Within-Grade Increase (WIGI) Denial Appeals for Federal Employees

A Within-Grade Increase (WIGI), also known as a step increase, is a periodic pay increase granted to federal employees based on satisfactory job performance and completion of required waiting periods. When an agency denies a WIGI, it must provide written notice to the employee at least 15 days before the scheduled increase date, specifying the reasons for denial, which typically include failure to meet acceptable performance standards or conduct issues. Federal employees have the right to appeal WIGI denials to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) within 30 calendar days of receiving the denial notice. In WIGI denial appeals before the MSPB, the employing agency bears the burden of proving by substantial evidence that the denial was justified based on the employee's performance or conduct during the relevant rating period. The MSPB will review whether the agency followed proper procedures, provided adequate notice, and had sufficient documentation to support the denial decision. Successful WIGI appeals can result in retroactive payment of the denied step increase plus interest, making timely filing critical for federal employees facing WIGI denials.