Update 4/29/25: After ongoing legal battles over firing probationary workers, President Trump has now signed an executive order allowing agencies to remove probationary workers based on the interests of the agency. This order will put probationary employees in an even more vulnerable place than before.
After weeks of reshaping the federal workforce with RIFs, VERA, and layoffs, DOGE has now turned its focus to the IRS and will reportedly fire around 6,000 employees across the nation.
Similar to other agencies, like the EPA, these firings will mostly target employees still in their probationary period since they have fewer workplace protections, though it could impact others too.
We’ve heard from hundreds of federal workers, and we understand their concerns. They’re watching thousands of others suddenly find themselves without jobs, and are worried they might be next to be eliminated.
We take these concerns seriously, and we’ve collected a list of ways you can protect yourself – especially if you’re a probationary employee.
Ways to Get Ahead of Federal Job Cuts
One problem probationary employees face is that they may not have reached their normal retirement age – meaning they don’t have their pension and benefits to fall back on.
For these people, it may feel like their only option is to resign and start over before getting fired. But don’t leave in a panic without knowing your options first.
Consider these four options:
1. Federal Disability Retirement is designed for people who are struggling to do at least one part of their job well because of a medical condition. Even if you’re still in your probationary period, you can qualify for Disability Retirement at any age with just 18 months of service under FERS and get:
- A secure monthly paycheck
- The chance to pursue a career on your own terms in the private sector
- The ability to keep gaining years of service until age 62
- Continued federal health and life insurance
2. Regular Retirement is an option for people who are already at retirement age. Retirement age depends on if you are a special provisions employee. You can learn more about retirement age requirements for special provisions employees and regular employees in these webinars or check out our blogs about retiring early for special provisions employees and regular employees.
3. Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA) might be offered for some probationary workers, but it’s not common. This would allow you to retire early, but there are some drawbacks, like missing out on years of service and uncertain health coverage. You can read more about this on our full blog.
4. Transition to another position in the federal government. If you know that your position is going to be eliminated and you want to stay in federal service, transitioning to another agency could be an active way to avoid getting fired and stay under FERS.
Don’t Wait to Get the Ball Rolling
The firings in the IRS are set to start happening quickly.
If you’re concerned about your job going away, don’t wait to start securing your future; there’s a growing backlog of retirement claims at the OPM that could set you back months if you do.
Call our office today for a free consultation and we can help you figure out which option is best for your future.
