VA Unveils Reorganization
The VA, beset by scandals over patient scheduling and care–and retaliation against employees who raised concerns about those practices–has announced …More
Fedweek
Sign up Now! Free eNewslettersFEHB Eligibility Expansion Explained
OPM has published guidance on the expansion of FEHB eligibility to certain temporary, seasonal and intermittent employees. For a closer …More
Benefits Open Season Coming Up
The annual federal benefits open season will start next Monday (November 10) and run through December 8. During that time, …More
Early Marker Set for 2016 Raise
An early marker has been set for the January 2016— not 2015 —general schedule pay raise, as the Bureau of …More
ECI Has Remained an Important Indicator
Although the raise-setting law has largely broken down, the ECI figure has remained an important number indicating the raises that …More
TSP Mostly Scares Up Gains in October
All the TSP funds posted gains in October except for the international stock I fund, which lost 0.63 percent, while …More
Annual Leave Scheduling Reminder
In most caseswhile the current federal leave year doesn’t end until January 10, the last date for scheduling “use or …More
Different Ceilings Apply to Some
Although the 240 hour leave carryover limit applies to most federal employees, there are special rules in certain categories. For …More
MSPB’s Views on Successful Mentoring
MSPB recently explained what makes for a successful mentoring program in the federal workplace. For a closer look, go to …More
Employee Survey Tells Familiar Story
Government-wide results of the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey taken this year follow a familiar pattern of recent years of employees …More
Phased Retirement Set to Launch, on Paper at Least
OPM will start accepting applications for phased retirement effective next Thursday (November 6) but it remains uncertain how many, if …More
TSP to Look at Window
The TSP governing board plans to take a closer look at its monthly meeting in November at creating an investment …More
TSP Limits Increasing
The cap on regular investments in the TSP will increase to $18,000 from $17,500 in 2015 and the limit on …More
Social Security Figures Rising
The Social Security withholding “FICA” tax of 6.2 percent will apply in 2015 to salary up to $118,500, up from …More
DoD Per Diem Changes Set to Take Effect
DoD, which sets certain travel policies for its civilian employees separate from the policies applying to other agencies under GSA …More
Pay Gap Holds Steady
The Federal Salary Council has concluded that federal employees on average earn 35.18 percent less than their private sector counterparts, …More
Use of Lengthy Excused Absence Criticized
GAO has examined the use of excused absence, or administrative leave, finding that in some cases employees are on such …More
FEHB Expansion Finalized
OPM has issued final rules expanding eligibility for FEHB, along with a full employer contribution, for certain temporary, seasonal and …More
Wait ‘Til Next Year on Phased Retirement, DoD Says
In one of the most substantial statements issued by an agency to date regarding the status of phased retirement planning, …More
MSPB Examines Hiring by Gender
Following is an article in a recent MSPB newsletter discussing its findings in an ongoing study of federal hiring patterns, …More
Younger Feds Take Dimmer Views on Some Workplace Matters
Only about a third of federal employees of the millennial generationbelieve that creativity and innovation are rewarded on their jobs …More
Advancement Opportunities Raise Concern
OPM said the views of that generation—who currently make up 16 percent of federal employees—are crucial since 43 percent of …More
Key Interest Rate Set
The interest paid in the voluntary contribution retirement savings program available to CSRS (but not FERS) employees will be 2 …More
VC Program Is Not an Urban Myth
Voluntary contribution accounts are available only to CSRS and CSRSOffset employees; those employees may invest an amount equal to up …More
Official Time Use Up Slightly
OPM recently released a report on the use of official time, which is on-the-clock time spent by federal employees to …More
OPM Drafts Phased Retirement Forms
OPM has sent agencies drafts of the forms to be used in applications for phased retirement while reiterating that it …More
FEGLI Expansion Proposed
Children of same-sex domestic partners meeting certain standards and living in states that do not allow same-sex marriage would be …More
FEHB Premiums Up, Program Mainly Stable
The average enrollee share of FEHB premiums will increase 3.8 percent in 2015, OPM has said, although as always there …More
Watch for FEHB Plan Dropouts
The total number of FEHB plans will be 257—the overwhelming majority of them HMOs available only in certain areas—reflecting the …More
FSA Program Requires Re-enrollment
While FEHB and FEDVIP coverage continue year-to-year if an enrollee makes no changes—only a few percent change plans each open …More
