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COLA

Stay informed on the latest COLA updates for federal retirees, including annual Cost‑of‑Living Adjustment announcements, calculation methods, and policy changes that affect retirement income under FERS and CSRS. Explore clear explanations of how COLA percentages are determined, historical trends in federal retiree COLAs, and the impact of inflation on long‑term financial security. Find timely analysis, legislative developments, and expert insights to help federal retirees understand how annual COLA changes influence their purchasing power and overall retirement planning.

A Great Age to Retire

FedSmith.com author Dallen HawsBy Dallen HawsMar 24, 2021 1:51 PM | Updated: Mar 25, 2021 3:24 PM Categories Retirement Leave a comment

While there is no “perfect” age for a federal employee to retire, there are some benefits to waiting until at least age 62.

The Impact of a Higher Minimum Wage on COLAs for Federal Retirees

FedSmith.com author Brenton SmithBy Brenton SmithFeb 16, 2021 11:09 AM Categories Retirement Leave a comment

The author says that an increase in the federal minimum wage could have an impact on Social Security and the annual COLA for federal retirees.

How Can Locality Pay Be Smaller than a COLA?

FedSmith.com author Ralph R. SmithBy Ralph R. SmithFeb 10, 2021 3:47 PM | Updated: Apr 16, 2021 12:50 PM Categories Pay & Benefits Leave a comment

Locality pay is determined using a complex system of comparing federal and private sector pay. It is not a COLA.

Legislation Reintroduced to Boost COLAs for Some Retired Feds

FedSmith.com author Ian SmithBy Ian SmithJan 26, 2021 8:11 AM Categories Retirement Leave a comment
Evenly balanced seesaw with a piggy bank on the left side and 3 vertical stacks of coins on the right side

One Congressman is making another attempt to ensure CSRS and FERS federal retirees get the same COLAs.

More Big Retirement Differences for FERS Special Provision Employees

FedSmith.com author Dallen HawsBy Dallen HawsDec 21, 2020 8:14 AM Categories Retirement Leave a comment

There are a number of special provisions afforded to certain federal employees under FERS.

Lawmakers Push for 3% COLA in 2021

FedSmith.com author Ian SmithBy Ian SmithOct 22, 2020 12:28 PM Categories Retirement Leave a comment
Mini shopping cart filled with coins next to wooden blocks that read '2021'

Legislation has been introduced to provide a higher COLA to retirees in 2021.

2021 COLA for Federal Retirees: 1.3%

FedSmith.com author Ralph R. SmithBy Ralph R. SmithOct 13, 2020 9:40 AM Categories Retirement Leave a comment
Roll of cash in a small shopping cart next to wooden block letters that read '2021'

Here are details on the annual cost of living adjustment federal retirees can expect in 2021.

1.2% COLA in 2021 for Federal Retirees and Social Security?

FedSmith.com author Ralph R. SmithBy Ralph R. SmithSep 14, 2020 8:05 AM Categories Retirement Leave a comment
Mini shopping cart filled with coins next to wooden blocks that read '2021'

What is the likely amount for a 2021 COLA?

How Storms in the Gulf Can Affect Your COLA

By Michael WaldAug 24, 2020 4:59 PM Categories Retirement Leave a comment
Storm clouds and a bolt of lightning pictured in the background behind a yellow road caution sign that reads 'hurricane season'

How can tropical weather affect the COLA for federal retirees? The author explains the impact two Gulf storms could have.

Annual Pay Raise vs. COLA: How Are They Different?

FedSmith.com author Dallen HawsBy Dallen HawsJul 28, 2020 2:04 PM Categories Pay & Benefits, Retirement Leave a comment
Man staring at a board with multiple drawings of bags of money and question marks depicting questions or confusion about money/personal finance/retirement

There is a lot of confusion about the difference between a COLA for federal retirees and a pay raise for federal employees. Here is a summary of the differences.

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April 23, 2026

Fund Last % YTD
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