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By the numbers: How the 35-day shutdown affected federal workers

Government workers protest the government shutdown during a demonstration last month in Chicago, Illinois.
Government workers protest the government shutdown during a demonstration last month in Chicago, Illinois. Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images

A new Prudential survey of more than 350 federal employees and contractors who went unpaid during the 35-day government shutdown found that many cash-strapped workers were forced to take out loans, use up some or all of their emergency savings, and cut back on medical expenses.

By the numbers:

  • 27% missed a mortgage or rent payment.
  • 62% depleted most or all of their emergency savings.
  • 49% fell behind on paying bills.
  • 42% took on new debt, either through credit cards or loans.
  • 25% visited a food bank.
  • 23% cut back on medical expenses for themselves or family members
  • 9% turned to crowdfunding.
  • 83% said their overall stress levels spiked.

Go deeper: All the ways Americans felt the effects of the 35-day shutdown

Government shutdown