a lack of funding of my agency. Because of this, my income has been severely cut and I am unable to pay the entire cost of my monthly payments, along with my other expenses.'

The samples also point to a soft sell. 'I appreciate your willingness to work with me and your understanding during this difficult time,' is one recommended sign-off.

The government also points out other 'things to consider' in the approach.

'Just sending a letter may not be very effective as it will take a fair amount of time to get to the individual who needs to see it, if at all. Speaking with your creditors will enable you to work out the details of any payment plan that you can later confirm with your letter,' according to the guidance.

'Be sure to send the letter directly to the person to whom you have spoken to confirm your request for a reduced payment plan,' is another pointer.

'Be sure to keep a copy of the letter. In some situations, you may want to send the letter by certified mail. You may also want to fax the letter to the company,' the government counsels.