Military and Federal Workers Face Delayed Pay in Government Shutdown

The ongoing government shutdown threatens to delay the October 15 paychecks for over one million active-duty military members and federal contractors if Congress fails to pass 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. While these workers are typically entitled to back pay once the government reopens, the current situation has created financial uncertainty for affected families.

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 compensation include active-duty military, TSA agents, Border Patrol officers, federal law enforcement personnel, and prison correctional officers. These employees are generally guaranteed back pay after the shutdown concludes, though they face immediate financial challenges.

President Trump signed legislation in 2019 ensuring back pay for active-duty military members and furloughed employees once the government reopens. However, recent statements from the President have introduced uncertainty about this practice, as he suggested some furloughed federal workers might not receive back pay and mentioned potential mass layoffs and government program cuts. This represents a shift from previous shutdown protocols and has added to concerns among federal employees.

While some federal operations continue during the shutdown, many government services face disruption. The U.S. Postal Service remains operational as it does not depend on congressional funding for daily operations. The Internal Revenue Service continued working during the first 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 may be furloughed or face potential staffing reductions as the shutdown continues.