“Is it possible to be reemployed by the federal government after I took the VERA/VSIP? I’ve been out for 5 years as of 12/31/2023, and am thinking about going back after the new year. I retired from the Department of the Army with 30 years in 2018. I am 64 and don’t collect SS.
Reg’s Response
According to OPM, “An employee who receives a VSIP and later accepts employment for compensation with the Government of the United States within 5 years of the date of the separation on which the VSIP is based, including work under a personal services contract or other direct contract, must repay the entire amount of the VSIP to the agency that paid it - before the individual’s first day of reemployment.” Therefore, if you return to work for the government after 5 years, you wouldn’t have to repay the Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment you received.
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Reg Jones, a charter member of the senior executive service, is the resident expert on retirement and the federal government at Federal Times. From 1979 until 1995, he served as an assistant director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management handling recruiting and examining, white and blue collar pay, retirement, insurance and other issues. Opinions expressed are his own.
Reg Jones, a charter member of the senior executive service, is our resident expert on retirement and the federal government. From 1979 to '95, he served as an assistant director of the Office of Personnel Management handling recruiting and examining, white and blue collar pay, retirement, insurance and other issues. Opinions expressed are his own.
