When will federal employees get back pay now that the government shutdown is over?

4 2 minutes read

Washington — After enduring a 43-day government shutdown, more than 1.4 million federal employees are finally set to receive their long-awaited paychecks. The White House’s Office of Management and Budget has projected a pay schedule, with some employees expected to receive their back pay as soon as this Sunday, while others will have to wait until Wednesday, Nov. 19.

Throughout the shutdown, hundreds of thousands of essential employees continued to work without pay, while nonessential employees were furloughed. Both groups are entitled to back pay for the period when the government was closed. The administration aims to clear the backlog of payments by Nov. 19.

The differing pay dates among agencies are attributed to various pay schedules and payroll providers. Despite initial projections for later pay dates, the White House has urged agencies to expedite the process and ensure accurate payments are made promptly.

Most of the initial post-shutdown paychecks will cover the period from Oct. 1 to Nov. 1, including only base pay without bonuses, overtime, or benefits. Additional payments for days beyond Nov. 1, as well as for overtime and bonuses, will be included in the subsequent pay cycle.

Hundreds of people wait in line as World Central Kitchen provides free meals to federal employees and their families during the government shutdown in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. — Hundreds of people wait in line as World Central Kitchen provides free meals to federal employees and their families during the government shutdown in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 5, 2025.
Rod Lamkey / AP

Starting with Army and non-Army civilian employees at the Defense Department, as well as personnel at the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Energy, and Health and Human Services, their paychecks are expected to be processed on Sunday, Nov. 16. These checks will encompass base pay, overtime, and hazard pay.

Over 150,000 employees at agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency, NASA, National Science Foundation, Social Security Administration, and various other departments are slated to receive their pay on Monday, Nov. 17. This payment will only include base pay, with adjustments to be made in the subsequent pay period.

Employees at the General Services Administration and Office of Personnel Management will receive their pay on Saturday, Nov. 15, covering only base pay.

Small Business Administration employees and those at the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Justice, Labor, and Treasury are expected to receive their back pay on Wednesday, Nov. 19, encompassing the entire shutdown period up to Nov. 13.

The plight of federal employees going without pay played a significant role in prompting Senate Democrats to join Republicans in ending the government shutdown. The legislation passed by Congress extends most government funding until Jan. 30, with the possibility of another shutdown in the new year. Some government sectors are funded through September 2026.