The Department of Homeland Security is directing furloughed Federal Emergency Management Agency employees to apply for unemployment benefits as the government shutdown continues to affect operations.

Internal documents reviewed by ABC News show that DHS is providing unemployment resources to FEMA staff who have been placed on furlough due to the funding lapse. The guidance comes as the shutdown impacts various federal agencies and their ability to maintain full staffing levels.

The shutdown stems from ongoing disagreements over Department of Homeland Security funding. Congressional Democrats have been seeking immigration enforcement reforms as part of any funding agreement, while the impasse has left key government functions operating with reduced capacity.

FEMA, which coordinates federal disaster response efforts, is among the agencies affected by the funding dispute. The furloughs represent a continuation of the broader pattern of federal operations being disrupted during budget standoffs between Congress and the administration.

The situation highlights the practical impacts of government shutdowns on federal employees, who often face temporary loss of income during these funding disputes. The provision of unemployment guidance suggests the current impasse may continue for an extended period.