Feds Fix Layoff Rule After Accidentally Deleting Key Details
Published Date: 9/15/2026
Rule
Summary
The Office of Personnel Management fixed a mistake in a recent rule about job cuts and career help for federal workers. They accidentally removed important details about who counts as 'displaced' when facing job loss. This correction, effective September 15, 2026, puts those details back so employees know when they qualify for special support during layoffs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Restores CTAP 'Displaced' Definition
If you are a competitive service federal employee at grade GS-15 or below, this correction restores the rules that say when you are "displaced" and therefore may qualify for the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP). The rule, effective September 15, 2026, explicitly restores paragraphs saying you are "displaced" if you (i) received a reduction-in-force (RIF) separation notice under 5 CFR part 351 and have not declined a qualifying offer under part 351, subpart G, or (ii) received a notice of proposed removal under 5 CFR part 752 for declining a directed geographic relocation outside the local commuting area.
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