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- Pay & Paychecks
- Benefits & Insurance
- Unemployment & Financial Assistance
- Retirement & Annuity Payments
- Shutdown Timeline & General Info
Early on Wednesday, October 1, the government shut down, leaving federal workers across the country uncertain about what comes next.
Here’s a quick look at what you need to know now, including answers to the most pressing questions we’re seeing.
Non-Excepted Employees
Employees that aren’t considered “essential” are often furloughed, meaning that they’ll be placed in a non-duty, non-pay status until the shutdown ends. These federal workers can look for temporary work, file for unemployment, or seek financial assistance to ease the burden this creates. Some banks offer loans for those affected by government shutdowns.
Excepted Employees
But if you’re considered an essential worker – usually law enforcement, healthcare, disaster management, and roles related to national security – you’ll continue working until the shutdown ends. These workers won’t be paid until the government re-opens, when they’ll be given back pay for their time.
RIFs, Layoffs, and a Possible Way Out
On top of furloughs, the White House has specifically signaled that agencies may continue issuing Reductions in Force and layoffs while the shutdown is in place.
If you’ve already been struggling at work because of your health, this possibility only makes matters worse. Federal Disability Retirement could offer you an alternative to that pressure, letting you leave work on your own terms.
The benefit would provide:
- monthly paychecks
- continued federal health and life insurance
- the option to get a job in the private sector
- continued years of service until you hit 62
If you’re ready to get away from work and stop worrying about when the next furlough, RIF, or layoff might be, reach out to us today for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Scroll through to find answers to commonly asked questions.
Pay & Paychecks
Q: What happens to my last paycheck before the shutdown?
A: Your last paycheck before the lapse will be processed and you should receive payment for any work you did before the shutdown happened.
Q: Will I get back pay when the government shutdown ends?
A: Yes. The Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 requires federal workers to be compensated after the government shutdown ends. In October 2025, some dispute over the interpretation of this law came up, but currently federal workers should still expect compensation.
Q: What happens if I have to work on a holiday?
A: Essential workers who have to work during a holiday while a government shutdown is in place will typically receive their holiday pay after the shutdown ends
Benefits & Insurance
Q: What happens to my health and life insurance if I’m furloughed?
A: Those who are in a non-pay status will keep their health and life insurance for up to 1 year after the shutdown.
Q: Can I take a TSP loan while furloughed?
A: The shutdown shouldn’t prevent you from applying for a TSP loan and the eligibility requirements should be the same as usual. Click to learn more about TSP loans.
Q: What happens to my leave during a government shutdown?
A: All leave, including previously scheduled PTO and medical time off, is typically cancelled during a government shutdown. Most of the time, it’s restored after the shutdown ends. This is true for “use-or-lose” leave as well. For essential workers who have to keep working through the government shutdown, any scheduled leave is cancelled and they are expected to come to work or be considered “absent without leave” unless they request to be placed in a furlough status for the period of time necessary.
Unemployment & Financial Assistance
Q: Can I qualify for unemployment while furloughed?
A: This depends on the state you live and work in. Check with your state’s unemployment office for more details.
*Please note that filing for unemployment could affect an application for Disability Retirement. Call out office to learn more.
Retirement & Annuity Payments
Q: Will I stop getting my monthly annuity payments?
A: No – anyone receiving monthly annuity payments through the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) will continue to receive their payment. This means that whether you’re on Disability Retirement or regular retirement, you’ll still get your monthly checks.
Q: Can I apply for Disability Retirement during a government shutdown?
A: Yes, if you’re finding it difficult to perform at least one of your essential functions at work, Disability Retirement could be right for you and now is a good time to apply. The shutdown may increase delays and the application backlog, so starting now could help you avoid getting stuck at the bottom of the stack.
Q: What if I am in the process of applying for Federal Disability Retirement?
A: Right now, the OPM is still processing as usual. The shutdown will not have an immediate effect on those applying for the benefit, so keep working on your application. If you’re working with Harris, please forward any agency notices to your case manager before responding.
Shutdown Timeline & General Info
Q: How long will the shutdown last?
A: While we’re not sure how long the shutdown will last, we do know that the longest one has lasted was 35 days between 2018 and 2019.
Q: What’s the difference between excepted and non-excepted employees?
A: Excepted employees are required to continue working throughout shutdown. These include emergency and security related positions that cannot be suspended during the shutdown. Employees who aren’t in an essential role are considered non-excepted and will be furloughed.
For more helpful information, check out the OPMs updated guidance for furlough shutdowns. Click here to learn the eligibility requirements for Disability Requirement and click here to schedule a free consultation to learn if you could qualify.
