Payment Dates
Federal Employee Pay Periods and Paydays for 2026 and 2027
By the ForLowerBills Editorial Team · Reviewed by the ForLowerBills Editorial Team against official sources · Last updated: November 1, 2026 · Sources checked: November 1, 2026 · How we research
Most federal civilian employees work on a biweekly schedule: 26 two-week pay periods a year, each running Sunday to Saturday. Your exact payday is set by your agency's payroll provider, not OPM. This page shows the pay period dates that follow from OPM's published leave years.
How Federal Pay Periods Work
OPM says a leave year begins on the first day of the first full biweekly pay period in a calendar year. OPM lists the 2026 leave year as Jan. 11, 2026 to Jan. 9, 2027, and the 2027 leave year as Jan. 10, 2027 to Jan. 8, 2028 (OPM leave year dates (opens in a new tab)). Each pay period is 14 days, Sunday through Saturday.
OPM notes these dates apply to most employees, but some agency payroll systems use a different schedule. Check with your agency.
When Is Payday?
OPM does not publish one payday calendar for all agencies. Paydays are set by each payroll provider and usually come after the pay period ends. Exact paydays: Unknown on this page. Check your earnings statement or your agency payroll office.
Pay Periods: November 2026 to January 2028
Worked out from OPM's leave year start dates, 14 days at a time. "PP" means pay period.
| Pay period | Starts (Sunday) | Ends (Saturday) | Payday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 PP 22 | Sun, Nov 1, 2026 | Sat, Nov 14, 2026 | Unknown |
| 2026 PP 23 | Sun, Nov 15, 2026 | Sat, Nov 28, 2026 | Unknown |
| 2026 PP 24 | Sun, Nov 29, 2026 | Sat, Dec 12, 2026 | Unknown |
| 2026 PP 25 | Sun, Dec 13, 2026 | Sat, Dec 26, 2026 | Unknown |
2027 Federal Holidays That Fall in a Pay Period
From the OPM 2027 holiday schedule (opens in a new tab): Jan. 1, Jan. 18, Feb. 15, May 31, June 18 (observed), July 5 (observed), Sep. 6, Oct. 11, Nov. 11, Nov. 25, Dec. 24 (observed). Friday, Dec. 31, 2027 is the observed New Year's Day 2028 holiday. Holidays can shift processing, so your payday may move.
Ways to stretch each payment
A steady biweekly check is easier to stretch when the monthly bills are smaller:
- Lower your internet bill: Ask about affordable plans and drop fees you do not need. See all tips
- Lower your heating bill: Cheap fixes and assistance programs before winter bills land. See all tips
- Lower your water bill: Find leaks and ask your utility about assistance. See all tips
Independent site, not a government agency
ForLowerBills.com is an independent, free resource, not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or any government agency. Pay period dates are worked out from OPM leave year dates and may not match your agency. Confirm with your payroll office.
Frequently asked questions
How often are federal employees paid?
Most are paid every two weeks, for 26 pay periods a year. Each pay period runs Sunday through Saturday.
When does the 2027 federal leave year start?
Sunday, Jan. 10, 2027, and it ends Saturday, Jan. 8, 2028, per OPM. Some agency payroll systems differ.
What is my federal payday?
It depends on your agency payroll provider. OPM does not publish a single payday list, so we mark exact paydays as unknown. Check your earnings statement.
What is the last pay period of the 2026 leave year?
Pay period 26 runs Sunday, Dec. 27, 2026 to Saturday, Jan. 9, 2027, based on OPM leave year dates.
Do these dates apply to the military?
No. Service members are paid twice a month by DFAS. See our military pay dates page.
Official sources
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