Resources

Resource Hub for Federal Employees

Navigating Careers, Separation, and Financial Education During Challenging Times

In these uncertain times of widespread federal government employee layoffs and reductions in force (RIF), navigating your career and financial future can feel overwhelming. This resource hub is designed to provide federal employees with critical tools, guidance, and information to address separation issues, understand your benefits, and stay informed.

While we do not offer personalized financial planning without an agreement, we are committed to providing comprehensive financial education to help you make informed decisions. Explore these resources to empower yourself during this challenging period and take control of your next steps with confidence.

Stay informed with updates and resources tailored for federal employees by subscribing to our email list at the bottom of our home page.

Federal Government Resources

• Office of Personnel Management (OPM)  The central agency managing federal employee benefits, retirement, and personnel policies.
• Guide to understanding your SF-50
• Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
• Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Program
• FEHB Temporary Continuation of Coverage

• Understanding FEHB Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC)

  The Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) allows federal employees and their eligible family members to retain health insurance after voluntary or involuntary separation (excluding cases involving gross misconduct). TCC functions similarly to COBRA, providing up to 18 months of coverage for separated employees and up to 36 months for children aging out of eligibility or former spouses after divorce.  Employees facing involuntary separation must act promptly to secure TCC. Agencies are required to notify separated employees of their TCC rights. From there, individuals have a specific amount of time to enroll. Check the OPM website for specific details.

  Important: You must exhaust TCC eligibility as one condition for guaranteed access to individual health coverage under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.

  TCC requires paying 102% of the total premium (both the employee and government shares plus a 2% administrative fee). Notably, TCC for separated employees does not cover new spouses or dependents added post-separation unless they qualify under existing family criteria. When TCC ends, enrollees must convert to a non-group plan through their insurer or explore ACA Marketplace options.

  For official TCC eligibility criteria, enrollment forms, and deadlines, visit OPM’s Temporary Continuation of Coverage page. 

Federal News Feeds

• Federal News Network
• FedWeek
• FedSmith
• Government Executive

Employee Advocacy

• American Federation of Government Employees
• Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA)
• Federal Managers Association (FMA)
• National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE)
• National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE)
• National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU)
• Merit Systems Protection Board

Financial Education

• Thrift Savings Plan
• TSP Withdrawal Options
• TSP Loans

• If you have any TSP loans when you separate from federal employment, you must decide if you want to pay them off, keep them open and set up monthly payments, or allow them to be foreclosed and accept the outstanding balance and accrued interest as  taxable income.

• Severance Pay Calculator - The Severance Pay Calculator is based on the U.S. Office of Personal Management calculation of severance pay.
• Resilient Financial Solutions financial advisor
• NerdWallet's Layoff Guide: This guide offers actionable steps, such as applying for unemployment benefits, triaging your finances, and exploring hardship loan options to bridge financial gaps during unemployment

Mental Wellness & Emotional Support