A group of lawmakers led by Virginia Congressman James R Walkinshaw recently introduced the Federal Employee Records Relief Act, a bill designed to help former federal employees obtain missing personnel records, fix administrative errors and navigate their earned benefits.
In a recent statement, Walkinshaw noted that missing or inaccurate employee records “can delay retirement processing, complicate health coverage and interfere with future employment.”
Former federal workers “should not have to chase down missing paperwork to document their service and access the benefits they earned,” said Walkinshaw.
“My bill would require the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and federal agencies to help former employees get their records, fix errors and get clear answers about their benefits. These public servants deserve better.”
According to Walkinshaw’s statement, the legislation would require the OPM to work with former employing agencies to provide personnel records, correct administrative errors and offer written benefits information and coordination assistance. This would include information about health coverage continuation options.
Federal employees who separated for any reason on or after Jan. 20, 2025, including retirees, would have four years after enactment to submit requests.
The bill has garnered support from organizations including the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) and The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU).
“Mass firings and pressure campaigns to force out federal employees have thrown thousands of dedicated civil servants into chaos,” said NTEU National President Doreen Greenwald, in a statement.
“Now many are left hanging, trapped by botched personnel records and processing delays that stand between them and their next job, their retirement, and the benefits they earned. The Federal Employee Records Relief Act will give these workers a clear path to correct their records and move forward with their lives.”
29 October 2026
Category
HR News Article
