The MERIT Act requires the federal government to reinstate probationary federal employees who were recently fired as part of mass terminations. Specifically, it applies to employees who were let go between January 20, 2025, and when this law passes, as part of layoffs involving at least 15 people within a 30-day period. These affected employees get offered their old job back (or a similar position) at their former agency. If they accept, they also receive back pay—the salary they would have earned from the day they were fired until the day they're rehired. If an affected employee found another federal job in the meantime and still has it, they get a payment equal to the difference between what they would have earned at their old job and what they actually earned at the new job. If they no longer have that new federal job, they get both the difference payment plus back pay for the time between now and when they're rehired. The law treats these fired employees as if they were involuntarily separated without cause, which affects their eligibility for certain federal benefits and protections. Agencies must notify affected employees within 30 days of the law passing, and employees have 30 days to decide whether to accept reinstatement. Payments must begin within 90 days and are paid as a lump sum.