Without a Paycheck or SNAP Benefits, TSA Officer Fears She and Kids Will Be Evicted Before Thanksgiving

When LaShanda Palmer started her car on Monday, Oct. 27, she noticed her inspection sticker had expired and the maintenance light signaled it was time for an oil change. Normally, she’d handle those tasks right away — but right now, she simply can’t afford to.

Palmer, 50, has worked for the Transportation Security Administration for 23 years, yet she isn’t receiving a paycheck because of the federal government shutdown that began Oct. 1.

“I have a car note, I have insurance, I have a grandchild that I have guardianship over who’s 6,” she says. Two of her five children also live with her. “It is extremely hard.”

She owes $1,375 in rent due on Nov. 1, has overdrawn bank accounts, and is facing mounting overdraft fees.

Palmer is a lead transportation security officer at Philadelphia International Airport and also serves as president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 333, representing workers at Philadelphia International and Wilmington airports. She is among roughly 1.4 million federal employees who are either furloughed or working without pay during the shutdown.

“I don’t want to get an eviction notice,” says Palmer, who lives in Delaware County. “Come November 1st, my rent may not get paid because I don’t have it. And it’s not that I don’t work for it — I am working for it. I should have it.”

Having experienced the 2019 shutdown during President Donald Trump’s first term, which lasted 34 days, Palmer says this one feels far worse.

“That was hard, but it was bearable because there was so much support then,” she explains. “However, the support is not here.”

Palmer says she hasn’t received any help from her agency or outside organizations. “The furlough letter they gave us — no one is accepting it,” she notes. “Not one of my utility companies or credit card companies.”

During the 2019 shutdown, Palmer was able to receive food stamps. This time, however, the shutdown has disrupted federal SNAP benefits for November.

“We can’t get food assistance because we can’t apply for unemployment,” she says. “Now, we can’t get that. We’re getting a food pantry list.”

In addition to financial pressures, Palmer’s health has been affected. She tried to skip a week of medication to save money but began to feel unwell and was forced to refill it. She points out that TSA requires medical documentation for absences, but even that poses challenges.

“My question today to the manager was, ‘What does that look like if I can’t afford to go to the doctor because I have the copay? How do I get acceptable documentation?’ ” she asks. “What is acceptable documentation when I don’t have gas in my car? When you can’t afford childcare?”

As union president, Palmer has become a voice for other TSA employees expressing fear and frustration, particularly those new to federal service.

“I just need everyone to know that we government workers took an oath, and we’re doing what we’re supposed to,” she says. “People are coming to work and finding a way to get here as long as they can. I just don’t know how long people will be able to keep doing it.”