Reductions in force (RIFs) have been very much in the news recently.
A RIF is government-speak for a layoff (that is, you were terminated through no fault of your own), and the rules surrounding RIFs are complicated.
Here are links to podcasts about RIFs.
These links are provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.
Chris Kowalik of ProFeds
Starting on March 12, 2025, Chris Kowalik recorded 22 short podcasts about various aspects of RIFs: — Part 1: Introducing the RIF Training Series — Part 2: Lessons Learned from Deferred Resignation Offer — Part 3: Am I at Risk of Being RIFed? — Part 4: 12 Things Every Federal Employee Should Do NOW — Part 5: Comparing “Reduction-in-Force,” “Early Outs,” and “Discontinued Service Retirements” (RIF vs. VERA vs. DSR) — Part 6: Comparing a “Reduction-in-Force” and the “Deferred Resignation” — Part 7: Will I Lose My Pension if I’m RIFed? — Part 8: What if I am Already Eligible to Retire? — Part 9: What if I Don’t Qualify for an “Early Out (VERA)” or “Discontinued Service Retirement (DSR)”? — Part 10: What if I Have Less than 5 Years of Federal Service — Part 11: Can I Volunteer for a RIF? — Part 12: Is it Better to Quit Before I’m RIFed? — Part 13: Will I Get Severance Pay and How is it Calculated? — Part 14: Are Cash Payments (VSIPs) Being Offered? — Part 15: Can I File for Unemployment? — Part 16: Will I Lose My Annual Leave and Sick Leave? — Part 17: What Happens if I Want to Return to Federal Service Later? == Part 18: Will I Get a Different Pension Calculation (and When)? == Part 19: Will I Still Get the FERS Supplement (and When)? — Part 20: Will I Get to Keep My Government Insurance (FEHB, FEGLI, FLTCIP & FEDVIP)? — Part 21: What Should I Know if I’m a Military Veteran? — Part 22: How Can I Access My Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)?
You can find the podcasts at https://fedimpact.com/podcasts/
Learn more about Chris at https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriskowalik/
Kyle Ingram, attorney
Kyle Ingram has recorded two podcasts:
Feb. 22. Federal RIF Survival: Tenure Groups, Bumping & Retreat Rights
Feb. 18: 2025 DOGE RIFs: Legal Strategies Every Federal Employee Should Know
Other information on RIFs is available on Kyle’s website. https://kingramlaw.com/