The Recovery Act: Opening the Doors to Reemployed Annuitants

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has opened the door to hiring reemployed annuitants. This is welcome news for former Feds who are facing the current sagging economy and uncertainty about the quality of life during their future retirement years.

 

The General Services Administration Modernization Act of 2006, P.L.109-313, allowed Federal agencies to hire retired annuitants to fill critical vacancies in the acquisition field.  Now, through a direct hiring and special appointment authority in the Recovery Act of 2009, Federal agencies have been provided with a process for returning reemployed annuitants to Federal positions without adversely impacting their on-going annuity disbursements.

 

Some Federal agencies have already petitioned the Office of Personnel Management for a waiver to hire reemployed annuitants.  Former Feds should ask the agency they want to work for if the agency has been granted a waiver.

 

Non-competitive appointments for specific positions may be offered to former Feds, veterans and those with disabilities under the new direct authority, opening unique positions and roles across the Federal spectrum to these targeted groups.  For example in the acquisition field, reemployed annuitants may be returned to positions where they can mentor entry- and mid-level staff, and provide them with on-the-job training and coaching.

 

Reemployed annuitants can double as additional staff for short-term projects or surges, while promoting staffing flexibilities within agencies that face unusual acquisition needs during national emergencies or natural disasters.  Reemployed annuitants can bring their knowledge of best practices to the table as they serve as a consulting resource for addressing difficult agency issues.

 

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has opened the door to former Feds in allowing reemployed annuitants to return to work without impacting their well-earned annuity payments.