The Workers Rights 
A new federal government watchdog report reveals the tale of DOGE federal jobs 2026 is not only one of layoffs but one of billions of dollars paid to people working that were not. An estimate of the federal government’s paid administrative leave costs last year was $9.5 billion, and most of that was directly related to a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative to reduce the federal workforce. The number of workers using paid leave more than doubled from 2023 to 2025, with costs of the leave salary increasing by 600%. It is no abstraction for federal employees, however: That figure has been what they have actually seen as a result of buyouts, deferred resignations and workforce reductions.
Quick Facts: DOGE Federal Jobs 2026
- Total paid leave cost (2025): $9.5 billion
- Increase in paid leave use (2023–2025): 435%
- Salary cost increase: 6x
- Forced to retire through the program: $6.7 billion (~70% of total)
- The number of federal workers who resigned with a deferred resignation: 139,963
- Net civilian workforce decrease January 2025 – March 2025: 120,363 (roughly 5%)
- Civilian federal employees analysed: 76 agencies representing ~95% of all civilian federal employees.
What’s Driving the DOGE Federal Jobs Paid Leave Bill?
In early 2025, about 2 million federal employees were given the option to quit their jobs, but continue to receive the same pay and benefits until September. Those individuals that accepted were placed on a “paid administrative leave” which is termed as being “employed” but not “working” during that time period until they were terminated from the program on their respective leave dates. It is this single program that is the main reason for most of the $9.5 billion that constitutes the DOGE federal jobs paid leave cost.
Which Agencies Were Hit Hardest?
The DOGE federal jobs program did not result in an even reduction in workforce. Some agencies were hit so hard that they lost almost their entire workforce; others were hardly affected at all.
| Agency | Workforce Decline |
| USAID | 95% |
| Education Department | 46% |
| General Services Administration | 37% |
| Office of Personnel Management | 34% |
| National Science Foundation | 33% |
| Housing and Urban Development is a federal agency | 31% |
| Homeland Security | Less than 1% |
Of particular interest, some agencies found they had to take the same people back on the same jobs they paid to leave, and tens of thousands of identical jobs were filled within a few months, prompting criticism that perhaps the short-term payoff for the paid leave cost was not a long-term savings.
What This Means for Federal Workers
In the case of those still working for the federal government, there is a serious issue on the table regarding employment stability, leave provisions, and how the reduction of the workforce may be managed in the future as it relates to DOGE. A government-wide hiring freeze has been in effect for months, and a “one hire for every four departures” guideline has led to a sharp drop in hiring; agencies have been tasked with looking into probationary workers and developing layoff plans. Some of these efforts have been stymied by a welter of ongoing litigation, and a recent court decision rendered one agency’s plan to cut jobs illegal, a reminder that the law is an ever-changing field in the wake of DOGE’s federal jobs decisions.
FAQs on DOGE Federal Jobs 2026
What caused the $9.5 billion paid leave cost?
Predominantly a deferred resignation scheme; employees were paid full salaries and benefits and were not officially terminated until during the leave.
How many federal employees resigned, but deferred to begin their retirement?
Almost 140,000 staffers left the government this way.
Are federal employees still eligible for paid leave in 2026
Yes, although leave and staffing management are still undergoing changes due to workforce reduction programs and hiring freezes.
Was the overall cost of the federal job cuts saved?
That is debatable, however, as although some of the workforce reductions are expected to save money annually, the cost of paid leave was high, and some claims for savings are still unconfirmed.
Global Worker Rights Issues You Should Know
Who Pays Rising H-1B Extension Costs?
Check out what workers can do if employers refuse payment.
How Do Malaysian Workers Navigate Singapore?
Find the key housing, economic and retirement challenges.
Could UK Bosses Really Face Jail?
Uncover what the illegal hiring crackdown means for workers.
Why Are Ceuta Migrants Returning?
Browse the food, safety and migration pressures driving returns.
Can Europe Solve Its Labour Shortage?
See why migration controls clash with growing worker demand.
