Federal Employment Relocation Policies

Federal employees may be required to relocate according to position and agency needs. When relocation is necessary, the agency may supply the employee with relocation services. These relocation services and policies differ among government agencies.

Reasons for Relocation

The need to relocate employees may be caused by a need to fill a position at a different location, a change of position within the agency, such as a promotion, or an employee request for change of location. The acceptable reasons for employee relocation are determined by the policy of the specific agency.

Relocation Services

Several agencies use relocation services to assist employees during the relocation process. These relocation services provide assistance in planning, pre-move counseling, house-hunting trip coordination, and shipping and storage. The particular services provided depend upon the relocation service used and the government agency.

Expense Reimbursement

Reimbursement for moving expenses may be provided by agency policy, if the employee meets the agency's eligibility requirements. Covered expenses include shipping expenses, storage expenses, travel expenses for a house-hunting trip, real estate expenses incurred during home sale and purchase and cost of temporary residence.

References

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Services of the Federal Employee Relocation Center
• U.S. General Services Administration: Relocation Resource Centers
• Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Relocation Expenses