The Department of Homeland Security warned employees it will again be unable to issue pay in May if the government shutdown continues, setting up another round of delayed paychecks for much of the department’s workforce, according to Government Executive.
- What DHS is saying: DHS has notified employees that, absent new appropriations, the department expects to halt pay again in May during the ongoing shutdown, GovExec reported.
- Who is affected: The warning applies to DHS personnel who are working as “excepted” employees and those otherwise on duty during the shutdown but reliant on appropriated funds for payroll, according to GovExec.
- Why this is happening: Under a shutdown, agencies can require certain employees to work, but pay may be delayed until Congress passes funding and the president signs it, GovExec noted.
- Status on Capitol Hill: GovExec reported House Republicans took a new step aimed at ending the standoff, but there was no immediate resolution and DHS is planning for continued disruption.
- What to watch next: DHS payroll timing will depend on whether Congress passes an appropriations measure (or continuing resolution) that restores funding before the next scheduled May pay date, according to GovExec.
Brief context: DHS has already experienced pay disruption during the current shutdown, and the department’s latest notice signals that the lapse in appropriations is extending long enough to affect another pay period. Shutdown rules generally require agencies to prioritize “excepted” functions tied to safety of human life and protection of property, while many other employees are furloughed. Even when employees must report to work, agencies may be legally barred from issuing pay until funding is enacted.
What it means for you: DHS employees should prepare for the possibility of another delayed paycheck in May and monitor agency guidance on timekeeping, leave, and any changes in duty status. Employees who are furloughed or working without current pay should follow DHS instructions on recording hours and retaining documentation needed for eventual back pay processing once funding is restored. For general shutdown pay and leave basics, see FedBrief’s explainer: https://fedbrief.org/ (cross-link).
Source: Government Executive (Pay & Benefits), “DHS to Halt Employee Pay Again in May if Shutdown Continues” (April 2026). https://www.govexec.com/pay-benefits/2026/04/dhs-again-stop-paying-employees-shutdown-continues/413039/