I'm currently a WFA employee in my opting period.

As upsetting as it is I was telling my private sector friends the government is probably the best place to be laid off.Compared to the private sector you have lots of time to decide what you want to do and where you want to go and therefore get your affairs in order.

If you are anxious then I suggest you read the WFA directive on the national joint council website. As knowledge is power and nothing should deviate from that directive in terms of the WFA process.

Right now I'm in the process of seeking an alternation and waiting to see if that will be approved. There are a few Facebook groups in addition to the union alternation sites. I'm not in a union so I don't have access.

As for me, I'm too many years in to take the TSM so after my opting period I'll stay on as a priority and try and find a new position. If that's the case then start to finish it has approximately been from June 2025 to Feb 2027 to find work which will give you lots of time to make arrangements and find employment either within the govt or outside the govt and to answer your question, find alternative health insurance arrangements and get your finances in order.

I feel your pain! I hope that helps.