What to Do If You're Hit by a RIF at State or Any Federal Agency
federal employment mindfulness at work mspb appeals rif appeals state department layoffs Jul 14, 2025Last Friday, over 1,300 employees at the State Department received notice of a Reduction in Force (RIF). Most were career civil servants; some were Foreign Service officers. For many, the 60-day separation clock has already started ticking. But this isn’t just a State Department problem—it’s a wake-up call for the entire federal workforce.
The Supreme Court’s July 2025 ruling revived dormant agency layoff plans, giving a green light to RIF actions across at least 19 agencies. Whether you're GS-9 or SES, the impact could be more than professional—it could be deeply personal.
Protect Your Retirement and Records
One misplaced SF-50 or misclassified job series can cost you more than just peace of mind—it can cost you your service time, annuity calculations, and even eligibility for certain retirement benefits. Now is the time to:
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Download every relevant personnel document from eOPF
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Request a full copy of your Official Personnel Folder (OPF) if you haven’t
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Check your job series and grade against the agency’s RIF retention register
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Keep a timeline of notices and conversations
Seemingly small errors—like the wrong tenure code or outdated performance appraisal—can drastically affect your retention standing.
Know the MSPB RIF Appeals Process
If you’ve been separated due to a RIF, you have 30 calendar days from the effective date of your separation to appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). But don’t wait until day 29. Your appeal should be based not just on procedural flaws, but also on how the agency applied RIF factors like tenure, performance, and bump/retreat rights.
Also: if you're in a bargaining unit, consult your union immediately. Some negotiated grievance procedures may apply in place of MSPB appeals, depending on the collective bargaining agreement.
This Isn’t Just Bureaucratic Shuffling
The implications of mass RIFs extend beyond job loss. Many of these employees oversee sensitive foreign policy work, including passport services, security vetting, and high-stakes diplomacy. Taxpayers should understand: downsizing doesn’t always mean cost-saving—it often means capacity erosion, both domestically and abroad.
Stay Grounded Amid the Chaos
If you’ve just been RIFed or suspect you’re on a list, take a breath. This moment is destabilizing—but it’s not insurmountable. Keep your support system close, stay vigilant with documentation, and don’t try to go it alone.
For those seeking deeper guidance on navigating RIF procedures, appeals, and post-separation strategy, our Power Hub membership provides ongoing resources and expert insights tailored to federal employees. Learn more here.
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While I am a federal employment attorney, this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every situation is unique, and legal outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances.
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