SHUT-DOWN OF FEDERAL OPERATIONS—WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ME?
In the event of a Federal government shutdown, Federal employees may be eligible for Unemployment
Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE). The UCFE program is administered by state
unemployment insurance (UI) agencies acting as agents of the Federal government. The program is
operated under the same terms and conditions that apply to regular state UI. In general, the law of the
state in which an individual’s official duty station in Federal civilian service is located will be the state
law under which an individual’s eligibility for benefits is determined.
What is a shut-down?
Every year Congress appropriates funds for
Federal Agencies to operate in each fiscal year.
In the absence of either a signed appropriations
or a Continuing Resolution, Federal Agencies
must “shut-down” (that is, cease normal
spending).
Which federal employees are affected?
When there is a “shut-down” not all government
operations cease. Expectations generally
provide for continuation of activities involving
national defense, law enforcement, and other
activities directly involved with the protection of
life and property. In addition, employees not
paid from appropriated funds, and those
“excepted” to administer shut-down operations,
will continue to work.
Pay Status
During a government shut-down, employees
who are not required to work under one of the
exceptions above may not even volunteer their
services. Employees not required to work are
“furloughed,” that is, placed in a non-pay, non-
duty status, until the shut-down ends.
Will “excepted” employees get paid?
Employees designated “excepted” who continue
to work during the shut-down will almost
certainly be paid for this period. However, this
requires specific Congressional approval and
that has occurred in the past.
Am I eligible for unemployment benefits?
State UI laws regarding eligibility vary. You
may apply on or after the first day you are
furloughed. The state where you file your claim
will determine your eligibility. In general,
furloughed employees should be eligible as long
as all other state eligibility factors are met.
How do I file an unemployment claim?
You need to contact the state where you worked
to file a claim. To find contact information for
your state, please visit the following website:
http://www.servicelocator.org/. Employees may
be asked to provide proof of wages such as an
earnings and leave statement, or Form SF-50
and may also be asked to provide a Form SF-8.
What is the weekly amount of UCFE benefits
paid, and how long do benefits last?
Most states pay a maximum of 26 weeks of
regular benefits; the maximum weekly benefit
amount of UCFE is based on the state law; the
amounts will vary.
How soon will benefits begin to be paid?
Some states require individuals to serve a
waiting week, which means that the first week
after a claim is filed is an unpaid week. In
general, most states will issue payments to
eligible individuals within 14-21 days after the
claim is filed.
What will happen if Federal employees are
paid for time during the shutdown period?
Should an appropriation or continuing resolution
occur that retroactively provides for the payment
of salary, state and Federal UI laws governing
benefit overpayments will need to be applied to
those weeks in which benefits were paid.
