Pay & Benefits

Preparing for a smooth transition

Remember, it's your responsibility to maintain an accurate history of your federal service.

Pay & Benefits

OPM’s backlog of pending retirement claims ticked back up in June

The federal government’s dedicated HR agency processed around 1,300 fewer claims than it received last month, bringing its retirement backlog back above 15,000.

Pay & Benefits

TSP funds posted a mixed bag in June

Only three of the five core investment offerings of the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program ended the month in the black.

Pay & Benefits

OPM’s retirement backlog hit an 8-year low last month

Efforts to streamline the processing of departing federal workers’ retirement applications continue to pay dividends, as the inventory of pending claims hit the lowest point since 2016.

Pay & Benefits

TSP funds all bounced back in May

After a rough April, each of the portfolios in the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program finished last month in the black.

Pay & Benefits

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.

Pay & Benefits

Problem Solvers Caucus throws its weight behind an effort to kill the windfall elimination provision

Some lawmakers have spent years garnering support to repeal a controversial tax rule that cuts Social Security benefits for some public servants.

Pay & Benefits

Mixed reactions to Medicare Part D in the FEHB

It's been almost five months since Part D was incorporated into many Federal Employees Health Benefit plans. How is it being received?

Pay & Benefits

OPM’s retirement backlog continued a four-month downward trend in April

Though the Office of Personnel Management’s backlog of pending federal retirement claims fell again last month, the pace of progress has slowed.

Pay & Benefits

Essential things to know about your Social Security benefit: Part 2

Social Security, along with the FERS basic retirement benefit and the Thrift Savings Plan, can provide the financial security you will need during your life after retirement.  

Pay & Benefits

Essential things to know about your Social Security benefit: Part 1

It is important to keep up with Social Security changes that can have an impact on your current and future benefits.

Pay & Benefits

Most TSP funds took a tumble in April

After two months of sustained gains, only one portfolio in the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program finished last month in the black.

Pay & Benefits

Postponing retirement problems: Part 1

It’s important to know the difference between a postponed retirement and a deferred retirement. 

Pay & Benefits

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.

Pay & Benefits

Resigning instead of retiring

How you leave the federal government matters when it comes to benefits.

Updated Pay & Benefits

House panel advances bills to improve FEHBP oversight and fix CBP retirement snafu

A 2022 Government Accountability Office report estimated that ineligible family members covered through the federal government’s employer-sponsored health care program could cost the government between $250 million and $3 billion per year.

Pay & Benefits

OPM continued to make strides on retirement process in March

The backlog of pending retirement claims fell below 17,000 last month, a feat that did not occur until June in 2023.