A shutdown furlough (also called an emergency furlough) occurs when there is a lapse in appropriations, and can occur at the beginning of a fiscal year if no funds have been appropriated for that year, or upon expiration of a continuing resolution if a new continuing resolution or appropriations law is not passed.

In the event of a shutdown furlough, this web page will provide information for employees. 

Furlough Information

• Contingency Plans for the U.S. Department of Commerce, September 2023
• OPM's Furlough Guidance Website
• OPM's Guidance for Shutdown Furloughs, December 2021
• OMB Agency Contingency Plans, including Frequently Asked Questions During a Lapse in Appropriations
• Telework and Other Workplace Flexibilities for Excepted Employees during a Lapse in Appropriations, January 23, 2019
• Pay and Benefits Information for Employees Affected by the Lapse in Appropriations, January 11, 2019
• Government Employee Fair Treatment Act
• Ethics Rules During a Lapse in Appropriations
• Non-Federal Employment and Outside Activities - FAQs, January 4, 2021
• Non-Federal Employment and Outside Activities - Ethics-at-a-glance, January 4, 2021
• Contacting the U.S. Government on Behalf of Others, January 4, 2021

Furlough Communication

• Final Employee Lapse Checklist, November 2023
• Planning for Potential Lapse in Funding, A Message from Secretary Gina Raimondo
• Guidance to HCHB Occupants in the Event of a Lapse in Appropriations
• Contracts and Grants Guidance During a Lapse in Appropriations
• Travel Guidance In The Event Of A Lapse In Appropriations
• Lapse in Appropriations Travel Approval Form
• Bureau Excepted Travel POCs