Posted on Friday, 12th December 2014 by Herbert Casey

If you have a spouse or other loved ones that are dependent on you, you should make sure that they are provided for upon your death. More importantly, you must make sure that the information is made available to them. During this period, it’s very difficult for people to focus, so the more you can do now, the better it will be for your loved ones. This article will help you organize information regarding the following Federal Benefits: Annuity (CSRS & FERS), Health Benefits (FEHB), Federal Employees Life Insurance (FEGLI), Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and Veteran’s Benefits. By organizing this information, your survivors will have the information they need to handle your affairs upon your death.

Print a copy of this article and keep it with your retirement paperwork and forward this article to others in your organization that will benefit from this information.

How to Report a Death

Survivors, family, or estate representatives are required to notify OPM immediately in the event of the benefit recipient’s death. To report a death of a retiree or person receiving benefits from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) your survivor(s)/representative must:

• Contact OPM online: Report a Death,
• Email OPM at: retire@opm.gov
• Call OPM at: 1-88USOPMRET — 1 (888)767-6738 or TTY: 1(855) 887-4957.
  The hours of operation are 7:30 A.M. until 7:45 P.M (Eastern Time). or
• Write to OPM at:

U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Retirement Services Program
Post Office Box 45
Boyers, PA 16017-0045

When the death is reported, the following information must be provided to OPM:

• The full name of the deceased and date of death
• Their retirement claim number and social security number.

The survivor or representative should also include their name, address, and telephone number. When OPM receives the report that someone who receives benefits has died, they will stop annuity payments. OPM will send the appropriate forms for claiming a survivor annuity or a lump-sum payment of retirement contributions, if applicable. In many cases, OPM can start monthly payments to an eligible surviving spouse based on the records on file.

The Department of the Treasury will reclaim all direct deposit payments made after the date of death from the financial institution to which they were disbursed. The financial institution will debit the account to which the payments were previously credited. Therefore, the annuitant’s account should remain open until reclamation of any payments is completed.

Uncashed checks payable to the deceased must be returned to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The survivor should void any uncashed checks by noting the annuitant’s date of death on them before returning them. Voided checks should be returned to the following address:

U.S. Department of the Treasury
P.O. Box 24720
Oakland, CA 94623-1720

How To Apply for Benefits

To apply for death benefits, the survivor/representative will complete the appropriate Application for Death Benefits SF 2800 for Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or SF 3104 for FERS retirees and the SF 3104B for when a FERS employee died while employed at the time of death. You can download these OPM Standard PDF fill-in Forms online.

Attach a copy of the annuitant’s death certificate and a copy of the marriage certificate. Send the completed application to:

Office of Personnel Management
Retirement Operations Center
ATTENTION: Death Claims Section
Post Office Box 45
Boyers, Pennsylvania 16017-0045

A widow or widower who is claiming benefits for himself or herself and on behalf of children should file one application.

Lump Sum Benefit

If an employee dies and no survivor annuity is payable based on his/her death, the retirement contributions remaining to the deceased person’s credit plus applicable interest, are payable to the beneficiary.

When Benefits Begin

• Widow/Widower (The survivor annuity begins on the day after the annuitant’s death).
• Former Spouse (If a former spouse is awarded a survivor annuity based on a court order, the survivor annuity begins to accrue on whichever day is later:)

1. The day after the annuitant’s death, or)
2. The first day of the second month after OPM receives a certified copy of the court order along with any additional necessary supporting documentation.

• Child (The survivor annuity begins to accrue on the day after the annuitant’s death).

Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Death Benefits

To claim FEGLI benefits for the death of an annuitant, the beneficiary/representative will need to complete Form FE-6 , Claim for Death Benefits. For assistance in completing the form, contact the Office of Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (1-800-633-4542). The form must be printed out and sent along with a certified copy of the death certificate to:

Office of Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance
P.O. Box 6080
Scranton, PA 18505-6080

To claim FEGLI benefits for a family member’s death, the beneficiary/representative must complete Form FE-6DEP Statement of Claim, Option C . For assistance in completing the form, contact the Office of Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (1-800-633-4542). The form must be printed out and sent along with a certified copy of the death certificate, to:

OPM
Retirement Operations Center
Attn: FE-6 DEP
Boyers, PA 16017

Additional FEGLI death benefits information is available through OPM.

Federal Employees Health Benefits

If you are not enrolled or enrolled in Self Only coverage, your survivors are not eligible for FEHB benefits upon your death.

If you are enrolled in Self and Family, all of your survivors who meet the definition of “family member” can continue their health benefits coverage under your enrollment as long as any one of them is entitled to a survivor annuity.

Additional FEHB information is available online including links to the FEHB Handbook.

Veteran’s Survivor Benefits

Survivors can receive an annuity after a veteran dies, under the Survivor Benefit Program (SBP) . When a veteran dies, his/her retirement pay stops. However, if the veteran enrolled in the Survivor Benefit Program, a surviving spouse or minor children can continue to receive a portion of that pay. At the time of retirement, veterans can enroll in the Survivor Benefit Program. Under this program, a retiree forfeits 6.5 percent of “covered” retirement pay each month in premiums. In return, when the retiree dies, the surviving spouse or minor children get an annuity equal to 55 percent of the covered retirement pay.

Burial benefits available for eligible spouses and dependents include burial with the Veteran and perpetual care of the interment site at a national cemetery. The spouse or dependent’s name and date of birth and death will be inscribed on the Veteran’s headstone at no cost to the family. Some Veterans may also be eligible for burial allowances. For additional burial benefits information read Dennis Damp’s article titled “Final Arrangements: Funeral and Burial Options (Part 2).” You can also visit the National Cemetery Association’s web site for additional information.

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Death Benefits (Updated 1/5/2015)

When a spouse is determined to be a beneficiary of part or all of a civilian or uniformed services account, the TSP will establish a beneficiary participant account in the spouse’s name if the spouse’s inherited share is $200 or more. The entire balance of the beneficiary participant account will be invested in the Government Securities Investment (G) Fund until the spouse makes a different investment choice or chooses to withdraw the money. The money in a beneficiary participant account is not subject to Federal income tax withholding until it is withdrawn.

When a non-spouse inherits a TSP account funds cannot remain in the TSP. Your account will have to be distributed to the beneficiary(ies) you indicate on Form TSP-3, Designation of Beneficiary. A will or any other document is not valid for the disposition of your beneficiary participant account. It is not a substitute for a Designation of Beneficiary form. If you do not submit a

In order for your beneficiaries to receive your account balance after your death, they (or their representatives) must complete the Form TSP-17, Information Relating to Deceased Participant and send it to the TSP along with a copy of the certified death certificate. Once the TSP processes this information and determines the beneficiaries for your account, they will be contacted with additional information and instructions.

If you submit a withdrawal form requesting a TSP Life Annuity and you die before the annuity payments begin, the amount used to purchase the annuity will be returned to the TSP. The TSP will, if possible, distribute this money consistent with your annuity beneficiary designation.

For additional information visit the TSP’s web site and read their detailed death benefits information.

• TSP Survivor Withdrawal Options

Designation of Beneficiary Forms – Keep Them Updated

Remember that unless you change or cancel your designation, the person named-such as a former spouse-will receive the benefit. You also need to keep your designated beneficiaries’ addresses current. Failure to do so may mean that your beneficiary cannot be located and therefore benefits will not be paid to that person. You can download the forms listed below on our Retirement Forms page.

• If retired under FERS, use SF 3102 , Designation of Beneficiary/FERS.
• If retired under CSRS, use SF 2808 , Designation of Beneficiary/CSRS.
• For TSP, use TSP-3, Designation of Beneficiary/TSP.
• For FEGLI, use SF 2823 , Designation of Beneficiary/Federal Employees Group Life Insurance.

Although, this article covered some federal benefits your survivors should know about, you should also organize all other personal and financial information as part of your estate planning. You will need to provide your survivors with information about your assets, financial accounts (401k, banks, stocks, etc.), and insurance (life, long-term care, auto, etc.). The Survivor’s Guide and checklist available on this site will help you compile this information and includes an eleven part series on how to prepare a comprehensive survivor’s binder for your loved ones.

Learn more about your benefits,  employment, and financial planning issues on our site and visit our Blog frequently at https://fedretire.net to read all forum articles.

• Request a Retirement Benefits Summary & Analysis. Includes projected annuity payments, income verses expenses, FEGLI, and TSP projections.

• Retirement Planning Guide
• 2015 Leave Record & Scheduling Spreadsheet
• How to be Emotionally and Physically Prepared When You Retire
• How to be Financially Prepared When You Retire
• Master Retiree Contact List (Important contact numbers and information)
• Survivor’s Guide
• Estate Planning Guide (Prepare for retirement, understand basic estate planning techniques, and compile your personal “Survivor’s Guide.)

Visit our other informative sites

• Federal Government Jobs & Career Center
• FREE Federal Employee’s Retirement Planning Guide
  • Federal Retiree Job Opportunities
  • Federal Employee & Retiree BLOG
• Federal Employee’s Career Development & IDP Center

The information provided may not cover all aspect of unique or special circumstances, federal regulations, medical procedures, and financial information are subject to change. To ensure the accuracy of this information, contact relevant parties and ask them to review your official personnel file and circumstances concerning this issue. Retirees can contact the OPM retirement center. Our article is not intended nor should it be considered investment advice and our articles and replies are time sensitive. Over time, various dynamic economic factors relied upon as a basis for this article may change. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation and this service is not affiliated with OPM or any federal entity. You should consult with a financial, medical or human resource professional where appropriate. Neither the publisher or author shall be liable for any loss or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.

Posted in ANNUITIES / ELIGIBILITY, BENEFITS / INSURANCE, ESTATE PLANNING, FINANCE / TIP, RETIREMENT CONCERNS, SURVIVOR INFORMATION

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Posted on Tuesday, 25th November 2014 by Dennis Damp

Federal employees target a retirement date that suits their personal situation and desires. There is no standard convention that dictates when one should leave or for that matter retire at all. The decision to retire is based on many factors and your personal circumstances. Some can’t afford to leave until they pay off their home or other bills while others take the plunge simply because they are tired of the old routine and want a change. Health considerations are also a major factor for many. Everyone has their unique reasons for leaving and select a departure date accordingly.

To maximum your retirement annuity and benefits select a departure date that meets your needs and leaves you with the highest annual and sick leave balances as possible. We publish an Excel Leave Chart each year that federal employees can use to track their annual, sick, credit, and comp time hours. You can also track your work schedule with our free 2015 spreadsheet. Download the current year leave schedule and share it with everyone in your organization.

The benefit of knowing exactly what leave balances you have at any point in time is critical to ensuring you receive the maximum benefits allowed, including leave buyback for the tentative retirement dates that you select. You will know how much sick leave credit you will be able to carry into retirement and your annual leave lump sum payment that you will receive shortly after you leave. I selected my retirement date for end of year so that I could carry over the maximum amount of annual leave. I had a total of 448 hours, 240 hours that I saved over the years plus 208 hours that I didn’t use my last year. A month after retirement I received an annual leave lump sum check for the full amount less 20% that they kept for taxes.

I also timed my departure so that that I had just over one year of sick leave (2087 hours equals one year) on the books which added another year to my annuity computation. Even if you don’t leave at the end of a year you can select a date that provides as much credit as possible. If you retire with 5 months and 29 days of sick leave (1038 hours) on the books you effectively loose the 29 days and only receive credit for five months. Staying until you accrue 1044 hours, two more pay periods, will give you a full 6 months credit. Our Sick Leave Conversion Chart can be used in conjunction with your leave schedule balances to determine how much sick leave you will have on the books for any given target date less any unforeseen medical emergencies.

Helpful resources: (Forward the following reports and spreadsheets to others in your organization that are approaching retirement)

• Best Dates to Retire
• How to be Emotionally and Physically Prepared When You Retire
• How to be Financially Prepared When You Retire
• Strategies for Increasing Your Retirement Annuity and Income
• 2015 Leave & Schedule Excel Chart (Excel chart tracks actual leave balances)

If you are within three years of retiring start by requesting retirement annuity estimates from HR for several target retirement dates. Use the resources listed above to start planning your retirement.

Learn more about your benefits,  employment, and financial planning issues on our site and visit our Blog frequently at https://fedretire.net to read all forum articles.

• Request a Retirement Benefits Summary & Analysis. Includes projected annuity payments, income verses expenses, FEGLI, and TSP projections.

• Retirement Planning Guide
• Master Retiree Contact List (Important contact numbers and information)
• Survivor’s Guide
• Estate Planning Guide (An 11 part series that will help readers prepare for retirement, understand basic estate planning techniques, and compile their personal “Survivor’s Guide” binder.)

Visit our other informative sites

• Federal Government Jobs & Career Center
• FREE Federal Employee’s Retirement Planning Guide
  • Federal Retiree Job Opportunities
  • Federal Employee & Retiree BLOG
• Federal Employee’s Career Development & IDP Center

The information provided may not cover all aspect of unique or special circumstances, federal regulations, medical procedures, and financial information are subject to change. To ensure the accuracy of this information, contact relevant parties and ask them to review your official personnel file and circumstances concerning this issue. Retirees can contact the OPM retirement center. Our article is not intended nor should it be considered investment advice and our articles and replies are time sensitive. Over time, various dynamic economic factors relied upon as a basis for this article may change. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation and this service is not affiliated with OPM or any federal entity. You should consult with a financial, medical or human resource professional where appropriate. Neither the publisher or author shall be liable for any loss or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.

Posted in ANNUITIES / ELIGIBILITY, BENEFITS / INSURANCE, FINANCE / TIP, RETIREMENT CONCERNS, SOCIAL SECURITY / MEDICARE

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Posted on Friday, 21st November 2014 by Cynthia Compton-Conley

Best Practices and the State of Audiological Care

In my June post, How to Manage Your Own Hearing Health Care, I discussed the steps that should be taken to enhance your hearing, including identifying and achieving your hearing goals. While setting goals may sound trivial, research has shown that following clinical best-practices (including goal-setting) improves your chances for a successful hearing outcome (Valente, Abrams, et al, 2006).

Despite the obvious benefits of clinical best-practices, and despite having a popular set of best-practice guidelines for audiology (Kochkin. et al, 2010), many audiologists still fail to provide essential hearing services. A large percentage of audiologists still fail to verify that hearing aids are set to the patient prescription, and many fail to set or measure hearing goals.

That’s OK, right? You’re in the hands of an expert … right?

Unfortunately this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Consumer Reports estimates that as many as two-thirds of hearing aids in the US are “misfit.” With such poor outcomes, and with the cost of hearing devices at a premium, is it any wonder why so many consumers put off visiting the hearing clinic?

Enter Hearing Tracker

One company has come up with a clever solution to this issue that should prove to be a win-win proposition for both consumers and providers. Meet Dr. Abram Bailey, a doctor of audiology, and graduate of Vanderbilt University. Dr. Bailey and his partner, Logan Lowell, a data scientist, founded HearingTracker.com, a website which helps consumers find hearing providers who adhere to best practices.

The company publishes an online directory of over 17,000 hearing providers throughout the United States – the largest directory of its kind – and provides intuitive tools for locating providers with positive customer feedback. HearingTracker.com also boasts the largest collection of online hearing aid reviews in the world, giving undecided consumers a place to investigate their options.

Information is the Key to Success

As much as he wanted to, Dr. Bailey realized that he could not change audiology “one patient at a time.” He realized that the key to changing hearing outcomes in audiology was to expose the good and bad in the profession, in order to help consumers make more informed decisions when selecting audiologists.

Many online resources provide tips and suggestions for “interviewing” audiologists – to improve your chances of finding someone competent. Visiting and interviewing multiple providers to find the right one sounds cumbersome and inefficient, especially in an era of abundant information. Dr. Bailey reasoned that if patient outcomes were published online, consumers could select community-vetted audiologists and more easily improve their chances for a success.

Where Can You Find Good Hearing Care?

Audiologists on HearingTracker.com are ranked based on customer feedback and patient-reported hearing outcomes, so consumers may readily find a provider with a proven track record. The site also reveals a provider’s educational background and professional qualifications, making it easier to find knowledgeable experts.

Looking toward the future, HearingTracker.com has begun the process of verifying the clinical protocols of providers on the site. The first step for a provider is to complete a best-practice survey, to show the site that he or she is providing essential services. To become fully-verified, the provider must also submit de-identified files for clinical review. One of HearingTracker.com’s staff audiologists personally reviews the files to ensure that all essential services are provided and documented.

It is hoped that this attention to detail will set HearingTracker.com apart from other online services, and help ensure the best possible hearing outcomes for consumers suffering from hearing loss.

Hearing Aid Consumer Reviews

HearingTracker.com currently hosts the largest number of authenticated hearing aid reviews anywhere on the internet. Consumers may browse hundreds of new hearing aid models and learn about the latest advancements. They may also narrow their search based on a number of important technological features, such as iPhone-compatibility or remote control functionality. If a visitor finds a hearing aid in the hearing aid reviews section, and wishes to discuss it with an audiologist, the visitor can be matched with a local expert on that brand.

Closing Thoughts

As a consumer, you have many ways to navigate the hearing health care system. A good first step is to consult an audiologist who takes the time to ask you about your hearing needs – at home, at work and while engaging in leisure activities – and who assesses your hearing issues using standardized best practices. HearingTracker.com may be worth checking out since it is a network composed of vetted audiologists whose reputations are on the line if you are not satisfied. If you give HearingTracker.com a try, be sure you let Dr. Bailey know how you like it. And feel free to email me as well: cccomptonconley@gmail.com.

Hopefully, through the efforts of Dr. Bailey, and other innovative thought-leaders in the profession, the day will come when all Americans will be able to obtain high-quality, standardized hearing health care

References:
Valente, M., Abrams, H., et al. (2006). Guidelines for the Audiologic Management of Adult Hearing Impairment. Audiology Today, 18(5)

Kochkin, S., et al. (2010). MarkeTrak VIII: The Impact of the Hearing Healthcare Professional on Hearing Aid User Success. Hearing Review, 17(4):12-34.

Cynthia Compton-Conley Ph. D. is a Board Certified Doctor of Audiology, Professor of Audiology, Hearing Industry Consultant and Host of the Hearing Loss Help Forum. Dr.  Cynthia is a retired Professor of Audiology who taught in the graduate school at federally-funded Gallaudet University for 32 years and retired in the CSRS system.  In 2013 she founded Compton-Conley Consulting.

Learn more about your benefits, employment opportunities, and financial planning issues on our site and visit our blog frequently at https://fedretire.net to read all forum articles.

• Request a FREE Retirement Benefits Summary & Analysis from a local adviser. A sample analysis is available for your review. Includes projected annuity payments, income verses expenses, FEGLI, and TSP projections.

Helpful Retirement Planning Tools Distribute these FREE tools to others that are planning their retirement

• Retirement Planning Guide
• 2014 Leave Record & Scheduling Spreadsheet
• How to be Emotionally and Physically Prepared When You Retire
• How to be Financially Prepared When You Retire
• Master Retiree Contact List (Important contact numbers and information)
• Survivor’s Guide
• Estate Planning Guide (An 11 part series that will help readers prepare for retirement, understand basic estate planning techniques, and compile their personal “Survivor’s Guide” binder.

Visit our other informative sites:

• Federal Government Jobs & Career Center
• FREE Federal Employee’s Retirement Planning Guide
  • Federal Retiree Job Opportunities
  • Federal Employee & Retiree BLOG
• Federal Employee’s Career Development & IDP Center

Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty

We do not provide medical advice. This website and the information provided on this site are intended solely for consumer education. This website and its information services do not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care practice and nothing contained in this website is or should be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical advice from your physician or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on this website.  While the publisher and author have used their best efforts in providing information on hearing loss and associated hearing enhancement or hearing protection technology, they make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the content of this forum and Website, replies to site visitor questions, or prepared articles, and they specifically disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. You should consult with a physician or audiologist where appropriate. Neither the publisher or author shall be liable for any loss or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.

Tags: Hearing aids
Posted in BENEFITS / INSURANCE, RETIREMENT CONCERNS, UNCATEGORIZED, WELLNESS / HEALTH

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Posted on Wednesday, 12th November 2014 by Dennis Damp

Each year I connect to OPM’s Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) online services at https://retireefehb.opm.gov/Annuitant/. This service is devoted to Federal Retirees, Survivor Annuitants, or Former Spouse Annuitants. Annuitants can get a head start on open season and even print out their personal Open Season Health Benefits Guide long before receiving a mailed copy. Users can request copies of health plans of interest or you can view them online. I always request hard copies of the top 2 or 3 plans that I’m considering so I can sit down and review them at my leisure. In most cases you receive the copies in less than a week.

You must register and then login in at the beginning of each open season. The second year I used this service I tried to log in with my previous years user name and password. That doesn’t work; each year you must register to access this information and you will need your “CSA” or “CSF” claim number to sign up.

Open Season Online allows you to:

• Chat with a Customer Service Representative using Live Help.
• Send a webmail message which will be answered by a Customer Service Representative.
• Review health plan brochures
• Change FEHB plans
• Connect to OPM Retirement Services Online to find out how to receive your IRS1099R, annual mailer, and other informational alerts electronically.
• Go to https://retireefehb.opm.gov/mobile to access Open Season information via your mobile device.

This service provides all of the information you will need to make informed decisions and make changes to your primary FEHB coverage. During Open Season, go to www.BENEFEDS.com to enroll or change enrollment in the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). BENEFEDS is a secure enrollment website sponsored by OPM. If you do not have access to a computer, call BENEFEDS at 1-877-888-FEDS (1-877-888-3337), TTY number 1-877-889-5680.

Logging On (Registration):

When you first register to access FEHB Open Season Online, you must enter your CSA or CSF claim number’s seven characters. Refer to the Annuitant’s Guide that you received from OPM shortly after retiring if you don’t know your claim number. Your claim number would also be listed on your Retirement Services Reference Card that OPM is suppose to send out shortly after retiring. If you haven’t received this card you can request a copy from OPM. The claim number on the card begins with an “A” and ends with a zero “0”. A surviving spouse’s claim number begins with an “F” and ends with a “W”. Don’t use the suffix and prefix when registering for this service. Unlike OPM’s Retirement Services Online that Herb Casey discussed in a previous column you don’t use the prefix and suffix to register for FEHB Online.

You will then be asked for the last four digits of your SSN and to establish a user name and password that will be good for the current open season. Your password must have at least one capital and lower case letter plus one of 4 characters. You must register again for each new open season.

Please note: If you do not know your annuity claim number it may be possible for you to register with your email address that is on file with OPM.

Main Menu:

The main menu provides the annuitant’s FEHB Profile, a list of twelve menu selections, and they ask you to verify your address, birth date, phone number, and email address. You can make changes to your profile and there is a “Change Plan” button that you can use to change to another plan.

Under the FEHB Profile, you can review the effective date of your 2015 plan, the plan name, enrollment code, coverage, and the 2014 and 2015 monthly rates for comparison. They also caution you that if you perform a health benefits enrollment change, your new health benefits coverage information will not be immediately updated on this page. The information will be displayed when OPM reports your enrollment change to your new health benefits provider.

Caution: If you are not making an enrollment change but need to update your dependent information, please contact your Health Benefit Plan Provider to make this change.

Site Features:

Once you register or sign in, you can select from the following:

• Make an enrollment change or reenroll
• Review Dependent Information
• Review health plan brochures
• Review information on canceling/suspending your enrollment
• Review information on paying your health benefit premiums directly to OPM
• Review the Open Season Guide to Federal Benefits (RI 70-9)
• Perform an address change
• Provide or Update your email address
• View frequently asked questions
• Review an Open Season Health Benefits Guide
• Review the Health Benefits Election Form
• Review the Open Season Guide to Federal Benefits for Former Spouses (RI 70-5)
• View Transaction History
• Go to OPM’s Comparison Tool
• Log Off

I’ve used this service since its inception and it makes it easy to compare costs and change plans if desired. It is actually easier for me as a retiree to get plan brochures and information than when I was working full time.

Forward this article to others that you know who will benefit from this information and print a copy for you FEHB file.

Learn more about your benefits,  employment, and financial planning issues on our site and visit our Blog frequently at https://fedretire.net to read all forum articles.

• Request a Retirement Benefits Summary & Analysis. Includes projected annuity payments, income verses expenses, FEGLI, and TSP projections.

• Retirement Planning Guide
• 2015 Leave Record & Scheduling Spreadsheet
• How to be Emotionally and Physically Prepared When You Retire
• How to be Financially Prepared When You Retire
• Master Retiree Contact List (Important contact numbers and information)
• Survivor’s Guide
• Estate Planning Guide (An 11 part series that will help readers prepare for retirement, understand basic estate planning techniques, and compile their personal “Survivor’s Guide” binder.)

Visit our other informative sites

• Federal Government Jobs & Career Center
• FREE Federal Employee’s Retirement Planning Guide
  • Federal Retiree Job Opportunities
  • Federal Employee & Retiree BLOG
• Federal Employee’s Career Development & IDP Center

The information provided may not cover all aspect of unique or special circumstances, federal regulations, medical procedures, and financial information are subject to change. To ensure the accuracy of this information, contact relevant parties and ask them to review your official personnel file and circumstances concerning this issue. Retirees can contact the OPM retirement center. Our article is not intended nor should it be considered investment advice and our articles and replies are time sensitive. Over time, various dynamic economic factors relied upon as a basis for this article may change. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation and this service is not affiliated with OPM or any federal entity. You should consult with a financial, medical or human resource professional where appropriate. Neither the publisher or author shall be liable for any loss or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.

Posted in BENEFITS / INSURANCE, LIFESTYLE / TRAVEL, RETIREMENT CONCERNS, SURVIVOR INFORMATION

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Posted on Friday, 7th November 2014 by Herbert Casey

Do you need to start, change or stop federal or state income tax withholdings; change your mailing address, start or change the direct deposit of your payment; or view a statement describing your annuity payment. If so, it’s easy with OPM’s Retirement Services Online (SOL) www.servicesonline.opm.gov. You can have access to your annuity payment actions anywhere and anytime. You can use SOL if you receive benefits under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) or FERS Special, or the Organization Retirement and Disability System (ORDS).

To access Services Online, you need your “CSA” or “CSF” claim number and a password. If you have lost or forgotten your SOL password, you may request a new password selecting the Forgot Claim Number/Password from the Services Online Home page within the Login box. You can also request a password by Email at retire@opm.gov. If your account has not been accessed within a 15 month period, you must contact the Retirement Operations Center at 1-888-767-6738.

Logging On:

When you log in to Services Online, you must enter nine characters from your claim number, with both a prefix and suffix. If you are retired, you received a Retirement Services Reference Card with your name and claim number. The claim number begins with an “A” and ends with a zero “0”. For example: A22222220 . If you are a surviving spouse, the claim number begins with an “F” and ends with a “W”. Therefore you will enter “F” and the seven numbers and the suffix. For example: F2222222W. If you are a widower, and have been receiving benefits for many years, your claim number may end with an “X”. Therefore, you will enter “F” and the seven numbers and the suffix, “X”. For example: F2222222X.

Please note: You must disable any software application that prevents secondary windows from opening and you must have JavaScript enabled. Your browser must also support strong (128 bit) encryption. See Using Services Online for additional Log in Help.

Main Menu:

Once you’ve logged in you will see the Main Menu. The Main Menu is divided into 3 sections:

• Annuity Payment Actions,
• Miscellaneous and
• Related Pages or Sites.

Under Annuity Payment Actions, you can select any of the links for annuity payment adjustment you are making or to change Federal/State Tax withholdings and allotments. You can also view and print your annuity statement and 1099-R Tax Forms. Under Miscellaneous, you can change your password, verify your Life Insurance and see a history of annuity payment adjustments you have made using the website. Related Pages or Sites allow you to select links to other related websites or pages. However, if you select any of these links you will leave Services Online and will be required to enter your claim number and password again to access Services Online.
Below are some of the most frequently used features of Service Online.

Annuity Statement

The annuity statement shows your annuity payment, including the gross amount, up to 35 possible deductions or additions, and the net amount. You may select to view and print an annuity statement for each of the past fourteen months. Pick the month of the statement you wish to see from the list and press the Go button. If you wish to print a statement, press Print and follow any instructions on your computer.

Checking and Savings Allotments

Checking and savings allotments are voluntary deductions for allotments sent by direct deposit to an account held in the name of the annuitant. You may have up to two allotments and they must be maintained at a domestic financial institution. The allotment must be for a minimum of $50.
You can start, change, or stop an allotment to a checking or savings account. To start or change an allotment, you need your financial institution’s routing number. You will also need your account number and the type of account. To start an allotment, pick the Start button. To change an allotment, pick the Change button in the field which shows the detailed information about the allotment. To stop an allotment, pick the Stop button in the field which shows the detailed information about the allotment.

Federal Income Tax Withholding

Generally, unless you specify a monthly withholding amount, OPM withholds Federal Income Tax as if you are married and claiming three allowances. You can use OPM’s calculator on www.opm.gov/retire to figure the amount of your monthly Federal Income Tax withholding based on marital status and exemptions. Then, use Services Online to change the Federal Income Tax withheld from your annuity payment.

Start or change the withholding each month by entering the new amount you want withheld in the box labeled, “New Deduction Amount”, and selecting the Save button. Generally, OPM authorizes payments in the middle of the month that are due for the first business day of the following month. If you want your change to be reflected in your next month’s payment, you should submit your request before the last date, as shown in OPM’s payment schedule, for changing that month’s payment. You will be notified of the effective date of your change.

State Income Tax Withholding

You can start, change, or stop your State Income Tax withholding anytime. The amount must be in whole dollars and at least $5. You can change from one State to another for State income tax withholding purposes but, you cannot withhold for more than two States in a tax year on the website. Start or change the withholding by entering the new amount you want withheld each month in the box labeled, “New Deduction Amount”. Pick the State from those listed, then press the save button.

View/Print 1099-R Tax Forms

You may use the website to ask for a duplicate statement for the current filing year. It will be sent to you by regular mail. If you need a statement for a prior year, you will need to contact OPM.

View History

You can view a history of the changes you have made using the website during the last 14 months.

View the Status of Your Case

You can view the status of your case while in interim pay status.

View your Current Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Coverage

You can view and print your current FEGLI coverage. While you can see your coverage amount, you will not be able to see your FEGLI designation of beneficiary election. If you are not sure who you designated as your beneficiary, or you have had a significant life change, such as a marriage, divorce, or death, you may want to consider completing a new designation of beneficiary form.

Keep Connected

With so many transactions available, you can manage your retirement account whenever it is convenient for you. You can also participate in customer satisfaction surveys to let OPM know about your experience using the system. You can opt in to receive SOL information electronically from OPM. It allows you to get information quicker than in a hard copy format. To opt in, click on the Update Email Address/Opt in to Receive Information Electronically link on the main menu. You will then be asked for your email address.

You can also follow OPM on Twitter at www.twitter.com/fedretireinfo and Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/USOPM.

Learn more about your benefits,  employment, and financial planning issues on our site and visit our Blog frequently at https://fedretire.net to read all forum articles.

• Request a Retirement Benefits Summary & Analysis. Includes projected annuity payments, income verses expenses, FEGLI, and TSP projections.

• Retirement Planning Guide
• 2015 Leave Record & Scheduling Spreadsheet
• How to be Emotionally and Physically Prepared When You Retire
• How to be Financially Prepared When You Retire
• Master Retiree Contact List (Important contact numbers and information)
• Survivor’s Guide
• Estate Planning Guide (Prepare for retirement, understand basic estate planning techniques, and compile your personal “Survivor’s Guide.)

Visit our other informative sites

• Federal Government Jobs & Career Center
• FREE Federal Employee’s Retirement Planning Guide
  • Federal Retiree Job Opportunities
  • Federal Employee & Retiree BLOG
• Federal Employee’s Career Development & IDP Center

The information provided may not cover all aspect of unique or special circumstances, federal regulations, medical procedures, and financial information are subject to change. To ensure the accuracy of this information, contact relevant parties and ask them to review your official personnel file and circumstances concerning this issue. Retirees can contact the OPM retirement center. Our article is not intended nor should it be considered investment advice and our articles and replies are time sensitive. Over time, various dynamic economic factors relied upon as a basis for this article may change. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation and this service is not affiliated with OPM or any federal entity. You should consult with a financial, medical or human resource professional where appropriate. Neither the publisher or author shall be liable for any loss or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.

Posted in ANNUITIES / ELIGIBILITY, BENEFITS / INSURANCE, RETIREMENT CONCERNS, SURVIVOR INFORMATION

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Posted on Friday, 24th October 2014 by David Scholl

Over two years ago, this site addressed the confusion many retirees share over understanding how the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance limitations apply to the various types of accounts they may have in one financial institution. Despite a dramatic drop in the number of failures, the number of banks on the FDIC’s problem bank list remains a concern. Generally, a problem bank is defined as one considered to be in financial difficulty based on an analysis of various factors, including liquidity, capital levels, and asset quality.

As a result, the extent to which the FDIC insures various types of accounts continues to be a critical financial planning piece for retirees or those contemplating retirement, particularly if one’s life savings are deposited in one institution. This entry revisits and updates the basic deposit insurance rules, as well as providing readers with resources necessary to determine how those rules apply to them.

Deposit Insurance Rules

The FDIC insures the following types of deposit accounts at banks and savings associations: checking, Negotiable Order of Withdrawal (NOW), savings, money market, and certificates of deposit (CDs) up to the insurance limit. It is just as important to know that the FDIC does not insure the contents of safe deposit boxes or the money you invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, life insurance policies, annuities, or municipal securities, even if you purchased these products from an insured bank or savings association. The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) applies analogous rules and insurance limits to funds deposited in their insured institutions.

When President Obama signed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act on July 21, 2010, the standard maximum deposit insurance amount permanently became $250,000. Previously, there had been a temporary increase from $100,000 to $250,000 starting on October 3, 2008. In terms of basic bank accounts, this means that both a single account (one owner) and joint account (two or more owners) are insured up to $250,000 per owner. As a result, a married couple can keep a million dollars liquid and insured in a single bank by dividing up the money as follows: husband’s single account with $250,000, wife’s single account with $250,000, joint account with $500,000 ($250,000 each). There are some applicable intricacies. For example, it is important to remember that a “single account” applies to all accounts held in one name only at the same institution. Simply put, the assets of all checking, savings, or other accounts held in one name at the same bank are added together for insurance purposes. This applies to “joint ownership” accounts as well, as long as the co-owners have equal rights to withdraw funds.

IRAs, Retirement Accounts and Revocable Trusts

In addition to single and joint deposit accounts, the FDIC separately insures IRAs and certain other retirement accounts, such as 401 (k) plans and deferred compensation plan accounts. As is the case with checking and savings accounts, all retirement accounts held by one owner in any of these retirement plans are added together for the purpose of applying the $250,000 insurance limit. This limitation applies regardless of the existence of any named beneficiaries.

In contrast, the number of beneficiaries generally determines the amount of insurance coverage for a revocable trust account; those beneficiaries may include individuals, charities, or non-profit organizations. For example, the FDIC will insure a revocable trust account owned by a parent payable upon death to three children up to $750,000. In this instance, the owner of the trust is not counted for the purpose of calculating insurance coverage.

Treatment of CDs

The FDIC applies the same rules regarding single/joint accounts and insurance limits to funds deposited in certificates of deposit (CDs). However, through a network of over 3,000 financial institutions known as the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (CDARS), a single individual can deposit millions of dollars in CDs at one bank and enjoy FDIC insurance for the total amount. This is accomplished through the distribution of the funds deposited in the CDs across the CDARS network. Consequently, the principal and interest deposited in any one institution remain below the $250,000 insurance limit. The only drawback is that the rate offered may be lower than what could be obtained by shopping for rates with competing institutions.

Please visit the FDIC’s website for a wealth of detailed information and examples regarding the types of accounts insured and the limits applied to those accounts. You can also access an easy-to-use tool, EDIE The Estimator, to input your specific account information and determine the extent of your insurance coverage.

Learn more about your benefits,  employment, and financial planning issues on our site and visit our Blog frequently at https://fedretire.net to read all forum articles.

• Request a Retirement Benefits Summary & Analysis. Includes projected annuity payments, income verses expenses, FEGLI, and TSP projections.

• Retirement Planning Guide
• 2015 Leave Record & Scheduling Spreadsheet
• How to be Emotionally and Physically Prepared When You Retire
• How to be Financially Prepared When You Retire
• Master Retiree Contact List (Important contact numbers and information)
• Survivor’s Guide
• Estate Planning Guide (An 11 part series that will help readers prepare for retirement, understand basic estate planning techniques, and compile their personal “Survivor’s Guide” binder.)

Visit our other informative sites

• Federal Government Jobs & Career Center
• FREE Federal Employee’s Retirement Planning Guide
  • Federal Retiree Job Opportunities
  • Federal Employee & Retiree BLOG
• Federal Employee’s Career Development & IDP Center

The information provided may not cover all aspect of unique or special circumstances, federal regulations, medical procedures, and financial information are subject to change. To ensure the accuracy of this information, contact relevant parties and ask them to review your official personnel file and circumstances concerning this issue. Retirees can contact the OPM retirement center. Our article is not intended nor should it be considered investment advice and our articles and replies are time sensitive. Over time, various dynamic economic factors relied upon as a basis for this article may change. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation and this service is not affiliated with OPM or any federal entity. You should consult with a financial, medical or human resource professional where appropriate. Neither the publisher or author shall be liable for any loss or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages

Posted in ANNUITIES / ELIGIBILITY, BENEFITS / INSURANCE, ESTATE PLANNING, FINANCE / TIP, RETIREMENT CONCERNS, SURVIVOR INFORMATION

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Posted on Wednesday, 22nd October 2014 by Dennis Damp

According to John Church with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the 2015 COLA will be 1.7%. This is the low range of what many projected of between 1.7 to 2%. We updated our COLA charts this morning to reflect this change and we post all COLAs back to 1999.

If your annuity is $2,500 a month you can expect an increase of $35 per month or $420 per year! What will we spend this windfall on? Considering that our health care coverage is increasing an average of 3.2% in 2015 much if not all of the increase for many will go to pay our health care premiums. My wife and I subscribe to the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Basic plan which will increase to $321.67 per month, an additional $12.37 per month.

The 2015 COLA is .2% more than last year’s 1.5% and the same increase that we received in 2013. Unfortunately for working federal employees our COLA is .7% higher than what their pay raise is estimated to be.

FEHB Updates

Herb Casey, our Benefits and HR Forum Host, wrote an excellent article titled “It’s FEHB Open Season Time” that you will find informative. It mentions a number of things that you need to consider this year when selecting your 2015 plan. We are still waiting for all of the information to be released and will update our FEHB pages as soon as they are available. They have announced the 2015 FEHB premiums so you can begin to look at options and what you can expect to pay next year.

There are major issues to consider this year for many. For example, in our area, Blue Cross and Blue Shield has dropped UPMC physicians and hospitals from their preferred provider network. My wife uses UPMC facilities and doctors so we were initially concerned that we would have to change plans.

Fortunately the two parties entered into a reciprocal agreement and there are exceptions for Senior Care, under for what is termed Access for Vulnerable Populations, and for circumstances where a patient requires Continuation of Care. Anyone who is 65 and older will still be able to use UPMC doctors as preferred providers. If you have an existing condition at any age you will be able to remain with that physician and receive treatment for your care. The physicians under these circumstances will be considered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield to be in their network and UPMC has agreed to accept their negotiated fees.

Stay tuned for more information as it is released. Open season is fast approaching, November 10, 2014 – December 8, 2014, and there is a lot to consider.

Learn more about your benefits,  employment, and financial planning issues on our site and visit our Blog frequently at https://fedretire.net to read all forum articles.

• Request a FREE Retirement Benefits Summary & Analysis. A sample analysis is available for your review. Includes projected annuity payments, income verses expenses, FEGLI, and TSP projections.

• Retirement Planning Guide
• 2015 Leave Record & Scheduling Spreadsheet
• How to be Emotionally and Physically Prepared When You Retire
• How to be Financially Prepared When You Retire
• Master Retiree Contact List (Important contact numbers and information)
• Survivor’s Guide
• Estate Planning Guide (An 11 part series that will help readers prepare for retirement, understand basic estate planning techniques, and compile their personal “Survivor’s Guide” binder.)

Visit our other informative sites

• Federal Government Jobs & Career Center
• FREE Federal Employee’s Retirement Planning Guide
  • Federal Retiree Job Opportunities
  • Federal Employee & Retiree BLOG
• Federal Employee’s Career Development & IDP Center

The information provided may not cover all aspect of unique or special circumstances, federal regulations, medical procedures, and financial information are subject to change. To ensure the accuracy of this information, contact relevant parties and ask them to review your official personnel file and circumstances concerning this issue. Retirees can contact the OPM retirement center. Our article is not intended nor should it be considered investment advice and our articles and replies are time sensitive. Over time, various dynamic economic factors relied upon as a basis for this article may change. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation and this service is not affiliated with OPM or any federal entity. You should consult with a financial, medical or human resource professional where appropriate. Neither the publisher or author shall be liable for any loss or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages

Posted in ANNUITIES / ELIGIBILITY, BENEFITS / INSURANCE, RETIREMENT CONCERNS, SOCIAL SECURITY / MEDICARE, SURVIVOR INFORMATION, WELLNESS / HEALTH

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Posted on Friday, 17th October 2014 by Herbert Casey

Open Season for Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) is just around the corner. Open Season runs from the Monday of the second full workweek in November through the Monday of the second full workweek in December. This year Open Season is November 10, 2014 – December 8, 2014.

Federal retirees and their surviving spouses retain their eligibility for FEHB health coverage at the same cost as current employees. In order to carry your FEHB coverage into retirement, you must be entitled to retire on an immediate annuity under a retirement system for civilian employees (including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) + 10 retirement) and must have been continuously enrolled (or covered as a family member) in any FEHB plan(s) for the 5 years of service immediately before the date your annuity starts, or for the full period(s) of service since your first opportunity to enroll (if less than 5 years). The 5 year requirement period can include the following: the time you are covered as a family member under another person’s FEHB enrollment; or the time you are covered under the Uniformed Services Health Benefits Program (also known as TRICARE) as long as you were covered under an FEHB enrollment at the time of your retirement.

Below are some frequently asked questions regarding FEHB for retirees.

What are the FEHB enrollment types? Self only and self and family. (Note: OPM plans to implement the self-plus-one option effective January 1, 2016)

What do Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) retirees have to do to change health insurance coverage?
During the annual Open Season, OPM sends Open Season material to all those enrolled in the FEHB plus those who have suspended their enrollments to enroll in a Medicare-sponsored plan approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), formerly the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) and to enroll in TRICARE. The package will include an explanation of benefit changes for the next year and your new premium rate, but will exclude the health plan brochure.

• OPM provides Open Season Express, an operator supported toll-free telephone service for retirees to call to request brochures, health benefits satisfaction surveys, and make enrollment changes using telephone technology. The phone number is 1 (800) 332-9798. (The line will be open in early November.)
• OPM also provides information on their healthcare insurance plan information website. (As of 10/16/2014, the site still has 2014 plan information.)

When will my Open Season change to the new coverage be effective?

The effective date of the Open Season change for annuitants is always January 1.

I am retired but my spouse is a current Federal employee. I have carried our FEHB enrollment for the past several years. If I cancel my FEHB enrollment to be covered by my spouse’s FEHB enrollment, will I be able to enroll in a Self Only enrollment in the future?

Yes, you will be able to reenroll in the future because you are canceling your enrollment to be covered by another FEHB enrollment.

I am retired but my spouse is not. I want to drop out of the FEHB Program for a year or two because my spouse has good free coverage from her employer for the both of us. Will there be any penalty?

Normally, such a cancellation would be permanent. Annuitants cannot re-enroll in the program except under very limited circumstances, such as to enroll in a Medicare-sponsored health plan or TRICARE. Do not drop out of the program unless you are sure of being able to re-enroll.

I want to change my FEHB enrollment to an HMO but I don’t live or work in the Plan’s area as required by that particular plan’s brochure. Why can’t I enroll in it?

Most health maintenance organizations (HMO) restrict enrollment to an area where its doctors and hospitals are accessible. Although some HMOs do not have restrictions on where you live or work, please recognize that if you later find it is inconvenient to get to a plan provider, you may have to wait until the next Open Season to change plans.

How can I find out the amount of my FEHB premium?

The premiums for the FEHB plan you are currently enrolled in are in the brochure you will receive from your plan during the annual Federal Benefits Open Season. In addition, you can check OPM’s site for 2015 FEHB Premiums. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has announced the average premium rate for people covered by the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program will increase by 3.2 percent in 2015. That percentage is lower than last year’s increase of 3.7 percent. The average premium increase for the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) will be 1.7 percent for dental coverage and average premiums for vision benefits will increase by 1.5 percent.

I made an Open Season enrollment change. If I have to go to the doctor after January 1, which plan do I contact?

As a retiree, your new plan becomes effective on January 1.

I am an annuitant. I changed my health insurance in Open Season and have not received an identification card even though it is late January. What can I do?

First, call your plan. If they tell you they haven’t received the paperwork yet, you may contact OPM at 1-888-767-6738 or retire@opm.gov. Before contacting OPM, have your annuity information ready: your name, civil service annuity number (beginning with CSA or CSF), phone number and address, and information about your plan, such as the carrier enrollment code.

My retirement annuity keeps deducting for my old health plan even though I’m not enrolled anymore. How can I get the deductions to stop?

To verify your current health benefits plan, contact OPM’s Retirement Office at 1-888-767-6738 or retire@opm.gov.The phone lines are open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm (Eastern Standard Time). It is a busy phone number.

I am a survivor annuitant. Can I change my FEHB plan?
Yes, you can request an enrollment change during the Open Season.

What is the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)?

The Federal Employee Dental and Vision Benefits Enhancement Act of 2004 authorizes OPM to establish arrangements under which supplemental dental and vision benefits are made available to Federal and U.S. Postal Service employees, retirees, and their eligible family members, and the law gives OPM broad contracting authority to leverage the purchasing power of Federal enrollees to provide comprehensive benefits with competitive premiums.

How do the FEDVIP plans differ from the dental and vision benefits FEHB plans provide as part of the FEHB benefits package?

FEHB and FEDVIP are separate programs. While some FEHB plans offer dental or vision benefits as part of their benefit package, only those carriers under contract to OPM are FEDVIP plans. FEDVIP plans offer comprehensive dental and vision benefits. FEDVIP is not part of the FEHB program, and it is different from any supplementary dental and vision product your FEHB plan may offer.

Update on the Self Plus One option

The effective date for the new Self Plus One enrollment type will be January 1, 2016. Therefore, the annual Open Season beginning on November 9, 2015 will include the Self Plus One enrollment type in the available enrollment choices. Unfortunately, this option won’t be available for another year. The Self Plus One enrollment type will cover the enrollee and one eligible family member.

For more information on FEHB and the various plans, visit OPM’s FEHB site and Federal Retirement Net ’s site at http://www.federalretirement.net/fehb.htm .

Learn more about your benefits,  employment, and financial planning issues on our site and visit our Blog frequently at https://fedretire.net to read all forum articles.

• Request a FREE Retirement Benefits Summary & Analysis. A sample analysis is available for your review. Includes projected annuity payments, income verses expenses, FEGLI, and TSP projections.

• Retirement Planning Guide
• 2014 Leave Record & Scheduling Spreadsheet
• How to be Emotionally and Physically Prepared When You Retire
• How to be Financially Prepared When You Retire
• Master Retiree Contact List (Important contact numbers and information)
• Survivor’s Guide
• Estate Planning Guide (An 11 part series that will help readers prepare for retirement, understand basic estate planning techniques, and compile their personal “Survivor’s Guide” binder.)

Visit our other informative sites

• Federal Government Jobs & Career Center
• FREE Federal Employee’s Retirement Planning Guide
  • Federal Retiree Job Opportunities
  • Federal Employee & Retiree BLOG
• Federal Employee’s Career Development & IDP Center

The information provided may not cover all aspect of unique or special circumstances, federal regulations, medical procedures, and financial information are subject to change. To ensure the accuracy of this information, contact relevant parties and ask them to review your official personnel file and circumstances concerning this issue. Retirees can contact the OPM retirement center. Our article is not intended nor should it be considered investment advice and our articles and replies are time sensitive. Over time, various dynamic economic factors relied upon as a basis for this article may change. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation and this service is not affiliated with OPM or any federal entity. You should consult with a financial, medical or human resource professional where appropriate. Neither the publisher or author shall be liable for any loss or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.

Posted in BENEFITS / INSURANCE, RETIREMENT CONCERNS, SOCIAL SECURITY / MEDICARE, SURVIVOR INFORMATION, WELLNESS / HEALTH

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