During a government shutdown, the following groups generally do not get paid during the shutdown period:
- Most federal employees who are furloughed (placed on temporary unpaid leave) do not receive paychecks while the shutdown is ongoing. Even those deemed essential and required to work without pay will have their pay delayed until after the shutdown ends, when back pay is typically approved by Congress.
- Federal contractors, including many janitors and other service workers employed by private companies that contract with the government, usually do not get paid during a shutdown. There is no legal obligation for contractors to pay their employees during this time, and they often face furloughs without pay.
- Members of the U.S. military, including active duty, National Guard, and reserve members, must continue to work but do not get paid during the shutdown until funding is restored.
- The president and members of Congress continue to get paid during a shutdown due to constitutional and legal protections.
In summary, regular federal employees who are furloughed and contractors, including janitors working on federal contracts, typically do not get paid during a government shutdown, though federal employees are guaranteed back pay once funding resumes, while contractors usually are not. Military personnel must work without pay during the shutdown but receive pay retroactively once funding is restored.
