Retirement Benefits
Mailbag Week: Retirement applications and processing
A look at common retirement-processing snags, what causes delays and where OPM’s newer systems fit into the picture.
How federal employees over 65 can navigate Medicare, FEHB and TRICARE
Understanding Medicare enrollment, FEHB coverage, and TRICARE can help retirees avoid penalties, save money and coordinate benefits effectively.
Delaying Medicare Part B: Why the penalty isn’t always as bad as it sounds
For federal employees with FEHB coverage, the timing of Medicare Part B enrollment can make a bigger difference than the penalty itself.
OPM’s retirement backlog skyrockets as deferred resignees begin offboarding
The federal government’s dedicated HR agency is sitting on the most pending retirement applications since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Growth slowed in most TSP funds in October
Despite a slowing rate of return, last month still marked the third consecutive month in which all portfolios in the Thrift Savings Plan all increased in value.
Cost-of-living adjustments will stay relatively static in 2026
Civil Service Retirement System retirees will see a 2.8% increase to their defined-benefit annuities next year, compared to just a 2% bump for Federal Employees Retirement System annuitants.
Shutdown or not, there are things to do
The government shutdown has raised lots of questions about the retirement process, and retirement benefits, for federal employees while agencies remain closed. Here are some of the most pressing answers.
What to know when your child ages out of federal health coverage
Children can stay on a parent’s FEHB or PSHB plan until 26, but understanding the 31-day extension, conversion options and Temporary Continuation of Coverage is key to avoiding gaps.
What to expect while you’re expecting (your retirement benefit, that is)
The OPM director uses his weekly updates to detail efforts to replace paper applications, guide employees through the Online Retirement Application system, and address delays and data issues in retirement processing.
Democrats introduce bill to ease TSP withdrawals, loans during shutdowns
The Emergency Relief for Federal Workers Act would clarify that lapses in appropriations qualify federal workers to take a hardship withdrawal from the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program and eliminate the associated 10% penalty in those instances.
Some good news for federal employees: TSP shows steady growth and healthy fund performance
The Thrift Savings Plan has surpassed $1 trillion in assets, providing steady returns in 2025.
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TSP funds continue to tick upward in September
For a second consecutive month, all of the funds in the Thrift Savings Plan increased in value.
The end of the ‘Fork in the Road’
A new online retirement system, coupled with record summer claim volumes, has created delays and confusion for federal employees transitioning to annuitant status, even as OPM works to streamline processing and reduce errors.
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.
Important dates for Social Security and Medicare
Key milestones and deadlines every beneficiary should know
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.
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.
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.
Senate panel advances bills to protect whistleblowers, fix CBP workers’ retirement benefits
More than 1,300 CBP officers spent more than a decade contributing toward their retirement annuities for which they were not eligible, due to a mistake the agency made in 2008.
How to avoid Medicare Part B late enrollment penalties
Planning to retire soon? Here’s what to know about timing your Medicare enrollment to steer clear of costly penalties.
