With Reductions in force (RIFs) on the rise for almost all federal agencies, federal employees need to understand what their options are and how they can protect themselves.
Read through to find answers to your most commonly asked questions.
Q: How do I know if my position will be removed due to a RIF?
A: There are 4 considerations the OPM looks at before determining reductions:
-
- Tenure of employment
- Veteran’s preference
- Length of service
- Performance ratings
Job cuts usually begin with people who are in positions that aren’t required by statute – meaning there’s no rule or regulation that says that position is necessary. Those who face furloughs when the government shuts down would also be in the earliest category to face cuts.
Q: How much notice will I get if I’m cut by a RIF?
A: Agencies are required to give at least 60 days written notice before a RIF takes effect, although some may give even more time.
Q: What should I do if I think my position will be eliminated but I like working in the federal government?
A: If you’re worried about a RIF removing your job, and you want to keep working in the federal government, consider requesting to transfer to a more secure position. Also, if you have higher seniority, you may be able to “bump” to a lower ranking role or return to a lower-grade position you held in the past. Please note that transferring to another position could impact an application for Federal Disability Retirement.
Q: What if I know my job is going to be eliminated, and I want to quit first?
A: There are a few different ways you can go about leaving your job without being eliminated first, depending on your situation:
-
- You can retire if you’ve reached regular retirement age. Read more here about age and service requirements.
-
- You can retire if you’ve met the requirements for an early retirement, like VERA. Learn more about if VERA is right for you here.
-
- You can medically retire if you’ve got 18 months under FERS, and you have a sickness or injury that keeps you from doing at least one of your job duties. Federal Disability Retirement allows you to retire immediately, regardless of your age. Learn more about if this is the best path for you here.
Q: What happens to my TSP (Thrift Savings Plan) if I’m laid off because of a RIF?
A: Your TSP will stay intact, but you can’t contribute to it without a federal paycheck. You can, however:
-
- Leave it alone
-
- Roll your funds into another retirement account
-
- Withdraw your funds, though there will be a penalty if you’re under 59 ½
Q: Can I apply for Federal Disability Retirement if I have already been removed due to a RIF?
A: You can still apply for Federal Disability Retirement, but it has to be done within one year of your date of separation. So, if you’ve already been removed, and you think Federal Disability Retirement is right for you, don’t wait to apply!
Q: Is Federal Disability Retirement at risk with all the changes to the federal workforce?
A: It isn’t likely that Federal Disability Retirement will be removed. The current administration’s goal is to reduce the size of the federal workforce, so people getting approved for Disability Retirement would align with that goal.
Q: Would it be helpful to have a Disability Retirement application started prior to getting laid off because of a RIF?
A: Yes, it would be helpful to have established your claim before being laid off. This is because the OPM will see that even before you were laid off, you were seeking the benefit, showing it’s medically necessary for you.
Q: What if a RIF removes my position before my agency responds to my Reasonable Accommodation request or before OPM decides on my Disability Retirement case?
A: While it wouldn’t be ideal, you can still move forward with your case. Having it on record that you were applying before you were removed will help show the OPM that you need this benefit.
Q: If my job is removed because of a RIF and then I apply for Federal Disability Retirement, will I get back pay for the months it takes to get my case approved?
A: Yes – the OPM will provide a lump sum back payment which dates back to your last date at your agency.
Q: If I get removed because of a RIF and decide to apply for Federal Disability Retirement, will I lose my FEHB insurance while waiting for OPM to review my application?
A: If you’re removed due to a RIF, you may lose federal employee health benefits during the application process, but they’ll be reinstated once you’re approved. You may need to get temporary coverage so you can continue treatment in the meantime.
If you’ve still got questions, we get it.
Give our office a call today and we’ll set you up for a free one-on-one consultation. In uncertain times, we want to help you get a clear picture of your options so you can make the best decision for your future.
