Pay Federal Workers and Servicemembers Act

Unemployment Compensation Access: The bill would allow excepted federal personnel to be deemed "totally separated from Federal service" for the purpose of determining eligibility for unemployment benefits (Section 2(a)(1)). This provides a way for workers to access benefits even while still employed.

Elimination of Waiting Periods: Under this act, eligible employees would be able to access unemployment compensation benefits with "no waiting period" for the eligibility to accrue (Section 2(a)(1)).

Coverage for Military and Civilian Personnel: The bill covers members of the Armed Forces, the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and civilian employees performing emergency work or deemed excepted by the Office of Personnel Management (Section 2(a)(1)(b)). This ensures that those required to work during a shutdown can access financial support if they are not being paid.