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Our online community now tops 150,000 federal workers and supporters across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Each briefing distills the day’s most consequential developments, adds clear-eyed legal analysis, and pairs it with mindfulness tools that keep you steady no matter how turbulent the news cycle becomes. If this newsletter helps you stay informed, please pass it on: https://fedlegalhelp.com/newsletter. Your advocacy broadens the protective circle for every federal employee.

Top Three News Stories:

1. Federal and Postal Workers to See Double-Digit Health Care Premium Increases Again Next Year

OPM announced that 2026 FEHB premiums will rise an average of 10.2%, with employees’ share up about 12.3%; PSHB premiums will rise about 11.3%. Dental premiums will increase ~3.3% and vision ~0.5%. Open Season will run November 10–December 8. For federal employees, this means higher paycheck deductions in 2026 and a strong need to compare plans during Open Season to manage costs. Advocacy groups warn the back-to-back double-digit hikes, paired with a proposed 1% pay raise and the shutdown, could strain recruitment and retention. Government Executive

Legal Insight:

During Open Season you may change carriers, switch between FEHB plan types, and adjust FEDVIP elections without a qualifying life event. Read the official plan brochures carefully for premiums, networks, and prior authorization rules before you enroll. If your agency is shut down, Open Season deadlines still apply, so complete elections on time to avoid defaulting to your prior plan. If you have complex coverage needs (e.g., GLP-1 drugs or specialty care), verify coverage in writing.

2. Hundreds of DHS Staff Face Reassignments to Border Security, Immigration

DHS has sent management-directed reassignment (MDR) notices to hundreds of employees across components such as CISA, FEMA, TSA and the Coast Guard, shifting positions to ICE, CBP and FPS. One notice viewed by reporters gave the employee one week to accept or risk removal, followed by 60 days to relocate. Officials say the moves realign personnel with immigration priorities; employees fear mission impacts (especially in cybersecurity) and personal hardship. For federal employees, this means affected DHS staff must respond quickly to MDR deadlines and should review rights under agency policy and any union contract before deciding. The story notes the policy could prompt attrition and disrupt cyber operations. Nextgov

Legal Insight: 

MDRs are generally a management right, but procedures and timelines are often covered by collective-bargaining agreements and agency policy. If you receive an MDR, note the response deadline, relocation terms, and any hardship or waiver process in the notice. Declining an MDR can lead to adverse action; if you face removal or believe the reassignment is retaliatory or discriminatory, speak with your union and consider consulting counsel promptly because grievance, EEO, or MSPB timelines can be short. Save all written notices and communicate in writing to create a clear record.

3. IRS Backtracks on Back Pay Guarantee for Furloughed Employees

After initially telling furloughed employees they were guaranteed back pay, the IRS withdrew that guidance and deferred to OMB, which has questioned automatic back pay during the shutdown. Employees reported the first message was deleted from inboxes, increasing confusion. The article notes the 2019 Government Employee Fair Treatment Act, which historically has been understood to guarantee retroactive pay, and the political pushback to OMB’s stance. For federal employees, this means back pay during the current lapse is uncertain until Congress and OMB resolve the issue, so plan cash flow accordingly and monitor official updates. Keep copies of notices and time/attendance records. Federal News Network

Legal Insight:  

The Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 (Public Law 116-1) provides for retroactive pay after lapses, but current interpretations are being disputed, creating risk. If you are excepted and working, keep detailed records of hours; if furloughed, check your state’s unemployment rules for shutdown eligibility. Do not rely on informal emails alone—look for formal agency or OPM guidance. Because pay rights can hinge on fast-changing legal interpretations and appropriations, consider consulting counsel if you receive conflicting directives or face financial harm.

Mindful Moment of the Day: 

Weekly Wins Email to Self  

Every Friday, email yourself three concrete wins from the week. On Monday, re-read them to prime motivation. This practice trains the brain to catalog progress instead of dwelling on gaps. Over time, it reinforces a narrative of competence and contribution.