During a government shutdown, members of Congress and the President continue to receive their paychecks due to constitutional protections (Article I, Section 6 for Congress and laws protecting the president's salary). However, most federal employees do not get paid while the government is shut down. Federal workers are either furloughed—meaning sent home without pay—or deemed "essential" and required to work without immediate pay, receiving back pay later after the shutdown ends. Federal contractors, including many janitors, usually do not receive pay during a shutdown and are not guaranteed back pay. Some lawmakers have voluntarily requested to forgo their pay during shutdowns, but this is not the general rule. In summary:
- Congress members keep getting paid.
- The President gets paid.
- Essential federal workers work without pay initially but get back pay later.
- Non-essential federal workers are furloughed and also get back pay later.
- Federal contractors usually do not get paid and typically do not receive back pay.
This situation causes many federal employees to face delayed or lost income during the shutdown.
