Pay & Benefits Watch
OPM details emergency leave transfer for feds affected by Hurricane Beryl
The federal government’s HR agency is allowing federal employees to donate their paid leave to those impacted by the storm that has caused an estimated $28 billion-$32 billion in damages and economic effects in the U.S. alone.
OPM wants agencies to tally their senior executive needs
The federal government’s HR agency has requested biennial projections for the number of SES and scientific professionals that agencies will likely need through 2027.
The importance of a federal employee 'love letter'
COMMENTARY | This gesture of love and care for your beneficiaries can be a great resource after you are gone.
How to use the ‘Bucket Strategy’ to optimize your retirement savings
COMMENTARY | There are ways to strategically withdraw money in retirement to make your funds last longer.
Put the telework debate to rest by focusing on productivity
COMMENTARY | Civil servants say telework improves productivity, but Congress wants data to prove it. Here’s one way OMB can reconcile the differences.
OPM’s unfulfilled recommendations include health insurance benefits changes, IG says
The agency is making progress on implementing IG recommendations, but three of its top yet-to-be-completed recommendations included changes that would prevent improper and inaccurate payments within the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program.
L Funds: A Love Affair
COMMENTARY | For these “set it and forget it” funds, “setting it” may require a bit more work than matching your birth year to the “right” fund.
The pitfalls of single-solution financial advisors
COMMENTARY | There is an increasing trend of companies advertising themselves as financial advisors or benefits centers targeting federal employees. Here’s how to find a holistic financial planning partner.
Health Savings Account contribution limits to rise in 2025
Federal employees looking for ways to save on out-of-pocket healthcare costs might benefit from using a high deductible health plan with an HSA.
OPM tweaks its final rule for the postal health benefits plan
The federal HR agency posted its final rule for establishing the Postal Service Health Benefits program on Monday, clarifying language on Medicare Part B enrollment and other details.
Are Consumer Driven Health Plans the right FEHB plan for you?
These are one of the lowest cost FEHB plan types for both active federal employees and annuitants.
Are High Deductible Health Plans the right FEHB plan for you?
For most federal employees, HDHPs will be the cheapest FEHB plan type. Here’s how they work.
Featured eBooks
Estate planning for federal employees: Maximize benefits and minimize taxes
Make sure to review and update your estate plan regularly to reflect changes in your financial situation and personal circumstances.
Here's what federal employees need to know about their dental benefits
Navigating your dental benefits shouldn't be like pulling teeth
What USPS annuitants need to know about the Medicare Part B special enrollment period
Some postal annuitants may be able to avoid paying a penalty.
DOD, other agencies could better transition service members to civilian life
GAO officials said the Defense, Veterans Affairs and Labor departments could better collaborate to provide more at-risk veterans “warm handovers” to help transition them from military service to civilian life.
OPM taps insurance carriers to service new USPS benefits exchange
The federal HR agency conditionally selected 32 carrier applications to provide health coverage to U.S. Postal employees, annuitants and family members starting in 2025.
Employee groups air their disappointment with Biden’s 2% raise proposal
Multiple groups representing federal employees expressed their displeasure this week at the White House’s proposed pay raise, noting that it falls both behind the cost of inflation and military compensation.
Will your future income rocket your Medicare premiums?
As a federal employee with FEHB, should you also take Medicare Part B at age 65? Here are a few things to consider before making the decision.
OPM wants to entice more AI talent with new benefits guidance
The HR agency unveiled new pay and benefits flexibilities to help snag in-demand workers with expertise in artificial intelligence technology.
The Postal Service Health Benefits program, prescription coverage and Open Season 2025
The federal health care enrollment period is months away, but you can start preparing now.
