The $9. 5 Billion Absence: A Look at Federal Agencies' Administrative Leave Costs Federal agencies spent a staggering $9. 5 billion on salary costs for administrative leave in 2025.
This practice, which allows employees to take time off without pay for various reasons, has become a significant expense for federal agencies.
Administrative leave is often granted for non attendance related reasons such as family emergencies, medical appointments, or personal crises.