Attorneys for Federal Employees — Nationwide

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Today at a Glance

• Shutdown watch: Your agency may send new “excepted vs. furlough” instructions—get it in writing and follow timekeeping rules.
• Retirement & benefits: 2026 updates can affect pay, leave payouts, and post-retirement earnings—save your records and verify amounts.
• IRS workload pressure: Backlogs + staffing issues can drive reassignments and overtime—track directions and time carefully.

Top Stories:

1. House Looks to End Partial Government Shutdown by Tuesday

Source: Federal News Network — February 1, 2026

TL;DR: A short partial shutdown looked likely, and OMB told agencies to prepare for a funding lapse and orderly shutdown steps.

For federal employees, this means:

• Watch for written instructions from your agency about whether you are excepted, furloughed, or needed for shutdown tasks.
• Follow your agency’s reporting and timekeeping rules exactly.
• Do not assume all agencies are treated the same—some positions may be exempt/excepted based on funding source.

Legal Insight:

If funding lapses, agencies generally limit work to what the law allows and send “shutdown plans” and status notices. Save any notice you receive (furlough or excepted), and if anything is unclear, ask HR or your supervisor in writing to confirm your status and timekeeping code. If you are told not to work, do not “help out” off the clock—this can create pay problems and even conduct issues later. Because deadlines can be short, consider talking with your union and a qualified federal employment attorney.

2. Federal Retirees Face New COLAs, Premiums and Earnings Limits in 2026

Source: Government Executive — January 29, 2026

TL;DR: A 2026 benefits roundup highlights changes that can affect pay, leave payouts, retiree earnings limits, and Medicare Part B costs.

For federal employees, this means:

• If you separated recently (or will soon), keep your final LES and leave records and verify your lump-sum annual leave payout.
• If you are a retiree who is working, track/report earnings to reduce overpayment risk.
• Calendar key deadlines (like Medicare Part B enrollment windows) and save proof of your choices.

Legal Insight:
Many year-to-year changes come from annual updates to pay and Social Security/Medicare rules. For leave payouts, compare your final LES leave balance to what the agency pays and keep the paperwork that supports your numbers. For retirees who work, respond quickly to earnings requests and keep copies, because mistakes can lead to debts later. Medicare Part B has a limited annual enrollment window (Jan. 1–Mar. 31), and missing it can trigger penalties, so keep a calendar reminder and written proof of enrollment decisions.

3. IRS Backlogs Up, Staffing Down as Tax Filing Season Begins, IG Says

Source: FEDweek — January 29, 2026

TL;DR: A Treasury Inspector General report raises concerns about IRS readiness, citing staffing declines and increased backlogs that could drive operational changes.

For federal employees, this means:

• If you work at IRS, expect possible workload spikes, shifting assignments, and tighter timelines—keep track of what you’re told to do.
• If you are asked to work extra hours, get approval for overtime/comp time in writing and track your time carefully.
• If your tour, telework schedule, or performance expectations change, ask for the change in writing and check union contract requirements.

Legal Insight:
IG reports can be used to justify changes like reassignments, “surge” work, and new performance expectations. If leadership makes big changes based on staffing shortages, protect yourself by keeping a simple written record: who directed what, when, and why. If you are pushed to move faster, ask for priorities in writing so you can show you followed direction. Because deadlines can be short, consider talking with your union and a qualified federal employment attorney.

Legal Tip of the Day

Don’t Miss Short Deadlines

Federal employees face surprisingly short deadlines when something goes wrong. Contacting an EEO counselor, filing a grievance, or appealing to the MSPB can have windows measured in days, not months. Don’t wait to “see how things play out” if you suspect discrimination, retaliation, or an unfair action. Mark key dates on a personal calendar and save any notices that mention appeal rights. Even just asking, “What is my deadline to respond or appeal?” is a smart step. If you’ve received a notice and aren’t sure what the timelines mean, our office can review it with you before time runs out. 

In Case You Missed It

A few quick hits from our recent videos and posts: