Retirement Benefits
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.
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.
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Bipartisan Senate bill would boost pay, alleviate grueling schedule for federal firefighters
New legislation would shorten federal firefighters’ work week from 72 hours to 60 and would ensure their overtime work is properly compensated via the Federal Employees Retirement System.
Why federal retirements are spiking this year
A sharp rise in retirement claims may be tied to fear instead of planning. If you're eyeing the exit, make sure you're not rushing into something you'll regret.
What’s really going on with Social Security? Here’s what the latest numbers say
Benefits won’t disappear in 2033, but the clock is ticking. Here’s what federal retirees need to know.
TSP funds continued their upward swing in June
Each of the portfolios in the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program gained value last month.
All provisions targeting federal worker benefits, unions stricken from Senate reconciliation package
The Senate parliamentarian previously ruled that most of the proposals aimed at cutting federal employees’ retirement benefits and civil service protections violated a rule to ensure reconciliation bills are budgetary in nature.
Retired and confused about Medicare Part B? You’re not alone
From late penalties to premium reimbursements, here’s what every retired fed should understand about enrolling in Medicare Part B—and how it works with your FEHB plan.
Tax-free…or not? Avoid these 4 Roth TSP mistakes
Not all money in a Roth Thrift Savings Plan account is automatically tax-free, and there are several things to consider before making a withdrawal to avoid tax and other penalties.
Most fed-targeting provisions in Senate reconciliation bill don’t pass Byrd muster
The Senate parliamentarian over the weekend found that many proposals targeting federal workers and their unions violate the Byrd rule and would require 60 votes to advance in the chamber.
Senate strips most retirement cuts from reconciliation, but anti-civil service provisions remain
Under language released by a Senate panel Thursday night, new federal workers who decline to serve as at-will employees will pay nearly 15% of their paycheck toward their pension benefit.
