The large company I work for as a contractor out in St. Louis, MO, traditionally closes it's facility for the week in between Christmas and New Years. However, this year, the group that I work for has given a good majority of us contractors extended breaks that run from Dec. 20 to Jan. 12. That's a period of almost 4 weeks, close to a month! The extended breaks are being given to reduce costs. Needless to say, that is a very long and difficult time to not receive any paychecks. Are there any state or federal programs that I can take advantage of that will help me supplement my income during this mandatory holiday break? Thanks in advance!

When you say you are a contractor, do you mean that you are an IC?

Please excuse my ignorance. IC = Independent Contractor?
I work for a consulting firm, if that helps.

Yes. Are you an employee of the staffing firm? Taxes being withheld?

If an employee, you can file for UI benefits during the shutdown period, if the agency has no other assignments for you.

However, IC or employee, there is nothing in the law prohibiting such a shut-down and no laws which require the employer to keep paying you during that period.

Thanks, Pattymd! I am an employee of the staffing firm, which means that I receive a paycheck from them, and they deduct taxes from my paycheck every month. They are currently in the process of finding me additional work during my forced holiday break, so hopefully I won't even have to worry about filing for unemployment. However, it is relieving to know that I have options.