What Federal Workers Need to Do NOW: A Checklist Before RIF (Reduction in Force) DOGE
As the federal workforce navigates the unpredictable landscape of government employment, it’s essential for workers to stay ahead of potential changes, such as a Reduction in Force (RIF). With the possibility of budget constraints, shifting priorities, and other uncertainties on the horizon, federal employees need to take proactive steps to safeguard their careers. RIFs can lead to job losses or reassignment, making it crucial for employees to prepare adequately. Here is a checklist of crucial actions federal workers should take now to protect their futures.
1. Understand Your Rights and Benefits
Familiarize yourself with your rights as a federal employee. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) provides resources that outline the processes and rights regarding a RIF. Employees should be aware of:
- Severance pay: Understand the eligibility criteria and calculations.
- Reemployment rights: Know how long your position must be held for potential return after a RIF.
- Health benefits: Review FEHB (Federal Employees Health Benefits) options, including what happens to your coverage if affected.
2. Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile
In the event of a RIF, having an updated resume is vital. Tailor your resume to highlight the skills and experiences relevant to potential employers. Include any additional training or certifications you have earned. Also, ensure your LinkedIn profile reflects your current experience and connects with professional groups to expand your network and job leads.
3. Network Actively
Building and maintaining relationships in your professional field can aid significantly if you face job displacement. Attend conferences, join relevant associations, and participate in community events to meet potential employers and industry contacts. Networking can lead to job opportunities that may not be publicly advertised.
4. Consider Additional Training
Invest in your professional development by pursuing additional training or certifications that can enhance your employability. Whether it’s leadership programs, technical skills, or project management certifications, increasing your qualifications can make you more competitive in the job market.
5. Explore Job Opportunities Within the Federal Government
A RIF doesn’t always mean leaving federal service. Research potential vacancies in other departments or agencies. Consider cross-training in different roles within your current organization, which could lead to new opportunities and a better understanding of federal operations.
6. Financial Planning
Prepare for the possibility of temporary unemployment. Review your financial situation, establish a budget, and build an emergency fund if you haven’t already. This preparation can help you manage expenses during the possible transition period.
7. Stay Informed on Agency Developments
RAssist your management and HR departments in keeping you informed about potential government budget decisions and changes within your agency. Attend relevant meetings and read newsletters or updates to understand what might impact your role.
8. Seek Counseling and Support Services
If facing potential job displacement, do not hesitate to seek counseling services through your Employee Assistance Program (EAP). They can provide emotional support, career counseling, and resources to help manage stress during this period of uncertainty.
9. Consider Counseling or Legal Advice
If you have concerns about potential discriminatory practices related to a RIF or understand your rights and options better, it may be worthwhile to consult with a legal expert specializing in federal employment law.
10. Stay Positive and Flexible
Change is often challenging, but having a positive outlook and willingness to adapt can make a significant difference in how you face these potential hurdles. Embrace new opportunities that may arise and continue to approach your career with enthusiasm.
Conclusion
Preparing for a potentially uncertain future is key for federal workers facing the possibility of a RIF. By taking proactive steps—from understanding your rights to expanding your skillset and network—you can position yourself for continued success in your career, even amid challenges. Use this checklist as a guide to taking action and securing your future in the federal workforce, no matter what changes may come.
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+Bring home personal effects
Family photos
Diplomas
Don’t rely on them mailing it back
+Schedule Leave and Comp Time if you are leaving voluntarily.
Annual Leave is paid out after you leave
Comp time is forfeited
Sick Leave is Forfeited
+Download:
All your SF-50s (especially first and last, but get all of them to be safe)
Contains paygrade and title, bonuses etc.
Your Entire EOPF File
Be sure to save the secret password that it will generate for the encrypted PDF as that is the only way you can open/view it.
+Leave and Earnings statement
+Latest Performance Appraisal
+Any W2s that you want
+Proof of FEHB Health Insurance coverage5 (in case you return to federal service to show that had FEHB for the 5 prior years)
+Passwords/Personal Email.
Make sure you have access to TSP.gov and
Employee Express or MyPay.gov with your personal email
+Copy email and Phone Numbers for key people:
HR
Direct supervisors
Your direct reports
References
+Decide about Health Insurance:
TCC Temporary Continuation of Coverage
ACA Affordable Care Act
coverage through spouse
+Decide if you want a refund of FERS contributions
Probably not for FERS
Possibly for FERS-FRAE
Understand Ethics Rules about post-government employment. (e.g. with government contractors)
Your sick leave is added to your retirement time.
Great information. Thank you!
Is the 1095c good enough for insurance proof?
If you retire during a RIF (or take a VERA) your sick counts towards your time in grade for computing retirement/annuity, doesn’t it?
Thank you for being a positive voice for our government employees. I retired during the first orange Mussolini administration. My heart is with all the federal employees working or who were illegally fired.❤
Thank you!
Why even leave? These are not LEGAL firings. Peoples social security payments are on the line and the government employees are the only thing standing between DOGE and our social security. People are going to suffer and die. I work in a group home where people rely on their SSI for survival.
I am trying to figure this all out. I've got 25 years federal service, and I'm 53. I would have been retiring on Jan. 26, 2030. I'm not currently on the chopping block and I'm a 10pt Veteran in Tenure Group 1 so I've been told that I'm probably safe. However, I just don't know if I really want to stay working for an Administration that I do not and cannot support after how they are treating us and turning the American taxpayer against us when we are also taxpayers. I can't figure out if it makes sense to just go ahead and take a VERA + VSIP if offered as a GS-11, Step 6. I live in a military town where the military is the primary work provider, and I live on an island. IF I were to be RIF'd there are no other jobs where I live. There is a part of me that thinks it would be smart to take a Deferred Retirement if I were to be RIF'd. But there is also that part of me that thinks it's smart to take the VERA + VSIP and get out voluntarily and at least collect some of my retirement. I can't collect Social Security until after 67 (reduced at 62) and who knows if Trump will raise the age. If I take VERA, I don't think I can get the monthly supplemental that I would have gotten if I retired at 58 1/2 with 30 years. I just really don't know what makes the most sense. Our HR is not very helpful (she took the VERA with the DRP so she's leaving). Even if I don't get RIF'd, which is unlikely that I will, I just really don't want to work for this Administration just for the principal of the idea.
Thank you!
I wish you could make this form downloadable for us on your page vs. taking a screenshot.
What is the best way to show FEHB coverage?
Find another job now
#meritsystemsprotectionboard
Thank you so much this was sooo helpful!
JUST QUIT AND GET ANOTHER JOB! IT'S WHAT I DID! AND DIDN'T LOOK BACK MYSELF! ALTHOUGH IM NOT A CRYING DEMOCRAT THAT DESERVES A JOB AMERICANS DON'T NEED!
What is adequate proof of FEHB enrollment? Will it be in the eOPF files? If I have 1095-C forms, will they suffice? Mine show HHS as the employer, 1E in Box 14 (minimum essential coverage, etc.) and 2C in Box 16 (enrollment in employers coverage). My one and only concern is establishing my right to FEHB in retirement, which may start PDQ as I'm eligible now (but would like to continue to work).
I wish I could have the deferred resignation but they have labeled me essential and won’t let me. Worse they are compelling me to end 9+ years of working from home and having to go to an office I haven’t seen since 2016. No exceptions. So no resignation and start commuting. They will get what they wanted from me – gone. They are producing the most disgruntled people ever that will remind everyone how pathetic they are – I mean those who declared me essential so that they wouldn’t have to work any extra with out me.
The federal workers need to start voting republican
Thanks for doing this. I can only find record in eOPF of my latest health benefits election. If I need proof of five years, how do I get that if it’s not in eOPF?
Since when do you not get paid for sick leave ?
Sick leave is not forfeited, it’s applied to years of service.