Pay & Benefits Watch
Lack of guidelines scuttled VA’s goal to expand access for substance use disorder treatment
The department’s inspector general found that despite budgeting to hire more than 1,000 substance use disorder treatment staff at its medical centers, it only netted 310 new employees in the first year.
The sunsetting of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act: What federal employees need to know
COMMENTARY | Learn about the potential changes and start planning now to mitigate any adverse effects on your financial situation.
House subcommittee wants VA to put more of a spotlight on its veteran employment program
In a field hearing of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, House members pressed for more insights and potential exposure of the Veteran Readiness and Employment program.
Feds in Iraq will continue to receive special premium pay, OPM says
Due to an ongoing national emergency in the country dating back to the 2003 war, civilian employees in Iraq will be able to waive the premium pay cap through December, according to a recent memo from the HR agency.
How to decide if Medicare Part D is right for you
Although most federal annuitants might benefit from keeping Part D, there are three instances where you could benefit from opting out.
Federal government needs better oversight of TSP’s records system
A GAO report found that the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board did not ensure that acquisition management practices were fully enforced when it modernized the system that oversees its 401(k)-style retirement savings program.
Retiree Annuity Supplement: The icing on your retirement cake
This extra money can provide an income bridge until federal retirees are eligible to start Social Security.
OPM details emergency leave transfer for feds affected by Hurricane Beryl
The federal government’s HR agency is allowing federal employees to donate their paid leave to those impacted by the storm that has caused an estimated $28 billion-$32 billion in damages and economic effects in the U.S. alone.
OPM wants agencies to tally their senior executive needs
The federal government’s HR agency has requested biennial projections for the number of SES and scientific professionals that agencies will likely need through 2027.
The importance of a federal employee 'love letter'
COMMENTARY | This gesture of love and care for your beneficiaries can be a great resource after you are gone.
How to use the ‘Bucket Strategy’ to optimize your retirement savings
COMMENTARY | There are ways to strategically withdraw money in retirement to make your funds last longer.
Featured eBooks
Put the telework debate to rest by focusing on productivity
COMMENTARY | Civil servants say telework improves productivity, but Congress wants data to prove it. Here’s one way OMB can reconcile the differences.
OPM’s unfulfilled recommendations include health insurance benefits changes, IG says
The agency is making progress on implementing IG recommendations, but three of its top yet-to-be-completed recommendations included changes that would prevent improper and inaccurate payments within the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program.
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.
The pitfalls of single-solution financial advisors
COMMENTARY | There is an increasing trend of companies advertising themselves as financial advisors or benefits centers targeting federal employees. Here’s how to find a holistic financial planning partner.
Health Savings Account contribution limits to rise in 2025
Federal employees looking for ways to save on out-of-pocket healthcare costs might benefit from using a high deductible health plan with an HSA.
OPM tweaks its final rule for the postal health benefits plan
The federal HR agency posted its final rule for establishing the Postal Service Health Benefits program on Monday, clarifying language on Medicare Part B enrollment and other details.
Are Consumer Driven Health Plans the right FEHB plan for you?
These are one of the lowest cost FEHB plan types for both active federal employees and annuitants.
Are High Deductible Health Plans the right FEHB plan for you?
For most federal employees, HDHPs will be the cheapest FEHB plan type. Here’s how they work.
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.
