RIFS Ban Ends This Week

Last year, Congress temporarily blocked agency RIFS, and the moratorium ends this week on February 13th. Whether a stopgap measure to extend the moratorium can pass both houses before Friday is unclear.

If a Reduction in Force (RIF) occurs, as a federal employee, you have specific rights, options, and timelines that differ significantly from those in the private sector. Understanding them early can make a major difference in protecting your career and retirement benefits. Things to consider:

Your retention standing
Bump and retreat rights
Severance pay
Retirement eligibility matters
Your TSP and benefits don't disappear
Health Insurance and FEHB rules
Social Security Timing

How exactly does a RIF in the federal government work?

When agencies conduct a Reduction in Force, employees are not randomly selected. OPM regulations require agencies to rank employees based on:

Tenure group (career vs. career-conditional)
Veterans’ preference
Length of federal service
Performance ratings

This ranking determines your retention standing, which affects whether you are separated, reassigned, or retained.

What determines who gets laid off in a federal RIF?

The answer lies in your official personnel records. Make sure your SF-50s are accurate and your service time is properly documented.

If you are subject to a layoff, do you know your options related to your benefits? If you are unsure, you're not alone.

We offer free benefits workshops where you can learn about all your options. Join one of our workshops here.

RIFS Ban Ends This Week