WH proposes deep cuts to fed agencies, pensions—and unions, experts push back

The White House May 23 issued its official fiscal year 2018 budget proposal—and even more graphically than the outline issued back in March, the full budget proposal promises to take away an unprecedented amount of money from federal employees. View More

Federal Benefits Q&A

Question: I was a civilian federal employee from Sep. 4, 2012 to Nov. 1, 2015. I bought back three years of military time during the above time period. I re-entered civilian federal service Jan. 9, 2017. In looking at my LES, I noticed I was paying $107 in retirement as opposed to the $17 I paid in my previous stint. HR is telling me that I am enrolled in FERS-FRAE and am not eligible for my old retirement program. Over 20 years, this is a $40,000 to $60,000 issue. Do I have any options here?" View More

If I leave federal service before becoming eligible to retire, can get back the money I paid into the retirement system?Apr 06, 2014

Yes, but this may be your best choice only if you have fewer than five years of service time creditable toward a federal annuity and do not expect to return to government employment in the future. View More

Can I take early retirement if I otherwise would be RIF’d?Apr 06, 2014

You might be eligible for “discontinued service” retirement, which has the same qualifications rules as early retirement: at least age 50 with at least 20 years of creditable service, or any age with at least 25 years of service. View More

Is unused annual leave creditable under CSRS?Feb 11, 2015

How does the standard CSRS annuity formula work?Feb 11, 2015

What happens if my designated survivor dies before I do?Apr 06, 2014

How do CSRS benefits increase after retirement?Apr 06, 2014

What if I have a CSRS component to my annuity?Apr 06, 2014

What level of benefits can I leave to my surviving spouse?Apr 06, 2014

What is the maximum annuity I can earn under CSRS?Apr 06, 2014

Who is subject to mandatory retirement under CSRS?Apr 06, 2014

What are the eligibility rules for disability retirement under CSRS?Apr 06, 2014

Is the survivor benefit the same if I am retired on disability?Apr 06, 2014

Is military service creditable under CSRS?Apr 06, 2014

What type of service is creditable as civilian service under CSRS?Apr 06, 2014

What are the standard age and service combinations to retire under CSRS?Apr 06, 2014

How are benefits for CSRS “special group” employees calculated?Apr 06, 2014

Is unused sick leave creditable under CSRS?Apr 06, 2014

What are “voluntary contributions” to retirement?Apr 06, 2014

What are the age and service combinations to retire early under CSRS?Apr 06, 2014

What benefits are payable to my surviving children?Apr 06, 2014

When does an annuity begin?Apr 06, 2014

Can I leave a survivor annuity to someone other than a spouse?Apr 06, 2014

What reductions might apply to my benefit?Apr 06, 2014

How are CSRS disability benefits computed?Apr 06, 2014

Who is covered by the Civil Service Retirement System?Apr 06, 2014

What are the deferred retirement rules for CSRS?Apr 06, 2014

What are lump-sum death benefit payments?Apr 06, 2014

Do I have to leave a spousal survivor benefit?Apr 06, 2014

What is CSRS discontinued service retirement?Apr 06, 2014

What is CSRS Offset?Apr 06, 2014