Furlough Resource Center

A furlough is the placement of an employee in a temporary non-duty, non-pay status because of lack of work or funds, or other non-disciplinary reasons. A furlough may impact some state employees when their agency no longer has the funding necessary to support their positions. While an employee is on furlough, the employee is on leave without pay. Some employees may be fully furloughed, while other employees have their pay and regular work schedule temporarily reduced based on the proportion of their compensation that comes from federal funds.

An end date is yet to be determined.

Yes, but because the federal furlough may end at any time, the state’s Dual Employment and Secondary Employment policies continue to apply. Before engaging in outside employment, contact your supervisor to ensure compliance with these policies and obtain agency approval. In some cases, when a furlough is expected to be longer in duration, an agency may instruct employees that the Dual Employment and Secondary Employment policies are waived, and there is no need to contact the supervisor before obtaining alternate employment.

The State Health Plan premium is paid one month in advance; therefore, the February payroll includes the cost of coverage for the month of March. If the furlough continues beyond the end of that month, employees should contact their agency HR Office for more information about paying premiums.

Employees’ NCFlex insurance program coverage will end at the beginning of the furlough unless the employee continues their NCFlex coverage by paying the vendors directly. Refer to page 40 of the Enrollment Guide. NCFlex continues to work with vendors, and this answer may be updated during the furlough period. Please stay in touch with your agency HR Office.