Expert’s View

Last week I pointed out that the allowable uses of sick leave have expanded over the years. Now I want …More

While the original purpose of sick leave was to allow you to take off from work when you weren’t well, …More

In this series of articles, I’ve walked you through the Federal Employees Health Benefits program as it applies to both …More

In my last two articles in this series on understanding federal insurance benefits I wrote about the Federal Employees Health …More

The Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program is the world’s largest employee-sponsored health insurance program. Currently there are about 275 …More

Even during unsettled times, there are always a steady stream of new employees coming into the federal workforce. While some …More

I’ve received a number of emails recently from Federal Employees Retirement System retirees who are confused about the special retirement …More

During the open season that ended a month ago, federal employees, retirees and survivors made their choices for Federal Employees …More

If you work for the federal government, are married, and die while still on the payroll, your surviving spouse will …More

When you joined the government, you filled out a lot of papers. Among them was likely a designation of beneficiary …More

Here’s a quick memory test. Question: When were you first covered by the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance program? Answer: …More

Over the last three weeks I’ve spelled out what you, your agency and OPM have to do to move you …More

In my last two articles, I described the first two steps in the retirement process. First was your filing a …More

Last week I said that this is a remarkable year to retire. That’s because the leave year ends on December 31. …More

Isn’t it a little late in the year to be talking about preparing for retirement at year’s end? Normally, I’d …More

The end of the year is just around the corner and employees are peppering me with one question. When is …More

This year’s Federal Employee Health Benefits Open Season will run from November 14 to December 12, 2022. If you are …More

This year more than in the recent past years, the make-up and number of providers under the Federal Employees Health …More

Open Season is set for November 14th to December 12th, 2022. But, while managing your insurance choices can be far …More

Those federal employees who have been around for more than a year, and retirees without exception, know that in the …More

Last week I examined the Windfall Elimination Provision and noted—to the disappointment of those of you who are or will …More

For the umpteenth time, efforts are underway in the Congress to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government …More

Assuming that you are enrolled in the FEGLI when you retire, you’ll have to make two decisions. First, which benefits …More

The Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance program is unique among the four government-sponsored insurance programs for federal workers in that …More

When I’m writing these articles I usually sound like I’m speaking from on high, quoting law and regulation rather than …More

Last week I wrote about the origin of the government’s two main retirement systems – CSRS and FERS – and …More

There’s a world of difference between the Civil Service Retirement System and the Federal Employees Retirement System. So, it’s worth …More

If you have a physical or mental condition that causes you to be unable to perform your job for any …More

I just got back from Mexico City where I was visiting my brother and his family. While there I ran …More

The SF 50 is the form that documents every personnel action that takes place from the day you enter government …More