Federal Hiring Freeze Explained: Who’s Affected, Who’s Not, and What Comes Next
A federal hiring freeze is a government-wide pause on hiring new federal civilian employees. It is often used as a cost-cutting measure or as a way for an administration to reassess and restructure the federal workforce.
The most recent hiring freeze was signed into action by President Trump on January 20, 2025, and is set to last 90 days. One of the biggest misunderstandings that has been floating around is the belief that everyone working in a government facility is affected. However, this is not the case.
Who is Affected by the Federal Hiring Freeze?
A federal employment freeze only applies to federal civilian employees—people who are directly hired and paid by the U.S. government. These employees work under systems like the General Schedule (GS) or Civil Service (CS), across different fields like administration, healthcare, and public services.
Because their paychecks come directly from the federal government, workers can face these issues up until April 20, 2025:
People applying for government jobs are left waiting. If you’re trying to get a federal job, your application could be put on hold indefinitely, or you might even lose a job offer if the agency is no longer allowed to hire.
Vacant job openings remain open. If someone retires, quits, or moves to another job, their position stays unfilled until the freeze is lifted.
No new jobs are created. Federal agencies can’t add new positions unless they get special permission, usually for urgent jobs like national security or emergency services.
Current employees have to do more work. With no new hires, existing employees have to pick up the slack, which can lead to longer hours.
Federal Hiring Freeze Exceptions: Who is Not Affected?
On the flip side, the freeze does not apply to:
1. Contract Workers
If you work in a federal facility but were hired through a private staffing company like Matrix Providers, your job is not affected. Contract workers are hired and paid by staffing agencies under agreements with the government. A recruitment freeze does not stop contract work because these roles are funded separately from federal civilian positions.
2. Military Personnel
If you are in the armed forces, your job is secure. The freeze does not apply to active-duty service members because military readiness is a top priority. The government continues to recruit and staff military roles regardless of an employment freeze affecting civilian positions.¹
3. Law Enforcement and National Security Roles
Recruitment halts do not usually apply to national security and law enforcement roles. This includes those in the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, or other protective services. The reason is that these jobs are considered critical, and exceptions are often granted to ensure public safety.
4. Essential Healthcare Workers
Many healthcare professionals working in government-run medical facilities are not affected by employment freezes. Hospitals, military clinics, and Veterans Health Administration (VA) medical centers still need staff to care for patients, so exceptions are often made for doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals in high-demand roles. In fact, according to the news, more than 300,000 VA health jobs are exempted from the freeze.²
Why the Role of Contract Healthcare Workers Remains Essential Even During a Hiring Freeze
Unlike some federal offices that can slow down operations during an employment freeze, healthcare doesn’t have that luxury. Patients still need care, emergencies still happen, and treatments can’t wait.
The VA serves millions of veterans, many of whom require specialized care, ongoing treatments, and emergency services. But hiring full-time employees—especially in government agencies—isn’t quick or easy. Background checks, credential verification, and onboarding can take months.
And even before the temporary halt on hiring, the VA was already struggling with severe staffing shortages. In 2024, 86% of VA facilities reported critical shortages of medical officers, and 82% were short on nurses.³ That means the system was already under strain, and any delays in hiring will only make things worse.
In the meantime, contract healthcare workers step in to keep things running and make sure patients continue to receive care. Since they’re hired through private staffing agencies instead of directly by the government, contract healthcare workers can quickly fill staffing gaps and ensure continuity of care.
Also, contract workers aren’t affected by employment freezes, which provides an extra layer of job security. Even if exemptions weren’t in place, working as a contract provider offers the flexibility to switch jobs and locations without being tied to a single facility—making it an appealing option for those looking for stability without long-term commitments.
What Should You Do If You Still Have Concerns?
If you’re a contract worker, you might still have questions about what this employment freeze means for you. Here are steps you can take to address your concerns:
Keep doing your job as usual. There is nothing about the freeze changing your day-to-day work, so stay focused on your role. That said, it’s always a good idea to think ahead, especially if your contract has an expiration date. If your current assignment is set to end soon, check in with your staffing agency or employer about possible extensions or new openings. Some contracts are renewed automatically, while others may require a conversation to confirm the next steps. Being proactive helps you avoid last-minute surprises and keeps you in control of your career.
Stay in the loop on policy updates. Even though the freeze doesn’t affect contract workers, bigger shifts in government policies can sometimes impact funding, staffing needs, or future contracts. Pay attention to VA updates, industry news, and any changes your employer or agency brings up. If you’re part of a professional network or association, those can also be great sources of information.
Talk to HR or your program manager. If you have concerns, don’t sit on them. Reach out to HR, your program manager, or your recruiter to get clarity on your contract’s status, renewal options, or what’s next. They may also have insight into whether your facility expects staffing changes or if new roles will be opening soon. Keeping these lines of communication open not only gives you peace of mind but also positions you as a proactive professional, which could help when new opportunities arise.
Stay prepared and informed with Matrix Provider during this period of uncertainty.
Federal hiring freezes often create mixed reactions, but for Matrix Providers’ employees, nothing changes. Your work as a contract healthcare worker remains a vital part of government medical facilities, ensuring that service members, veterans, and their families receive the care they need—regardless of hiring restrictions.
Right now, we do not expect any new Executive Orders that would impact contracting companies. However, we are closely monitoring any government developments and will keep you updated if anything changes.
If you’re a professional looking for a meaningful and stable career, now is the perfect time to explore contract opportunities. Working with Matrix Providers gives you the chance to serve a critical role in military hospitals, VA medical centers, and other government healthcare facilities.
Your skills are needed. Your work matters. Are you ready to take the next step? Explore available positions and apply today.
References:
1.“Presidential Actions: Hiring Freeze.” The White House, 20 Jan. 2025, www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/hiring-freeze/#:~:text=This%20order%20does%20not%20apply,national%20security%2C%20or%20public%20safety.
2. Shane, Leo. “More Than 300k VA Health Jobs Exempted from White House Hiring Freeze.” Military Times, 23 Jan. 2025, www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2025/01/23/more-than-300k-va-health-jobs-exempted-from-white-house-hiring-freeze/
3. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General. OIG Determination of Veterans Health Administration’s Severe Occupational Staffing Shortages. 7 Aug. 2024, www.vaoig.gov/reports/national-healthcare-review/oig-determination-veterans-health-administrations-severe-0.