Federal Government Furlough: Complete Survival Guide
Comprehensive guide for federal employees facing furlough. Covers shutdown vs administrative furloughs, back pay, unemployment benefits, financial planning, and what to do during a government shutdown.
Table of Contents
If you're a federal employee facing a furlough, this guide covers everything you need to know—from understanding your rights to managing finances during a shutdown. Whether it's a government shutdown or administrative furlough, we'll help you navigate this challenging period.
Understanding Federal Furloughs
What Is a Furlough?
A furlough is a temporary, unpaid leave of absence. Unlike a layoff or RIF (Reduction in Force), furloughed employees remain employed and typically return to work when funding is restored or the administrative action ends.
Types of Federal Furloughs
1. Shutdown (Emergency) Furlough
Occurs when Congress fails to pass appropriations bills and the government shuts down.
Key characteristics:
- No advance notice required
- Affects "non-excepted" employees
- Typically lasts days to weeks
- Back pay is usually (but not always) guaranteed by legislation
- Cannot use annual leave during shutdown
2. Administrative Furlough
Occurs due to budget constraints, sequestration, or agency-specific budget shortfalls.
Key characteristics:
- Requires 30-day advance notice
- Can be structured as specific days off (e.g., one day per pay period)
- Back pay is NOT guaranteed
- Can use annual leave instead of furlough days
- May last months
Excepted vs. Non-Excepted Employees
During a shutdown:
Excepted employees (must work without pay until shutdown ends):
- Law enforcement and safety personnel
- Emergency medical staff
- Air traffic controllers
- Military personnel
- Others deemed essential to protect life and property
Non-excepted employees (furloughed):
- Most administrative staff
- Support personnel
- Non-essential operations
- Many program staff
Your agency will notify you of your status.
Immediate Steps When Furloughed
Day 1: Get the Facts
- Confirm your furlough status with your supervisor or HR
- Get your furlough notice in writing (SF-8 for shutdown furloughs)
- Document everything — dates, communications, orders
- Know your return-to-work procedures
- Secure government property if required (laptops, badges)
First Week: Protect Your Finances
- File for unemployment (see section below)
- Contact creditors to discuss payment options
- Review your emergency fund and budget
- Contact your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) if needed
- Don't make major financial decisions yet
Back Pay: What You Need to Know
Shutdown Furloughs
For shutdown furloughs, Congress has historically passed back pay legislation, most recently through the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019. This law:
- Guarantees back pay for future shutdown furloughs
- Requires payment "at the earliest date possible" after shutdown ends
- Covers both excepted and non-excepted employees
Important: Back pay typically comes in your first regular paycheck after the shutdown ends, which could be 2-4 weeks after returning to work.
Administrative Furloughs
For administrative furloughs, back pay is NOT guaranteed. The furlough days are essentially unpaid leave.
Some exceptions:
- Union negotiations may include back pay provisions
- Specific legislation might restore pay (rare)
- Court rulings in some cases have awarded back pay
Unemployment Benefits During Furlough
Can Federal Employees Get Unemployment?
Yes, in most cases. Furloughed federal employees can apply for unemployment benefits in their state of residence.
Important Considerations
Repayment requirements:
- If you receive back pay, you may need to repay unemployment benefits
- Some states automatically coordinate with federal agencies
- Keep records of all benefits received
State variations:
- Benefit amounts vary significantly by state
- Some states have waiting weeks; others don't
- Check your state's unemployment guide →
How to Apply
- File in your state of residence (not where you work)
- List "U.S. Federal Government" as your employer
- Explain you're furloughed due to shutdown/budget action
- Continue certifying each week you're furloughed
- Report when you return to work
What Happens to Unemployment If You Get Back Pay?
When back pay is issued:
- Your unemployment benefits may be considered "overpayment"
- Your state may require repayment
- Some states automatically recover overpayments
- You'll typically receive notices about repayment procedures
Tip: Set aside unemployment benefits in case you need to repay them.
Financial Survival Strategies
Immediate Cash Flow
Contact these organizations immediately:
- Mortgage/Rent: Most major lenders offer forbearance during shutdowns
- Credit cards: Request hardship programs or payment deferrals
- Utilities: Many offer delayed payment programs
- Student loans: Federal loans may qualify for forbearance
- Car payments: Contact your lender about deferment
Federal Employee Resources
Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (FEEA):
- Provides emergency loans and grants to federal employees
- Website: feea.org
- May offer no-interest loans during shutdowns
Federal Credit Unions:
- Many offer special shutdown loans
- 0% interest emergency loans for furloughed employees
- Examples: SECU, Navy Federal, GECU
Agency-Specific Programs:
- Many agencies have emergency funds
- Contact your Employee Assistance Program
- Union benevolent funds may be available
Budgeting During Furlough
Prioritize in this order:
- Food and essential medications
- Housing (mortgage/rent)
- Utilities (avoid shutoffs)
- Transportation (if needed for work return)
- Insurance premiums (maintain coverage)
- Other debts (communicate with creditors)
Health Insurance During Furlough
FEHB Coverage Continues
Good news: Your Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) coverage continues during furlough.
How it works:
- Premiums continue to be deducted
- If you miss paychecks, you'll owe back premiums
- Coverage is NOT interrupted
- Back premiums are typically deducted from future paychecks
Other Benefits
Life Insurance (FEGLI): Continues in effect
Dental/Vision (FEDVIP): Continues in effect
TSP: No contributions during furlough (no paycheck), but account remains intact
Annual Leave: During shutdown, cannot use leave. During administrative furlough, may be able to use leave instead.
What You CAN and CAN'T Do During Furlough
During a Shutdown Furlough
You CANNOT:
- Perform any work duties (even checking email)
- Use government equipment
- Access government systems
- Volunteer your services to your agency
You CAN:
- Seek other employment (with caveats)
- File for unemployment
- Engage in personal activities
- Take another temporary job (ethics rules apply)
Employment Restrictions
If you want to work elsewhere during furlough:
- Review your ethics agreement — some positions have restrictions
- Check for conflicts of interest — can't work for contractors you oversee
- Consider your clearance — some jobs may create issues
- Notify your agency if required by your position
- Remember you must return when furlough ends
Special Situations
Union Employees
If you're in a bargaining unit:
- Contact your union representative immediately
- Your CBA may have furlough-specific provisions
- Unions may negotiate additional protections
- Legal challenges may be filed on your behalf
Contractors and Term Employees
Federal Contractors:
- Generally not eligible for back pay
- Must file unemployment immediately
- May be terminated rather than furloughed
- Contact your contracting company for specific policies
Term/Temporary Employees:
- Same furlough rules apply
- Back pay applies to term employees
- May face additional uncertainty about position continuation
Excepted Employees Working Without Pay
If you're excepted and must work during a shutdown:
- You MUST report to work
- You will receive back pay after shutdown ends
- Keep careful records of hours worked
- You may face financial hardship during the shutdown
- Consider emergency loans from federal credit unions
Preparing for Future Furloughs
Build Your Emergency Fund
Federal employees face unique risks. Target:
- 3-6 months of expenses minimum
- Consider the uncertainty of political budget battles
- Automate savings through allotments
Know Your Rights
Key resources:
- Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance
- Your agency's furlough FAQ
- Your union representative
- Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund
Document Everything
Keep records of:
- All furlough notices
- Communications from supervisors
- Time and attendance during the period
- Any expenses incurred related to furlough
When the Furlough Ends
Returning to Work
- Follow official recall procedures — don't just show up
- Check your email/official communications for return date
- Review any changes to your work situation
- Expect back pay processing within 1-2 pay periods
- Budget for catch-up payments (insurance, etc.)
Back Pay Processing
Timeline:
- Typically 1-2 pay periods after returning
- May come as a lump sum or be spread out
- Taxes will be withheld
- Back premiums will be deducted
What to expect:
- Back pay for all furlough days (shutdown furloughs)
- Deductions for FEHB, FEGLI, TSP (if applicable)
- Repayment of any unemployment benefits received
Emotional and Mental Health
Furloughs create significant stress. Remember:
- The uncertainty is the hardest part — most furloughs end
- You're not alone — millions of federal workers have experienced this
- Use your EAP — free counseling is available
- Maintain routines — structure helps mental health
- Stay connected — with colleagues and support systems
Key Takeaways
- Know your furlough type — Shutdown vs. administrative have different rules
- File for unemployment — You're eligible in most states
- Back pay is likely — For shutdown furloughs under current law
- FEHB continues — But you'll owe back premiums
- Don't work during furlough — Not even checking email
- Use federal resources — FEEA, credit unions, EAP
- Prepare for the future — Build emergency fund, know your rights
Related Resources:
Get More Layoff Resources
Join thousands who get weekly tips on navigating career transitions.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.