Resources for Fired Feds

The following resources can help fired civil servants research their legal options, navigate the transition to a new job in the private sector, and care for their mental health.

Businesses Offering Free and Reduced Cost Resources for Fired Feds

• Free Coaching from the Coaching Collaborativce— https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1_4XCkxHOvluiF-Imlnfzl5DS7NKyMAtvyKz0bE9Bwdo/viewform?edit_requested=true&pli=1

• National Career Development Association—https://associationdatabase.com/aws/NCDA/asset_manager/get_file/919498?ver=0&tcs-token=c5d672670ffda7c9af250c94151f65ab7cc8f66578ef1b7f03a4fc33f7a58f82 (List of credentialed NCDA members offering pro bono career services to displaced feds)

• The Perfect Therapy Group—Offering a therapy group for federal government workers and other professionals in the DMV area struggling with uncertainty and stress in the current political climate. This group will be a combination of finding support and skill-building to cope with distress. See flyer for full details and contact them for a free introductory call:  https://perfecttherapygroup.com/contact/

• Across Counseling—During this time of stress for government employees and contractors, Across Counseling is leading a free in-person support group hosted by St. Thomas Episcopal Church in McLean, Virginia. Email director@acrosscounseling.com to sign up.

• Children’s Book for Families Impacted by Federal Job Cuts—My Grown-Up's Job  by Rachel Jamieson & Karin Erickson. Includes support for families on how to discuss big changes with young children, as well as a resource page.  PDF that can be downloaded and printed or viewed on a device. Pay what you want option to allow it to be accessible to all.

• Silence of the Mindcluck—Offering free 60-minute strategy sessions for federal government workers who have been or fear being RIFed or terminated, and for people whose jobs are at risk because of federal government funding cuts. https://silencethemindcluck.com/

Legal & Employment Rights

• Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB)—www.mspb.gov (For appeals of wrongful termination)

• Office of Special Counsel (OSC)—www.osc.gov (For whistleblower protections and prohibited personnel practices)

• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)—www.eeoc.gov (For cases involving discrimination, harassment, or retaliation)

• American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)—www.afge.org (For union support and advocacy)

• National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE)—www.nffe.org (For unionized federal workers)

• Information for Fired Probationary Employees—www.civilservicestrong.org (For probationary employee rights and news)

• Legal Aid & Pro Bono Services—Coming soon: A list of organizations that provide free or low-cost legal assistance

Career & Financial Support

• Federal Job Support Network—LinkedIn group dedicated to assisting laid-off federal employees in their job search. Members can access valuable resources, share job leads, and connect with others facing similar transitions. The goal of the group is to foster collaboration and provide support. https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13189034/

• State Unemployment Benefits—www.dol.gov/general/topic/unemployment-insurance (For information on filing for unemployment benefits in each state)

• Fact Sheet on Severance Pay after Federal Reduction in Force—www.opm.gov (For information on severance pay for employees who are involuntarily separated from Federal service and who meet other conditions of eligibility)

• Severance Pay Calculator—www.timetrex.com/resources/severance-pay-calculator (For calculating estimated severance pay based on the OPM Severance Pay Estimation Worksheet)

• Temporary Continuation of Health Coverage—www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/ (For information on continuation of health care after termination. See also this article on WTOP about health care options for federal employees who are fired)

• Local Assistance Programs for Food, Rent, and Health Care—211.org (For a comprehensive source of information about local resources and services around the country)

• Modest Needs—modestneeds.org (For emergency grants for workers facing financial hardship)

News & Updates

• Latest news on firings, court cases, executive orders, and more—https://www.civilservicestrong.org/updates

• RIF Watch—www.govexec.com (For news on which agencies are laying off federal workers)

General Resources

• Resources Hub from Partnership for Public Service— https://fedsupport.org/