More Info and Clarification from OPM on Deferred Resignation Program

OPM is providing more information on its deferred resignation offer to federal employees to resign and leave government service. This may influence the decisions by some.

On Sunday night, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) posted more information on the deferred resignation program. Most of the new information appears to be in response to questions that have been posed by federal employees evaluating the offer, presumably to enable employees to make an informed decision to stay or go.

The rapid response by OPM on this issue is impressive. They appear to be responding to reports and comments from various organizations or just cynical federal employees questioning the veracity of the offer. Undoubtedly, the administration is focused on getting many federal employees out the door by the end of the fiscal year.

It would be unfair to conclude that OPM is “sweetening” the deferred resignation offer. Perhaps it is just a matter of those at OPM handling this operation providing more information as questions come in and need to be answered if they think it is having an effect on the decision of employees.

There is also little doubt that more announcements will be made and actions taken in coming weeks and months to reduce the size and the mission of much of the federal government. Those who doubt the sincerity of the administration are probably making a mistake.

This does not mean the offer should be accepted. It does mean it should be evaluated and seriously considered by anyone who is even thinking about accepting it.

Carrot and Stick Approach Urging Employees to Resign

As FedSmith noted in this article, another memo was sent out by President Trump just before the start of the weekend designed to narrow down the number of federal employees who will be restricted from continuing to work at home.

This is the latest in a series of announcements that, at least in part, are probably designed to encourage people to resign:

New FAQs from OPM

Here are the newest frequently asked questions posted by OPM as of February 2, 2025. The most current information is available on the OPM website.

The current funding bill for the federal government expires on March 14, 2025. Will I still receive full pay and benefits if the money runs out?

Any government shutdown could potentially affect an employee’s pay regardless of whether he or she has accepted the deferred resignation offer. Moreover, if you accept the deferred resignation offer, you would still be entitled to backpay under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019.  See 31 U.S.C. 1341(c)(2).

Does my agency have VERA for employees who opt to take the deferred resignation offer?

Yes. Employees who are eligible for the deferred resignation offer and are at least age 50 with at least 20 years creditable Federal service, or any age with at least 25 years creditable Federal service are eligible for VERA along with the deferred resignation offer (unless your position is exempted from the deferred resignation program by your agency).

How can I make it clear that I would like to retire and resign?

You are welcome to type “resign and retire” into the reply email but it is not required.  If you simply write “resign” and you are eligible for retirement on or before December 31, 2025, we will process your resignation with retirement as of September 30 OR your actual retirement date (if it is between September 30 and December 31, 2025).

Why am I being offered deferred resignation?

The federal workforce is expected to undergo significant near-term changes.  As a result of these changes (or for other reasons), you may wish to depart the federal government on terms that provide you with sufficient time and economic security to plan for your future—and have a nice vacation.

Am I permitted to accelerate my resignation date to earlier than September 30, 2025?

Yes, you may unilaterally accelerate your final resignation date for any reason.

Is there a formal agreement I can sign with my agency reflecting the terms of this offer?

Yes. If you are eligible for the deferred resignation program and accept it, your agency can execute paperwork reflecting all the terms.

About the Author

Ralph Smith has several decades of experience working with federal human resources issues. He has written extensively on a full range of human resources topics in books and newsletters and is a co-founder of two companies and several newsletters on federal human resources. Follow Ralph on Twitter: @RalphSmith47