Your SCD Might Be Off by Years—And That Could Cost You

Every federal employee has an SCD.

But what if the one that’s on your SF-50 is quietly wrong?

And what if that mistake—often by just a few months—puts you below someone you’ve worked longer than during a Reduction in Force?

That’s not just theory. That’s the way RIFs are scored.

And in many cases, the agency will rely on what’s in the system… even if it’s wrong.

Why It Matters (Even If You’re Years from Retirement)

Your Service Computation Date (SCD) impacts more than just leave accrual.

During an RIF, your SCD feeds directly into your Retention Standing Score—which helps determine if you stay, bump, retreat… or receive a separation notice.

Yet across federal agencies, HR errors in SCDs are shockingly common.

• Prior military time may not be properly credited

• Temporary or seasonal time might be left off

• Reinstatement or prior federal service might not be fully captured

• There are multiple SCDs (leave, RIF, retirement)—and they’re easy to mix up

How to check tours in 5 minutes:

1. Log into your e-OPF

2. Open your most recent SF-50

3. Look for Box 31: “Service Computation Date (Leave)”

4. Compare it against your known history: prior agencies, military DD-214s, and break-in-service records

5. If something looks off—don’t wait. File a correction request through your HR servicing office now

Most federal employees assume “HR has it right.”

But in this case, that assumption could quietly strip you of your bump rights, your position, and in some cases, your eligibility for a different job within the same agency.

So check your SCD now—before it matters.

Because in an RIF, small errors have big consequences.

—FWR