I am retirement eligible. I will be taking deferred resignation as my agency is at risk of cuts and I had originally anticipated retiring in January 2026 anyway. I have done my best over my career and feel good that I have earned my salary and benefits. I want to thank you so much for what I consider professional, neutral and very informative videos. Even after I retire I will be watching your videos and looking for articles by you (if you write articles too) since I will probably still have an interest in what is going on with federal employment. Thanks again!
I’m eligible for retirement but this seems very chaotic. I’m not comfortable risking it. I would rather just retire as normal. I don’t like the idea of using the word “resign”. My entire career I have been told when you resign you lose all your appeal rights. I have been working in person all along and have no issues with the return-to-work.
I am in the same boat. I am 61 with 38 plus years. I turn 62 in Dec. I want my extra 10% bonus for retiring at 62. Saying I resign does not feel right. They are not clear and there are no terms to sign just a FAQ.
@@God1stLovedUsI’m en the exact same situation, but more complicated. I’m In the process of getting my Post 56 payment paperwork processed this week, that will allow me to buy 15 years of military service back, along with my current 25 years as an Army civilian, puts me over 40 years in June. BUT I don’t turn 62 until November 2025. So my retirement date Must be after my birthday, and the OPM faq addresses that. It also says the organization can put it in writing. I just have not faith in our current government holding true to a hasty promise. I’m willing to do my retirement paperwork will on admin leave, ONLY if they hold up to the promise.
I'm going to hold off retiring yet. I am going to be 59 next month, have over 30 years of contribution to my FERS pension plan and want to continue while I have this good paying job saving more so I can retire at 62 or older with 100 percent of my pension for the rest of my life and higher social security benefit than if I retire early. I'm hoping my job will be around a few years or more. I don't want to give up this job to work one for less pay. This one will enable me to save more for when I am ready to actually retire.
@@God1stLovedUs These important details are NOT in the e-mail you would be returning with "Resign" or "Resign and Retire" in the subject line. I'm willing to go effective 9/30 if someone will offer me an MOU guaranteeing what I want (pay and benefits, and limited or no work with zero trips to/from the office). But no one is offering me that MOU. And those details are conspicuously missing from the letter I would be returning with my unconditional surrender.
Thank you for the information. I’ve taken the deferred resignation and waiting on next steps. It was such a pleasure working for the agency’s for the last almost 15 yrs, both in active duty and as a civilian. 🇺🇸
If anyone is not 57 or 62 years of age yet but worked in federal Job for more than 5 years, are they going to lose the the pension at age 62 under this deferred registration program?
Perhaps the biggest problem with all of this is the speed at which they are doing it. These are life-changing decisions being forced on gov't employees, and you had only a week (without all the answers provided) in which to make it. We are still getting answers and clarifications today! Yes, there are always changes that come with new administrations, but most do not take a wrecking ball and start hap hazardously swinging away at basically everything. Elon Musk has been given WAY too much power, access and input to the administration's goals, and certainly has questionable conflict of interests given he owns companies that are certain to benefit by some of these changes.
Wow, I wonder how much time you get to make life changing decisions out in the real world and not in the federal government world? Hint: None. Anyone who says they are surprised by this either purposely ignored what Trump campaigned on and stated or feigning ignorance and outrage. I honestly believe there are lots of feds who simply convinced themselves as always that they can't be fired and the bureaucracy will bury policy decisions.
06:39- If they're saying that they are going to give pay until September 30th, why would you want to move your retirement date up any? Wouldn't you want to take it right on that last day? That way you can maximize your income for the year before ending everything.
The belief is they're going to do massive firings once Elon collects all his data. For example, today they put all USAID employees on admin leave. 600 ppl.
How can I make an informed decision by Feb. 6th if my agency HR rep has no guidance and that is their pat answer for any question. Also an irony that my agency's HR rep is in Alaska while our command as well as my branch are CONUS.
I feel for you. The way they rolled this out is so half baked. They should've given everyone until the end of the month. There's just not enough time to make an informed decision
What guidance do you need? They've spelled it our very clearly at this point. Our agencies are kept in he dark and OPM has elected to email each employee and continues to update.
They are falling in line that’s why. They want probationary employees to hold the line so the numbers will reflect a significant reduction. They intentionally over hired and padded the hiring.
The problem is no one knows if our jobs will still be here in a few months. I don’t want to quit but It feels like I might as well if I’m not going to get paid
@ How may years do you have? Your superiors don't know. A class action lawsuit was filed by two anonymous federal employees. Allegations claim OPM set up an email system without following federal privacy laws. Employee data may have been sent to someone with ties to Elon Musk. If you responded to HR.OPM.GOV test emails, your data could be compromised. This lawsuit could force OPM to shut down the system until security concerns are addressed. Just wait, there is a lot of controversy if those emails even came from OPM.
You better check with your states unemployment agency PRIOR to accepting the offer to resign (quit) your job. When applying for unemployment benefits typically one of the first questions asked is “have you or did you quit or resign from your job “. If you answer yes you’ll probably be denied unemployment benefits. This is not a furlough, you are not getting laid off. You are RESIGNING your position. There’s no such thing as a Federal Unemployment Agency. You must apply with a state agency. It will be up to the state to determine and decide if you’re eligible for unemployment. Doesn’t matter that you pay into unemployment, it matters if you meet the requirements to qualify for unemployment benefits, big difference. Good luck trying to convince the state since YOU RESIGNED from your job. This may come back to bite you big time. Choose wisely.
I work at the VA and we’ve been short in many departments for months. Tell me how downsizing benefits veterans. I planned on resigning anyway but I don’t see how this is any good.
@@LittleCabin That's a fair point. Finding out I'll probably be fired over X and what my severance package looks like on youtube isn't what I expected when I hired on 8 months ago. Ready to go back to my old career in manufacturing.
This channel is the balance we need. Yes, if it's real it is generous. If it is a dishonest offer to 2.3 million employees, this would be terrible, and frankly who would choose to keep working in such an unstable environment? So I say to think positive and take it if it suits you. I assume many many may later lose their jobs and then see how generous this offer was. Just my view. Each to their own.
A fallacious argument. To say or should I say to imply the possibility at the offer is is dishonest, and it almost certainly is, and then turn around and say well if it is dishonest then why would you wanna work there anyway? Well, that’s just circular logic.
Finally, someone with a level head - I am retired from a federal agency and if I was close to retirement I would definitely take this offer. There are too many people out on the internet saying don't trust them, well I see what they are doing - they are trying to reduce the number of employees , happens everywhere, and change is hard, but necessary. I appreciate your opinion on this. I just wish they gave a info telephone line for those employees needing to have their questions answered or even a website or email for questions.
The federal system is NOT built to move information fast enough to support decisions at this pace. Many GovIT people were amazed OPM was able to get an e-mail to everyone. The idea it would be seen, interpreted, assessed against policy and law, then acted on is something that would normally take at least 6 weeks, and more likely 3-12 months.
DOC sent out an email informing us that the resignation offer is valid and will be honored. Additionally, DOC attached an agreement form which will be signed by the agency and the employee. Employees who are taking this offer will be on administrative leave and will take effect March 1, 2025. I made a copy of it and subsequent emails about this offer.
Exactly. Resigning is of no interest to me. Taking a VERA offer might be. But even though the latest FAQs said all agencies had VERA, mine says it does not yet - they may know more tomorrow? It’s all so hectic and weird.
@@ken12269 this email from OPM was sent out by Elon Must aides who took control of OPM's systems. OPM officials didn't know anything about it until after the fact.
I think they will go after the new hires next, the ones still on their probationary periods, if they don’t get enough people to “take the deal.” We’ll see.
"unless your position is exempted from the deferred resignation program by your agency" is a pretty big deal since VERA's availability to "all agencies" isn't actually true. It's only available to PARTICIPATING agencies. Appreciate your overall excellent guidance, but a bit more clarity on this point would be better.
Absolutely correct. New Admin means new policies. Civil servant means you weren't elected, so your thoughts on govt priorities are irrelevant. If a fed disagrees with legit policies, then the person has a personal choice to make to switch gears and execute new policies or leave.
I’m in probation until October, 2025 in the IRS as external hire. Ironically, I mainly joined because of the job stability… still haven’t decided yet, but very likely to resign😢
I joined a month before you. They can’t just fire you. They have to give reason. Idc what anyone says this money isn’t guaranteed. I know unemployment is guaranteed.
Thank you for your fair and balanced knowledge. The environment is getting bad between those that take the offer and those that feel hell bent not to go along with the new administration. You’re right…if it works for you take it, but if it doesn’t mind your own business.
Thank you for the clear, concise explanation. Where I work, upper management is very tight lipped about the whole thing. Today, we are supposed to have a town hall locally where management is supposed to share what they know. We will see. Thank you again!
A reduction in force (RIF) takes months and months to plan. How can you believe anything from OPM when OPM officials have been locked out of their own offices and computers? This Fork email is exactly the same email Twitter employees got. How’d that work out for them?
@@vicariousjohnson9823 making considerably less money even with the cuts and barely makes a profit as of 2023. it took a 22% decline in revenue from 2022. Elon is the reason why the cuts needed to be made at Twitter in the first place.
It worked out on Musk’s favor. The employees were not able to get what they were told and the cases were dismissed in court due to the applicability of certain retirement act.
Sadly my HR has been no help .. won't answer their phones now ... The call center HR , just says to look at OPM website . I need questions answers that pertain to my retirement and still can't get the answers.
I am a Federal employee with 25 years age 63. Planning on retiring Dec 2025. The problem is the execution of this resignation program. The program wants me to resign this Thursday. However, I have to turn in my computer, my CAC card, and any access to the military base I work. So, I would not have access to FSS to file for retirement. There is no process. I have talked withy management and they have no answers. It is really risky to go out on this program. My leadership said they would like me to stay through the end of the year. Also, can you imagine what OPM is going to look like through Sept 2025. It is safer to stay, and work through the end of the year and have control ofy retirement process. This administration doesn't understand the deep state or the processes we as Federal employees live by. Pass!!
Did your agency tell you to turn in your badge and computer? What if they need you to work for a month or call you back for an emergency? Where does OPM say you have to turn in your badge?
@@theequalizer2727 yes, they explained to me this morning that I would have to turn in my CAC. That just not make sense... right. I go into work tomorrow. I am going to have to ask a few more questions.
@@ecomadrian809 Also, my Branch Chief said they are extending the furlough for anyone retiring to 31 Dec 2025. Have you heard this? She sent the information to me this morning in a Q and A format from OPM.
DOGE should start with Congress and the Senate. They make way more than me and do way less than me. I welcome any of them to shadow me for a day and I will do the same with them. I do agree that telework and such agencies as the SSA, IRS and some others have brought this upon the entire government workforce. For the 8 years that I have been a government employee I have never teleworked. I have a 45 min drive to and from work each day and I do my job. I stay busy the entire 8 hours and the day goes by fast. That youtube video of the Senator holding his phone for 1 1/2 hrs. listening to music waiting for the IRS to answer his call brought into question if those teleworking were actually working. Also, all the USELESS DEI positions and hires notched things up to another level. It created a black cloud for everyone. What a mess. Everyone always pays the price because of the few.
Sorry to break it to you, but this isn’t OPM. It’s Elon Musk. Stop reading from the website when we know it’s been hacked. Good grief this is a disservice to federal employees.
Why are my comments always deleted? probationary employees can't be termed by OPM, only the agency can do that and there has to be a reason as to why the employee is termed. They can't do mass firings of probation employees. They have to follow regulations.
My probationary employees are the high performers with potential, they're the future. Whereas, the ones who have been there for 30 years are tired and have not much energy left, but they don't want to go either.
But isn’t this funding already allocated for? If the person kept working they would spend the exact same. the work date just stops sooner rather then later. Or is that not how it works?
The program only runs through the end of the fiscal year. Your assuming that they going to trick you in some way. This actually appears to remove you from a RIF if it happens this year. I would consider what is said not all the what ifs. This is the carrot the stick may mean you get nothing.
There is now. The current CR funds your salary through March 14, which covers this. It’s not a payout, so they don’t need any special budgetary considerations.
@@surf1589, my finance chief stated that CIV pay is a must fund through the FY even with CR’s. They are funded for the payroll through the FY. We just wouldn’t work for it, but guarantee that the Govt would cut the cost by not rehiring the replacement.
Not a single piece of policy has been offered on this or the resignation. Agencies cannot answer questions because they have not been provided the answers. People in the field had no clue this was coming. Trying to gut public service, buy us off while also telling the agency responsible for publishing policy to cut their staff by 30% when they were already struggling to keep up with increasing retirement numbers...Does this seem reasonably right to anyone?!
You are right, it will be chaos. People think the airport lines are long now, they just wait. Or, waiting for a tax refund, or getting your passport processed, we're going back to the stone age. And the DOGE boys are on here telling people how great the deal is.
The issue with a they aren’t clear and are not communicating with agencies. They would receive a much better response if they communicated these the right way and went through proper channels.
When they say we will get full benefits how do we insure we take our insurance and annual leave balance payments? Will there be opportunities to meet with HRM for working on paperwork?
What do you think about the bill thats out there to cut FERS benefits like the FERS suppliment and insurance? If they pass before September will they also be taken from people in tye deffered resign/retire zone? Or would the changes affect people not affect?
There’s no reason why newly hired probationary employees should not take it. It’s a win for them. As the RIF only goes so far and cuts the probationary employees first.
I asked the head of our HRO if VERA would be offered. She doesn’t know. It is the blind leading the blind at this point. I would accept VERA, but I can’t risk sending a resign email to OPM and hope for the best.☹
If I only had 6 years I would go. I accepted less money than private sector to work in in public sector. It was a fair trade off for the benefits and stability overall of the job. I wish I had resigned when my son was a baby. You get to a point where you feel you are too far in to give it up. I already decided if Vera was offered I was taking it. I really need a medical retirement but it takes forever and I don’t know if they would approve it. I have teleworked for 13+ years and most of those years were 4 days a week and then full time in March 2020. I was a no on this until it showed VERA. I sent the email today. Scariest and hardest “send” I have ever done. I did resign and retire under VERA with my age and years. I meet both qualifications. If something happens and they offer a Vera with instant payout after you can switch according to all of this. It was a hard decision and I am still scared but necessary for me.
My personnel center told me today (Feb 4) i cannot apply to retire beyond a 6 month window,..Feb 6-Sept 30 is more than 6 months. Today is Feb 4th late evening. If i type resign & retire i cannot even apply to retire before March 30,...no clear guidance,..mass confusion,..chaos. I know just as much as my personnel section. 😮😮
@@andrewjackson4510I agree I think Elon wrote this. After 25 years I have never seen this but it’s clear things are changing. So I will set aside my normalcy bias and go for it.
You mentioned that the most recent communication from the President addressed collective bargaining agreement employees. Can you elaborate on this? I could not find any details on this.
What he is referring to is President Trump nullified all union negotiations that occured 30 days prior to his innaugaration. He did that because a couple weeks before his innaugaration the SSA union worked with Biden to allow Telework up until the year trump leaves office....As with everything else, I am not sure if he can nullify that, but he did it.
some agencies did new telework agreements at the end of the year. one agency supposedly had one that lasted until 2029 i think. he's trying to void them.
Yes. Give me my severance. I’ll gladly go. I need a change anyway. Federal is too much drama now. The good suffer for the bad and the contractors 🙄 if I really want to continue to help Veterans I can volunteer at a VFW or something 😒 I’m ready to move on
I don’t understand why he’s presenting this information as normal. Keeps saying he doesn’t know why it can’t be trusted. REALLY? Every other channel sees this a problematic - I fear that anyone taking this will be hung out to dry
Great opportunity for people who want out now or before MRA...without penalty of deferred pension. You’d otherwise apply for pension at 60 when resigning before MRA
pension will be reduced if they don't have 30 years of service plus they can't collect the social security supplemnt until the meet minimum requirement age.
@@royharper2003 The offer is about giving an incentive for people who want to leave but choose not to for financial reasons and getting pension now instead of potentially 10 years from now PLUS six months full administrative leave are great incentives
We are wondering. I have a friend who is remote hire for VA. She’s never had a “building” to go to. How would this affect her? If she doesn’t quit could they require her to move to another state or commute hours a day to a building? Her management has no idea about any of it and the deadline is approaching. They have no headquarters except Iowa and she lives in Georgia. Any ideas?
He is such a liar. I guess he forgot about the budget cuts he made during this first term. This affected one of the three major processing centers for IRS by getting shutdown. That is in my city. Which resulted in refunds being late & long hold times. Then covid added to it. The building we were in was not even owned by u s government. So now, the remaining employees, are in three separate buildings that are not owned by the government. Plus, the hiring incentive for the customer service reps. The eighty eight thousand agents. Remote work was part of the incentive. There's no room to put us. Those unoccupied office spaces. Aren't even in the same state. There's no way for us be slacking off. While we're working, they monitor us, and we can't cheat that.
Lots of government offices are in leased buildings, not owned by the government. What's the point here? What do budget cuts have anything to do with voluntary retirement which has always been a thing? Any impact on COVID was all during Biden's term and his policies. Unless remote work was mandated in a CBA, remote work was never ever a right of employment in the federal government. Somehow feds convinced themselves it was an employment right. It still isn't. Hogwash that people monitor while you work and you can't cheat. The number of government laptops with CAC cards I've seen strewn all over the place other than telework location of your residence just proves feds were not abiding bide their telework agreements. Idiot Feds who always sent emails from their phones but didn't remove the sent from iphone or blackberry default also proved that Feds weren't abiding by their telework agreement. Why would you be replying to emails on your phone rather than your govt issued computer if you weren't at your designated telework location? You weren't.
I responded to the first e:mail last Wednesday. It said I would receive a confirmation e:mail within 72 hours. The OPM FAQ said 48 hours. It has been 120 hours so far :(. Also, I read an informative article last Friday. It quoted data from OPM. The article contained more detailed info than OPM's website. Why does OPM give the news agencies info before posting it on their own website. The details from Friday's article is still not on the website :(
I’m sorry to hear this, I hope you hear something back soon. They just sent everyone a copy of the agreement letter you’ll receive after accepting the offer.
What is the Administration's ability to change the rules on who is eligible for an early out? RIF? Does that need to go through Congress? Or could it be done via an Executive Order?
I am a Firefighter (public safety) and I am eligible to retire. I submitted my response to OPMs email on January 31st with “Resign” Today I see and hear that OPM has changed/Added to the FAQs. Do I still have a leg to stand on?
The FAQs say you can submit a rescission request if you change your mind, but it also says that it will likely be denied. Not sure if that was your questions.
@@JN-lh9td thanks for the info. So, the initial email from OPM never stated public safety was excluded from the program. A few days later they changed /added/updated the FAQs to now include Public Safety employees. I was all set to retire on January 31st but I pulled it and took the offer. I planned on choosing a new retirement date before September
I remember Bill Gates saying something to the effect of the difference between he and his competitors and said, "when I see an opportunity I take it". This conspiracy that it's not true is bizarre to me. Private industries do this all the time. It's normal to cut headcount.
Well, private sector they just just fire you immediately, especially in at-will states, and don't offer to give you an 8month grace period keeping you on the payroll.
Please tell me how it’s in the Government’s interest to allow people eligible to retire to have a deferred retirement through December 2025? The work is still there and you lose the persons contributions for nearly an entire year. This makes no sense and seems counter to the Government’s interests.
Remember too…. If you leave you may be required to explain to future employers you quit due to “political reasons”. I’m not carrying that label around and having to talk to that for the rest of my professional career. Especially since I would likely e working for DOD in a contracting capacity going forward. That could hurt future job prospects. Better to be RIF’d IMO.
I accepted the deferred resignation offer. Several days later they changed the program and reported that new guidelines exempted most people in my agency from the deferred resignation. Doesnt seem right or even minimally ethical to make the offer in the email of Jamuary 28th from OPM and then the offer that i agreed to.... became subject to change by disqualification when the government announced a change in guidelines after i had allready accepted the offer. How is that right? It is not and i will be very dissappointed in my government if they dont stand behind the offer given to me.
This is my EXACT FEAR, agreeing and then the deal changes. My announced plan(2 weeks ago) to my organization leadership was: May 2026 retirement, to help my organization transition me out. This blows that plan up
they didn't change the program. There were exempted agencies and personnel from the get go that haven't changed. Just because you accepted in the email doesn't mean automatic approval until you got an approval notice like any other voluntary resignation.
Not so fast there. You stand up for the position you applied for and worked hard to get! If you resign, you have no recourse; if they fire you, there's a chance you can fight this out in court OR be reinstated when the government is back to normal with intelligent people at the helm.
Has anyone gotten an email from their Agency that they can go on vacation for 7 months or that they must telework for 1 month or whole 7 months? Some people have said that VA has stated that you must telework till September. I wish Fedsmith would address this.
This is my second Fedsmith video, and I'm not sure if the guy is being paid to say positive things about the program or not. He's not addressing the fact that DOGE has taken over the servers and many agencies, even taken classified information. You don't see any signatures by OPM officials on the emails. We also get similar unsigned emails from our agency saying the OPM emails are legitimate. I guess DOGE tapped into our agency's servers too. When I asked a higher up at my agency about the emails, she said she doesn't know who's been sending out the emails. Have a great vacation and do whatever you want? Government writers would not say that. It's all BS from Elon and his crew.
If I accept this Deferred Resignation, Do you think I could use my stored up sick and annual leave after Sept 30 to reach my MRA+10 date, which falls on January 30, 2026? It would behoove me to stay until my MRA date so I can get my Health Benefits. I assume the answer is no.
If it was me I wouldn't take the deferred resignation because there are too many variables that have to work out for you to get to that all-important 1/30/2026 date. Sure, there's a risk that a lay-off could happen before that date anyhow but that seems awfully quick for them to process, especially if you're not with one of the agencies in the cross hairs. The only thing you'd be giving up is that you'd probably have to work at the office until your retirement. Seems like a small price to pay for a pension you keep throughout your retirement.
retirement milestones are based on actual time worked, cannot count the leave. The sick leave is counted toward your pension calculation only, and annual leave is paid out.
The issue is OPM doesn't have the authority to tell other agencies that their employees can retire for they're supposed to or resign and receive full payments. Where's the clarification on that Fed Smith?
Hi, I meet age and yr requirements for VERA, however I have not heard any communication from my local agency regarding VERA, do I need to hear directly from my local agency regarding VERA? or is the FAQ from OPM suffice for my agency to process VERA if I elect the deffer resignation
I am in the same boat. I mat all my a Qualifying both requirements (20 years over 50 years old and 25 @any age) but I am with DOD NAF with FEARS system. I CALLed ABC-C and they said I am not qualify under VARA since my agency did not offered it yet and my naf office person told me NAF doe not offer VRRA at all what so ever 😢
Still no mention on whether you’re protected from RIF. A employee on Admin leave is still an employee and your RIF priority doesn’t change. So barring some other statement, you could still get RIF’d while on the admin leave and not get the full period of payment.
IF you've read the letter, there are big changes coming. There is no arm twisting or coercion, either reply or don't. This is a Good Deal, once they see how many take this versus how many they want to reduce the federal workforce by they will come out with the next step which could very well be RIF and then you won't have a choice.
Submitted my resignation on Friday. I’ve resigned once before and I’m not worried about this time at all. The cool thing is you can always come back! The deferred resignation doesn’t not impact your ability to rejoin the federal government. If you’re under 50 with no kids or dependents, this is an excellent time to live your life!! Go live and then come back later!!
Unless you’re going to retire or are very comfortable financially and don’t care about your cushy job and income then you shouldn’t even be thinking about resigning. What’s going to happen is that once you resign it’s going to be very difficult to get a job somewhere else because the job market will be much more competitive.
Dual Status T32 Employees are being told NGB is trying to exclude them from this. They got notice that , sure type Resign, but probably not a thing. NGB is trying to get T32 offer rescinded.
"The government uses a stick and a carrot approach". It is Elon Mask, not the government! Although I don't mind if some people resign. More chances for us to stay!
@ The executive branch cannot specifically guarantee spending not yet approved by Congress. Government funding is currently set to expire in March, well before the end of September. Trump will use this compensation as leverage to get what he wants. Just wait.
If anyone is not 57 or 62 years of age yet but worked in federal Job as full time for more than 5 years, are they going to lose the pension payment at age 62 under this deferred registration program?
I am going to be 57 this month and I will have 30 yrs of service in October of this year. Per the FAQ "If your retirement date is between October 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025, you are still eligible for deferred resignation", I have been enrolled in health insurance for at least the last 5 years as well as life insurance so that won't be an issue. If I send the email with "resign" in the title, what can be the possible drawback or penalty for this? Why do I have to use the word "resign" can this cause me to have an issue with my supplemental pay? what is the catch here? all things being on the up and up, I would have to be crazy not to take it, what am I missing? Thank you
None of these videos discuss VERA at any level of specificity. For example, VERA allows the employee to use annual leave in order to remain on the ageny’s rolls past the effective date of the reduction in force or disruption. In other words can an employee use annual leave in order to bridge the gap if their retirement eligibility is shortly after 12-31-2025.
VA is saying you are not on administrative leave until we tell you. So remote workers will likely continue to work remote. Until September 30. We won’t be able to find another job. Not till September. VA seems to be handling this differently.
VA is very sneaky and shady. None or limited info. I find out more information on my own from FedSmith. VHA is now requesting an exemption for series 0201 which is HR. In my guess to stall further.
Until Sep 30, which we all know is THE DATE, 🍊 will be paying folks to sit at home (or whatever), but wouldn't let them work from home thru the end of the FY. That is hypocritical!
I’m not sure if I’m considered as essential? I’m a health tech in a specialty clinic. I don’t want to defer and be told I’m not eligible and then not get anything 🤔
I am retirement eligible. I will be taking deferred resignation as my agency is at risk of cuts and I had originally anticipated retiring in January 2026 anyway. I have done my best over my career and feel good that I have earned my salary and benefits. I want to thank you so much for what I consider professional, neutral and very informative videos. Even after I retire I will be watching your videos and looking for articles by you (if you write articles too) since I will probably still have an interest in what is going on with federal employment. Thanks again!
I’m eligible for retirement but this seems very chaotic. I’m not comfortable risking it. I would rather just retire as normal. I don’t like the idea of using the word “resign”. My entire career I have been told when you resign you lose all your appeal rights. I have been working in person all along and have no issues with the return-to-work.
I am in the same boat. I am 61 with 38 plus years. I turn 62 in Dec. I want my extra 10% bonus for retiring at 62. Saying I resign does not feel right. They are not clear and there are no terms to sign just a FAQ.
@@God1stLovedUsI’m en the exact same situation, but more complicated. I’m In the process of getting my Post 56 payment paperwork processed this week, that will allow me to buy 15 years of military service back, along with my current 25 years as an Army civilian, puts me over 40 years in June.
BUT I don’t turn 62 until November 2025.
So my retirement date Must be after my birthday, and the OPM faq addresses that. It also says the organization can put it in writing.
I just have not faith in our current government holding true to a hasty promise. I’m willing to do my retirement paperwork will on admin leave, ONLY if they hold up to the promise.
I'm going to hold off retiring yet. I am going to be 59 next month, have over 30 years of contribution to my FERS pension plan and want to continue while I have this good paying job saving more so I can retire at 62 or older with 100 percent of my pension for the rest of my life and higher social security benefit than if I retire early. I'm hoping my job will be around a few years or more. I don't want to give up this job to work one for less pay. This one will enable me to save more for when I am ready to actually retire.
Our agency got an email today now claiming that the email was also an offer for early retirement un VERA
@@God1stLovedUs These important details are NOT in the e-mail you would be returning with "Resign" or "Resign and Retire" in the subject line. I'm willing to go effective 9/30 if someone will offer me an MOU guaranteeing what I want (pay and benefits, and limited or no work with zero trips to/from the office). But no one is offering me that MOU. And those details are conspicuously missing from the letter I would be returning with my unconditional surrender.
Thank you for the information. I’ve taken the deferred resignation and waiting on next steps. It was such a pleasure working for the agency’s for the last almost 15 yrs, both in active duty and as a civilian. 🇺🇸
Did you receive and email yet after doing so?
I’ve decided to take it too
It makes sense for those with less than a year.
If anyone is not 57 or 62 years of age yet but worked in federal Job for more than 5 years, are they going to lose the the pension at age 62 under this deferred registration program?
After date of resignation, will you still get FEHB , a discount in health insurance?
Perhaps the biggest problem with all of this is the speed at which they are doing it. These are life-changing decisions being forced on gov't employees, and you had only a week (without all the answers provided) in which to make it. We are still getting answers and clarifications today! Yes, there are always changes that come with new administrations, but most do not take a wrecking ball and start hap hazardously swinging away at basically everything. Elon Musk has been given WAY too much power, access and input to the administration's goals, and certainly has questionable conflict of interests given he owns companies that are certain to benefit by some of these changes.
I feel the exact same way
Wow, I wonder how much time you get to make life changing decisions out in the real world and not in the federal government world? Hint: None. Anyone who says they are surprised by this either purposely ignored what Trump campaigned on and stated or feigning ignorance and outrage. I honestly believe there are lots of feds who simply convinced themselves as always that they can't be fired and the bureaucracy will bury policy decisions.
06:39- If they're saying that they are going to give pay until September 30th, why would you want to move your retirement date up any? Wouldn't you want to take it right on that last day? That way you can maximize your income for the year before ending everything.
Depends on your risk tolerance. Anything could happen between 2/6/25 and 9/30/25. Some would rather retire asap. Money can't buy piece of mind.
@@defyned Yes, between that time period trump will be impeached.
The belief is they're going to do massive firings once Elon collects all his data. For example, today they put all USAID employees on admin leave. 600 ppl.
How can I make an informed decision by Feb. 6th if my agency HR rep has no guidance and that is their pat answer for any question. Also an irony that my agency's HR rep is in Alaska while our command as well as my branch are CONUS.
I feel for you. The way they rolled this out is so half baked. They should've given everyone until the end of the month. There's just not enough time to make an informed decision
That’s their plan. Confusion! This could’ve been done so much better
Same, Ak. HR doesn't have a clue.
What guidance do you need? They've spelled it our very clearly at this point. Our agencies are kept in he dark and OPM has elected to email each employee and continues to update.
@@tc7584 They? meaning Elon Musk?
I’m hoping they extend this and provide more solid clarity. I’m not hearing much from my agency. Everyone says it’s a scam, even leadership.
Same at my agency
They are falling in line that’s why. They want probationary employees to hold the line so the numbers will reflect a significant reduction. They intentionally over hired and padded the hiring.
So is the offer available for probationary employees?@LINUXDEVS
If someone is using that language, I'd question their ability to lead.
My agency said business as usual. But they expect to go back to the office and some changes in the future.
The problem is no one knows if our jobs will still be here in a few months. I don’t want to quit but It feels like I might as well if I’m not going to get paid
don't fall for these BS scare tactics
@ none of my superiors can give me a straite answer on wether or not I’ll have a Job. What else can I do?
@ How may years do you have? Your superiors don't know. A class action lawsuit was filed by two anonymous federal employees.
Allegations claim OPM set up an email system without following federal privacy laws.
Employee data may have been sent to someone with ties to Elon Musk.
If you responded to HR.OPM.GOV test emails, your data could be compromised.
This lawsuit could force OPM to shut down the system until security concerns are addressed. Just wait, there is a lot of controversy if those emails even came from OPM.
@@DrewbattleTheGreatyou can try and spell “straite “ correctly 😅
You better check with your states unemployment agency PRIOR to accepting the offer to resign (quit) your job. When applying for unemployment benefits typically one of the first questions asked is “have you or did you quit or resign from your job “. If you answer yes you’ll probably be denied unemployment benefits. This is not a furlough, you are not getting laid off. You are RESIGNING your position. There’s no such thing as a Federal Unemployment Agency. You must apply with a state agency. It will be up to the state to determine and decide if you’re eligible for unemployment. Doesn’t matter that you pay into unemployment, it matters if you meet the requirements to qualify for unemployment benefits, big difference. Good luck trying to convince the state since YOU RESIGNED from your job. This may come back to bite you big time. Choose wisely.
I work at the VA and we’ve been short in many departments for months. Tell me how downsizing benefits veterans. I planned on resigning anyway but I don’t see how this is any good.
I was told by my supervisor today that we are not going to be placed on admin leave. VA employees need to telework until September then be done.
what's crazy is they canceled tons of doctors and nurses job offers 2 weeks ago
@@elreytritonnot a single sterile processing job on usajobs is quite frightening. There’s ALWAYS an SPS job available. But to see ZERO ? Super scary.
My director at the VA said they are in talks with OPM to exempt the VA from the deferred resignation and VERA.
OPM! Waiting!
God forbid the agencies just hold a townhall and communicate this
They can't since they are scrambling to learn details just like everyone!
@@LittleCabin That's a fair point. Finding out I'll probably be fired over X and what my severance package looks like on youtube isn't what I expected when I hired on 8 months ago. Ready to go back to my old career in manufacturing.
We had a town hall today. Guess what every answer to every question was ? “I don’t know” lol
Submitted my resignation today ✌🏾
congrats in making that decision! did you get a reply from anyone yet?
Enjoy your retirement!
Yep same question I'm wondering?
Not yet they say up to 72 hours for a response
@@artleeII were you retirement or VERA eligible?
This channel is the balance we need. Yes, if it's real it is generous. If it is a dishonest offer to 2.3 million employees, this would be terrible, and frankly who would choose to keep working in such an unstable environment? So I say to think positive and take it if it suits you. I assume many many may later lose their jobs and then see how generous this offer was. Just my view. Each to their own.
A fallacious argument. To say or should I say to imply the possibility at the offer is is dishonest, and it almost certainly is, and then turn around and say well if it is dishonest then why would you wanna work there anyway? Well, that’s just circular logic.
Finally, someone with a level head - I am retired from a federal agency and if I was close to retirement I would definitely take this offer. There are too many people out on the internet saying don't trust them, well I see what they are doing - they are trying to reduce the number of employees , happens everywhere, and change is hard, but necessary. I appreciate your opinion on this. I just wish they gave a info telephone line for those employees needing to have their questions answered or even a website or email for questions.
The federal system is NOT built to move information fast enough to support decisions at this pace. Many GovIT people were amazed OPM was able to get an e-mail to everyone. The idea it would be seen, interpreted, assessed against policy and law, then acted on is something that would normally take at least 6 weeks, and more likely 3-12 months.
and THAT is the reason y'all GOTTA GO!
the email was sent out by Elon Musk aides who somehow took over OPM's systems. OPM officials weren't even awar of them until they came out.
I keep telling people that is what I think happened. @@royharper2003
DOC sent out an email informing us that the resignation offer is valid and will be honored. Additionally, DOC attached an agreement form which will be signed by the agency and the employee. Employees who are taking this offer will be on administrative leave and will take effect March 1, 2025. I made a copy of it and subsequent emails about this offer.
Thanks so much for sharing
I know alot of employees who said they wouldn't take the DR program, but would if offerred a VERA.....Now, I am very curious how this plays out....
Exactly. Resigning is of no interest to me. Taking a VERA offer might be. But even though the latest FAQs said all agencies had VERA, mine says it does not yet - they may know more tomorrow? It’s all so hectic and weird.
@@ken12269 this email from OPM was sent out by Elon Must aides who took control of OPM's systems. OPM officials didn't know anything about it until after the fact.
@@ken12269 mine does have VERA, but I need 3 more years
I think they will go after the new hires next, the ones still on their probationary periods, if they don’t get enough people to “take the deal.” We’ll see.
"unless your position is exempted from the deferred resignation program by your agency" is a pretty big deal since VERA's availability to "all agencies" isn't actually true. It's only available to PARTICIPATING agencies. Appreciate your overall excellent guidance, but a bit more clarity on this point would be better.
Exactly.
Thank you for providing this information to us. Greatly appreciated
Absolutely correct. New Admin means new policies. Civil servant means you weren't elected, so your thoughts on govt priorities are irrelevant. If a fed disagrees with legit policies, then the person has a personal choice to make to switch gears and execute new policies or leave.
I’m in probation until October, 2025 in the IRS as external hire. Ironically, I mainly joined because of the job stability… still haven’t decided yet, but very likely to resign😢
I joined a month before you. They can’t just fire you. They have to give reason. Idc what anyone says this money isn’t guaranteed. I know unemployment is guaranteed.
If you’re still in your probationary year, you can be fired for any reason, including no reason.
I am also in probation till feb 2025. Can anyone suggest what to do being a probationary employee
@@Yamioyami update your resume.
Update your resume and look at a midsized public accounting firm
Thank you for your fair and balanced knowledge. The environment is getting bad between those that take the offer and those that feel hell bent not to go along with the new administration. You’re right…if it works for you take it, but if it doesn’t mind your own business.
Thank you for the clear, concise explanation. Where I work, upper management is very tight lipped about the whole thing. Today, we are supposed to have a town hall locally where management is supposed to share what they know. We will see. Thank you again!
My town hall didn’t know anything.
They are not going to say anything new. They just don’t want probationary employees to resign as it will expose other employees with tenure:
We had one last Friday...Spoiler Alert, management doesn't know anything
@ OPM went around them
A reduction in force (RIF) takes months and months to plan. How can you believe anything from OPM when OPM officials have been locked out of their own offices and computers? This Fork email is exactly the same email Twitter employees got. How’d that work out for them?
Twitter is still up and running after cutting 80% of the staff. So I guess it worked out okay.
@@vicariousjohnson9823 making considerably less money even with the cuts and barely makes a profit as of 2023. it took a 22% decline in revenue from 2022. Elon is the reason why the cuts needed to be made at Twitter in the first place.
@@vicariousjohnson9823they're probably referring to if they got paid which I read they didn't
@@vicariousjohnson9823Twitter is very buggy
It worked out on Musk’s favor. The employees were not able to get what they were told and the cases were dismissed in court due to the applicability of certain retirement act.
That's right. Do what's best for you. Look at your own financial situation and job prospects.
You got it wrong on VERA. You are not eligible unless your agency offers it!!!!
Thanks, FedSmith! Appreciate this forum.
They are trying to beat all the lawsuits hence the speed.
DHS has informed employees that none are eligible to participate in the program.
DHS, DOD, postal service are excluded from this program.
@@LINUXDEVS DOD not excluded
@@LINUXDEVSDOD not excluded, I already know a handful that have accepted the offer and are in the process
@@LINUXDEVSDoD civilians can participate, uniformed personnel cannot.
Sadly my HR has been no help .. won't answer their phones now ... The call center HR , just says to look at OPM website . I need questions answers that pertain to my retirement and still can't get the answers.
The Army Benefits Center hold time was 47 minutes this morning…
@@juanvaldz lucky you . I will try again tomorrow.
I am a Federal employee with 25 years age 63. Planning on retiring Dec 2025. The problem is the execution of this resignation program. The program wants me to resign this Thursday. However, I have to turn in my computer, my CAC card, and any access to the military base I work. So, I would not have access to FSS to file for retirement. There is no process. I have talked withy management and they have no answers. It is really risky to go out on this program. My leadership said they would like me to stay through the end of the year. Also, can you imagine what OPM is going to look like through Sept 2025. It is safer to stay, and work through the end of the year and have control ofy retirement process. This administration doesn't understand the deep state or the processes we as Federal employees live by. Pass!!
Did your agency tell you to turn in your badge and computer? What if they need you to work for a month or call you back for an emergency? Where does OPM say you have to turn in your badge?
You'll still be employed until 09/30 so you should still have a valid CAC.
@@theequalizer2727 yes, they explained to me this morning that I would have to turn in my CAC. That just not make sense... right. I go into work tomorrow. I am going to have to ask a few more questions.
@@ecomadrian809 You make a very good point!! I am going in to work tomorrow. I am going to ask some more questions.
@@ecomadrian809 Also, my Branch Chief said they are extending the furlough for anyone retiring to 31 Dec 2025. Have you heard this? She sent the information to me this morning in a Q and A format from OPM.
DOGE should start with Congress and the Senate. They make way more than me and do way less than me. I welcome any of them to shadow me for a day and I will do the same with them.
I do agree that telework and such agencies as the SSA, IRS and some others have brought this upon the entire government workforce.
For the 8 years that I have been a government employee I have never teleworked. I have a 45 min drive to and from work each day and I do my job. I stay busy the entire 8 hours and the day goes by fast.
That youtube video of the Senator holding his phone for 1 1/2 hrs. listening to music waiting for the IRS to answer his call brought into question if those teleworking were actually working. Also, all the USELESS DEI positions and hires notched things up to another level. It created a black cloud for everyone. What a mess. Everyone always pays the price because of the few.
My director at the VA said they are in talks with OPM to exempt the VA from the deferred resignation and VERA
Sorry to break it to you, but this isn’t OPM. It’s Elon Musk. Stop reading from the website when we know it’s been hacked. Good grief this is a disservice to federal employees.
Why are my comments always deleted? probationary employees can't be termed by OPM, only the agency can do that and there has to be a reason as to why the employee is termed. They can't do mass firings of probation employees. They have to follow regulations.
A restructuring could potentially be enough I would imagine but hopefully HR can tell you.
My probationary employees are the high performers with potential, they're the future. Whereas, the ones who have been there for 30 years are tired and have not much energy left, but they don't want to go either.
There is no such thing as a deferred resignation program. It has not been funded, and OPM can’t offer money that isn’t in the budget.
But isn’t this funding already allocated for? If the person kept working they would spend the exact same. the work date just stops sooner rather then later. Or is that not how it works?
The program only runs through the end of the fiscal year. Your assuming that they going to trick you in some way. This actually appears to remove you from a RIF if it happens this year. I would consider what is said not all the what ifs. This is the carrot the stick may mean you get nothing.
There is now. The current CR funds your salary through March 14, which covers this. It’s not a payout, so they don’t need any special budgetary considerations.
@@surf1589, my finance chief stated that CIV pay is a must fund through the FY even with CR’s. They are funded for the payroll through the FY. We just wouldn’t work for it, but guarantee that the Govt would cut the cost by not rehiring the replacement.
We were told the organizations have to pay the salaries. This was last week and they seemed sure of that.
Not a single piece of policy has been offered on this or the resignation. Agencies cannot answer questions because they have not been provided the answers. People in the field had no clue this was coming. Trying to gut public service, buy us off while also telling the agency responsible for publishing policy to cut their staff by 30% when they were already struggling to keep up with increasing retirement numbers...Does this seem reasonably right to anyone?!
You are right, it will be chaos. People think the airport lines are long now, they just wait. Or, waiting for a tax refund, or getting your passport processed, we're going back to the stone age. And the DOGE boys are on here telling people how great the deal is.
The issue with a they aren’t clear and are not communicating with agencies. They would receive a much better response if they communicated these the right way and went through proper channels.
I have been trying to get answers with HRM and they’re just as lost as we all are.
Can confirm. I'm getting the same emails at the same time as everyone else.
When they say we will get full benefits how do we insure we take our insurance and annual leave balance payments? Will there be opportunities to meet with HRM for working on paperwork?
Does this deferred resignation program apply to federal-term employees?
What do you think about the bill thats out there to cut FERS benefits like the FERS suppliment and insurance? If they pass before September will they also be taken from people in tye deffered resign/retire zone? Or would the changes affect people not affect?
There’s no reason why newly hired probationary employees should not take it. It’s a win for them. As the RIF only goes so far and cuts the probationary employees first.
They are not eligible.
The email says everyone is eligible.
Even in DoD?
@@searphhoney read the fine print. They have rules and regulations in place beyond what is stated in a simple email.
@beethovens666 I'm not sure. From what I read, it applied to everyone.
Gawd, this guy is just loving these things....
Has anyone done this yet? I don’t know if anyone who is moving forward with this that is not already about to retire.
Not yet, but getting pretty close
Thank you for these videos. They are so helpful.
I asked the head of our HRO if VERA would be offered. She doesn’t know. It is the blind leading the blind at this point. I would accept VERA, but I can’t risk sending a resign email to OPM and hope for the best.☹
Right, its not a definitive statement and misleading without the details.
I am in the same boat
VERA is offered as of today
only half right
the ENLIGHTENED frugal discerning and wise, leading the blind
fixed that for you 😉
@@SDsc0rch Elon is as wise as a dog who eats his own poop.
Trust level is minimal with this program…they are like “trust us”…Then is this offer legal?
Anyone else a career employee with like 6 years in and in their mid 30s? Any word on that demogrqphic?
If I only had 6 years I would go. I accepted less money than private sector to work in in public sector. It was a fair trade off for the benefits and stability overall of the job. I wish I had resigned when my son was a baby. You get to a point where you feel you are too far in to give it up. I already decided if Vera was offered I was taking it. I really need a medical retirement but it takes forever and I don’t know if they would approve it. I have teleworked for 13+ years and most of those years were 4 days a week and then full time in March 2020. I was a no on this until it showed VERA. I sent the email today. Scariest and hardest “send” I have ever done. I did resign and retire under VERA with my age and years. I meet both qualifications. If something happens and they offer a Vera with instant payout after you can switch according to all of this. It was a hard decision and I am still scared but necessary for me.
Me. I'm 4.5 years in, and am 36. I think I will take the offer.
My personnel center told me today (Feb 4) i cannot apply to retire beyond a 6 month window,..Feb 6-Sept 30 is more than 6 months. Today is Feb 4th late evening. If i type resign & retire i cannot even apply to retire before March 30,...no clear guidance,..mass confusion,..chaos. I know just as much as my personnel section. 😮😮
What does “have a nice vacation” mean?
Translation:
Don't you bring your ass back here!"
Right! 😂
They are just trolling us fed workers
That is Elon’s sarcasm. They also encourage us to leave our low productivity public sector jobs and move into high productivity private sector jobs.
@@andrewjackson4510I agree I think Elon wrote this. After 25 years I have never seen this but it’s clear things are changing. So I will set aside my normalcy bias and go for it.
You mentioned that the most recent communication from the President addressed collective bargaining agreement employees. Can you elaborate on this? I could not find any details on this.
What he is referring to is President Trump nullified all union negotiations that occured 30 days prior to his innaugaration. He did that because a couple weeks before his innaugaration the SSA union worked with Biden to allow Telework up until the year trump leaves office....As with everything else, I am not sure if he can nullify that, but he did it.
Basically, he’s trying to revoke any collective bargaining agreement changes signed within 30 days of inauguration
some agencies did new telework agreements at the end of the year. one agency supposedly had one that lasted until 2029 i think. he's trying to void them.
if accepted....we become full-time TH-camrs this Friday. But our HR has nothing new to share....
Looks like you already are.
@@Legendary_UA We stay busy!
"learn to code"
@@SDsc0rch they'll just say the indians are better. and if you've been out of school 20+ years it's over
Thank you... Appreciate you taking the time to lay this out for us.
I personally would take it. What happens if in 3 months 70% are laid off. Then what happens? You don't get anything
You are entitled to unemployment and for permanent employees they have to give you severance
Unless the laws are changed by congress, you have rights if there's a RIF. You would get a severance
Yes. Give me my severance. I’ll gladly go. I need a change anyway. Federal is too much drama now. The good suffer for the bad and the contractors 🙄 if I really want to continue to help Veterans I can volunteer at a VFW or something 😒
I’m ready to move on
I don’t understand why he’s presenting this information as normal. Keeps saying he doesn’t know why it can’t be trusted. REALLY? Every other channel sees this a problematic - I fear that anyone taking this will be hung out to dry
I trust him more than the financial advisors. They are drumming up business doing consultations and I doubt they have worked for OPM like he has.
@@Jim_and_Natalie except it's all written by DOGE, not OPM personnel.
Great opportunity for people who want out now or before MRA...without penalty of deferred pension. You’d otherwise apply for pension at 60 when resigning before MRA
pension will be reduced if they don't have 30 years of service plus they can't collect the social security supplemnt until the meet minimum requirement age.
@@royharper2003 The offer is about giving an incentive for people who want to leave but choose not to for financial reasons and getting pension now instead of potentially 10 years from now PLUS six months full administrative leave are great incentives
We are wondering. I have a friend who is remote hire for VA. She’s never had a “building” to go to. How would this affect her? If she doesn’t quit could they require her to move to another state or commute hours a day to a building? Her management has no idea about any of it and the deadline is approaching. They have no headquarters except Iowa and she lives in Georgia. Any ideas?
Why can’t they allow a certain percentage of essential worker who are eligible to actually take the offer?
because Trump only wants a partial collapse of the government, not a total collapse.
He is such a liar. I guess he forgot about the budget cuts he made during this first term. This affected one of the three major processing centers for IRS by getting shutdown. That is in my city. Which resulted in refunds being late & long hold times. Then covid added to it. The building we were in was not even owned by u s government. So now, the remaining employees, are in three separate buildings that are not owned by the government. Plus, the hiring incentive for the customer service reps. The eighty eight thousand agents. Remote work was part of the incentive. There's no room to put us. Those unoccupied office spaces. Aren't even in the same state. There's no way for us be slacking off. While we're working, they monitor us, and we can't cheat that.
Lots of government offices are in leased buildings, not owned by the government. What's the point here? What do budget cuts have anything to do with voluntary retirement which has always been a thing? Any impact on COVID was all during Biden's term and his policies. Unless remote work was mandated in a CBA, remote work was never ever a right of employment in the federal government. Somehow feds convinced themselves it was an employment right. It still isn't. Hogwash that people monitor while you work and you can't cheat. The number of government laptops with CAC cards I've seen strewn all over the place other than telework location of your residence just proves feds were not abiding bide their telework agreements. Idiot Feds who always sent emails from their phones but didn't remove the sent from iphone or blackberry default also proved that Feds weren't abiding by their telework agreement. Why would you be replying to emails on your phone rather than your govt issued computer if you weren't at your designated telework location? You weren't.
There’s no jobs for you if you leave pay us $75k and we will leave
Doesn't Trump telework from Mar A Largo?
more than 50% of the time.
Good grief, give it rest gold shoes.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
I responded to the first e:mail last Wednesday. It said I would receive a confirmation e:mail within 72 hours. The OPM FAQ said 48 hours. It has been 120 hours so far :(. Also, I read an informative article last Friday. It quoted data from OPM. The article contained more detailed info than OPM's website. Why does OPM give the news agencies info before posting it on their own website. The details from Friday's article is still not on the website :(
I’m sorry to hear this, I hope you hear something back soon. They just sent everyone a copy of the agreement letter you’ll receive after accepting the offer.
Thanks for letting us know how it’s going! Any word yet?
It's been on OPM's website.
Link?
What is the Administration's ability to change the rules on who is eligible for an early out? RIF? Does that need to go through Congress? Or could it be done via an Executive Order?
I'd take it if I were eligible for VERA. Still have a few years to go though.
I am a Firefighter (public safety) and I am eligible to retire.
I submitted my response to OPMs email on January 31st with “Resign”
Today I see and hear that OPM has changed/Added to the FAQs.
Do I still have a leg to stand on?
The FAQs say you can submit a rescission request if you change your mind, but it also says that it will likely be denied. Not sure if that was your questions.
@@JN-lh9td thanks for the info.
So, the initial email from OPM never stated public safety was excluded from the program.
A few days later they changed /added/updated the FAQs to now include Public Safety employees.
I was all set to retire on January 31st but I pulled it and took the offer. I planned on choosing a new retirement date before September
I remember Bill Gates saying something to the effect of the difference between he and his competitors and said, "when I see an opportunity I take it". This conspiracy that it's not true is bizarre to me. Private industries do this all the time. It's normal to cut headcount.
Well, private sector they just just fire you immediately, especially in at-will states, and don't offer to give you an 8month grace period keeping you on the payroll.
@@hanwagu9967 I know I'm saying it's a good deal.
Since when can opm “process” a retirement?
I work for OPM retirement services. We process all CSRS and FERS retirements after you are retired.
@ like if I type resign and retire I’m done? That’s how the FAQ reads.
@@praharinwhat else do you know
Please tell me how it’s in the Government’s interest to allow people eligible to retire to have a deferred retirement through December 2025? The work is still there and you lose the persons contributions for nearly an entire year. This makes no sense and seems counter to the Government’s interests.
All I needed to hear was that OPM sent out clarification LATE SUNDAY NIGHT. Nope that’s not coming from OPM.
Remember too…. If you leave you may be required to explain to future employers you quit due to “political reasons”. I’m not carrying that label around and having to talk to that for the rest of my professional career. Especially since I would likely e working for DOD in a contracting capacity going forward. That could hurt future job prospects. Better to be RIF’d IMO.
I accepted the deferred resignation offer. Several days later they changed the program and reported that new guidelines exempted most people in my agency from the deferred resignation. Doesnt seem right or even minimally ethical to make the offer in the email of Jamuary 28th from OPM and then the offer that i agreed to.... became subject to change by disqualification when the government announced a change in guidelines after i had allready accepted the offer. How is that right? It is not and i will be very dissappointed in my government if they dont stand behind the offer given to me.
This is my EXACT FEAR, agreeing and then the deal changes. My announced plan(2 weeks ago) to my organization leadership was: May 2026 retirement, to help my organization transition me out. This blows that plan up
I for one hope you leave
but that's just me
What agency do you work for? I thought it was available to all who received the email.
@@SDsc0rch right on I second that
they didn't change the program. There were exempted agencies and personnel from the get go that haven't changed. Just because you accepted in the email doesn't mean automatic approval until you got an approval notice like any other voluntary resignation.
I'm probationary. Bye Bye.. Now pay me
What department?
I’m probationary too but idk what happens if they don’t fire us?
@@DrewbattleTheGreat, everyone is in chaos, nobody inside has a real clue about how this is going to work out.
Not so fast there. You stand up for the position you applied for and worked hard to get! If you resign, you have no recourse; if they fire you, there's a chance you can fight this out in court OR be reinstated when the government is back to normal with intelligent people at the helm.
Ya get nothing.
Has anyone gotten an email from their Agency that they can go on vacation for 7 months or that they must telework for 1 month or whole 7 months? Some people have said that VA has stated that you must telework till September. I wish Fedsmith would address this.
This is my second Fedsmith video, and I'm not sure if the guy is being paid to say positive things about the program or not. He's not addressing the fact that DOGE has taken over the servers and many agencies, even taken classified information. You don't see any signatures by OPM officials on the emails. We also get similar unsigned emails from our agency saying the OPM emails are legitimate. I guess DOGE tapped into our agency's servers too. When I asked a higher up at my agency about the emails, she said she doesn't know who's been sending out the emails. Have a great vacation and do whatever you want? Government writers would not say that. It's all BS from Elon and his crew.
If I accept this Deferred Resignation, Do you think I could use my stored up sick and annual leave after Sept 30 to reach my MRA+10 date, which falls on January 30, 2026? It would behoove me to stay until my MRA date so I can get my Health Benefits. I assume the answer is no.
No
If you resign that is voluntary separation and you lose all you leave.
@Grammy52 you'll get vacation payout but not sick leave.
If it was me I wouldn't take the deferred resignation because there are too many variables that have to work out for you to get to that all-important 1/30/2026 date. Sure, there's a risk that a lay-off could happen before that date anyhow but that seems awfully quick for them to process, especially if you're not with one of the agencies in the cross hairs. The only thing you'd be giving up is that you'd probably have to work at the office until your retirement. Seems like a small price to pay for a pension you keep throughout your retirement.
retirement milestones are based on actual time worked, cannot count the leave. The sick leave is counted toward your pension calculation only, and annual leave is paid out.
The offer seems so private sector. Fast and to the point. The total opposite of the fed.
The issue is OPM doesn't have the authority to tell other agencies that their employees can retire for they're supposed to or resign and receive full payments. Where's the clarification on that Fed Smith?
Hi, I meet age and yr requirements for VERA, however I have not heard any communication from my local agency regarding VERA, do I need to hear directly from my local agency regarding VERA? or is the FAQ from OPM suffice for my agency to process VERA if I elect the deffer resignation
It seems we’re going from OPM now vice hearing direction from our agencies.
From what I understand it's up to the agency who is eligible for a vera. I have the time but not MRA so I would love to get a vera.
Should have also added that I'm a mechanic. Might not even be 'eligible ' for the deferred resignation part
Same boat. Would consider VERA if they get back to me.
I am in the same boat.
I mat all my a
Qualifying both requirements (20 years over 50 years old and 25 @any age) but I am with DOD NAF with FEARS system. I CALLed ABC-C and they said I am not qualify under VARA since my agency did not offered it yet and my naf office person told me NAF doe not offer VRRA at all what so ever 😢
Still no mention on whether you’re protected from RIF. A employee on Admin leave is still an employee and your RIF priority doesn’t change. So barring some other statement, you could still get RIF’d while on the admin leave and not get the full period of payment.
IF you've read the letter, there are big changes coming. There is no arm twisting or coercion, either reply or don't. This is a Good Deal, once they see how many take this versus how many they want to reduce the federal workforce by they will come out with the next step which could very well be RIF and then you won't have a choice.
Submitted my resignation on Friday. I’ve resigned once before and I’m not worried about this time at all. The cool thing is you can always come back! The deferred resignation doesn’t not impact your ability to rejoin the federal government. If you’re under 50 with no kids or dependents, this is an excellent time to live your life!! Go live and then come back later!!
who said you could come back? ppl who resign positions will be gone. only retirees billets will remain for agencies
LOL yeah... good luck on "coming back"
Who lied to you and told you you can come back ?
Thank you!
Thank you for making these! You know a lot more about this than my leadership.
It's all on the OPM website.
Unless you’re going to retire or are very comfortable financially and don’t care about your cushy job and income then you shouldn’t even be thinking about resigning. What’s going to happen is that once you resign it’s going to be very difficult to get a job somewhere else because the job market will be much more competitive.
Dual Status T32 Employees are being told NGB is trying to exclude them from this. They got notice that , sure type Resign, but probably not a thing. NGB is trying to get T32 offer rescinded.
"The government uses a stick and a carrot approach". It is Elon Mask, not the government! Although I don't mind if some people resign. More chances for us to stay!
Thank you for the quick updates!
You mean SLOW ????? It was already posted on the OPM website if you care to look.
Those who submitted their resignation, I hope your continued pay isn’t held hostage on March 14. We all know that will be on the table. Best of luck.
Who would hold it hostage and why?
@ The executive branch cannot specifically guarantee spending not yet approved by Congress. Government funding is currently set to expire in March, well before the end of September. Trump will use this compensation as leverage to get what he wants. Just wait.
If anyone is not 57 or 62 years of age yet but worked in federal Job as full time for more than 5 years, are they going to lose the pension payment at age 62 under this deferred registration program?
If you don't have at least 5 years, you don't get anything at 62.
Where do you find out if your position is eligible?
Are federal workers eligible for unemployment? Say we don’t take the offer and they fire us down the line, can we get unemployment?
Yes
I am going to be 57 this month and I will have 30 yrs of service in October of this year. Per the FAQ "If your retirement date is between October 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025, you are still eligible for deferred resignation", I have been enrolled in health insurance for at least the last 5 years as well as life insurance so that won't be an issue. If I send the email with "resign" in the title, what can be the possible drawback or penalty for this? Why do I have to use the word "resign" can this cause me to have an issue with my supplemental pay? what is the catch here? all things being on the up and up, I would have to be crazy not to take it, what am I missing? Thank you
What if you take the deferred retirement then meet MRA+10 between Feb 6 and Sep 30? Will you be able to get the MRA+10 pension options?
Supposedly....
None of these videos discuss VERA at any level of specificity. For example, VERA allows the employee to use annual leave in order to remain on the ageny’s rolls past the effective date of the reduction in force or disruption. In other words can an employee use annual leave in order to bridge the gap if their retirement eligibility is shortly after 12-31-2025.
type "resign" now and we promise you'll be taken care of....i'd be better off betting everything on blackjack
The last email I saw, I believe it says, "If you agree to deferred resignation, we'll send you the details in writing."
lol, so much for reading the fine print when there is none.
VA is saying you are not on administrative leave until we tell you. So remote workers will likely continue to work remote. Until September 30. We won’t be able to find another job. Not till September. VA seems to be handling this differently.
VA is very sneaky and shady. None or limited info. I find out more information on my own from FedSmith. VHA is now requesting an exemption for series 0201 which is HR. In my guess to stall further.
So, you can't work at home and get paid, but you can resign, stay at home and get paid. Sure, that's not hypocritical at all! For PETE'S SAKE!
Deferred resignation doesn't last years only to 30SEP, so the attempted equivalency argument falls flat.
Until Sep 30, which we all know is THE DATE, 🍊 will be paying folks to sit at home (or whatever), but wouldn't let them work from home thru the end of the FY. That is hypocritical!
I’m not sure if I’m considered as essential? I’m a health tech in a specialty clinic. I don’t want to defer and be told I’m not eligible and then not get anything 🤔