Does Retired Military Get Paid If Government Shuts Down?
The topic of government shutdowns has become increasingly relevant in recent years, with the threat of a shutdown looming more frequently than ever before. In the midst of these concerns, many Americans are left wondering about the impact on specific groups, including retired military personnel. In this article, we will delve into the question: Does retired military get paid if government shuts down?
Contents
Understanding the Context of Government Shutdowns
A government shutdown occurs when the legislative branch of the federal government, specifically Congress, is unable to pass a spending bill or a budget by the start of a new fiscal year. This usually results in the closure of non-essential government services, affecting millions of federal employees. The shutdown’s effects vary depending on the specific circumstances, but generally, essential services, such as national security, healthcare, and law enforcement, remain operational.
The Role of the Federal Employee Pay Act
The Federal Employee Pay Act (FEPA) ensures that federal employees continue to receive pay despite a government shutdown. The FEPA is a permanent appropriations bill that provides a reliable source of funding for employee pay and benefits. In the event of a shutdown, furloughed federal employees may not be paid for their time worked during the shutdown, but they will eventually receive retroactive pay once the shutdown is resolved and a spending bill is passed.
Does This Apply to Retired Military Personnel?
In contrast to federal employees, retired military personnel are not subject to the same rules as government employees. According to the Department of Defense’s (DoD) payment policy, retirees will continue to receive their military retirement pay, including survivor benefits, regardless of a government shutdown.
Table: Impact on Military Retirement Pay during a Government Shutdown
| Retiree Benefits | Effect of Government Shutdown |
|---|---|
| Military Retirement Pay | No change; continues uninterrupted |
| Survivor Benefits | No change; continues uninterrupted |
| Disability Compensation | No change; continues uninterrupted |
Why Retirees are Exempt?
Retired military personnel are not funded by the annual budget appropriations process. Instead, their pay is funded through pre-funding mechanisms, which ensures that their retirement benefits are protected from disruptions, including government shutdowns.
Key Exceptions to Note
While retired military personnel will continue to receive their regular retirement pay, there are some exceptions to consider:
- Commissioned officers: Those with Commissioned Officer Retirement accounts may see a delay in receiving their pension benefits due to a government shutdown. This is because the accounts are managed by the DoD’s Civilian Pay Agency.
- Veterans Benefits: While military retirees receive uninterrupted retirement pay, veterans receiving benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may experience delays or disruptions during a shutdown.
Conclusion
In conclusion, retired military personnel will continue to receive their military retirement pay and benefits, including survivor benefits and disability compensation, even during a government shutdown. This is because their pay is funded through pre-funding mechanisms, unlike federal employees, who rely on annual budget appropriations.
Key Takeaway: Retired military personnel can rest assured that their hard-earned retirement benefits will continue uninterrupted, despite government shutdowns or funding delays.
