The Problem with Self Plus One
The “self plus one” option under the Federal Employees Health Benefits program has proven to be quite costly. The author looks at how high some of the premiums are and the possible cause.
How is the 2016 FERS Annuity Supplement Calculated?
The author provides a basic explanation of how the FERS annuity supplement is calculated as well as why a federal employee would want to make the calculations.
The Unknown Alternative to Phased Retirement
The author says that the loss of the annuity supplement under phased retirement is a big disadvantage. However, he outlines a comparable alternative that could help offset this loss.
How Much is the Maximum Annuity Supplement?
The procedure for calculating the supplement is clearly spelled out in Chapter 51 of the CSRS & FERS Handbook, but it is a difficult process. The author offers a more concise explanation.
For New Retirees: More Money in the Interim Payment
When Federal employees retire, they start getting “interim” payments, almost immediately. These payments are approximately 60% of the final, fully annuity. For FERS employees under age 62, there is also an annuity supplement of hundreds of dollars. The author offers details on these annuity payments.
The Real Cost of the Chained CPI
The author says that the chained CPI which the president recently dropped from his budget proposal would actually have been a good thing because of its potential to help with reducing the national debt. He notes that the actual cost to federal retirees from the chained CPI would have been less than the cost of a pizza each month and illustrates its financial impact for federal pensioners.
Military Deposits: Is the Grace Period Two Years or Three?
As a general rule, your military service in the Armed Forces of the United States is creditable for federal Civil Service Retirement purposes as long as certain conditions are met. There is an exception, however, which the author explains.
Notes on the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP)
The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) means if you are getting a Social Security benefit as well as a pension where you did not pay into Social Security, your Social Security benefit is reduced. The author provides examples of the financial impact this can have on your earnings.
Phased Retirement: Who Will Benefit?
When it becomes fully operational, the phased retirement program will allow pre-approved employees to reduce their work schedule to part-time, while simultaneously paying them a partial annuity. Will this be a net gain for employees?
Will I Get Both My Social Security and Federal Annuity COLAs?
Several readers have asked if they will have a COLA applied to their retirement annuity and to Social Security. Readers have also asked about the Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provision. This information may be helpful in understanding these complex topics.
