Pay & Benefits
House passes reconciliation bill that cuts federal employee retirement benefits
Though Democrats were able to excise a plan to base federal retirees’ annuity payments on their highest five years of salary, rather than the current high-3, proposals to eliminate the FERS supplement and to charge employees for their civil service protections remain on the table.
Senator says VA is slow-footing benefits law, congresswoman wants a watchdog for Thrift Investment Board
Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C., has brought back legislation that would create an inspector general for the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, while the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee’s ranking member argues the department is too slow in implementing legislation.
Retirement cuts tweaked in House reconciliation package
The latest draft of the GOP’s plan to cut federal spending to pay for tax cuts and increased immigration enforcement no longer un-grandfathers federal workers hired before 2014 from increased retirement contribution rules passed in the 2010s and delays implementation of the FERS supplement.
House GOP’s law enforcement ‘exemption’ from retirement cuts is illusory, groups say
A pair of organizations representing federal law enforcement officers urged lawmakers to strengthen carveouts of an array of proposed cuts to federal workers’ retirement benefits but stopped short of calling for their withdrawal.
Getting ready to retire
What you should do and how you should approach your retirement and health benefits planning before leaving federal service.
Age gap retirement planning for federal employees: Avoiding the 'Widow’s Penalty,' Medicare planning and more
How to think about the best ways to utilize your retirement and health care benefits when you may be older, or younger, than your spouse.
OPM touts ‘fully paperless’ retirement application, though concerns remain
Sources warn that the Trump administration has overstated both DOGE’s role in developing online retirement applications and its potential impact on the retirement process.
Let’s talk about Social Security
How do Old-Age and Survivor Insurance benefits fit into your retirement plans?
Health Savings Account contribution limits will rise in 2026. Here’s what federal employees need to know about High-Deductible Health Plans
For many federal employees, an HDHP can be the most cost-effective plan option.
VA moves survivors’ help office, again, to make it easier to get benefits
The department is seeking to reverse a 2021 decision by the Biden administration that placed the Office of Survivors Assistance under the Veterans Benefits Administration.
Proposed retirement cuts cast renewed pall over deferred resignations
Federal workers who accepted President Trump and Elon Musk’s so-called ‘fork in the road’ fear Republicans have “pulled the rug out from under” their retirement plans.
Featured eBooks
Domestic TSP funds continued to swoon in April
The federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program continued to produce a mixed bag for participants last month.
A crash course in retirement planning
Let's revisit my tips and resources for transitioning from employee to annuitant.
House Republicans advance plan to cut federal worker benefits and undermine civil service protections
One Republican who voted against the measure said efforts to reduce existing federal workers’ pension benefits will fail if put to a vote before the full House.
Don’t get stuck with a tax bill in retirement: The federal retiree's guide to tax withholding
While tax withholding is automatic while working, retirees face the responsibility of ensuring their income is withheld for federal and state taxes. With that in mind, here are some options to be aware of.
Republicans tee up federal worker benefit cuts to pay for tax cuts
Federal workers hired in 2029 would contribute nearly 10% of their basic pay toward a less generous pension if they wish to retain their civil service protections under House lawmakers’ budget reconciliation proposal.
Look before you leap from the TSP
For federal employees weighing whether to leave the TSP, five certified financial planners offer their insights on what to be aware of and what flexibilities lay in the private markets.
New rule would change the reamortized debt formula for Thrift Savings Plan loans
A proposed rule from the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board could recalculate how federal employees repay accrued interest on loans from the government’s 401(k)-style retirement plan.
Now or Later
For federal employees trying to weigh whether to retire in the current climate, there are a few things to consider for a sound night's sleep.
House legislation seeks to add protections for probationary employees
A bill from a newly-minted representative from Maryland is one of several proposed bills in response to the ongoing federal workforce reductions.
