The Kansas Department of Labor is recommending that federal employees who are furloughed because of the partial government shutdown should apply for unemployment benefits.

The department said in a news release Thursday that unemployment insurance was created to help people who are not working through no fault of their own.

Federal employees in Kansas can apply for benefits by calling a contact center at 1-800-292-6333.

Applicants will need to provide wage verification, such as pay stubs or W-2 forms.

Federal employees who are working full time but not being paid are not eligible for unemployment benefits.  The law requires anyone receiving back pay to any repay jobless benefits they received.