During a federal government shutdown, certain federal employees, including military service members, are designated as essential and are required to continue working even if paychecks are delayed.
September 29, 2025
high
policy
Describes the typical designation and work requirement for essential federal personnel during a shutdown.
Federal employees who work while designated essential during a government shutdown are generally eligible to receive backpay for missed paychecks once the shutdown is resolved.
September 29, 2025
high
policy
Describes the common compensation practice for employees who worked without pay during a shutdown.
During a U.S. federal government shutdown, some federal employees may be furloughed or have their pay delayed, while certain essential personnel—such as military service members and air traffic controllers—generally continue working even if pay is deferred until funding is restored.
high
operational
A lapse in appropriations forces agencies to follow contingency plans that categorize employees as "excepted" (essential) or "non-excepted" (furloughed) for work and pay purposes.