Thread: Relocation Expenses Pay Back

I'm in the process to lateral to a few different agencies (1811). If things progressed quickly, I may be forced to make a decision to leave before my 24 month paid move agreement. Given I've never been in this posistion, does anyone know if there is a CFR code, JTR reg, or some other policy that may waive payback if one stays within the federal government. This is not an issue yet, though I'd like to know in the event I'm confronted with this- I'm not in the posisiton to pay back 20k or more.

It'll most likely depend on the terms of the relocation agreement you signed. When I moved with my last agency, I had to sign a waiver saying I was stay within the service of the federal government for at least 12 months. I left them (transferred to another agency) before the 12 months and wasn't required to pay back any money because of the terms of my agreement.

On GSA's website, Chapter 302 of the Federal Travel Regulations (specifically §302-3.503 through §302-3.506) cover relocation expenses. Hope this helps...

I was in a similar position with my last agency before transferring to ATF. The answer I got (from a lawyer who was at the time working civilian personnel issues with my old agency) was that as long as I stayed in federal service, they couldn't come after me for the relocation expenses. However, if I had left for a non-government job, I was liable for the expenses. As navy said, I'm certain this has to do with the agency particulars and precedent, but I've seen a lot of people leave agencies while still within their payback period and not once have I seen the agency come after the costs.

Hopefully that helps. I know its not concrete, but that has been my experience.

First, a 24 month agreement is pretty unusual, most agencies use 12 months for a PCS reimbursement. Second, you need to look at the exact wording. A former agency of mine had an agreement that said you had to stay with the agency for the duration. My current agency is more in line with what I've heard in most other agencies and just specific that you had to stay with the Government. If your agreement was like the latter then you should be good to go, otherwise you may be on the hook.

On the plus side, any repayment is prorated over the duration of the agreement (which is a better deal if you have a 12 month agreement, granted). I've seen agencies opt to not go after repayment for whatever reason, although I'd guess many may look to recoup the money now given the current budget situation in most places.

Took a closer look- my agreement was for 12 months indeed. It also states 12 months as an employee of the federal gov, and not specific to any agency. A big relief. I was very concerned given an internal case I worked on resulted in the gov employee (non-leo) being billed for 32k for resigning while under investigation and before the end of his relocation agreement expired. In my opinion, almost worse than his 14 months in clubfed.

OK sierraskier, you can breathe now! Happy 4th!

If only you had someone you could have called to ask this question of....