We continue to identify opportunities to optimize our workforce, with a focus on mission critical work such as accessing services and benefits we administer. Our efforts directly support the President’s Executive Order, “Implementing The President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” Workforce Optimization Initiative.”
SSA has taken several initial steps to optimize its workforce, prioritize service, and provide employees with voluntary opportunities to focus on mission critical work or leave the agency through various incentives.
- Deferred Resignation Program (DRP): DRP was offered until February 12, 2025, to employees who perform non-mission critical work. Eligible employees who accepted DRP were placed on paid administrative leave until September 30, 2025, at which time they must leave the agency. Employees on paid administrative leave do not perform their duties. 345 eligible employees accepted DRP.
- Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP): VSIP provides eligible employees with a one-time payment of up to $25,000 to leave government service. Employees had until 12 p.m. EST March 14 to express interest. 2,674 employees accepted VSIP to leave the agency by the deadline of April 19, 2025. 2,477 employees are confirmed eligible.
- 1,153 employees accepted VSIP via regular/optional retirement.
- 925 employees accepted VSIP via voluntary early out retirement.
- 399 employees accepted VSIP via resignation (i.e., no retirement).
The VSIP payment amount depends on the employee’s GS level, as follows:
- Up to GS-8: $15,000
- GS 9-12: $20,000
- GS 13 and above: $25,000
- Voluntary Early Out Retirement (VERA): Originally offered only to employees who perform non-mission critical work, SSA expanded, and still offers, VERA to all employees through December 31, 2025. Eligible employees must tell their supervisor by November 1, 2025, of their intent to leave the agency under VERA and must leave by December 31, 2025.
- Voluntary Reassignments: SSA offered all employees the opportunity to volunteer to be reassigned from a non-mission critical position to a local field office, teleservice center, processing center, payment center, workload support unit, or hearing office. Employees who chose this option must have indicated their interest by March 14, 2025. Employees accepted to change position will receive necessary training. 2,259 employees volunteered and will be reassigned on a flow basis to the mission critical offices in most need of staffing resources.
Next Steps:
SSA submitted its draft Reduction-in-Force (RIF) plan to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) by the deadline of March 13, 2025. No date has been set when the plan might be approved or begin. A RIF may not be implemented if the agency sees sufficient staff reductions through retirement, VSIP, and resignation. We plan to update this page as new information is available.