Date: 201901
Local time of day: 1801-2400
Location: ZNY.ARTCC, NY
Aircraft: Medium Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Flight phase: Cruise
Airspace: Class A ZNY
ATC / advisory: Center ZNY
Second aircraft: Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Reporter organization: Government
Reporter function: Enroute
Reporter qualification: Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Human factors: Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown
Second reporter function: Enroute
Anomaly: ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Detector: Person Air Traffic Control
When detected: In-flight
Contributing factors: Human Factors
Primary problem: Human Factors

Narrative: Was asked for a break. While I was starting to give a briefing; the controller relieving me was told someone else was going to relieve me. I had Aircraft X check in; climbed him to FL240. Aircraft X flashed to me at FL230. These aircraft were crossing traffic at CYN. I re-issued an amended ALT clearance to Aircraft X to stop at FL220. I put a Local INT alt of FL220 on Aircraft X. Aircraft Y was 8-10 MIT (Miles in Trail) with Aircraft X. I put INT of FL240 on Aircraft Y and Local INT of FL220 on the DB (data block) and climbed Aircraft Y to FL220. I then proceeded with the briefing. As I was walking out; the relieving controller yelled over. I went to see what was going on; and Aircraft Y appeared to climb through Aircraft X. I am unaware if there was an RA or not; I was no longer listening to the frequency. I am certain I climbed Aircraft Y to FL220. With all of the distractions with the government shutdown; not getting paid yet again; and the horrible morale throughout this building; I could have been distracted. I have not been sleeping well; if at all some nights; to the distractions of this shutdown. I have added stress at home; so to deal with our financial situations caused by missing multiple paychecks. It's caused a strain on my marriage; and with the rest of my family. This added stress has multiplied; exponentially; the already stressful environment and job we engage in everyday. It's very difficult for any of us to not have these horrible goings-on in our thoughts distracting us; but I am positive I climbed the AC to FL220. Having a distraction free environment.Having the government not treat its employees' paychecks like bargaining tools in a hostage negation.


Second narrative: During briefing I was told Aircraft Y was climbing to FL220. At the time the data block reflected this information as well. Aircraft X was level at FL230. Both aircraft would cross paths by CYN. I issued a traffic call to Aircraft Y and pilot responded 'Aircraft in sight'. After the readback I noticed Aircraft Y altitude indicated FL223. I issued turns to both aircraft. Aircraft X responded to an RA and descended while Aircraft Y climbed. I asked Aircraft Y what altitude they were climbing to and the pilot said FL240. I do not know at this time if Aircraft Y responded to an RA or not.


Synopsis: New York Center Controllers reported a loss of separation; possibly due to miscommunication; stress and distractions from the government shutdown.