Pay & Benefits

A new rule allows the VA to adjust disability compensation to prevent overpayments

The rule, set to go into effect on Jan. 11, would allow the department to suspend or pause disability compensation for Defense Department servicemembers also receiving active service pay. 

Pay & Benefits

Union decries end to retention pay at embattled Illinois prison

Labor leaders at Federal Correctional Institute Thomson said the Bureau of Prisons’ termination of a short-lived initiative to retain employees at the rural facility with a 25% boost to pay will cause hundreds to leave the agency.

Pay & Benefits

Planning a career change in 2024?

If a new career outside of the federal workforce is on your list of resolutions, here are a few things you need to know about your benefits.

Pay & Benefits

When do Roth conversions make sense for your retirement funds?

Paying federal taxes now may be better for you in the long run, explains one financial advisor.

Pay & Benefits

New OPM proposal would ensure feds detailed to temporary promotions are paid properly

Federal HR leaders said in a filing last week that a rule capping increased pay for federal workers noncompetitively selected to perform duties of a higher-graded position at 120 days penalizes employees for their agency’s mistake.

Pay & Benefits

TSP portfolios end 2023 on a high note

Each of the funds in the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program finished December in the black.

Pay & Benefits

Biden signs order finalizing 5.2% pay raise for feds in 2024

The measure confirms that the federal workforce will see its largest pay increase in more than 40 years.

Pay & Benefits

End of the year retirement: Now what?

As OPM readies for its influx of new retirement applications, here are some insights on the early ins and outs of the retirement process.

Pay & Benefits

That’s a wrap? Congress kicks it without passing fed pay bill, so White House’s 5.2% pay boost on deck

COMMENTARY | The lack of appropriations legislation before the Christmas recess means that federal employees could get their largest pay raise in decades.

Pay & Benefits

MSPB finally rules on OPM apportioning the Retiree Annuity Supplement

Starting in 2016, an OPM rule change allowed the divorced spouses of federal retirees to claim a portion of their annuity supplement. Now, after having a quorum for the first time in five years, the MSPB has stepped in to address the rule.

Pay & Benefits

Expanded leave access for veteran feds makes it into defense policy bill

Under a provision of the fiscal 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, federal agencies would be required to incorporate veterans’ military service when determining eligibility for paid leave.

Pay & Benefits

Supreme Court to hear arguments on federal employee furlough case

The case was significantly delayed as the agency that initially hears federal worker appeals was non-functional for five years.

Pay & Benefits

Keeping an eye on Schedule F and other proposals to reform federal workforce and pay protections

COMMENTARY | Former President Trump's plan to convert large swaths of federal employees into "at-will" workers may be on ice for now, but he and other GOP contenders have proposed to revive the proposal or institute a more drastic one.

Pay & Benefits

5 highlights of the 2024 Open Season

Open Season for the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program may be over, but it was still filled with new additions and best practices for federal employees and beneficiaries to keep an eye on. Here are some of the highlights.

Pay & Benefits

OPM retirement backlog hits six-year low for third time this year

The number of pending federal employee retirement claims fell under 16,000 for the second time since 2017 in November.

Pay & Benefits

TSP and the magic of compound interest

A few things to consider when deciding if you should contribute to the Thrift Savings Plan.

Pay & Benefits

Public-sector workers report taking fewer and fewer vacation days

Not being able to unplug from work leads to burnout and poor performance, one expert reminds us.

Pay & Benefits

Last-minute Open Season advice

Tips and tools to help you with decision-making before the window closes for the year.

Pay & Benefits

TSP portfolios rebounded in November

After three straight months where nearly every fund in the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program lost value, all funds finished last month in the black.

Pay & Benefits

Open Season: Medicare Advantage or Disadvantage?

Medicare Advantage options have only been offered through Federal Employees Health Benefits Program carriers since 2021 and may provide benefits that are not covered under traditional Medicare.