Government shutdowns can result in federal employees being furloughed or experiencing delays in receiving pay unless Congress enacts legislation or other measures to provide pay during the shutdown.
November 08, 2025
high
temporal
Describes the typical personnel and pay consequences of federal government funding gaps.
When there is a lapse in congressional appropriations for the U.S. federal government (a government shutdown), some civilian federal employees are typically placed on furlough and do not work while other employees designated as essential continue to work; employees in both groups can be without pay during the lapse in appropriations.
high
policy
Describes the typical operational and pay effects of a federal government lapse in appropriations.
Federal employees designated as essential during funding lapses may face financial hardship that can lead them to seek additional employment or miss shifts.
high
temporal
Describes common economic and labor consequences for essential federal workers during shutdowns.