Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers sound alarm on administration of USPS health care program
The Office of Personnel Management still has less than half of the IT staff needed to support postal workers’ employer-sponsored health insurance program as it prepares for its second-ever open season this fall.
What to know before setting your 2026 retirement date
Immediate vs. deferred retirement, the three-day rule, and why the last day of the month often makes the most sense.
Legislation to end government shutdowns returns to Capitol Hill
Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, and Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., have brought back a bill aimed at ending the costly budget impasses, a proposal that’s historically had little success in Congress.
OPM lays out early plans for law enforcement-only pay raise
Federal employee groups decried President Trump’s plan to raise pay for most civilian employees by just 1% next year while giving military service members and law enforcement officers 3.8%.
The milestone ages that matter most for retirement planning
From catch-up contributions to required distributions, federal employees face key ages that can shape retirement income, benefits and tax planning.
Is FEGLI Option B really the best life insurance choice?
FEGLI plans remain a solid life insurance option for federal employees, but, depending on the coverage, it may also be wise to look to the private market.
All TSP funds were back in the black in August
The Thrift Savings Plan’s international investments rebounded last month after lagging behind other portfolios in July.
Trump intends to give feds 1% pay raise with some law enforcement officers getting more
White House officials had previously suggested that there would be no increases to federal employees’ salaries in 2026.
Important dates for Social Security and Medicare
Key milestones and deadlines every beneficiary should know
Baldwin brings back zero-cost health care benefits bill for National Guard
The Wisconsin senator is resurrecting legislation aimed at extending military health care coverage to an estimated 130,000 troops in the National Guard and military reserves.
Trump’s pay freeze plan expected by end of month
The president must publish his alternative pay plan by Aug. 31 if he wishes to avert automatic large-scale increases to locality pay under the Federal Employees Pay Comparability Act.
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Did you forget to file for Social Security?
Federal employees older than 70 may be leaving thousands on the table. Find out if you or your spouse are missing Social Security benefits.
New Education rule could end public service loan forgiveness for some and open a wealth of questions
The proposed rule would exclude employers from the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program if they engage in “activities that have a substantial illegal purpose,” but raises even more questions for the program.
Coverage for gender-affirming care will be eliminated from FEHB plans in 2026
The federal HR agency removed all coverage of gender-affirming care from its health benefits program, barring three exceptions, following two recent executive orders.
Bill would give all workers federal-level retirement benefits
A sweeping proposal could extend Federal Employees Retirement System–level pensions to the private sector, reshaping how Americans plan for retirement.
OPM urges ‘objective’ ratings in employee awards under new performance rules
The new policies called for restarting the Presidential Rank Awards in fiscal 2026, but emphasized performance metrics “be differentiated in a meaningful and objective manner” to recognize federal employees.
As Social Security turns 90, lessons from the past can guide its future
From hurricane preparedness to policy reform, history shows how learning from past challenges can shape a stronger Social Security system moving forward.
Why it might be time to look beyond U.S. stocks: A guide for federal retirees
The Thrift Savings Plan offers federal employees the ability to diversify their investments to international markets through the I Fund, which may soon be a popular strategy option.
TSP funds post mixed returns in July
While domestic investments in the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program posted gains last month, its international fund faltered.
How federal employees can check if their retirement estimate is accurate
Estimating your post-retirement income isn’t just math, it’s about getting the right data, understanding your service credit and avoiding costly missteps.
