Q&A from FedSmith authors addressing readers’ questions. We share them here to help you with your federal career or retirement planning.
I was employed in a law enforcement officer position and retired under FERS. I am collecting my annuity and the “bridge.” I have an opportunity to be hired in a non LEO, part time position in the federal government. I understand that the “bridge” will be affected by the earnings amount but will it affect my pension?
I am curious if there is a rule/law that GS-9 and above cannot get overtime or comp time. Is there such a thing as a unwritten rule that a station can have to prevent this?
I’m over 70 and planning to retire in my late 70s. Are there one or two key things I should be looking at to start planning?
I am planning to retire at age 63 and waiting to withdraw my Social Security until I reach age 66. While my husband is still working, can he withdraw his Social Security at age 64? Can I apply for half of his Social Security while I am waiting to withdraw my Social Security?
OPM.gov gives examples of GS promotions while on retained pay using the 2 step rule. But how do you calculate a GS promotion step if your retained pay is already well above the amount computed using the 2 step rule?
I recall reading that federal employees would be notified by June 30 whether or not their personal data had been compromised in the OPM data breaches, and if they received no notice, they could assume they were not compromised. Can you help me locate where I read this and how to determine the status of my personal information?
If I were to pass away after only being retired a couple of years, I will have only had taxes excluded on a portion of my pension. If my wife and I elected no survivor annuity, does she get the remainder without paying additional taxes on it, since it has already been taxed?
I’m a retired fed that’s scared of losing my retirement money. How do I know if I am invested correctly?
You indicated that an employee cannot receive comp time for the additional hours worked when on TDY unless it is scheduled 30 days in advance in which case the only compensation that can be received is overtime pay. If the employee is exempt, why can he receive overtime pay at all?
I retired four years ago and want to keep my current health plan. Will I be forced into Medicare or can I just keep my current plan?
