We see you, and we care deeply about you and the people you work with every day, and we are so grateful for your service. On this page, we are providing tips and links to resources that might be helpful.
Tips and Advice from a Human Resources Manager within the Federal Government
Leaving the Federal Government FAQs
Ten Things You Need to Do Before Leaving Government
Reinstatement into the Federal Government
Federal Retirement and Benefits
Downloading an Electronic Official Personnel Folder (eOPF)–This has to be done before an employee leaves Federal Service. Guidance is from the Department of Commerce but works for any eOPF.
- Make a copy of your last Web TA Timesheet.
- Make a copy of your last Leave and Earning Statement.
- Make a copy of your last (signed) performance plan; if it is not already in your eOPF.
What Happens When you have a Break in Service
Thrift Savings Plan (401k)-Leaving the Federal Government
Post Employment Conflicts of Interest
Unemployment FAQs-Department of Labor
Maryland State-FAQs for Federal Employees
How resumes are evaluated in the private sector: Advice for former federal employees
From U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks
- Keep a record of everything, including hard copies of performance reviews, SF-50s, and years of service.
- Consult with your supervisors for guidance when you receive an order or request from outside your agency, such as a directive from OPM.
- Pursue legal advice from an attorney specializing in federal employee law or from your union.
- File a complaint if you are targeted. If you are a current or former federal employee or applicant, you may have a right to file a complaint with the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) or an appeal with the Merit Systems Protection Board. If you are in a bargaining unit, you should communicate with your union first, as it is possible that they have a different, negotiated set of grievance procedures.
- Seek Unemployment Insurance Another issue of importance: if you have been fired, the State of Maryland encourages anyone to apply for unemployment insurance regardless of the reason for termination. Each claim will be evaluated individually. Seeking unemployment insurance will not terminate your right to pursue legal action for a wrongful firing.
Links to Resources
Resources from U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks
Resources From U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen
Resources from Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (Howard County) (scroll down to Federal Workers section)
Resources from Congressman Steny Hoyer (Anne Arundel County)
County Resources
Howard County
- Howard County has created an email address for county residents impacted federal employees who are impacted federal employees to reach out to the county with questions on local support programs and assistance: Impacted federal employees and contractors can email for guidance and assistance.
- For childcare resources, call the Howard County Care Line at 410-313-2273 or email.
- Food assistance for Howard County Residents: (source: County Executive Calvin Ball’s newsletter, Feb. 24): If you are a terminated or furloughed federal worker or contractor living in Howard County, you may be eligible to receive pre-bagged shelf staples from the Community Action Council of Howard County’s (CAC) Food Bank for up to three months from your first visit. No one should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. If you need assistance, visit Community Action Council of Howard County Food Assistance or the following message for more information.
Other Helpful Links
Federal Job Cuts Are Here—Your Survival Kit Starts NOW (useful Reddit post)
Fedsforward This collection, provided by external partners and individuals, aims to provide data, graphics, analyses and other materials to help you understand and advocate for federal workers’ rights.
