Common questions

Where do I file a RIF appeal?

If your specific RIF notice is dated September 2, 2026 or later, you appeal to OPM online through OPM eFile, by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the last day. Notices dated earlier go to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). The appeal rights section of your notice says which applies.

Does the 30-day clock stop while I ask HR questions?

No. The 30 days count from the day after your last day. File on time, then keep asking.

Should I resign or retire before my last day?

Not before you talk to HR. Leaving early can cost you your job priority programs and your RIF appeal. Retiring on your last day keeps your Reemployment Priority List rights.

My notice moves me to a lower grade or furloughs me. Does this fit?

Partly. The 30-day appeal deadline still applies, but most other dates here are for a separation. Ask HR about grade and pay retention.

Is anything I type saved?

No. Nothing you type is saved or sent.

Official links

Help keep this accurate

Your RIF notice, your HR office, OPM, and MSPB decide what applies to you. Something outdated? Send us a note with the tool name, what to change, and a source.

Version 1.2.3. Checked October 30, 2026, against OPM, MSPB, DOL, and the Code of Federal Regulations (5 CFR parts 330, 351, 550, 870, 890, and 1201; 29 CFR 1614; 91 FR 49178 and 49230).

The fine print

A planning aid, not a guarantee. Independent free tool, not affiliated with OPM, MSPB, DOL, or any agency. Not legal or financial advice.

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Federal Separation & RIF Organizer, Federal Exit Records Checklist, Job Search Tracker, Federal Resume 2-Page Checker. See all Federal Employees tools or every free tool.

FREE · FEDERAL EMPLOYEES · NOTHING YOU TYPE IS SAVED

Got a RIF Notice? Your Deadlines

Answer four questions. See every date that matters after a reduction in force, in order, and who to confirm each one with.

Planning tool, not legal advice. Your RIF notice and your HR office have the final word.

Moved to a lower grade, furloughed, or not sure this fits?

This tool is for a RIF separation. If your notice moves you to a lower grade or furloughs you for more than 30 days, the 30-day appeal deadline still applies, but most other dates here do not. Ask HR about grade and pay retention. Not for the Postal Service, the Senior Executive Service, or agencies with their own personnel systems (for example the FAA or TSA).

What date was your specific RIF notice issued?

Use the date of the specific notice that names your action and your effective date, not your last day. An earlier general notice or Certification of Expected Separation does not count. Appeal rules changed for notices dated September 2, 2026 or later.

Your last day (RIF effective date)
Could you retire on your last day?

Count federal civilian years plus military time you paid a deposit for. At least 5 years must be civilian. If you get military retired pay, your military time usually counts only if you give up that retired pay (Reserve retirees are different). If both Yes answers fit, pick early retirement because of the RIF.

Do you have FEHB health insurance through your federal job?

Your RIF dates

Your dates

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      Got a RIF Notice? See Your Federal RIF Deadlines

      A reduction in force (RIF) notice starts a 30-day appeal clock, and benefit windows open on your last day. Answer four questions and see every date in order, with who to confirm each one with. Free, no sign-up.