The TSA's Most Recent Shutdown Without Pay

The most recent period when TSA officers worked without pay was during the 2018–2019 government shutdown, which lasted 35 days from December 22, 2018, to January 25, 2019. This was the longest shutdown in U.S. history at that time. TSA screeners, like all federal employees deemed "essential," were required to work their regular shifts but received no paychecks during this period.

Before that, TSA officers went without pay during the 2013 shutdown, which lasted 16 days. During both shutdowns, officers had to report to work to maintain airport security operations, but their pay was delayed until Congress passed a funding bill and the shutdown ended.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA officers last worked without pay during the 35-day shutdown from December 2018 to January 2019.
  • TSA screeners are classified as essential personnel, meaning they must work during shutdowns even though they do not receive paychecks.
  • Back pay is issued after a shutdown ends and Congress passes a funding bill, though the timing varies.
  • Shutdowns have occurred multiple times since the TSA was created in 2001, with varying lengths and financial impact on officers.

Why TSA Officers Work Without Pay During Shutdowns

The TSA is part of the Department of Homeland Security, a federal agency. When Congress does not pass a budget and the government shuts down, most federal employees are furloughed—sent home without work or pay. However, certain agencies are deemed essential to national security and public safety, and their employees must continue working.

The TSA falls into this essential category because airport screening cannot stop. If TSA officers did not show up to work, airports would close and air travel would halt. Because of this, TSA screeners are required by law to report to their posts during shutdowns, even though they know they will not be paid until the shutdown ends and Congress funds the government again.

How Back Pay Works After a Shutdown Ends

Once Congress passes a funding bill and the president signs it, the shutdown officially ends. Federal employees who worked without pay during the shutdown receive back pay for all the hours they worked. The timing of this payment depends on how quickly the agency can process payroll after funding is restored.

In the 2018–2019 shutdown, TSA officers received their back pay within a few weeks after the shutdown ended on January 25, 2019. However, the exact timing can vary depending on the length of the shutdown and how quickly the payroll system can catch up. During the shutdown itself, officers receive no income, which creates serious financial hardship for workers living paycheck to paycheck.

The Financial Impact on TSA Officers

Working without pay for weeks or months creates real hardship for TSA screeners. Many officers reported missing rent payments, unable to buy groceries, or skipping medical care during the 2018–2019 shutdown. Some officers took second jobs or borrowed money from family to cover basic expenses while waiting for back pay.

The 35-day shutdown in 2018–2019 meant that a full-time TSA officer lost roughly five weeks of income. For an officer earning around $40,000 per year, that represented approximately $3,800 in lost income during those weeks, even though the money was eventually repaid. The delay itself—not receiving a paycheck for over a month—created when ready financial pressure that back pay could not fully resolve.

How Often Shutdowns Have Affected the TSA

Since the TSA was created in 2001, the agency has experienced multiple shutdowns. The most significant ones for TSA officers were the 2013 shutdown (16 days) and the 2018–2019 shutdown (35 days). Shorter shutdowns have also occurred in 2018 and 2019, though these lasted only a few days.

The frequency and length of shutdowns have increased over the past decade. Between 2001 and 2013, shutdowns were rare. Since 2013, they have become more common as Congress has struggled to pass budgets on schedule. This pattern means TSA officers face recurring uncertainty about whether they will be paid on their expected payday.

What Happens to Airport Security During a Shutdown

One of the most visible effects of TSA officers working without pay is the impact on airport operations. During the 2018–2019 shutdown, some TSA officers called in sick rather than work without pay, which caused significant delays at major airports. Lines grew longer, and some flights were delayed because screening checkpoints were understaffed.

This created a difficult situation for officers: they could either report to work and go unpaid, or call in sick and risk disciplinary action or losing their job. Many officers chose to work, but the financial pressure and stress contributed to higher absence rates than normal, which in turn affected passengers and airlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do TSA officers get paid during a government shutdown?

No. TSA officers work without pay during a shutdown, though they are required to report to work because the agency is deemed essential. Once the shutdown ends and Congress funds the government, officers receive back pay for all hours worked during the shutdown.

How long was the longest shutdown that affected TSA officers?

The 2018–2019 shutdown lasted 35 days, from December 22, 2018, to January 25, 2019. This was the longest government shutdown in U.S. history and meant TSA officers went without paychecks for over five weeks.

Can TSA officers refuse to work during a shutdown?

No. TSA officers are classified as essential personnel and are required by law to work during shutdowns. Refusing to work can result in disciplinary action or termination. However, officers can call in sick, though this may also have consequences depending on the agency's policies.

When do TSA officers receive back pay after a shutdown?

Back pay is issued after Congress passes a funding bill and the shutdown officially ends. The exact timing depends on how quickly payroll can process the delayed payments, but officers typically receive their back pay within a few weeks of the shutdown ending.