United Benefits - Deferred Resignation Resources

FORK IN THE ROAD:
DEFERRED RESIGNATION RESOURCES

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The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and is current as of February 1, 2025. Given the rapidly evolving nature of federal workforce policies, some information may have changed since publication. Please contact us for the most up-to-date guidance regarding your specific situation.

Recent executive orders have introduced significant changes to federal employment policies, including return-to-office mandates, workforce restructuring, and deferred resignation options.

As your dedicated federal benefits specialists, we’re committed to helping you navigate these changes with confidence.

Note: This overview provides general information about the deferred resignation program. Individual circumstances may vary, and policies continue to evolve. For personalized guidance based on your specific situation, please contact our office.

What is Deferred Resignation?

The recently announced deferred resignation program offers eligible federal employees the option to submit their resignation now while continuing to work and receive full pay and benefits through September 30, 2025. This program is part of broader federal workforce reforms announced in January 2025.

 

Key Features

  • Submission Period: January 28 – February 6, 2025
  • End Date: September 30, 2025 (with option to leave earlier)
  • Full compensation and benefits continuation
  • Exemption from new return-to-office requirements
  • Option to elect retirement if eligible before resignation date
Who’s Eligible

The program is available to most full-time federal employees, with some exceptions including:

  • Military personnel
  • U.S. Postal Service employees
  • Immigration enforcement positions
  • National security positions
  • Other agency-specific exclusions

Important Considerations

  • This is a voluntary program
  • Once submitted, the resignation decision is final
  • Your position may be modified or duties reduced during the transition period
  • You maintain the right to accelerate your departure date
  • Retirement-eligible employees retain the option to retire before the resignation date

Disclosure: United Benefits does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and it should not be relied upon for tax, legal, or accounting advice. You should contact your tax, legal, and/or accounting advisor(s) before engaging in any transaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

The current funding bill for the federal government expires on March 14. 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).

I am scheduled to retire soon after September 30, 2025. Can I take advantage of the deferred resignation program?

If your retirement date is between October 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025, you are still eligible for deferred resignation (unless your position is exempted from the deferred resignation program by your agency). If your retirement date is within this window, your deferred resignation date will be extended to match your retirement date.

How can I make it clear that I would like to resign AND retire (not just 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).

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 the terms.

Does the deferred resignation program comply with all records and privacy laws?

Yes. The deferred resignation program uses only basic contact information about federal employees, like name and government email address, along with short, voluntary email responses. That information is stored on secure government systems. To the extent the Privacy Act applies, all information relevant to the program is covered by existing OPM System of Records Notices.

I have another question that isn't covered here.

Please refer to OPM’s frequently asked question page for the Fork in the Road program. Additional information can be found on OPM’s website.

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