Facing Furloughs

In the first month of the new Congress, federal employees have been hit hard by proposals from lawmakers to cut government jobs and further reduce their pay and benefits. Also on the table are mandatory furloughs, which, if implemented, would start next year.

Rep. Mike Coffman, R-Colo., on Jan. 12 introduced a bill that would require all federal employees not working in the areas of defense, public health, homeland security, or law enforcement to take two weeks of mandatory unpaid leave in fiscal 2012.

The proposal would not require federal workers to take a single continuous two-week furlough. It could work more as it has in a number of states that in recent years have begun furloughing employees on specified days, or requiring workers to take unpaid leave for a certain number of hours annually to help ease budget shortfalls. But observers have questioned the impact of a federal furlough, noting it might cost more than it would save.

According to the Office of Personnel Management, federal employees can be placed on emergency furlough in the case of a government shutdown, when agencies no longer have the appropriated funds to perform services. A "save money" furlough, by contrast, occurs when an agency must cut costs as a result of downsizing, reduced funding, or diminished work. These furloughs are planned and allow advance notice for employees.

With that as background, take our quiz to learn more about how a furlough could affect you.

1. Do I lose benefits, such as health insurance and retirement credit, during a furlough?

a. Yes. No pay, no benefits.
b. No, but coverage could change depending on the length of the furlough.
c. No. The government will continue to provide benefits no matter what.

2. Can I take a second job during a furlough?

a. Yes, anything that will pay the bills is fair game.
b. Yes, but agency ethics rules still apply and will prohibit certain kinds of employment.
c. No. Being a fed means no on-the-side jobs.

3. Can I still take my vacation, or request to use paid leave while on furlough?

a. Yes, you can still get a paycheck for those days off.
b. Yes, if you've already decided to take paid time off, but no new requests will be honored.
c. No. All paid leave will be canceled, whether planned or unplanned.
4. Am I still eligible for performance awards, within-grade and step increases during a furlough?

a. Yes and no. Agencies don't have to pay performance awards, but cannot deny within-grade and step increases.
b. Yes. Furloughs affect only base salaries.
c. No. All pay increases come to a halt during furloughs.

Think you've mastered the 411 on furloughs? Click here for the answers.