The federal government shuts down when Congress fails to pass funding bills that allocate money to agencies so they can function. The current budget expired at 11:59pm September 30, 2025. If a budget is not approved SSA will not have funds approved for payroll, and has historically required the essential employees to continue working. If the government goes into a shutdown your pay scheduled for October 10, 2025 will only cover hours worked from September 21-30. All subsequent pay will be delayed until a budget is approved.  

The Attached Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between AFGE and SSA was updated in October 2023 to add the following language: #13 Management will consider excepted employees furlough request similarly to leave requests made under Article 31 of the National Agreement. Preapproved leave will normally be honored with a lapse occurs. Employees on preapproved leave may request to substitute furlough time for their leave.

Please see the full agreement below.