Pay Federal Workers and Servicemembers Act

This bill makes it clear that when the federal government shuts down, federal workers and military personnel who still have to report to work without pay can qualify for unemployment benefits during the shutdown. It updates federal law to remove any confusion about their eligibility for this help while paychecks are paused.

Key points:

• Who is affected: Federal civilian employees and servicemembers who must keep working during a shutdown (not furloughed at home).
• What changes: They are explicitly eligible for unemployment compensation during the shutdown period.
• Why it matters: It offers short-term financial relief to those working without pay until the government reopens and back pay arrives.