# Pay, Perks, and Retirement **URL:** https://www.fedwork.net/c/pay-perks-and-retirement/26.md?page=1 [Latest](https://www.fedwork.net/latest.md) · [Categories](https://www.fedwork.net/categories.md) **Page:** 2 --- ## [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 --- ## [Reservists sue over years of unpaid differential pay](https://www.fedwork.net/t/reservists-sue-over-years-of-unpaid-differential-pay/4293)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2026, 8:06pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/reservists-sue-over-years-of-unpaid-differential-pay/4293 "2026-09-24T20:06:19Z")
Five current and former civilian workers are asking the MSPB to order the government to pay reservist differential pay it owes going all the way back to 2009…Reservists sue over years of unpaid differential pay | Federal… --- ## [A pension can make retirement more secure, but It can also change the tax picture](https://www.fedwork.net/t/a-pension-can-make-retirement-more-secure-but-it-can-also-change-the-tax-picture/4292)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2026, 6:30pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/a-pension-can-make-retirement-more-secure-but-it-can-also-change-the-tax-picture/4292 "2026-09-24T18:30:35Z")
“The idea again is that all of this future growth gets to be tax free and it helps for a lot of different reasons like RMDs and Medicare,” Thiago Glieger…A pension can make retirement more secure, but It can also change … --- ## [Democrats planning last-ditch attempt at a federal pay raise in 2027](https://www.fedwork.net/t/democrats-planning-last-ditch-attempt-at-a-federal-pay-raise-in-2027/4289)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2026, 10:50pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/democrats-planning-last-ditch-attempt-at-a-federal-pay-raise-in-2027/4289 "2026-09-23T22:50:54Z")
House and Senate Democrats outlined options for attempting to override the Trump administration’s planned pay freeze for most civilian employees in 2027…Democrats planning last-ditch attempt at a federal pay raise in 202… --- ## [Marine Corps increases imminent danger and hostile fire pay](https://www.fedwork.net/t/marine-corps-increases-imminent-danger-and-hostile-fire-pay/4288)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2026, 7:47pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/marine-corps-increases-imminent-danger-and-hostile-fire-pay/4288 "2026-09-23T19:47:26Z")
It’s the first major combat pay bump in more than two decades…Marine Corps increases imminent danger and hostile fire pay | Federal News Network --- ## [OPM gives agencies authority to give bonuses up to $25,000](https://www.fedwork.net/t/opm-gives-agencies-authority-to-give-bonuses-up-to-25-000/4287)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2026, 9:08pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/opm-gives-agencies-authority-to-give-bonuses-up-to-25-000/4287 "2026-09-22T21:08:38Z")
OPM says it’s removing the hurdle as a way to help agencies distinguish high levels of performance…https://federalnewsnetwork.com/federal-newscast/2026/09/opm-gives-agencies-authority-to-give-bonuses-up-to-25000/ --- ## [Buying Back Military Time Increases Retirement Annuities](https://www.fedwork.net/t/buying-back-military-time-increases-retirement-annuities/4282)
**Author:** [@DDamp](https://www.fedwork.net/u/DDamp)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2026, 5:19pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/buying-back-military-time-increases-retirement-annuities/4282 "2026-09-19T17:19:09Z")
Making a military deposit to buy back your active-duty time is one of the best financial decisions FERS and CSRS employees can make. Many veterans-turned-federal-employees can substantially increase their Federal Retirem… --- ## [Hiring Up, Headcount Down: Is the federal workforce rebound real or repair?](https://www.fedwork.net/t/hiring-up-headcount-down-is-the-federal-workforce-rebound-real-or-repair/4281)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2026, 7:47pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/hiring-up-headcount-down-is-the-federal-workforce-rebound-real-or-repair/4281 "2026-09-18T19:47:35Z")
Is the federal workforce recovering, reinventing itself—or just trying to staunch the bleeding?..Hiring Up, Headcount Down: Is the federal workforce rebound real or repair? | Federal News Network --- ## [2027 COLA Estimate at 3.5%: What Federal Retirees Could Receive](https://www.fedwork.net/t/2027-cola-estimate-at-3-5-what-federal-retirees-could-receive/4280)
**Author:** [@Marko](https://www.fedwork.net/u/Marko)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2026, 1:20pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/2027-cola-estimate-at-3-5-what-federal-retirees-could-receive/4280 "2026-09-18T13:20:21Z")
--- ## [Democrats warn OPM’s health data collection plan goes too far](https://www.fedwork.net/t/democrats-warn-opm-s-health-data-collection-plan-goes-too-far/4279)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2026, 10:30pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/democrats-warn-opm-s-health-data-collection-plan-goes-too-far/4279 "2026-09-17T22:30:01Z")
Democrats doubled down on concerns that the administration’s plan to collect detailed federal employee health data poses security risks and legal questions…Democrats warn OPM’s health data collection plan goes too far | … --- ## [Lawmakers surface Coast Guard housing, quality-of-life issues](https://www.fedwork.net/t/lawmakers-surface-coast-guard-housing-quality-of-life-issues/4278)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2026, 9:50pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/lawmakers-surface-coast-guard-housing-quality-of-life-issues/4278 "2026-09-16T21:50:03Z")
The Coast Guard’s master chief says it’s working with the other services and the Military Spouse Commission to address issues like the Basic Housing Allowance…Lawmakers surface Coast Guard housing, quality-of-life issues… --- ## [Low wages — not refusal to work — driving more eligibility for SNAP, Medicaid](https://www.fedwork.net/t/low-wages-not-refusal-to-work-driving-more-eligibility-for-snap-medicaid/4277)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2026, 9:04pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/low-wages-not-refusal-to-work-driving-more-eligibility-for-snap-medicaid/4277 "2026-09-16T21:04:14Z")
“The bottom line is large employers are paying their employees low enough wages that they are still eligible for public assistance programs,” Kathy Larin said…Low wages — not refusal to work — driving more eligibility fo… --- ## [The Outsourcing Dilemma: Can getting help make government helpless?](https://www.fedwork.net/t/the-outsourcing-dilemma-can-getting-help-make-government-helpless/4276)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2026, 7:10pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/the-outsourcing-dilemma-can-getting-help-make-government-helpless/4276 "2026-09-16T19:10:52Z")
This episode of Fed Thread explores a key question: When does outsourcing capabilities that support agency missions become outsourcing accountability?..The Outsourcing Dilemma: Can getting help make government helpless? … --- ## [Federal retirement claims submitted, in the backlog hit lows for 2026](https://www.fedwork.net/t/federal-retirement-claims-submitted-in-the-backlog-hit-lows-for-2026/4275)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2026, 7:43pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/federal-retirement-claims-submitted-in-the-backlog-hit-lows-for-2026/4275 "2026-09-15T19:43:49Z")
The Office of Personnel Managements says it received only 7,618 retirement claims last month — down from more than 10,000 claims OPM received in July…Federal retirement claims submitted, in the backlog hit lows for 2026 … --- ## [Healthcare affordability series part 8: Enrollment flexibility for two-person families can lead to premium savings](https://www.fedwork.net/t/healthcare-affordability-series-part-8-enrollment-flexibility-for-two-person-families-can-lead-to-premium-savings/4273)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2026, 10:26pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/healthcare-affordability-series-part-8-enrollment-flexibility-for-two-person-families-can-lead-to-premium-savings/4273 "2026-09-14T22:26:47Z")
Most of the time, self-plus-one is cheaper, but there are plans where you’ll save more enrolling as self & family…Healthcare affordability series part 8: Enrollment flexibility for two-person families can lead to premium… --- ## [House Republicans demand fair compensation for more federal law enforcement](https://www.fedwork.net/t/house-republicans-demand-fair-compensation-for-more-federal-law-enforcement/4272)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2026, 3:19pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/house-republicans-demand-fair-compensation-for-more-federal-law-enforcement/4272 "2026-09-14T15:19:30Z")
A letter addressed to the Office of Personnel Management points out discrepancies in how some law enforcement officers are classified for retirement purposes…House Republicans demand fair compensation for more federal la… --- ## [When doing your job isn’t a defense: What feds need to know about professional liability insurance](https://www.fedwork.net/t/when-doing-your-job-isn-t-a-defense-what-feds-need-to-know-about-professional-liability-insurance/4271)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2026, 2:26pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/when-doing-your-job-isn-t-a-defense-what-feds-need-to-know-about-professional-liability-insurance/4271 "2026-09-14T14:26:12Z")
This episode of Fed Thread explores what happens when the government’s interests and yours stop being aligned…When doing your job isn’t a defense: What feds need to know about professional liability insurance | Federal N… --- ## [A Mid-Year Review of Your Sick Leave Accrual – Retirement Planning](https://www.fedwork.net/t/a-mid-year-review-of-your-sick-leave-accrual-retirement-planning/4267)
**Author:** [@DDamp](https://www.fedwork.net/u/DDamp)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2026, 2:08pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/a-mid-year-review-of-your-sick-leave-accrual-retirement-planning/4267 "2026-09-12T14:08:39Z")
Even if you are years away from retirement, watch but don’t obsess over your sick leave balance. If retirement is within striking distance of your retirement date, the math starts to matter. A few extra months of credita… --- ## [The TSP’s F Fund was supposed to offer a little more return in exchange for a little more risk](https://www.fedwork.net/t/the-tsp-s-f-fund-was-supposed-to-offer-a-little-more-return-in-exchange-for-a-little-more-risk/4266)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2026, 6:11pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/the-tsp-s-f-fund-was-supposed-to-offer-a-little-more-return-in-exchange-for-a-little-more-risk/4266 "2026-09-10T18:11:55Z")
“I think most people would be very surprised if we went into a long term where interest rates were declining,” said Arthur Stein…The TSP’s F Fund was supposed to offer a little more return in exchange for a little more r… --- ## [Federal wildland firefighters to continue earning overtime pay](https://www.fedwork.net/t/federal-wildland-firefighters-to-continue-earning-overtime-pay/4263)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2026, 3:35pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/federal-wildland-firefighters-to-continue-earning-overtime-pay/4263 "2026-09-09T15:35:07Z")
The National Federation of Federal Employees is calling for the passage of legislation to permanently scrap the overtime limits…Federal wildland firefighters to continue earning overtime pay | Federal News Network --- ## [Houston, we have a problem: What mission control can teach feds about failure](https://www.fedwork.net/t/houston-we-have-a-problem-what-mission-control-can-teach-feds-about-failure/4262)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2026, 2:31pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/houston-we-have-a-problem-what-mission-control-can-teach-feds-about-failure/4262 "2026-09-09T14:31:09Z")
We tend to think of failure as the opposite of success. But what if success can make failure more likely?..Houston, we have a problem: What mission control can teach feds about failure | Federal News Network --- ## [Turning 65 doesn’t make the choice between Medicare and FEHB any less confusing](https://www.fedwork.net/t/turning-65-doesn-t-make-the-choice-between-medicare-and-fehb-any-less-confusing/4261)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2026, 6:53pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/turning-65-doesn-t-make-the-choice-between-medicare-and-fehb-any-less-confusing/4261 "2026-09-08T18:53:25Z")
“That’s where people get tripped up because no one wants to change their health plan. But sometimes that’s a good time to take a look,” said Tammy Flanagan…Turning 65 doesn’t make the choice between Medicare and FEHB any… --- ## [The Breakthrough Problem: Can government innovate without creating bigger risks?](https://www.fedwork.net/t/the-breakthrough-problem-can-government-innovate-without-creating-bigger-risks/4260)
**Author:** [@FedWork](https://www.fedwork.net/u/FedWork)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2026, 4:17pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/the-breakthrough-problem-can-government-innovate-without-creating-bigger-risks/4260 "2026-09-08T16:17:32Z")
What happens when technology moves faster than the government can govern it?..The Breakthrough Problem: Can government innovate without creating bigger risks? | Federal News Network --- ## [Leave Calculator for Federal Employees](https://www.fedwork.net/t/leave-calculator-for-federal-employees/4258)
**Author:** [@DDamp](https://www.fedwork.net/u/DDamp)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2026, 1:59pm UTC](https://www.fedwork.net/t/leave-calculator-for-federal-employees/4258 "2026-09-08T13:59:24Z")
Tracking your leave balances can become complicated over the course of a federal career. Accrual rates change depending on your years of service, and leave balances change every pay period. Federal leave calculators are … [Previous page](https://www.fedwork.net/c/pay-perks-and-retirement/26.md) [Next page](https://www.fedwork.net/c/pay-perks-and-retirement/26.md?page=2)