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.
But now that the end date is here, some who accepted haven’t found work that fits their needs – or matches their income. And for some, stepping away from their job confirmed what they already suspected: returning to work just isn’t possible anymore for the sake of their health and wellbeing.
If either of these situations describe you, you still have options.
I Accepted Deferred Resignation and I’m Worried – What’s Next?
If you’re struggling to do at least one part of your job because of your health issues, Federal Disability Retirement offers a smooth transition into regular retirement, so you don’t have to scramble to find a job to replace your income.
You could keep receiving monthly paychecks to support you while holding on to your federal health and life insurance, allowing you to prioritize your health without compromising your livelihood. (One important caveat – normally, resigning means you can’t carry your insurance into retirement, but we can discuss your specific situation to see what’s possible. Give our office a call (877) 226-2723)
On top of this, if you’re able, you could continue working in the private sector in a job that gives you the space to get the treatment and rest you need, while supplementing your monthly income. The whole time, you’d continue to grow your pension so you wouldn’t have to worry about shortchanging your future retirement.
If the end of Deferred Resignation has you worried about how you’ll make ends meet, consider this option.
Just remember, you have exactly 1 year after separation from your agency to apply for the benefit.
What if I didn’t Accept Deferred Resignation?
Even if you didn’t accept the Deferred Resignation offer, there have been Reductions in Force (RIFs), layoffs, and other workforce shaping initiatives since January. Some reports suggest if there is a government shutdown next week, more mass layoffs could be possible.
So, if you’re already struggling at work with a mental or physical condition, Disability Retirement would allow you to avoid the stress of losing what you’ve built in your federal career while also providing a way out.
Don’t Wait
If you think Disability Retirement might be the solution you need, don’t wait to apply, especially if you’ve already been separated from your agency.
We’ve been helping federal workers like you for over 20 years and we’re ready to help you find out if Disability Retirement is the right choice for your life.
Give us a call today and we’ll set you up with a free consultation so you can stop worrying about what happens next.
