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2026 Agency-Specific Deferred Resignation Program and Voluntary Early Retirement Authority Guidance

Dear CHCOs, Deputy CHCOs and HR Directors,

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is informing agencies that during
FY 2026, agencies may use Deferred Resignation Program (DRP) Agreements of up to six months to support workforce restructuring efforts, consistent with the availability of budgetary resources and appropriations. OPM has previously circulated the resources listed below for agency-specific Deferred Resignation Programs. To support these efforts, OPM is prepared to approve agency requests for Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA) to support workforce restructuring through the end of CY 2026.  Agency VERA requests may be made using this form.

DRP Resources

• Deferred Resignation Program Separation Agreement - Agencies may tailor or edit this agreement (March 28, 2025)
• Guidance Regarding Deferred Resignation Program (January 28, 2025)
• Guidance on Collective Bargaining Obligations in Connection with Deferred Resignation Offer (February 4, 2025)
• Legality of Deferred Resignation Program (February 4, 2025)
• Actions to Take After Closure of the Deferred Resignation Program (February 13, 2025)
• Deferred Resignation Program-related FAQs for Employing Agency HR & Benefit Offices (February 19, 2025)
• Revised Guidance on Return to In-Person Work and Deferred Resignation Program Processing and Reporting (February 28, 2025)
• Deferred Resignation Program-related FAQs for Employing Agency HR Offices—Set II (March 10, 2025)
• FAQs on Pay During DRP Administrative Leave (March 13, 2025)

In further support of workforce realignment, and consistent with previous OPM guidance, Deferred Resignation Agreements of up to 12 weeks may also be offered to employees in connection with performance and conduct issues, or to otherwise improve workforce efficiency.

Monthly Reporting

Agencies should continue to report any use of DRP to tracking@opm.gov as part of their regular monthly reporting.

Additional Information

• Any follow up DRP questions may be emailed to tracking@opm.gov.
• Any follow up VERA questions may be emailed to employ@opm.gov. 

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