Pay

Union: A request to raise gas reimbursement rates to reflect skyrocketing prices

One fed employee union this week pressed for higher fuel reimbursements, citing rapidly rising gas prices—along with a weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.

Financial Planning

GAO tags unemployment insurance as 'high risk'

The government watchdog says more than $78 billion in improper unemployment insurance payments were made in fiscal year 2021. The report cites fraud, poor customer service, inequitable access, legacy tech and staffing shortages as key drivers of failure.

TSP

TSP participants bemoan bumpy recordkeeper transition

Feds and retirees are reporting problems with setting up new accounts for online access to the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program—and the agency’s call center has been deluged.

Pay

Podcast: How to negotiate your salary… and everything else

Author Jotham S. Stein joins our partner site GovExec's podcast, and discusses how to gain leverage in work negotiations.

Employee Policy

Most of the COVID-19 workforce were women of color. What Happens now as those jobs end?

Women of color took on the majority of new jobs created during the pandemic to do contact tracing, and to test and vaccinate Americans, experts said. But as sites ramp down, the future of that workforce is now uncertain.

Management

USDA Launches Outreach Project for a Key Nutrition Program

The WIC program struggles with participation and retention rates, but a new push is afoot to identify eligible recipients.

Retirement

Coronavirus roundup: SG warns of health workforce burnout—and other COVID news

There’s a lot to keep track of: The Surgeon General is concerned about increased resignations and burnout among health workers, as well as other recent news updates and stories you may have missed.

Workforce

Tell Us About Your Experience With The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

We’re looking for readers who want to share their experiences with the Education Department's debt relief.

Retirement

Life insurance for retirees

The rules and options for continuing your coverage into retirement. 

Benefits

Employee group calls for federal abortion leave, post-Roe ...

The Department of Justice Gender Equity Network asked the administration to authorize paid leave in cases where federal employees need to travel across state lines to receive abortion services.

Pay

A few feds might qualify for a bigger tax refund, from Trump Social Security deferral

The IRS sent out a notice that some might need to file an amended return, but most federal employees don’t need to worry about it.

Pay & Benefits

Employee Group Calls for Federal Abortion Leave After Roe v. Wade is Overturned

The Department of Justice Gender Equity Network asked the administration to authorize paid leave in cases where federal employees need to travel across state lines to receive abortion services.

Pay & Benefits

A Few Feds Might Be Eligible for a Bigger Tax Refund from Trump’s Social Security Tax Deferral

The IRS sent out a notice that some might need to file an amended return, but most federal employees don’t need to worry about it.

Pay

Bill would standardize fed retiree COLAs

A bill pending in Congress would provide FERS and CSRS retirees the same cost of living increases, as an annual percentage.

Benefits

Agencies ease disability benefits rules for feds

The Biden administration is making it easier for some government employees and military vets to get disability benefits for certain chronic conditions, as reported in a weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.