TSA officers have worked without paychecks during five federal government shutdowns since the agency was created in 2001

The Transportation Security Administration has experienced five shutdowns where officers continued working but did not receive paychecks: 16 days in 2013, 35 days in 2018–2019, 11 days in 2019, 3 days in 2021, and 1 day in 2023. The longest stretch was the 35-day shutdown that ran from December 22, 2018, through January 25, 2019. During each shutdown, TSA officers are classified as essential personnel, meaning they must report to work even though their paychecks stop.

The 2018–2019 shutdown affected roughly 51,000 TSA officers across the country. Many officers worked double shifts, called in sick, or took unpaid leave because they could not afford to work without income. Some airports experienced longer security lines and occasional checkpoint closures as staffing dropped. The shutdown ended when Congress passed a spending bill, and officers received back pay for all days worked without payment.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA officers are required to work during federal shutdowns even though paychecks stop, and this has happened five times since 2001.
  • The longest shutdown lasted 35 days from December 2018 through January 2019, affecting about 51,000 officers nationwide.
  • Officers eventually receive back pay for all days worked during a shutdown once Congress passes a spending bill and the government reopens.
  • During shutdowns, some airports experience longer security lines and reduced staffing because officers cannot afford to work without income.

The 2018–2019 Shutdown: What Happened

The 35-day shutdown from December 22, 2018, to January 25, 2019, was the longest period TSA officers worked without pay. The shutdown began over disagreement in Congress about funding for a border wall. During this time, TSA officers showed up to work at airports across the country but received no paychecks.

Staffing shortages became visible within days. At some airports, security lines grew longer because officers called in sick or took unpaid leave to find other work or handle financial emergencies. The Transportation Security Administration reported that unscheduled absences reached 10 percent or higher at some major airports. Some smaller airports temporarily closed security checkpoints during off-peak hours because they did not have enough staff to keep them open.

Officers faced real hardship. Many had to choose between paying rent, buying food, or showing up to work. Some took out loans or used credit cards to cover basic expenses. The shutdown ended on January 25, 2019, when Congress passed a spending bill. TSA officers then received back pay for all 35 days they worked without paychecks.

Other Shutdowns and Their Length

Before the 2018–2019 shutdown, TSA officers experienced a 16-day shutdown in October 2013. That shutdown lasted from October 1 to October 16 and affected roughly 45,000 officers. Like later shutdowns, officers were required to work but did not receive paychecks. Back pay was issued once the government reopened.

In 2019, a second shutdown lasted 11 days from December 22 to January 2. This was much shorter than the previous year's shutdown but still required officers to work without pay. In 2021, a 3-day shutdown occurred in October. The most recent shutdown was 1 day in October 2023. Both of these were brief enough that the impact on staffing and officer finances was less severe than longer shutdowns, though officers still did not receive paychecks during those periods.

How Back Pay Works After a Shutdown Ends

Once Congress passes a spending bill and the government reopens, TSA officers receive back pay for every day they worked during the shutdown. The paychecks are issued retroactively, meaning officers are paid for the time they already worked. The timing of these payments varies depending on how quickly payroll systems can process the back pay, but officers typically receive their money within one to two pay periods after the government reopens.

Back pay covers the full salary an officer would have earned during the shutdown period. If an officer worked 35 days without a paycheck, they receive payment for all 35 days once the government reopens. This is a legal requirement under federal law, not a discretionary benefit. However, back pay does not cover the financial hardship officers face during the shutdown itself — the missed bills, late fees, or loans they had to take out.

Why TSA Officers Must Work During Shutdowns

TSA officers are classified as essential personnel under federal law. This means they must report to work even when the government shuts down and funding runs out. The reasoning is that airport security cannot stop, and closing checkpoints would disrupt travel and commerce across the country. Unlike some other federal employees who are furloughed (sent home without pay) during shutdowns, TSA officers have no choice but to continue working.

This creates a difficult situation for officers. They are required by law to show up and perform their job, but they receive no paycheck while doing so. Other essential federal workers, such as border patrol agents and air traffic controllers, face the same requirement. The law does not allow these workers to strike or refuse to work during a shutdown, even though they are not being paid.

Impact on Airport Operations and Staffing

During the 2018–2019 shutdown, the impact on airport operations became visible within the first week. Security lines grew longer at major airports including Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York. Some officers called in sick or took unpaid leave because they could not afford to work without income. The Transportation Security Administration reported that unscheduled absences reached double digits at some airports.

Smaller airports were hit harder than large ones. Some had to temporarily close security checkpoints during early morning or late evening hours when passenger traffic was light, because they did not have enough staff to keep all checkpoints open. This forced passengers to use fewer checkpoints and wait longer. A few airports reported occasional delays of 30 minutes or more during peak travel times.

The staffing crisis also affected morale. Officers who showed up to work despite financial hardship saw colleagues unable to do the same. Overtime increased for those who remained, adding fatigue to an already stressful situation. Once the shutdown ended and back pay was issued, staffing returned to normal levels within days.

What Officers Can Do to Prepare for Future Shutdowns

TSA officers who want to prepare for the possibility of a future shutdown can build an emergency fund covering at least one month of expenses. This provides a financial cushion if a shutdown lasts longer than expected. Some officers also look into whether they are may be able to access for unemployment benefits during a shutdown, though rules vary by state and the answer is often no because officers are still technically employed.

Officers can also reach out to their union representatives or employee information programs if a shutdown occurs. Some unions negotiate with the agency for advance paychecks or emergency loans during shutdowns. The Federal Employees Health Benefits Program continues during shutdowns, so officers do not lose health insurance coverage even if paychecks stop. Knowing these options in advance can help officers plan if another shutdown happens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do TSA officers get paid during a government shutdown?

No. TSA officers are required to work during shutdowns but do not receive paychecks until the government reopens and Congress passes a spending bill. Once the government reopens, officers receive back pay for all days worked during the shutdown.

How long was the longest TSA shutdown without pay?

The longest shutdown was 35 days, from December 22, 2018, through January 25, 2019. During this time, roughly 51,000 TSA officers worked without paychecks. Officers eventually received back pay for all 35 days once Congress passed a spending bill.

Can TSA officers refuse to work during a shutdown?

No. TSA officers are classified as essential personnel under federal law and are required to report to work during shutdowns. They cannot strike or refuse to work, even though they are not being paid. Refusing to work can result in disciplinary action or termination.

When do officers receive back pay after a shutdown ends?

Back pay is issued retroactively once the government reopens and payroll systems process the payments. Officers typically receive their back pay within one to two pay periods after the shutdown ends. The exact timing depends on how quickly the agency can process the payments.

Has TSA had shutdowns other than 2018–2019?

Yes. TSA officers have worked without pay during five shutdowns: 16 days in 2013, 35 days in 2018–2019, 11 days in 2019, 3 days in 2021, and 1 day in 2023. Each shutdown required officers to continue working but stopped paychecks until the government reopened.