Expert’s View: Voluntary and Discontinued Service Retirement
The difference between voluntary and discontinued service retirement is something that seems to confuse most employees, writes benefits expert Reg …More
Fedweek
Sign up Now! Free eNewslettersSocial Security Affected, Too
The COLA increase also applies to Social Security benefits, which are paid to FERS retirees but not to most CSRS …More
Proposal to Open FEHB Doors Offered
An idea that has circulated for many years has been offered as proposed legislation in the House (HR-3319), to allow …More
Impact of Change Would Be Uncertain
Employee organizations traditionally have opposed opening the FEHB doors, and have done so again in regard to the new bill, …More
FEHB, FEDVIP Children’s Eligibility Expanded
Children of same-sex domestic partners who meet certain standards and are living in a state that does not recognize same-sex …More
Guidance Issued on Military Deployments
OPM recently sent guidance to agencies on reinstating federal employees who are deployed for active military duty, covering issues that …More
Deal Sets Stage for More Budget Scrutiny
Among other provisions of the law that ended the partial government shutdown is a startup of new budget deliberations. As …More
Many Ideas Could Be on Table
The House plan called for setting employee and government contributions toward retirement benefits at equal amounts, meaning an increase in …More
CBO’s Views Worth Watching
Earlier this year, CBO said it planned to release a new version around now of a periodic report it generates …More
Pay Raise Takes Step, But Still No Guarantee
The budget agreement keeps agencies operating at about current levels through January 15, giving time for the new budget talks, …More
Back Pay Coming, But Spread Out
OMB has said that the back pay provided by the shutdown-ending law—both for those who were furloughed and those who …More
Family Leave Policies Revised
OPM has revised eligibility policies under the Family and Medical Leave Act following the June U.S. Supreme Court decision invalidating …More
End of Shutdown Could be at Hand
Congress could vote as soon as today (Wednesday) to end the partial government shutdown now in its third week, potentially …More
On Pay, Some More Equal Than Others
Even if the partial shutdown ends soon with a guarantee of back pay and benefits for all, it could be …More
Unemployment, Outside Work Also a Complication
Some employees have taken outside jobs to supplement their incomes during the shutdown, which is allowed if within general government-wide …More
COLA Announcement Delayed
Due to the partial government shutdown, the Labor Department has delayed the announcement that had been scheduled for this morning …More
OPM Sends Guidance on FERS Sick Leave Crediting
OPM has sent a message to agencies reminding them of an upcoming change in the way unused sick leave is …More
Expert’s View: Former Spouse Annuities
Expert’s View: Former Spouse Annuities The provision of a survivor annuity for your spouse may be superseded by a court-ordered …More
Time Running Out for TSP Catch-up Elections
Active employees who are age 50 or above, or who will be before the end of the year, and who …More
FERS Investors Need to Watch Limit
Meanwhile, time also is running short for FERS employees to make any adjustments needed in ongoing investments if they are …More
Shutdown Continues to Churn Workforce
As the partial government shutdown continues in its second week, the impact on employees continues to evolve. The largest change …More
Pay Effects to Be Felt Soon
Because federal employees generally are paid on a two-week cycle, the impact of unpaid time generally hasn’t actually appeared yet …More
Impact on Leave Another Twist
In something of an add insult to injury twist, employees who accumulate 80 hours or more in unpaid status during …More
One More Time on Retirement Impact
Many employees apparently remain concerned that the shutdown will impact their future retirement benefits despite assurances that it won’t. Here’s …More
OPM’s Fact Sheet on Impact of Extended Unpaid Time
OPM’s guidance also covers the effects on various other federal benefits of extended time off from work in unpaid status. …More
Expert’s View: When You Don’t Make a Survivor Annuity Election
If you are married when you retire, the law requires that you acknowledge that fact and elect a full survivor …More
Pay Council to Meet
The Federal Salary Council will hold its annual meeting November 5, a meeting at which the official “pay gap” figure …More
Questions Arise as Shutdown Settles In
While the question of whether the government would be partially shut down due to budgetary gridlock has now been answered …More
Pay Status a Main Concern
The main concern of many employees naturally involves their pay. A recent OMB memo virtually guarantees that those kept on …More
Benefits Issues Are More Settled
The status of employee benefits is more settled, following long-standing policies that most recently were invoked during the sequester-related furloughs …More
