Why Did Your Federal Annuity Payment Go Down?
We have received numerous queries from readers asking why their annuity payments decreased in January. Here is our explanation of what has occurred.
Retirement
Stay informed with the latest federal employee retirement news, including updates on FERS and CSRS, retirement eligibility rules, OPM retirement processing, and TSP performance as it relates to long‑term retirement planning. This category covers annual COLA updates, TSP news, survivor benefits, military service credit, retirement application guidance, and major OPM policy changes or federal legislation that could affect federal retirement benefits. Find clear, timely information to help current and former federal employees navigate retirement planning, benefit calculations, and post‑retirement considerations.
Long Term Care Insurance: Do Your Homework
Long term care insurance has been a source of frustration for some who did not anticipate a significant increase in premiums last year. If you are considering signing up for this insurance plan, do your homework about the costs and potential benefits.
Will Changes to Federal Employee Benefits Provide a Financial Windfall (or Disaster)? The Joy and Pain of the Rumor Mill
Real proposed changes to federal employee pay and benefits always lead to rumors about how some will benefit and some will be harmed. The internet gives rumors a credible life of their own. Here are some of the latest rumors and the often less dramatic reality.
High Five vs. High Three: Is There a Difference In Your Retirement Annuity?
The deficit commission has proposed changing federal retirement to use the highest five years of earnings to calculate civil service pension benefits for new retirees (CSRS and FERS) rather than the highest three years. How much of a difference would this make in a retirement annuity? It depends. Here are several scenarios.
Federal Employee Re-Deposits: Federal Employees Who Return to Work After Withdrawing Retirement Contributions
This article looks at your retirement annuity when you left federal service, withdrew your contributions and did not re-deposit the money when you returned to work for Uncle Sam. What should you do?
Implementing a Roth Retirement Plan for Federal Employees
Are you interested in a new program that may enhance your future retirement? Back in June 2009, legislation was passed authorizing creation of a Roth plan using after-tax salary into an account that will grow without any additional tax liability on future earnings. That option is now being implemented.
Will You Receive Extra Social Security Credit as a Federal Employee for Your Prior Military Service?
Were you in the military prior to 2002? Are you going to qualify for Social Security? If you answered “yes” to both questions, I have good news for you! You are going to receive extra earnings credits, which will result in a higher Social Security benefit. Here’s how it works.
2011 Financial Numbers for Federal Employees
Every year various agencies update numbers (generally dollar amounts) for benefits that impact federal employees and retirees. Not every agency has issued all their 2011 updates, but many of them have. Here are some of the more important financial numbers for the federal workforce in 2011.
The Best Date to Retire in 2011
Many people are curious about the best day to retire in 2011. Well, the best day to retire in 2011 is the same as it was in 2010; that is December 31st. This is especially important for those who are planning on receiving a large annual leave payment, as the leave year ends on December 31, 2011 and anyone who retires after that date will lose any excess use-or-lose leave they have accrued.
Commission Proposes ‘High-Three’ to ‘High-Five’ for Retirement, Pay Freeze and Changes to FEHB for Federal Employees
The National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform has issued its report on ways to reduce the deficit and federal spending. Here are some of the key points in the report that are likely to be of most interest to readers.
