Steps to Get Ready: Preparing for a Possible Federal Job Loss
Facing the possibility of being fired is stressful, but taking some steps to prepare can help you feel more in control. Whether you’re a probationary employee, someone at a federal agency that’s getting dismantled, in a role that’s under fire, or concerned that you’ll be subject to a reduction in force (RIF), here are some key steps to protect your career, finances, and future.
Understand RIF Procedures and Severance Pay Eligibility
Severance Pay Fact Sheet from OPM
Severance Pay Estimation Worksheet from OPM
Severance Pay Calculator (a quick an easy tool to calculate how much severance pay you’ll receive if you are terminated as part of a reduction in force)
Gather Your Important Documents
Many federal employees have faced sudden departures from the workplace (being placed on admin leave or terminated with little notice) along with restrictions on entering their offices. Under those circumstances, you may have little to no opportunity to download important personal documents.
Working now to prepare a file with the following documents that pertain to you, and email them to a personal email account:
Your complete eOPF record, including your Sf-50s. Confirm that all information on your most recent SF-50 is correct, including your service comp date, veterans preference, tenure (permanent, conditional, indefinite), and position occupied (competitive service, excepted service, SES, etc.).
A copy of your current position description.
Most recent Earnings & Leave (E&L) statement as well as the year-end E&L statement for the last five years.
W-2 statements from the last five years.
Performance appraisal from the last five years.
Award certificates and citations.
Training certificates, licenses, and certifications.
Contact information (email address and phone number) for your agency HR team.
A list of professional contacts from MS Outlook (or request personal contact info to ensure continued contact is possible).
Get Informed and Manage Stress
Review your benefits so you understand what happens with your health insurance (FEHB), retirement (FERS and TSP), and other benefits.
Attend information sessions offered by your HR department, or request a consultation to review your specific information. Understand that your HR officials are dealing with unprecedented circumstances right now, and be patient and kind to them. They are Feds too and may be facing the same concerns as you.
Take advantage of your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to help navigate anxiety, distractions, and stress.