U.S. Office of Personnel Management - Ensuring the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce

Employee Resources

The Employee Guide to Reduction in Force Benefits
The information presented in this guide is intended to provide an overview of benefits and entitlements if you are affected by RIF.  The information is general in nature and cannot cover every situation.  It may not be applicable to every Federal employee.  If you need more specific information, please contact your servicing human resources office.

Career Transition Resources
Read U.S. policy on career transition and also the regulations which enable employees to take charge of their own careers and find other job offers either within the Federal Government or in the private sector.

Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA)
The VERA authority encourages more voluntary separations and helps the agency complete the needed organizational change with minimal disruption to the work force.

Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments (VSIP)
The VSIP authority, also known as buyout authority, allows agencies that are downsizing or restructuring to offer employees lump-sum payments up to $25,000 as an incentive to voluntarily separate.

Summary of Transfer of Function
A transfer of function takes place when a function ceases in one competitive area, and moves to one or more other competitive areas that do not perform the function at the time of transfer.   This summary covers the rights of non-temporary employees who have the right to move with their work to another organization if the alternative is separation or downgrading by a RIF.

Summary of Reassignment
This summary covers the procedures in the reassignment regulations.  With this summary, employees, managers, union representatives, and others will have an overview of both the agency's and employees‘ rights in a reassignment situation.

Summary of Redction In Force
This summary covers the procedures in OPM's redduction in force regulations.

RIF Fact Sheet
OPM implements the RIF regulations published in part 351 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations.  RIF regulations must give effect to four factors in releasing employees:  (1) tenure of employment (e.g., type of appointment); (2) veterans preference; (3) length of service; and (4) performance ratings.

Reduction In Force Benefits Guide
This fact sheet summarizes benefits that are provided for employees who have been reached for reduction in force actions.  Employees who have specific questions concerning their entitlement to benefits should contact the personnel office of their agency.