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 customer service, and provide employees with voluntary opportunities to focus on mission critical work or pursue new opportunities with the incentives below.
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. 365 eligible employees accepted DRP.
- Voluntary Early Out Retirement (VERA): VERA is being offered to all employees through December 31, 2025. Eligible employees must inform their supervisor of their intent to leave the agency under VERA by November 1, 2025 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. 1,675 were in support positions, eligible for reassignment. So far, 1,062 accepted and will be reassigned on a flow basis to the mission critical offices in most need of staffing resources.