The Department of Homeland Security warned employees it will again be unable to issue paychecks in May if the government shutdown continues, raising the prospect of renewed pay disruptions for a workforce that includes large numbers of “excepted” personnel still reporting to duty.
- DHS told employees it expects to run out of payroll funding again in May if appropriations are not enacted, according to GovExec — Pay & Benefits.
- The warning applies across DHS components, including operational and mission-critical roles that continue working during a lapse in appropriations.
- Republicans took a new step aimed at ending the standoff, but GovExec reported there was no immediate resolution, leaving DHS employees facing another round of uncertainty about pay.
- During a shutdown, federal employees generally fall into “excepted” (working without pay until appropriations) and “furloughed” (not working) categories; DHS has a high share of excepted positions tied to national security and public safety missions.
- Back pay for federal employees affected by a shutdown is governed by the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act, which provides for back pay once funding is restored; timing depends on when appropriations are enacted and agencies can process payroll.
DHS has faced repeated payroll strain during shutdown conditions because the department’s pay obligations can outlast available funding in certain accounts. GovExec reported DHS previously warned it would be unable to make payroll, then temporarily resumed pay as funding and cash management measures allowed—but the department is now signaling those measures will not cover May without new appropriations.
The renewed warning lands as lawmakers continue negotiations to reopen the government. GovExec reported Republicans took a new step intended to break the impasse, but the shutdown remained unresolved at publication time.
What it means for you
If you work for DHS and are required to report to duty during a shutdown, you may be expected to continue working even if pay is delayed. Employees should:
- Monitor official DHS component guidance on reporting status, timekeeping, and emergency communications.
- Review personal cash-flow planning for a potential missed paycheck and confirm direct deposit and contact information are current.
- If you’re considering the longer-term impact of missed contributions or delayed earnings on your retirement planning, you can estimate scenarios using the FERS retirement calculator.
Employees with questions about work status should follow their chain of command and component shutdown guidance, as reporting requirements can vary by mission and position.
Source: GovExec — Pay & Benefits