Mar 17, 14:00 - 16:30 (ET)
NARFE Federal Benefits Institute presents Navigating Federal Benefits in Uncertain Times: What Current and Recently Separated Feds Need to Know Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 2:00 p.m. ET Federal employees who separate from government service through resignation, termination, reduction in force, or retirement often confront a complex landscape of rights, benefits, and deadlines. With increasing separations across agencies, many workers feel uncertain about their entitlements, possible losses, and remaining options. In this session, NARFE Federal Benefits Specialist Tony Opat will deliver clear, straightforward guidance on the most common legal and benefits issues facing current and recently separated federal employees. Topics will include retirement eligibility, continuing health and life insurance, appeal rights, and how personnel actions impact benefits. Attendees will leave with a better grasp of their situation, essential questions to consider, and available resources, including Rise Up and NARFE, along with: How a reduction in force, termination, or resignation affects federal retirement eligibility under FERS and CSRS — including what counts toward service credit and what does not FEHB continuation rights after separation: what employees are entitled to, for how long, and under what conditions coverage lapses or converts FEGLI life insurance options at separation and retirement, including conversion and portability rules The distinction between voluntary and involuntary separation and why it matters for benefits, including eligibility for discontinued service retirement (DSR) Appeal rights following termination or adverse action: the role of MSPB, EEOC, and agency grievance procedures, and how personnel record corrections can affect benefits outcomes What probationary employees and recently reclassified workers — including those affected by Schedule P/C — need to know about their rights and options How to read and respond to a RIF notice, including retention standing, bump and retreat rights, and severance pay eligibility Deferred resignation and deferred retirement: understanding the terms, risks, and long-term benefits implications before accepting any offer Practical next steps: where to get help, what records to preserve, and which deadlines are time-sensitive A Q&A session will follow the presentation. Join us on March 17 to learn how leaving federal service, no matter the reason, can affect your retirement and benefits. Our aim is to help you feel prepared and to highlight the questions that matter most to your situation.