Pay Federal Workers and Servicemembers Act

This bill aims to ensure that federal civilian and military personnel who are required to work without pay during a government shutdown are eligible for unemployment compensation. It amends Chapter 85 of Title 5, United States Code, to establish this eligibility, addressing a gap for those deemed essential but not receiving pay. Specifically, for any lapse in appropriations beginning on or after March 14, 2025, the bill deems "covered employees" as totally separated from Federal service and eligible for unemployment compensation benefits with no waiting period . Covered employees include members of the Armed Forces, the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and federal civilian employees performing emergency work or who are otherwise excepted from furlough and not being paid. The amendment applies to weeks of unemployment beginning on or after March 14, 2025, providing a financial safety net for those who continue to work without pay during such periods.