Hiring for these positions isn't as easy as applying for a job at a restaurant or retail position. Federal hiring typically takes a lot longer than many private sector positions (sometimes several months) for a variety of reasons, and these (where security is a concern) require background checks to ensure suitability. So while bonuses and pay increases can help get folks in the door, it's still likely a month or two (and that's expedited from typical in my experience) between posting a position and getting someone started on the job. If you're hurting for cash, you're likely going to take the first offer you get, and may not have time for an interview two months later.. It's not quite as cut and dry as people wanting to cash in on employment vs working, though the argument about low pay being not much more than unemployment is a whole other topic..