Government Shutdown Information

In This Section

Last Updated 3/13/25

By March 15, 2025, a bill must be signed into law to fund the federal government and prevent a shutdown. Congress must either pass new appropriations or a continuing resolution that extends current funding levels. If neither occurs, shutdown remains a possibility. To prepare for this potential challenge, members are encouraged to review the Furloughed Employees Handbook for guidance on managing financial hardship.

Shutdown Q&A

Q. Will my Foreign Service annuity continue to be paid during the a Government shutdown?

A. Yes - Foreign Service annuitants will continue to receive their monthly annuity payment.

Q. Is furlough time creditable towards retirement?

A. Yes. Furlough time is creditable toward retirement. An employee is allowed service credit for up to six months of nonpay status in any calendar year.

Q. How does being furloughed affect my high-3 salary calculation?

A. The high-3 salary calculation is based on an employee’s rate of basic pay, not on actual salary received. If a period of nonpay status (such as a furlough) that is creditable for retirement occurs during the 3-year period used to compute the high-3 average salary, the loss of actual pay during that nonpay status period generally would have no effect on the high-3 computation.

Q. I am in training and participate in the PCS Lodging Program. (My lodging costs are billed directly to the Department.) Will the shutdown affect this program?

A. No, the PCS Lodging Program is not affected by the shutdown.

Guidance from Federal Agencies

State

USAID

Commerce

  • Planning for a Potential Lapse in Appropriations (TBA)

FAS

APHIS

USAGM

OHRM/USDA

White House/OMB

Key Information

From the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

Other Key Information

CRS Reports on Government Shutdowns

Useful Information from the Media, Think Tanks, Etc.

Other Related Information