Content created by Office of Human Resources (OHR)
Get answers about the Department’s reduction in force (RIF).
The following questions and answers are intended to provide you with general information regarding the Department’s Deferred Resignation Program (DRP).
If you have specific questions regarding the program, please contact your servicing HR center. (A list of centers is at the bottom of this page.)
Question 1: Am I expected to work at my government job during the deferred resignation period?
No, you are not expected to work during this time.
Question 2: Am I allowed to get a second job during the deferred resignation period?
Yes, we encourage you to find a job in the private sector as soon as you would like to do so. The way to greater American prosperity is encouraging people to move from lower productivity jobs in the public sector to higher productivity jobs in the private sector.
Question 3: Will I really get my full pay and benefits during the entire period through September 30, even if I get a second job?
Yes. You will also continue to accrue annual leave and sick leave during the deferred resignation period until you separate. You will be paid a lump sum for accrued but unused annual leave upon separation.
Question 4: Can I take an extended vacation while on administrative leave?
You are most welcome to stay at home and relax or to travel to your dream destination. Whatever you would like.
Question 5: If I am eligible for early/normal retirement during the deferred resignation period (i.e., before September 30, 2025), will I be able to accept deferred resignation and still accept retirement during the deferred resignation period?
Yes. You will continue to accrue retirement benefits during the deferred resignation period. Should you elect to retire (either early retirement or normal retirement) before your final resignation date, your retirement election will override the deferred resignation.
Question 6: 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.
Question 7: Will employees receive retirement service credit during the deferred resignation period?
Yes. Employees will continue to receive retirement service credit until their separation date.
Question 8: What happens if I accept the deferred resignation offer and later change my mind about resigning?
Employees have the right to request a rescission of their resignation at any time and the employing agency will need to review such recission requests. As noted in the deferred resignation letter, it is the objective of the program to move quickly to consolidate and/or reassign roles and in many cases place employees on administrative leave which would likely serve as a valid reason to deny recission requests.
Question 9: What happens if I was on approved leave during some or all the period while the program was open?
If you missed the program deadline due to approved absence for some or all the period while the program was open, you are entitled to request an extension. Employing agencies may grant reasonable extensions.
Question 10: 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.
Question 11: Am I permitted to extend my final resignation date?
The terms of the deferred resignation letter do not allow for an extension of the final resignation date. There is a narrow possible exception for employees with impending retirement dates. Consult your agency’s human resources team for more information.
Question 12: Can I return to work in the federal government?
Deferred resignation does not affect your ability to apply to work for the federal government in the future.
Question 13: 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.
Question 14: What if I am eligible for retirement but I took the DRP?
If you are not sure if you meet the age and service requirements. See OPM.gov/Retirement/Types of Retirement for more information.
Question 15: Can I use the Government Retirement and Benefits (GRB) Platform to calculate my retirement benefits?
GRB is no longer available. HHS has transitioned from the GRB Platform to the FedHR Navigator system, a new retirement and benefits platform. There is also a new Federal employee retirement portal, the OPM Online Retirement Application (ORA) system. This streamlined and secure system allows you the ability to request and process your retirement package directly with OPM. You will receive email notifications and progress on your application and will be able to submit any additional materials which might delay the processing of your application. You will be able to check on your payment status and more.
Employees may submit a retirement request directly through FedHR Navigator or by contacting their respective HR Center, who will then provide login information to access to OPM’s Online Retirement Application (ORA).
Question 16: If I am eligible to retire, how to I apply?
After submitting a retirement request directly through FedHR Navigator or by contacting an HR Specialist, you will be provided login information to access to The Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) Online Retirement Application (ORA).
OPM launched the Online Retirement System (ORA) on June 2, 2025. Their recent efforts have centered on the successful release of the enhanced Online Retirement Application (ORA) platform at Retire.opm.gov. Please note that OPM has stated that they will remain focused on resolving any issues reported by ORA users. Please continue to coordinate with your respective HR Center.
Question 17: How are my federal benefits impacted if I took the DRP?
For employees not retiring:
- Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program: Upon separation, your health benefits will terminate at the end of that pay period. You will then have a 31-day extension of coverage at no cost. You may continue coverage for up to 18 months through the Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) (you pay the employer and employee share of the premium plus 2% administrative fee) or convert to an individual policy with your current health insurance carrier.
- Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI): You will have 31 days of extended coverage after separation at no cost. You have the option to convert to an individual direct-pay policy with OFEGLI if you wish.
- Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP): Upon separation, your FEDVIP coverage will terminate at the end of the pay period with no 31-day extension of coverage and no opportunity to convert to private coverage.
Employees who retire due to DRP separation can carry FEHB and FEGLI coverage into retirement if you meet eligibility requirements, under the same terms as voluntary retirees. If currently enrolled in FEDVIP, coverage continues into retirement. Additionally, retirees can enroll in FEDVIP during any annual Open Season.
Coverage under the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program continues as long as the enrollee continues to pay the premiums. See OPM.gov/RIF/Benefits for Separated Employees for additional information or contact your servicing HR Center’s mailbox listed at the bottom of this page.
Question 18: How do I apply for unemployment benefits?
See the Department of Labor's webpage on how to file for unemployment insurance for eligibility information and how to apply within the state or jurisdiction where you worked.
See also Dept of Labor’s Career One Stop page to find state job centers, training and development programs, and a link to file for unemployment benefits.
HR Center Contact Information
CDC: HRCS@cdc.gov | (770) 488-1725 | Priority Placement Coordinator: Simone Hill @ tgq3@cdc.gov
CMS: PriorityPlacement@cms.hhs.gov | Priority Placement Coordinator: Antonio Phillips antonio.phillips@cms.hhs.gov
FDA: FDA-ARRP@fda.hhs.gov | 240-402-4345 or 1-866-807-3742; select option #3 | Priority Placement Coordinator: Patricia Mendoza
NIH: nihrifinquiries@od.nih.gov | 301-451-9684 | Priority Placement Coordinator: Sharlis Anthony anthonys2@od.nih.gov
SROC:* srochelpdesk@hhs.gov | Priority Placement Coordinator: Tomeka Sharpe Tomeka.Sharpe@hhs.gov
*SROC services: OpDivs - ACF; ACL; AHRQ; ASPR; HRSA; and SAMHSA. StaffDivs - ASA; ASFR; ASPA; ASPE; ASL; DAB; IEA; IOS; OASH; OCR; OGA; OGC; and ONC/ASTP
This page will be updated regularly with the latest information.
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