Federal employees, who have been working under a two-year pay freeze since January 2011, will not get a pay increase until at least January 2014. On March 26, 2013, President Obama signed legislation to continue the freeze on statutory pay adjustments for most Federal civilian employees until December 31, 2013.

While President Obama recommended a 0.5 percent 2013 federal employee pay raise last August -- that never materialized during the Congressional budget process.

In September 2012, Obama signed a continuing appropriations resolution to fund the government for another six months. The measure included an extended pay freeze for federal employees and members of Congress through Wednesday, March 27, 2013.

In an executive order on April 5, Obama officially rescinded the proposed GS pay scale 2013 increase. The executive order can be found here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/04/05/executive-order-adjustments-certain-rates-pay

The pay freeze extension only affects the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).  Federal employees are eligible for pay grade step increases or raises if they receive promotions.

You can get updates to any changes to your GS pay scale 2013 or other benefits by signing up for the free My Federal Retirement email newsletter below:

GS Pay Scale 2013