A practical guide to protect your finances, understand the process, and access local resources before a government shutdown.
Understanding a Government Shutdown
A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass a budget or continuing resolution to fund federal operations.
- Most federal employees are furloughed and must stop working.
- Excepted (“essential”) employees continue working without pay until funding resumes.
- Back pay is guaranteed once the shutdown ends under 31 U.S.C. § 1341(c)(2)
Key FAQs
Q: Will I get paid during the shutdown?
A: No. You will not be paid while the shutdown is active, but you will receive full back pay on the earliest possible day after funding is restored.
Q: How long could the shutdown last?
A: There’s no way to predict. Shutdowns have ranged from 1 day to over a month. Prepare financially for 4-6 weeks without pay, just in case.
Q: Can I work during the shutdown?
A: No. You cannot check email, attend meetings, or do any work unless officially designated as ‘expected’. You may only perform minimal activities like setting up out-of-office messages and securing files.
Q: Will my health benefits continue?
A: Yes. FEHB health coverage continues. Your premiums will be deducted retroactively once pay resumes.
Q: Can I collect unemployment benefits?
A: Possibly. Rules vary by state.
Q: Can I take another job during the shutdown?
A: Yes, but some jobs require ethics approval. Jobs usually not requiring approval include retail, babysitting, tutoring, barista, or bartering. You must be ready to return to EPA immediately when the shutdown ends.
Q: What happens to my pre-planned leave?
A: All leave is canceled during the shutdown. After the shutdown, adjust your People Plus timesheet.
Q: What about payroll deductions (e.g., union dues, retirement, TSP)?
A: These will pause during the shutdown. Notify creditors to prevent missed or late payments.
Q: What if I was scheduled to retire during the shutdown?
A: Your retirement date remains effective, but processing will not occur until after the shutdown ends.
20 Steps to Prepare for a Government Shutdown
A. Financial Preparation
- Review your budget – Separate essential vs. non-essential expenses.
- Build an emergency fund – Aim for 1-2 weeks of living expenses, if possible.
- Pause non-essential spending – Delay unnecessary purchases or trips.
- Contact creditors early – Many offer hardship or forbearance programs.
- Prioritize bills – Focus on housing, utilities, food, and transportation.
- Check payroll deductions – Know what will pause during the shutdown.
- Explore unemployment – Check https://www.usa.gov/unemployment-benefits.
- Ask about community aid – Some nonprofits provide temporary emergency grants.
- Contact TSP for short-term loan (if eligible) – https://www.TSP.gov.
B. Food & Essential Needs
- Locate food banks – https://www.FeedingAmerica.org, https://www.FoodPantries.org.
- Apply for SNAP or WIC – https://www.NCDHHS.gov.
- Find mutual aid groups – Local churches or nonprofits may offer groceries or gift cards.
C. Communication & Documentation
- Print out Leave and Earnings Statements (LES) from https://www.EmployeeExpress.gov.
- Provide your personal contact info to AFGE to receive updates.
- AFGE Council 238 Updates: https://www.AFGE238.org.
- Stay in contact with your supervisor – Confirm your furlough or excepted status.
- Update out-of-office messages – Notify internal and external contacts.
- Save key notices & documents – Furlough letter, pay stubs, HR notices.
- Notify mortgage, landlord, and utility companies – Ask about hardship or payment deferral programs.
D. Employment & Career Readiness
- Consider temporary work – Tutoring, rideshare, retail, etc. (Get ethics approval if needed).
- Stay ready to return to work – Keep EPA requirement charged and accessible.
- Update your resume & jobs profiles:
- USAJobs: https://www.USAJobs.gov.
E. Mental Health & Wellbeing
- Take care of yourself – Shutdowns are stressful.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988.
- EPA Employee Assistance Program (EAP): 1-888-635-3202 or https://care.espyr.com (Org ID: USEPA).
- Engage with union solidarity groups & local support networks.
Key Websites & Resources
| Need Resource | Website |
| Union Updates | https://www.officialafge238.org |
| Share Contact with AFGE | https://www.AFGE238.org |
| National Career Help | https://www.CareerOneStop.org |
| Food Banks | https://www.FeedingAmerica.org |
| Food Pantries | https://www.FoodPantries.org |
| Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) | https://www.LIHEAP.org |
| Financial Counseling | https://www.NFCC.org |
| TSP Loans | https://www.TSP.gov |
| Print LES Statements | https://www.EmployeeExpress.gov |
More Resources
Find out how to apply for unemployment benefits in your state:
https://www.usa.gov/unemployment-benefits
Read the full EPA Contingency Plan:
https://www.epa.gov/lapse/agency-contingency-plans-event-lapse-appropriations
Read the OPM shutdown guidance:
Find your member of Congress:
https://whoismyrepresentative.com
Read AFGE news and updates: