Us Code § 3524 - Effect of subsequent employment with the Government

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 3524 — Effect of subsequent employment with the Government, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 3524. Effect of subsequent employment with the Government

(a) The term "employment"—

(1) in subsection (b) includes employment under a personal services contract (or other direct contract) with the United States Government (other than an entity in the legislative branch); and

(2) in subsection (c) does not include employment under such a contract.


(b) An individual who has received a voluntary separation incentive payment under this subchapter and accepts any employment for compensation with the Government of the United States with 1 5 years after the date of the separation on which the payment is based shall be required to pay, before the individual's first day of employment, the entire amount of the incentive payment to the agency that paid the incentive payment.

(c)(1) If the employment under this section is with an agency, other than the Government Accountability Office, the United States Postal Service, or the Postal Regulatory Commission, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management may, at the request of the head of the agency, may 2 waive the repayment if—

(A) the individual involved possesses unique abilities and is the only qualified applicant available for the position; or

(B) in case of an emergency involving a direct threat to life or property, the individual—

(i) has skills directly related to resolving the emergency; and

(ii) will serve on a temporary basis only so long as that individual's services are made necessary by the emergency.


(2) If the employment under this section is with an entity in the legislative branch, the head of the entity or the appointing official may waive the repayment if the individual involved possesses unique abilities and is the only qualified applicant available for the position.

(3) If the employment under this section is with the judicial branch, the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts may waive the repayment if the individual involved possesses unique abilities and is the only qualified applicant available for the position.

(Added Pub. L. 107–296, title XIII, §1313(a)(1)(A), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2293; amended Pub. L. 108–271, §8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814; Pub. L. 109–435, title VI, §604(f), Dec. 20, 2006, 120 Stat. 3242.)


Editorial Notes

Amendments

2006—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 109–435 substituted "Postal Regulatory Commission" for "Postal Rate Commission" in introductory provisions.

2004—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 108–271 substituted "Government Accountability Office" for "General Accounting Office" in introductory provisions.


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective 60 days after Nov. 25, 2002, see section 1313(a)(4) of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as a note under section 3521 of this title.

1 So in original. Probably should be "within".

2 So in original.

About This Section

5 U.S.C. § 3524 is part of Title 5 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 5 U.S.C. § 3524. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 3524

What does United States Code § 3524 cover?

Section 3524 ("Effect of subsequent employment with the Government") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 3524?

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Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 3524 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

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