Governments can transfer unobligated or unused funds from other budget accounts, such as research appropriations, to cover payroll obligations during funding gaps or shutdowns.
October 16, 2025
high
financial
Budgetary maneuver used to ensure payroll continuity when regular appropriations are unavailable.
Federal agencies commonly process backlogged payrolls on staggered schedules after a funding lapse, and initial payments may cover base pay while overtime, hazard pay, bonuses, and other pay components are often issued in subsequent payroll cycles.
high
procedural
Describes typical payroll processing practices for federal back pay following shutdowns or funding lapses.