Navigating Your Next Chapter: DRP's Grand Finale - Are You Ready?

For a comprehensive overview of federal benefits for DRP participants, download our full presentation slides below

As we approach September 30, 2025, many of you who opted into the Deferred Resignation Program (DRP) are gearing up for a significant transition. This blog post is a friendly reminder of what the DRP entailed, its key parameters, and crucial considerations as your separation date nears. We also want to highlight upcoming events designed specifically to support you through this exciting new chapter!

A Quick Recap: What Was the Deferred Resignation Program (DRP)?

Let's cast our minds back to January 28, 2025. That's when the Deferred Resignation Program was first introduced to federal employees via an email from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), under the direction of our current administration, famously titled "A Fork in the Road."

Let's be honest about the "Fork in the Road" DRP. This original OPM-led program allowed eligible federal employees to submit a deferred resignation, effective September 30, 2025 (NTE December 31, 2025 for retirees), while remaining on paid administrative leave with full pay and benefits until that date. Its intent was to allow for a smooth, universal transition out of federal service. However, this program launched with a bang and a whole lot of confusion: a central, rapid-fire rollout that left many agencies (and employees!) scrambling, without the usual orderly process or time to properly consult financial advisors. This was a stark contrast to later "DRP 2.0" initiatives, which were typically agency-driven, managed with more established procedures, and sometimes even included options like Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA) or Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments (VSIP), features decidedly not part of that initial OPM offering.

Regardless of which DRP you participated in, the core premise for participants was remaining on paid administrative leave with full pay and benefits (including retirement accruals) until your separation date.

Your Separation Date is Nearing: September 30, 2025

For the vast majority of those who opted into the Deferred Resignation Program, September 30, 2025, is your official separation date. This is the day your deferred resignation becomes effective, and your federal employment concludes.

A Special Note for Eligible Retirees: If you are eligible to retire and chose to do so in conjunction with the DRP, you might have an extended separation date not to exceed December 31, 2025. If this applies to you, please ensure you've confirmed your specific approved retirement date with your agency's HR.

Critical Steps to Take NOW!

As September 30th approaches, it's essential to be proactive and ensure a smooth transition, again despite how it started. Here are some key areas to focus on:

1. Financial Planning: Review your retirement accounts (TSP, FERS/CSRS annuity estimates) and other investments. Consider consulting with a financial advisor if you haven't already.

2. Benefits & Insurance: Understand how your health insurance (FEHB), life insurance (FEGLI), and other benefits will change upon separation. Explore options like Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) or transitioning to Medicare if applicable.

3. Leave Balances: Ensure you understand how your annual leave and sick leave balances will be handled. You may be paid out for accumulated annual leave.

4. Property & Access: Return all government property (laptops, phones, badges, keys) and ensure your access to federal systems is appropriately terminated.

5. Personal Records: Make sure you have copies of important documents such as SF-50s, performance appraisals, and other relevant employment records for your personal files.

6. Job Search/Next Steps: If you plan to pursue new employment or other ventures, now is the time to finalize those plans.

Final Thoughts

While the path to this moment may have been uncertain, the path forward is yours to define. The end of the DRP marks a unique opportunity for you to take full control of your future, whether that involves a well-earned retirement, a new career, or a passion project. The key is to be proactive, to lean on the resources available to you, and to embrace the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. The future is waiting, and it's full of potential.