Retirement Benefits
Women in federal service still face retirement gaps
Lifetime earnings, career interruptions and caregiving responsibilities continue to shape retirement outcomes for women in federal service.
The No. 1 thing to know entering retirement: How much are you really spending?
Many new retirees may overestimate how far their savings will go towards their budget. Having an idea of your cost of living can make them go further.
A year after the Social Security Fairness Act, some retirees are still waiting for full benefits
The repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset should have restored benefits for everyone. For some retirees, the checks are still coming late or not at all.
Updated
House Dems want to know why retirees aren’t getting physical tax documents from OPM
Nine House members inquired about reports that constituents have not received physical copies of their 1099-R forms and have had difficulty contacting the federal HR agency to request them.
Most TSP funds were flat in February
Only the Thrift Savings Plan’s international fund saw growth in excess of 2% last month.
How to make the most of FERS, Social Security and your TSP
Understanding each part of your federal retirement can help you plan when and how to retire and avoid surprises.
Federal workers delay retirement as savings gaps persist
A survey shows most workers expect to retire at 65 or later, but many haven’t calculated savings for health care or emergencies.
TSP in-plan Roth conversions: Are they right for you?
Federal employees can use a new Thrift Savings Plan tool to weigh the tax costs and retirement advantages of moving traditional balances to Roth.
Roth in-plan conversions arrive for TSP, but consider tax implications first
Thrift Savings Plan participants need to carefully weigh the advantages and potential tax pratfalls of moving their balances to an after-tax investment strategy.
Social Security is directing employees who normally process benefits to answer phones instead
After shedding thousands of employees, SSA is reassigning workers amid fears the moves will cause backlogs to grow.
TSP investments begin 2026 in the black
Each of the portfolios in the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program gained value in January.
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Federal retirees face new COLAs, premiums and earnings limits in 2026
Annual adjustments to retirement benefits, FEHB costs, Social Security rules and TSP limits are now taking effect.
Updated
How federal employees can protect a spouse in retirement
To better understand their potential benefits and financial risks in retirement, both spouses should be aware of some benefits planning realities.
Could this be true?
An influx of federal retirees due to the Deferred Resignation Program and other separation programs has led to a litany of new questions on how to receive retirement benefits.
How federal retirement benefits are calculated and where estimates go wrong
High-three pay, length of service and overlooked reductions can significantly change retirement payouts.
OPM inspector general flags top management challenges for fiscal 2026
The latest report highlights staffing reductions, rising retirement claims and ongoing customer service and improper payment concerns.
Domestic TSP funds falter to close out 2025
Most portfolios within the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program were flat last month.
Retiring soon? Key decisions every federal employee must make
From survivor benefits and health coverage to leave payouts and TSP choices, federal employees nearing retirement face deadlines that can permanently shape their finances.
OPM’s retirement application pile remains large as the year draws to a close
New retirees awaiting full benefits may face holiday heartache as the backlog swelled to nearly 50,000 by the end of November.
Just days remain to lock in 2026 health and benefit choices
Open Season closes Dec. 8. Review FEHB and PSHB plans, savings opportunities, HDHP and FSA options and enrollment rules before the deadline.
