How to Prepare for a Possible Government Shutdown

As of now, Congress has failed to pass 10 of the 12 required spending bills, with current funding set to expire at midnight on September 30. For federal employees, that means it’s time—again—to brace for the possibility of a government shutdown.

If you’re a GS-9 or above, chances are you’ve lived through one of these before. Still, every shutdown brings new stressors, especially in uncertain political climates like this one. Let’s walk through what you can do right now to protect your paycheck, paperwork, and peace of mind.

Start with a Financial Check-In

Shutdowns often mean delayed pay. Can you cover one or two missed paychecks? If not, identify your Plan B:

• Tap into rainy day funds, if available.

• Look into a TSP loan or your credit union’s furlough relief program.

• Contact your mortgage or student loan servicer now to ask about hardship accommodations.

If you’ve weathered a shutdown before, consider what worked last time—and what didn’t. Your experience might help others in your office or online.

Clarify Your Work Status

Are you “excepted” or “furloughed”? This determines whether you'll be working unpaid or sent home. If you’re excepted, brace for possible overtime and staffing shortages. If you’re furloughed, draft a compliant out-of-office reply now and talk to your supervisor about what approvals or notifications are required.

Remember: benefits like FEHB continue during a lapse, but onboarding, promotions, and reimbursements may freeze. If you’re a new hire, your start date could be postponed.

Document and Backup Critical Info

Before any systems go offline:

• Screenshot your last two Leave and Earnings Statements (LES).

• Save any pending leave approvals or travel authorizations.

• Download important emails or contact information if you anticipate losing access.

Agency systems aren’t always reliable during a lapse—prepare now so you’re not scrambling later.

Moonlighting? Know the Rules

If you’re considering a side gig to make ends meet, remember that many agencies require pre-approval for outside employment—even during a furlough. Ethics rules don’t take time off, even when the government does.

Help Us Help Each Other

We’re asking veterans of past shutdowns to share their tips: Which apps helped you track unemployment? How did you work with lenders? What resources helped your family stay afloat? If you’re a federal contractor, what do you wish feds understood?

Drop your insights in the comments of our latest social post or email us privately at [email protected].

We’ll keep translating OPM memos and committee chatter into plain English, so you can focus on what matters most—your team, your family, and your peace of mind. If you’d like deeper guidance, check out our membership.

Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While I am a federal employment attorney, this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every situation is unique, and legal outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances.