Federal workers are officially called back to their jobs following the end of the government shutdown. They’re just waiting on their back pay to come through.
Throughout the shutdown, around 750,000 federal employees were furloughed, but some had to keep working without pay. This situation always leaves a lot of stress for those affected.
The majority of federal workers registered zero payment during the crisis due to a funding gap. However, a number of essential personnel, like military soldiers and homeland security officers, did receive salaries shortly after interventions by President Trump.
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The federal government reopened effectively on November 12, thanks to a bill signed by Trump that ensures funding for agencies until January 30. After a historic 43 consecutive days of closure, the effects on different government departments might continue to impact operations. Here’s what these workers should expect.
Federal Employees Head Back on November 13
In a memo released on November 12, Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, instructed federal agencies and their staff to restart work the next day.
“Agencies should take all measures necessary to guarantee that offices open in an efficient and organized fashion on November 13, 2025. Employees who have been on furlough due to funding shortages must return to their jobs on November 13,” the memo stated.
When Can Federal Workers Expect Their Back Pay?
A senior official from Trump’s administration confirmed to USA TODAY that preparations are underfoot to start sending out back pay checks from November 15 to 19, depending on which agency employees belong to. This timeline was first mentioned by Semafor.
Since each department has its own payroll system and payment procedures, the timing might differ for agencies. Adjustments in the time frame for the initial payment check have also been shared. The main reason is that a lot of agencies are just now concluding their pay periods, so checks will only cover up until November 1 — meaning compensation for the rest of November will go into the next paycheck.
Here’s a rundown of the anticipated timelines by agency:
- November 15 (covering Oct. 1 to Nov. 1)
- General Services Administration
- Office of Personnel Management
- November 16 (covering Oct. 1 to Nov. 1)
- Department of Energy
- Department of Health and Human Services
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- Civilians from the Department of War (formerly known as the Department of Defense)
- November 17 (covering Oct. 1 to Nov. 1)
- Department of Education
- Department of State
- Department of the Interior
- Department of Transportation
- Environmental Protection Agency
- NASA
- National Science Foundation
- Nuclear Regulatory Commission
- Social Security Administration
- November 19 (covering Oct. 1 to Nov. 15)
- Department of Agriculture
- Department of Commerce
- Department of Homeland Security
- Department of Housing and Urban Development
- Department of Justice
- Department of Labor
- Department of Treasury
- Small Business Administration
Is Back Pay Guaranteed for Federal Workers?
Federal employee back pay is confirmed under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act, but had been uncertain during the shutdown.
Fortunately, the agreement to end the shutdown assured that federal employees will be compensated for the losses incurred during this period.
The Office of Personnel Management advised essential workers who completed their duties during the shutdown to keep close track of their hours in line with their agency’s payroll requirements.
The Government Employee Fair Treatment Act from 2019 assures that federal workers impacted by funding disruptions “will be compensated for the duration of the funding gap.”
Melina Khan is a trending reporter for USA TODAY and can be reached at melina.khan@usatoday.com.
Originally published by USA TODAY: What to Know About Federal Workers’ Back Pay and Return to Work
