A government-wide deferred resignation program has been offered to federal employees. Employees who accept will have their duties immediately reassigned or eliminated, except those deemed necessary for training or transition, and be placed on paid administrative leave until September 30, 2025, unless they choose an earlier resignation date.
This offer is available to all federal employees except for military personnel, USPS employees, and staff involved in immigration and national security. Only employees who wish to take the offer are obligated to respond to the email and should do so with the word “resign.” The last day to accept the offer is February 6, 2025, unless you were on approved leave during all or part of the period between January 28 and February 6, 2025, in which case you can request an extension.
Employees will continue to accrue retirement benefits during the deferred resignation period. If you are eligible for either early or normal retirement prior to September 30, 2025, and choose to do so, your retirement election will override the deferred resignation. Employees who will become eligible for early or normal retirement shortly after September 30, 2025, can submit a request to their agency which can review the case and extend a waiver.
Deferred resignation does not affect your ability to apply for government jobs in the future and there is nothing in the deferred resignation letter that prevents you from working elsewhere during the period from submittal of your resignation to the final resignation date.
This action is one of many designed to implement a significant reform of the federal workforce. According to the Fork In The Road email, this reformed workforce will be built around four pillars:
- Return to office
- Performance culture
- More streamlined and flexible workforce
- Enhanced standards of conduct
Unions are strongly opposed to President Trump’s plans to slash the federal workforce. NARFE President William Shackelford released the following statement:
“The administration’s encouragement of massive resignations across the federal government shows a blinding disregard for the rule of law in this country, which cannot be upheld without individuals to enforce it; for government services to Americans, which cannot be fulfilled without individuals to provide them; and for the basic safety of the American people, which is threatened if no one is available to respond to emergencies, prevent crimes or terrorist attacks, or ensure safe food, water, and air. If too many people accept this offensive offer, I worry deeply for this country.”
With the February 6 deadline looming, there has never been a better time to connect with a Federal Retirement Consultant® who can give you unique insights and tips to navigate these uncertain times.
