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OPM.gov / Frequently Asked Questions / Pay and Leave FAQ / Recruitment, Relocation and Retention Incentives
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Recruitment, Relocation and Retention Incentives

Questions and answers

For the purpose of paying a recruitment incentive, newly appointed refers to —
  • The first appointment, regardless of tenure, as an employee of the Federal Government;
  • An appointment of a former employee of the Federal Government following a break in service of at least 90 days; or
  • An appointment of an individual in the Federal Government when his is her Federal service during the 90-day period immediately preceding the appointment was limited to one or more of the following:
    • A time-limited appointment in the competitive or excepted service;
    • A non-permanent appointment (excluding a Schedule C appointment under 5 CFR part 213) in the competitive or excepted service;
    • Employment with the government of the District of Columbia (DC) when the candidate was first appointed by the DC government on or after October 1, 1987;
    • An appointment as an expert or consultant under 5 U.S.C. 3109 and 5 CFR part 304;
    • Employment under a provisional appointment designated under 5 CFR 316.403; or
    • Employment under the Student Career Experience Program under 5 CFR 213.3202(b).

(See the definition of newly appointed in 5 CFR 575.102.)

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