Starting in December of 2018 and ending more than a month later, the recent government shutdown was the longest in U.S. history and impacted more government employees across the country than any other shutdown before. The ripple effects of the shutdown grew by the day and had severe effects on many employees’ finances. The lack of income for government departments, programs, organizations, and employees alike caused, for many, a rapid decline into debt.
If you were affected financially by the recent government shutdown and are facing unmanageable debts because of this, filing for bankruptcy is a viable option to receive government-sanctioned debt relief. Behm Law Group, Ltd. can help you file a strong case with the guidance and counsel of an expert bankruptcy attorney in Marshall, MN.
Reports of shutdown-related debts and expenses have come from all kinds of sources. All types of government employees suffered financially from the shutdown. A month without a paycheck can lead quickly to all kinds of poor financial conditions simply due to an inability to pay bills. Government employees found that they were unable to make payments on a wide range of common bills or debts including:
- medical bills and health insurance
- utilities, including water, electricity, and gas
- rent or mortgage
- car payments or car repairs
- automotive and related insurance
- life insurance
- retirement plans
- student loans
- credit cards
- taxes
Businesses and organizations that relied on government funding also suffered badly, and the individuals employed by these businesses and organizations experienced a range of difficulties such as not receiving a paycheck and benefits or being laid off. Though the shutdown only lasted for a month, the long-term effects will last for years. Recovery from unexpected, sudden, and complete cutoff from an income and government support for an unknown amount of time is still causing a real struggle today for many U.S. citizens and businesses.
In comparison with the 2013 government shutdown, for example, the recovery process has proved to be more difficult and longer simply due to the suddenness, time frame, and nature of the 2018-2019 shutdown. The lack of structure and planning in this recent shutdown created an outcome resembling an economic recession that was crammed into a 30-day period.
In times like these, it’s important to remember that consulting a bankruptcy attorney is a real option that you should consider seriously. If you were unable to pay your bills because of the government shutdown and are still trying to overcome the negative effects, bankruptcy may provide realistic, long-term recovery from debt.
To learn more about filing for bankruptcy and how an expert bankruptcy attorney in Marshall, MN, can help you get back on your feet after the shutdown, contact Behm Law Group, Ltd. at (507) 387-7200 today.
