4 ms·

Have the exact payment details been released? Because I understood it as "you will get paid same as always through September, you just don't have to show up to

Have the exact payment details been released? Because I understood it as "you will get paid same as always through September, you just don't have to show up to work". Maybe I'm misunderstanding, but that doesn't sound like a "buyout" in the traditional sense.

Jtsummers 2y ago
It is not a buyout. OPM has said that agencies can opt to put people who choose this on administrative leave (but they don't have to, they can keep the people working). So the effect is what the name is "deferred resignation", OPM pinky swears that you won't be cut before 30 September in a RIF or other actions if you take this offer and you'll get your biweekly pay as normal.
- nkurz 2y ago
  What's your source for the assertion that it's not a buyout and it's up to the individual agency if the employee is required to continue working? You might be right that it's not a buyout, but the official Office of Personnel Management FAQ seems to clearly describe it as one: Q: Am I expected to work at my government job during the deferred resignation period? A: No. Q: Am I allowed to get a second job during the deferred resignation period? A: Absolutely! 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. Q: Will I really get my full pay and benefits during the entire period through September 30, even if I get a second job? A: 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. Q: Can I take an extended vacation while on administrative leave? A: You are most welcome to stay at home and relax or to travel to your dream destination. Whatever you would like. https://www.opm.gov/fork/faq https://www.opm.gov/fork/faq Is there an explanation for this apparent discrepancy?
  - Jtsummers 2y ago
    > I am certain of my decision to resign and my choice to resign is fully voluntary. I understand my employing agency will likely make adjustments in response to my resignation including moving, eliminating, consolidating, reassigning my position and tasks, reducing my official duties, and/or placing me on paid administrative leave until my resignation date. From https://www.opm.gov/fork/ https://www.opm.gov/fork/ That is what resigners agree to. There is no guarantee of leave and it is up to their agency, not OPM. The FAQ has previously contained information contradicting the OPM Fork letter so it's not surprising the two pages disagree still. It's not a buyout because it is not a lump sum severance. The payout for annual leave is given to all departing feds (resigning or retiring or RIF'd), it is not unique to this offer. https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/leave-administration/fact-sheets/administrative-leave https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/leave-ad... OPM also says that admin leave authority rests with the agency, not them.
    - Jtsummers 2y ago
      https://www.opm.gov/media/xmxfp34k/opm-memo-legality-of-deferred-resignation-program-2-4-2025-final-1.pdf https://www.opm.gov/media/xmxfp34k/opm-memo-legality-of-defe... Best source for information on this since the FAQ disagrees with the memo and the contents of the letter. > Yes. The decision to grant administrative leave, and for how long, lies largely within the agency’s discretion. That's the official OPM guidance on this, where they're saying that you may have to work and that it is up to the agency and not OPM.
      - nkurz 2y ago
        Thanks, this does seem to be a much clearer statement. I appreciate the followup!

Jtsummers 2y ago

It is not a buyout. OPM has said that agencies can opt to put people who choose this on administrative leave (but they don't have to, they can keep the people working). So the effect is what the name is "deferred resignation", OPM pinky swears that you won't be cut before 30 September in a RIF or other actions if you take this offer and you'll get your biweekly pay as normal.

nkurz 2y ago
What's your source for the assertion that it's not a buyout and it's up to the individual agency if the employee is required to continue working? You might be right that it's not a buyout, but the official Office of Personnel Management FAQ seems to clearly describe it as one: Q: Am I expected to work at my government job during the deferred resignation period? A: No. Q: Am I allowed to get a second job during the deferred resignation period? A: Absolutely! 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. Q: Will I really get my full pay and benefits during the entire period through September 30, even if I get a second job? A: 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. Q: Can I take an extended vacation while on administrative leave? A: You are most welcome to stay at home and relax or to travel to your dream destination. Whatever you would like. https://www.opm.gov/fork/faq https://www.opm.gov/fork/faq Is there an explanation for this apparent discrepancy?
- Jtsummers 2y ago
  > I am certain of my decision to resign and my choice to resign is fully voluntary. I understand my employing agency will likely make adjustments in response to my resignation including moving, eliminating, consolidating, reassigning my position and tasks, reducing my official duties, and/or placing me on paid administrative leave until my resignation date. From https://www.opm.gov/fork/ https://www.opm.gov/fork/ That is what resigners agree to. There is no guarantee of leave and it is up to their agency, not OPM. The FAQ has previously contained information contradicting the OPM Fork letter so it's not surprising the two pages disagree still. It's not a buyout because it is not a lump sum severance. The payout for annual leave is given to all departing feds (resigning or retiring or RIF'd), it is not unique to this offer. https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/leave-administration/fact-sheets/administrative-leave https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/leave-ad... OPM also says that admin leave authority rests with the agency, not them.
  - Jtsummers 2y ago
    https://www.opm.gov/media/xmxfp34k/opm-memo-legality-of-deferred-resignation-program-2-4-2025-final-1.pdf https://www.opm.gov/media/xmxfp34k/opm-memo-legality-of-defe... Best source for information on this since the FAQ disagrees with the memo and the contents of the letter. > Yes. The decision to grant administrative leave, and for how long, lies largely within the agency’s discretion. That's the official OPM guidance on this, where they're saying that you may have to work and that it is up to the agency and not OPM.
    - nkurz 2y ago
      Thanks, this does seem to be a much clearer statement. I appreciate the followup!