In July 2026, the OPM moved to processing all federal retirement applications digitally. It’s a big shift, but here’s what we’ve learned firsthand about what’s changing. The Online Retirement Application – ORA for short – is new for everyone, applicants and federal agencies alike.
The new Suitability and Fitness Rule makes it a lot easier for federal workers with conduct issues to be fired. And when we say easy, here’s what we mean: Once your agency refers you to OPM for this rule, you could be removed within five days.
The USPS has announced that it’s temporarily pausing FERS payments, starting April 10. For any USPS retirees or workers who are getting ready to retire, this sounds like scary news. But here’s some reassurance – there will be no immediate impact on current or future retirees. The USPS is pausing employer contributions, but all employee contributions and deductions will be the same. Your TSP contributions will also continue as normal
Newly proposed changes to the way RIFs work would put federal workers already struggling with their health at an even greater risk for losing their job during a RIF. The Trump administration is trying to correct what it sees as exaggerated performance ratings within the federal workforce. And while these rules are still in the proposal phase, they would have a big impact if they became official.
The USPS has suffered dramatic financial losses in recent years, even after attempts to cut costs, and now says it could run out of money by the end of 2026. From 2007 to 2024, the agency lost about $109 billion. That number has continued to climb in the last couple years.
2025 was a year of mass reductions to the federal workforce. From agency restructuring to Deferred Resignation, every department is smaller now than it was before Trump’s inauguration. These initiatives put federal workers in a pressure chamber of worrying their job would go away or wondering if buyout offers would be the best they could do. To counteract some of that stress, Congress blocked any new layoffs starting in October, but starting February 13, agencies can impose these layoffs again.
Early on Wednesday, October 1, the government shut down, leaving federal workers across the country uncertain about what comes next. Here’s a quick look at what you need to know now, including answers to the five most pressing questions we’re seeing.
Eight months ago, President Trump announced the Deferred Resignation program that let federal workers leave work and get paid through September 30th. This came as a relief for thousands of federal workers, especially those who were already dealing with poor health and the stress of the changing federal workforce.
After facing a Reduction In Force (RIF) in May of 2025, hundreds of GSA workers are being offered reinstatement. Those offered reinstatement only have until the end of the day Friday, September 26th to accept. Reinstated workers will be expected to return to their...
The One Big Beautiful Bill, President Trump’s reconciliation bill, has been in the works for the last few months and now it’s law. The bill covers lots of ground but as it’s worked its way through the House and Senate, different versions have listed proposals which could seriously impact federal workers and their retirement.
The OPM has announced that as of June 2, 2025, all federal applications for retirement will be paperless. This plan has been in the works for years, aiming to help streamline the process of applying for retirement. This plan is intended to make the application process and wait time more efficient for federal workers, but for many people, this may actually be a barrier.
The State Department will use a Reduction in Force (RIF) to cut 15% of its workforce starting July 1. Workers affected will have a short time between notice and separation. Employees will have between 60-90 days between notice and separation. Contract Employees will be terminated within 60 days. Foreign Service Officers will be separated or receive reassignment. Right now, these reductions only affect domestic employees and offices, but this is subject to change.
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