Thu Apr 03 14:28:03 UTC 2025: ## Mass USAID Layoff Notices Marred by Errors, Affecting Pensions and Pay

**Washington D.C.** – Thousands of USAID employees received termination notices riddled with errors, potentially jeopardizing their pensions and severance pay, according to multiple sources. The flawed notices, issued as part of a sweeping cost-cutting initiative spearheaded by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), have caused widespread chaos and frustration among affected staff.

Five sources familiar with the matter, speaking anonymously to Reuters, revealed that the initial notices contained numerous inaccuracies, including incorrect start dates, service lengths, salaries, and promotion details. Some employees reportedly received three separate, inaccurate notices. One worker cited a three-year discrepancy in their total federal service.

These errors could significantly impact retirement benefits, as pension annuities are calculated based on years of service and highest average salaries. The mistakes could also lead to incorrect severance pay calculations.

The rapid pace of the terminations, driven by the Trump administration’s plan to cut foreign aid, is blamed for the widespread inaccuracies. USAID’s human resources staff, initially placed on administrative leave, have been recalled to correct the notices. However, even corrected notices issued on Monday still contained errors for some employees.

The faulty notices affected approximately 3,500 USAID workers initially given termination dates of April 21st and May 30th. These dates were later revised, but inconsistencies remain. Furthermore, some requests for termination date waivers, particularly from overseas staff, were seemingly ignored.

The flawed notices were overseen by acting USAID administrators Jeremy Lewin and Kenneth Jackson, both DOGE operatives, reporting to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. While DOGE claims to have saved US taxpayers $140 billion, the figure is unverifiable and its methods have faced scrutiny for containing errors. The ongoing turmoil at USAID has disrupted vital global humanitarian aid programs. The State Department has yet to comment on the situation.

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