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Reduction in Force (RIF) Assistance

Disclaimer:
This webpage is intended to provide general guidance and resources for federal employees impacted by a Reduction in Force (RIF). We are not legal, employment, or workforce experts, and the information provided here should not be considered official advice. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, or if you have specific questions, please consult your local Workforce Solutions Center, State Employment Commission, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), or other official agencies.

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OPM's RIF Information

When an agency must abolish positions, the RIF regulations determine whether an employee keeps his or her present position, or whether the employee has a right to a different position.

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The regulatory requirements governing reduction in force are contained in Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 351. Federal agencies must follow the procedures contained in the Code of Federal Regulations when conducting a RIF.

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The law provides that OPM's 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.​

 

An agency is required to use the RIF procedures when an employee is faced with separation or downgrading for a reason such as reorganization, lack of work, shortage of funds, insufficient personnel ceiling, or the exercise of certain reemployment or restoration rights. A furlough of more than 30 calendar days, or of more than 22 discontinuous work days, is also a RIF action. (A furlough of 30 or fewer calendar days, or of 22 or fewer discontinuous work days, is an adverse action.)

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OPM's RIF Benefits

An employee separated in a RIF may be eligible for a number of benefits including:

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• Severance pay 

• Unemployment compensation

• Unused annual leave – lump sum payment for accrued annual leave upon separation

• Unused sick leave – restored if reemployed in the government; if retiring, added to total service for annuity purposes

• Retirement benefits 

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​​For more information, please see the OPM's RIF Basics. 

 

Scroll down this NTEU 202 RIF assistance webpage for information about filing for unemployment compensation, health insurance, and food stamps. 

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Employment Resources

  1. ​Reemployment and retraining programs​

  2. Careeronestop​

  3. DOES.DC.Gov​

  4. District of Columbia Fedsupport website​

  5. Maryland Public Servants Resource website​

  6. Virginia Employment Commission website

"I was laid off. What should I do now?"

First, look up your duty location. It is located on your SF 50 in section 39. You will file for unemployment compensation in the state where your duty location is. *If you are working remotely due to a Reasonable Accommodation, your duty location should be where you work remotely. 

1

District of Columbia (DC)

To apply for unemployment benefits in DC after a layoff, you can file online at dcnetworks.org or by calling (202) 724-7000. 

 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

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  • Apply Online:

    • Go to dcnetworks.org and click the tab "Claim Unemployment Benefits". 

    • On the "Unemployment Insurance Service Center for Claimants" page, click "File for Benefits". 

    • Scroll to the bottom of the page and click "File Your Claim Online". 

    • Answer the questions accurately to complete the claim filing process. 

  • Apply by Phone:

    • Call (202) 724-7000. 

  • Important Information to Have Ready:

    • Your Social Security number. 

    • Your most recent employer's name, address, phone number, and dates of employment. 

    • If not a US citizen, your Alien Registration Number. 

    • If ex-military, your DD-214 Member Copy 4. 

    • If a former federal employee, your Standard Form 8 or Standard Form 50. 

    • Severance Pay Information (if applicable). 

  • After Filing:

    • The DC Department of Employment Services (DOES) will send you a Notice of Monetary Determination, which will include your monthly benefit amount. 

    • If you are found ineligible, you will receive a Notice of Determination, providing the reasons and information on how to appeal. 

  • Weekly Claims:

    • You must submit a Weekly Claim Card online, by telephone, or by mail (mail is not recommended). 

    • On these cards, you have to say that you're physically able to work and available for work, and that you're actively looking for work (at least twice per week) and will accept work offered to you. 

  • Contact Information:

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2

Maryland (MD)

To apply for unemployment benefits in Maryland after a layoff, you can file a claim online through the BEACON UI system or by calling the Maryland Department of Labor's claims center. 

 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

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1. Gather Necessary Information and Documents:

  • Personal Information: Social Security number, date of birth, residential and mailing addresses, telephone number, email address, and Alien Registration Number (if applicable). 

  • Employment History: Information about your employment for the last 18 months, including employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and wages. 

  • W-2s and Pay Stubs: These will be needed to verify your earnings. 

  • Reason for Separation: Be prepared to explain why you are no longer working for your employer. 

2. Apply Online or by Phone:

3. Understand the Requirements:

  • Be Unemployed: You must be unemployed through no fault of your own. 

  • Be Monetarily Eligible: You must have earned a certain amount of wages in your base period (the 18 months prior to your unemployment). 

  • Be Able and Available to Work: You must be able and willing to accept suitable work. 

  • Actively Seek Work: You must be actively seeking employment and meet Maryland's work search requirements. 

  • Register in the Maryland Workforce Exchange (MWE): Register in the MWE system and upload or create a resume. 

  • File Weekly Claim Certifications: You must file a weekly certification to receive benefits. 

  • Attend Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) or Reemployment Opportunity Workshop (ROW) if required: 

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3

Virginia (VA)

To apply for unemployment benefits in Virginia after a layoff, you should file a claim online through the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC)'s Customer Self Service portal or by calling their Customer Contact Center at 1-866-832-2363. 

 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

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  • File your claim:

    • Online: Visit the VEC website at www.vec.virginia.gov and use the Customer Self Service portal. 

    • By Phone: Call the VEC Customer Contact Center at 1-866-832-2363. 

  • Weekly Claims:

    To continue receiving benefits, you must file weekly claims online or by phone. 

    • You can file weekly claims online through the Customer Self Service portal or by using the automated phone system at 1-800-897-5630. 

  • Register for Work:

    You'll need to register for work with Virginia Workforce Connection. 

  • Eligibility Requirements:

    To be eligible for benefits, you must:

    • Be unemployed through no fault of your own. 

    • Be able and available to work. 

    • Actively seek work. 

    • Meet the monetary qualification requirements (have earned enough during the base period). 

  • Important Notes:

    • The VEC administers the unemployment insurance program in Virginia. 

    • You can find more information about unemployment benefits and the filing process on the VEC website. 

    • If you have questions, you can contact the VEC Customer Contact Center at 1-866-832-2363. 

 

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Health insurance? 

Can I keep my health insurance, or will I have to get a new health insurance plan? 

Form and stethoscope

Temporary Continuation of Coverage 

If laid off as a federal employee, you can continue your health insurance coverage through Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) for up to 18 months, paying the full premium, or explore COBRA continuation coverage. 

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Here's a more detailed breakdown of your options:

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  • Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC):

    • Eligibility: If you lose your Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) coverage due to a layoff or separation from federal service, you may be eligible for TCC. 

    • Coverage Period: TCC allows you to continue your FEHB coverage for up to 18 months from your separation date. 

    • Cost: You will need to pay the full premium (both the employee and government share) plus a 2% administrative fee. 

    • Important Note: TCC is not available if your separation is due to gross misconduct. 

    • Family Members: Your children and former spouse are eligible for TCC coverage up to 36 months after the date of separation from your federal employee. 

  • COBRA Continuation Coverage:

    • What it is: COBRA allows you to continue your health insurance coverage through your former employer's plan for a limited time after your job ends. 

    • Cost: You will usually pay the full premium, plus a small administrative fee. 

    • Contact: Contact your former employer to learn about your COBRA options. 

Forms

Other Options

  • Marketplace Plans: 

    • If you lose your job-based health insurance, you can enroll in a Marketplace plan through Healthcare.gov. 

    • You'll qualify for a special enrollment period to enroll within 60 days of losing your job-based coverage. 

    • You may be eligible for tax credits to help lower your monthly premiums.

    • Explore HealthCare.gov for health insurance options through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). 

    • Spouse's Plan: If you have a spouse with health insurance, you may be able to join their plan. 

    • Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP): If you are enrolled in FLTCIP, your coverage will continue even if you separate from federal service. 

    • FSAFEDS: The Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS) allows you to pay for out-of-pocket health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars. 

Foodstamps? 

Can I apply for food stamps when I am laid off? 

Groceries

Yes, if you are a laid-off federal employee, you may be eligible for SNAP (food stamps) in DC, MD, and VA, provided your household income and assets fall below certain thresholds, and you meet other eligibility requirements. 

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Here's a more detailed breakdown:

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  • Eligibility:

    • Household Income: Your household's gross and net income must be below specific percentages of the Federal Poverty Line (FPL). 

    • Assets: Your household's assets (excluding certain items like retirement savings) must also be below a certain limit. 

    • Other Requirements: You may need to meet additional requirements, such as being a US citizen or meeting certain work requirements. 

  • Applying for SNAP:

  • Duty Station:

    When applying for benefits, you should apply in the jurisdiction of your "duty station," meaning the state where your federal job was based, not necessarily where you live. 

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