Trump Administration Suggests Furloughed Workers Offer To Do Chores For Their Landlords In Lieu Of Rent

USA Today reports:

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management has offered federal workers affected by the partial government shutdown a guide for negotiating with creditors, landlords and mortgage companies while their income is cut off.

The Thursday tweet notes that workers should consult with a “personal attorney” for advice but offers templates for how one might seek financial assistance for various financial obligations.

Among the suggested strategies: A furloughed employee might offer to trade maintenance services such as painting or carpentry work in exchange for a reduction in rent.

Margaret Weichert (photo) is OPM Acting Director.

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. https://t.co/t6h6OzALsS

— OPM (@USOPM) December 27, 2018

The Office of Personnel Management tweeted advice to furloughed federal workers on how to explain their situation to creditors and landlords—including one sample letter with the suggestion that they offer to perform chores in exchange for rent payments. https://t.co/9dvl4Au1lt

— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) December 28, 2018

The Trump administration suggested on Thursday that the hundreds of thousands of unpaid federal workers who have been furloughed could do odd jobs and chores for their landlords to help cover rent. https://t.co/vVVQhM8LNE

— Truthout (@truthout) December 28, 2018