# Pay, Perks, and Retirement **URL:** https://www.fedwork.net/c/pay-perks-and-retirement/26.md [Latest](https://www.fedwork.net/latest.md) · [Categories](https://www.fedwork.net/categories.md) --- ## [About the Pay, Perks, and Retirement category](https://www.fedwork.net/t/about-the-pay-perks-and-retirement-category/428)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2025, 8:49pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/about-the-pay-perks-and-retirement-category/428 "2025-04-03T20:49:25Z")
Federal compensation isn’t just a paycheck. It’s a complex system of grades, steps, locality adjustments, premiums, overtime rules, and promotion potential. And don’t get us started on benefits—healthcare options, dental… --- ## [Want to retire at the end of 2026? Start planning now](https://www.fedwork.net/t/want-to-retire-at-the-end-of-2026-start-planning-now/4343)
**Author:** [@Marko](https://www.fedwork.net/u/Marko)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2026, 7:31pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/want-to-retire-at-the-end-of-2026-start-planning-now/4343 "2026-10-19T19:31:02Z")
--- ## [OPM eliminates time-in-grade restrictions for federal promotions](https://www.fedwork.net/t/opm-eliminates-time-in-grade-restrictions-for-federal-promotions/4342)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2026, 12:47pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/opm-eliminates-time-in-grade-restrictions-for-federal-promotions/4342 "2026-10-19T12:47:19Z")
Federal employees will no longer have to complete a full year in their current paygrade before becoming eligible for promotion…OPM eliminates time-in-grade restrictions for federal promotions - Federal News Network --- ## [A payment of $90 per Medicare Enrollee on the Way](https://www.fedwork.net/t/a-payment-of-90-per-medicare-enrollee-on-the-way/4341)
**Author:** [@DDamp](https://www.fedwork.net/u/DDamp)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2026, 12:47pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/a-payment-of-90-per-medicare-enrollee-on-the-way/4341 "2026-10-17T12:47:11Z")
This one-time payment is intended to help more than 20 million enrollees pay for their Medicare Part B premiums. Most Medicare Part B enrollees are eligible for the payments, except for those whose premiums are already p… --- ## [This Fiscal Year’s New Numbers and Changes](https://www.fedwork.net/t/this-fiscal-year-s-new-numbers-and-changes/4340)
**Author:** [@DDamp](https://www.fedwork.net/u/DDamp)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2026, 12:28pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/this-fiscal-year-s-new-numbers-and-changes/4340 "2026-10-17T12:28:08Z")
The numbers are coming out now that the 2027 fiscal year has begun. The COLAs were announced, FEHB/PSHB premiums are higher, and the new Medicare IRMAA numbers were just released. Now’s a good time to evaluate these chan… --- ## [WAEPA expands life insurance options as federal employees review benefits during Open Season](https://www.fedwork.net/t/waepa-expands-life-insurance-options-as-federal-employees-review-benefits-during-open-season/4339)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2026, 10:03pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/waepa-expands-life-insurance-options-as-federal-employees-review-benefits-during-open-season/4339 "2026-10-16T22:03:35Z")
Federal employees review health plans every Open Season. WAEPA says it’s also a good time to revisit life insurance, beneficiaries and coverage needs…WAEPA expands life insurance options as federal employees review benef… --- ## [Investors often look to past election cycles for clues about market performance](https://www.fedwork.net/t/investors-often-look-to-past-election-cycles-for-clues-about-market-performance/4338)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2026, 5:05pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/investors-often-look-to-past-election-cycles-for-clues-about-market-performance/4338 "2026-10-16T17:05:28Z")
“Historically, on average, past performance is no guarantee of future performance,” said Arthur Stein…Investors often look to past election cycles for clues about market performance - Federal News Network --- ## [2027 COLA is 3.6% for many retirees, but some feds will see a smaller adjustment](https://www.fedwork.net/t/2027-cola-is-3-6-for-many-retirees-but-some-feds-will-see-a-smaller-adjustment/4337)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 1:50pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/2027-cola-is-3-6-for-many-retirees-but-some-feds-will-see-a-smaller-adjustment/4337 "2026-10-14T13:50:24Z")
A 2027 COLA of 3.6% will be added to Social Security payments and retirement benefits in January. But FERS annuitants will see a smaller 2.6% adjustment…2027 COLA is 3.6% for many retirees, but some feds will see a small… --- ## [Pay raise? What pay raise? The president’s alternative is an improvement, even if it’s by accident](https://www.fedwork.net/t/pay-raise-what-pay-raise-the-president-s-alternative-is-an-improvement-even-if-it-s-by-accident/4336)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2026, 8:50pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/pay-raise-what-pay-raise-the-president-s-alternative-is-an-improvement-even-if-it-s-by-accident/4336 "2026-10-13T20:50:07Z")
Ronald Sanders, a former chairman of the Federal Salary Council, explains why a “one-size-fits-all” pay raise needs to be revisited…Pay raise? What pay raise? The president’s alternative is an improvement, even if it’s b… --- ## [HSA and FSA Account Differences – Prepare for Open Season](https://www.fedwork.net/t/hsa-and-fsa-account-differences-prepare-for-open-season/4334)
**Author:** [@DDamp](https://www.fedwork.net/u/DDamp)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2026, 3:02pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/hsa-and-fsa-account-differences-prepare-for-open-season/4334 "2026-10-11T15:02:51Z")
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) set aside pre-tax money for health expenses. Determining which one applies to you and which is most beneficial for your family. Take a few minutes to ful… --- ## [Most veterans qualify for burial benefits, but they’re rarely used](https://www.fedwork.net/t/most-veterans-qualify-for-burial-benefits-but-they-re-rarely-used/4332)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2026, 5:27pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/most-veterans-qualify-for-burial-benefits-but-they-re-rarely-used/4332 "2026-10-09T17:27:57Z")
“There are 157 federal veterans cemeteries that are run by the VA, in addition to a lot of state veterans cemeteries,” said Mike Meese…Most veterans qualify for burial benefits, but they’re rarely used - Federal News Net… --- ## [Is 62 the new 59?](https://www.fedwork.net/t/is-62-the-new-59/4329)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2026, 9:24pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/is-62-the-new-59/4329 "2026-10-08T21:24:09Z")
The benefits of waiting until 62 are significant. That can be a tough pill to swallow if you had a different number in mind for retirement…Is 62 the new 59? - Federal News Network --- ## [Those ‘best days to retire’ calendars are showing up again](https://www.fedwork.net/t/those-best-days-to-retire-calendars-are-showing-up-again/4328)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2026, 7:56pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/those-best-days-to-retire-calendars-are-showing-up-again/4328 "2026-10-08T19:56:10Z")
“The rule of thumb under FERS, first of all is just to go towards the end of the month,” said Tammy Flanagan…Those ‘best days to retire’ calendars are showing up again - Federal News Network --- ## [Next-Gen Performance: Transitioning to OPM’s New Review System](https://www.fedwork.net/t/next-gen-performance-transitioning-to-opm-s-new-review-system/4325)
**Author:** [@DDamp](https://www.fedwork.net/u/DDamp)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2026, 2:31pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/next-gen-performance-transitioning-to-opm-s-new-review-system/4325 "2026-10-08T14:31:17Z")
Executive agencies are beginning the standardized governmentwide performance appraisal cycle for non-SES/SP employees on a fiscal-year cycle starting October 1, 2026, as mandated by OPM Performance Management Guidance. T… --- ## [2027 Health Insurance Premiums Increasing an average of 10.9%, AGAIN!](https://www.fedwork.net/t/2027-health-insurance-premiums-increasing-an-average-of-10-9-again/4323)
**Author:** [@DDamp](https://www.fedwork.net/u/DDamp)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2026, 11:15am UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/2027-health-insurance-premiums-increasing-an-average-of-10-9-again/4323 "2026-10-08T11:15:53Z")
Federal employees’ FEHB premiums will increase by double digits for the third consecutive year. Rising prices are driven by utilization across inpatient, physician, outpatient, and surgical services; continued growth in … --- ## [Retirement Seminars – What to Expect & How to Prepare for One](https://www.fedwork.net/t/retirement-seminars-what-to-expect-how-to-prepare-for-one/4322)
**Author:** [@DDamp](https://www.fedwork.net/u/DDamp)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2026, 10:49am UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/retirement-seminars-what-to-expect-how-to-prepare-for-one/4322 "2026-10-08T10:49:45Z")
Agency retirement seminars explain the basics and how the federal retirement system works. They only explain the system in general terms, but they can’t and won’t make personalized recommendations. Learn how to get the m… --- ## [Federal retirement application processing times trend downward](https://www.fedwork.net/t/federal-retirement-application-processing-times-trend-downward/4321)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 7, 2026, 6:33pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/federal-retirement-application-processing-times-trend-downward/4321 "2026-10-07T18:33:09Z")
That makes September the first time in at least a year that OPM’s inventory has dipped below 10,000 claims…Federal retirement application processing times trend downward - Federal News Network --- ## [Democrats’ new bill looks to ease the federal retirement process](https://www.fedwork.net/t/democrats-new-bill-looks-to-ease-the-federal-retirement-process/4319)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2026, 1:49am UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/democrats-new-bill-looks-to-ease-the-federal-retirement-process/4319 "2026-10-06T01:49:58Z")
The legislation comes after many feds faced major retirement processing delays during last year’s sweeping workforce reductions…Democrats’ new bill looks to ease the federal retirement process - Federal News Network --- ## [How the 2027 FEHB premium increase will impact federal employees and annuitants](https://www.fedwork.net/t/how-the-2027-fehb-premium-increase-will-impact-federal-employees-and-annuitants/4318)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2026, 1:49am UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/how-the-2027-fehb-premium-increase-will-impact-federal-employees-and-annuitants/4318 "2026-10-06T01:49:57Z")
FEHB premiums are rising an average of 10.9% in 2027, but many plans will see even steeper increases…How the 2027 FEHB premium increase will impact federal employees and annuitants - Federal News Network --- ## [CISA to keep cyber pay incentives, but less staff will qualify](https://www.fedwork.net/t/cisa-to-keep-cyber-pay-incentives-but-less-staff-will-qualify/4317)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2026, 1:49am UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/cisa-to-keep-cyber-pay-incentives-but-less-staff-will-qualify/4317 "2026-10-06T01:49:56Z")
The revisions to the incentives program have sparked concern that CISA could lose more employees after widescale departures last year…CISA to keep cyber pay incentives, but less staff will qualify - Federal News Network --- ## [Thrift Savings Plan funds had a bad month in September](https://www.fedwork.net/t/thrift-savings-plan-funds-had-a-bad-month-in-september/4314)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2026, 1:47am UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/thrift-savings-plan-funds-had-a-bad-month-in-september/4314 "2026-10-03T01:47:30Z")
The S Fund saw the biggest month-over-month drop of 3.66%…Thrift Savings Plan funds had a bad month in September - Federal News Network --- ## [Federal employees and retirees are thinking about both today’s challenges and tomorrow’s government](https://www.fedwork.net/t/federal-employees-and-retirees-are-thinking-about-both-today-s-challenges-and-tomorrow-s-government/4309)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2026, 1:49am UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/federal-employees-and-retirees-are-thinking-about-both-today-s-challenges-and-tomorrow-s-government/4309 "2026-10-01T01:49:41Z")
“I don’t know if we will see a renewal of additional RIF actions coming into this next fiscal year or next year. My hope is no,” said John Hatton…Federal employees and retirees are thinking about both today’s challenges … --- ## [Federal health insurance enrollees will pay 10.9% more, on average, toward premiums in 2027](https://www.fedwork.net/t/federal-health-insurance-enrollees-will-pay-10-9-more-on-average-toward-premiums-in-2027/4308)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2026, 1:49am UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/federal-health-insurance-enrollees-will-pay-10-9-more-on-average-toward-premiums-in-2027/4308 "2026-10-01T01:49:40Z")
The Office of Personnel Management published information about plan options and premium rates for 2027, ahead of the upcoming Open Season this fall…Federal health insurance enrollees will pay 10.9% more, on average, towa… --- ## [FBI Agents service USCIS service officer ](https://www.fedwork.net/t/fbi-agents-service-uscis-service-officer/4303)
**Author:** [@wanyjoseph](https://www.fedwork.net/u/wanyjoseph)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2026, 1:42pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/fbi-agents-service-uscis-service-officer/4303 "2026-09-28T13:42:27Z")
The bipartisan support for the measure comes at a time when federal closures have become longer and more frequent, frustrating lawmakers who say there should be punishment when Congress fails at its most basic legislativ… --- ## [Federal Service Retirement; Getting a Head Start](https://www.fedwork.net/t/federal-service-retirement-getting-a-head-start/4301)
**Author:** [@DDamp](https://www.fedwork.net/u/DDamp)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2026, 4:10pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/federal-service-retirement-getting-a-head-start/4301 "2026-09-26T16:10:56Z")
Many federal employees choose to retire at the end of the year, and that time is fast approaching. If you are considering retiring in the next 6 months to a year, take action now to prepare for a rollercoaster ride to th… --- ## [Preparing for Open Season; Getting A Head Start](https://www.fedwork.net/t/preparing-for-open-season-getting-a-head-start/4300)
**Author:** [@DDamp](https://www.fedwork.net/u/DDamp)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2026, 3:36pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/preparing-for-open-season-getting-a-head-start/4300 "2026-09-26T15:36:29Z")
There are ways to save thousands and receive enhanced FEHB / PSHB heath care if you explore the many options available. Simply rolling over each year to what you had before could be the single most expensive habit in fed… --- ## [VA’s turnaround offers a playbook for delivering better government services](https://www.fedwork.net/t/va-s-turnaround-offers-a-playbook-for-delivering-better-government-services/4299)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2026, 1:34am UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/va-s-turnaround-offers-a-playbook-for-delivering-better-government-services/4299 "2026-09-26T01:34:07Z")
The agency can learn from its own successes as it moves forward with its troubled Electronic Health Record Modernization, researchers said…Federal News Network | VA’s turnaround offers a playbook for delivering better go… --- ## [Lawmakers call on leadership to override Trump’s planned pay freeze](https://www.fedwork.net/t/lawmakers-call-on-leadership-to-override-trump-s-planned-pay-freeze/4297)
**Author:** [@Marko](https://www.fedwork.net/u/Marko)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2026, 9:41am UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/lawmakers-call-on-leadership-to-override-trump-s-planned-pay-freeze/4297 "2026-09-25T09:41:23Z")
--- ## [A new panel takes on military families’ biggest headaches](https://www.fedwork.net/t/a-new-panel-takes-on-military-families-biggest-headaches/4296)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2026, 12:19am UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/a-new-panel-takes-on-military-families-biggest-headaches/4296 "2026-09-25T00:19:57Z")
The White House found some of the messages it received from spouses so pressing that it has referred them to federal agencies for help…A new panel takes on military families’ biggest headaches | Federal News Network --- ## [TRICARE’s new budget line needs the oversight infrastructure it never got](https://www.fedwork.net/t/tricare-s-new-budget-line-needs-the-oversight-infrastructure-it-never-got/4294)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2026, 9:42pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/tricare-s-new-budget-line-needs-the-oversight-infrastructure-it-never-got/4294 "2026-09-24T21:42:36Z")
Three provisions Congress should add to this year’s NDAA would close the gap without asking DHA to invent anything new…TRICARE’s new budget line needs the oversight infrastructure it never got | Federal News Network [Next page](https://www.fedwork.net/c/pay-perks-and-retirement/26.md?page=1)