Since the beginning of February, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been under the eye of the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). As the administration looks for overspending, various aid programs within USAID have been paused or stopped.
Throughout February, thousands of employees were going to be placed on administrative leave until a federal judge stopped the order at the last minute. Since then, there’s been a back and forth and as of March 18, a judge has stated that DOGE’s actions are likely unconstitutional. (Updated 3/19/25)
This uncertainty has left thousands of people’s livelihood hanging in the balance.
Other agencies and programs, like the EPA and DEI initiatives, have already placed their employees on administrative leave. And while administrative leave is paid, it’s unclear when it would run out, leaving a lot of employees vulnerable.
With so many federal employees being removed or encouraged to leave their positions with benefits like VERA and Deferred Resignation, USAID employees can expect more changes on the way.
5 Ways to Protect Yourself
If you’re already at or close to your regular retirement age:
1. You can plan to take Immediate Voluntary Retirement before forced leave, layoffs, or agency closures take place. This is a straightforward way to plan for your future. To learn more about if you qualify for your regular retirement, watch our webinar.
2. If you’re not quite ready to leave work, but you’d like to ease into it, Phased Retirement could be a good choice for you. This would let you begin the process of retirement while still working part time. Watch this webinar for more details about phased retirement.
If you haven’t reached regular retirement age:
3. If you’ve met your minimum retirement age (MRA) and you’ve got at least 10 years under FERS, you can take an Early Optional Retirement. Though there’s a reduction in your pay until you reach 62, retiring now before the risk of layoffs and closures may be your best option.
4. When the federal government is being reshaped, Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA) is offered to certain employees. You’d have to be at least 50 with at least 20 years creditable service, or any age with at least 25 years creditable service.You can learn more about this in our webinar about the new federal workforce changes.
If you have a medical condition that stops you from doing any part of your job well:
5. Federal Disability Retirement is a great option for workers who have a mental or physical health problem that prevents them from performing at least one of their duties.
For example, a program analyst for USAID was diagnosed with anxiety and his symptoms caused chronic insomnia, which led to an inability to pay attention at work. He would be a great candidate for Disability Retirement.
Disability Retirement offers long-term security:
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- Monthly checks until you hit 62
- The ability to keep your health and life insurance
- The option to get another job in the private sector
- You’d keep growing your years of service until your normal retirement age.
To learn more about if Disability Retirement is right for you, use our step-by-step guide and our webinar, or reach out today for a free consultation. Peace of mind and financial security are within reach!
