Military and Federal Workers Face Delayed Pay in Government Shutdown
October 15 paychecks at risk as shutdown deadline approaches
The ongoing government shutdown threatens to delay October 15 paychecks for over one million active-duty military members and federal contractors if Congress fails to pass funding legislation by October 13. Essential federal employees, including military personnel, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, and National Guard members, must continue working without pay during the shutdown period. These workers are typically entitled to receive back pay once the government reopens, though the timing of such compensation remains uncertain.
The shutdown has already impacted approximately 750,000 furloughed workers across federal agencies, causing air travel delays due to air traffic controller shortages and reduced services at Social Security offices. Essential workers required to remain on duty without immediate pay include active-duty military, TSA agents, Border Patrol officers, federal law enforcement personnel, and prison staff. These employees are generally ineligible to collect unemployment benefits while continuing to work without compensation.
KEY POINTS
- •Military pay at risk after Oct 13
- •Essential workers continue unpaid
- •Back pay guaranteed but timing uncertain
President Trump signed legislation in 2019 guaranteeing back pay for active-duty military members and furloughed employees once government operations resume. However, recent statements from the President have introduced uncertainty about this process, as he indicated some furloughed federal workers might not receive back pay based on performance considerations. This position represents a potential shift from established practices following previous government shutdowns.
While certain federal operations continue during the shutdown, many agencies face significant disruptions. The U.S. Postal Service remains fully operational as it does not depend on congressional appropriations for funding. The Internal Revenue Service maintained operations during the initial five days of the shutdown by utilizing previously authorized funds. Meanwhile, staff deemed "non-essential" at national parks, NASA, the Department of Education, and other government entities face furloughs or potential staffing reductions as the shutdown continues.