Is military getting paid during shutdown?

Is the Military Getting Paid During Shutdown?

The United States federal government has been through numerous shutdowns in the past decade, with the most recent one being in January 2019. One of the most pressing concerns during such an event is whether the military personnel will continue to receive their pay. In this article, we will directly answer the question "Is the military getting paid during shutdown?" and delve into the specifics of what happens to their salaries, benefits, and overall work situation during a government shutdown.

Is the Military Getting Paid During Shutdown?

The answer to this question is a resounding "yes", at least in part. The military pay is handled by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), which is an agency of the United States Department of Defense. As per the law, DFAS is exempt from furloughs, meaning that military personnel continue to receive their pay without interruption. This applies to Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard members.

Here’s a breakdown of the military pay during shutdown:

However, other forms of military compensation, such as bonuses and allowances, might be impacted by the shutdown. Additionally, veteran benefits, such as Disability Compensation, may not be affected as much, but might experience a delay in payment processing. It’s essential to note that these specifics can change depending on the circumstances and length of the shutdown.

What About Other Forms of Military Compensation?

While military personnel receive their base pay as usual, other forms of compensation and benefits might be affected:

• Bonus payments: Some bonus payments, such as Retention Bonuses, might not be paid in full until the shutdown ends.
• Allowances: Some allowances, such as Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA), might not be paid or could experience delays.
• Temporary Lodging Expenses (TLE): TLE reimbursement might be delayed due to the shutdown.
• Travel Allowance (TA): TA payment processing might be delayed.
• Per Diem: Per diem claims processing might be delayed, leading to unintended financial consequences.

What Happens During a Government Shutdown?

When the federal government shutdowns, certain key activities cease:

1. Furloughs: Except for some exempt personnel, including the DFAS, other government agencies must furlough workers without pay until the shutdown ends.
2. Federal Services: Most non-essential government services cease, including federal museums, national parks, and non-emergency public health and food assistance programs.
3. Debt Ceiling: The debt ceiling must be raised periodically to permit the government to borrow and repay its debt. This issue is closely tied to government shutdowns.

During a shutdown, the Pentagon will continue to monitor the situation and maintain emergency preparedness. Although some support functions may be reduced or suspended, essential military operations will continue:

1. National Defense: Combat and defense-related activities remain uninterrupted.
2. National Security: Intelligence collection, analysis, and surveillance will continue to ensure the country’s safety.
3. Defense Operations: Logistical and operational tasks related to deployed troops, medical readiness, and mobilization will continue, as necessary.

The Bottom Line:

Yes, military personnel generally continue to receive their base pay during a government shutdown. However, bonuses, allowances, and other forms of compensation and benefits might experience delays. The key takeaways are:

1. The military pay, including Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard salaries, continues as usual.
2. Some allowances and bonuses may be impacted or delayed, but their timing and amount may depend on the length and details of the shutdown.
3. Government services, debt ceiling, and furloughs will experience changes during a shutdown.
4. The military and its personnel remain vigilant in their duties to protect national interests, despite the disruptions caused by a shutdown.

This information should serve as a clear guide to understanding military compensation and government operations during a shutdown.