Update: Most agencies, including Department of State, have been ordered to pause RIFs for at least 2 weeks while legality is disputed. (5/12/25) Also, job cuts will be more severe than expected, affecting 3,400 workers. Additionally, 200 positions will be converted to Schedule Policy/Career which will make it easier for them to be fired. (5/9/25)
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.
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- 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.
What can I do to protect my job?
If you want to stay employed with the federal government, you can protect your job by:
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- Requesting a transfer to a position that’s more secure
- 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
*Note that transferring to another position could impact an application for Federal Disability Retirement.
What can I do to protect my financial future?
If, on the other hand, you’re ready to think about retirement, here’s 3 options for leaving without risking your financial future:
1. Immediate Voluntary Retirement
Immediate Voluntary Retirement is a straightforward option for federal employees who have met one of the following age and service requirements:
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- Age 62 with at least 5 years of service
- Age 60 with at least 20 years of service
- Minimum retirement age (MRA) with at least 30 years of service
To find out what your MRA is, check out the table in our age and service requirements blog. If you’ve met one of these requirements, you can retire normally and stop worrying about what new agenda might put you at risk.
2. Early Optional Retirement – AKA MRA + 10
This option is great for workers who have met their MRA and have at least 10 years under FERS.
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- Each year you’re on this benefit under the age of 62, your payment will be reduced by 5%.
3. Federal Disability Retirement
This option is for workers of any age who have an injury or illness that stops them from doing at least one part of their job well. The benefit lasts until age 62 when you’ll switch over to regular retirement. To be eligible, you’ll need to meet these requirements:
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- At least 18 months of service for the federal government
- You have to be covered under FERS
- You’re unable to do all your job duties because of illness or injury
Disability Retirement provides 4 main benefits:
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- Monthly paychecks
- Continued years of service after you stop working to keep growing your pension
- The option to get another job in the private sector on your own terms
- Continued federal health and life insurance
Stop Waiting Around for Another Bombshell
Since January, life for federal workers has been uncertain. Almost every day brings some new plan for reshaping the federal government.
Don’t let another headline steal your peace of mind. Call us today for a free consultation and we’ll get you on the path to the future you deserve.
