Q: I worked for the Navy as a civilian from December 1985 to November 1996. I did not remove my funds from the Navy, other than my TSP which was rolled into a 401(k). How can I find out what my benefit will be? I have sent numerous requests to the National Personnel Records Center for copies of my documents. I don’t know what my final high-3 salary was, or my actual creditable service. I have also contacted OPM in writing. I have the opportunity to buy my public service time in my current retirement system, but am unable to…
Monthly Archives: February, 2011
Q: Are there any plans for FEHB to offer self+1 coverage? This coverage is offered for vision and dental, but not health. A: To do that would require a change in the law. I’m not aware that anyone is considering that.
Q: Due to a workplace injury I sustained in 2009, I have been receiving FECA pay and benefits from OWCP. In 2009 I had a total of 280 annual leave hours. However, NFC now reflects that I have a total of 240 hours. I don’t think I should be penalized for losing 40 hours of leave since I have been out on workers’ compensation. A: Sorry, but it’s the law. Your maximum annual leave carryover from one year to the next is 240 hours.
Q: I am a Vietnam vet and receive disability payments from the VA based on the illnesses caused by Agent Orange. I was rated at 50 percent. I was in the Army for three years. I also plan to apply for Social Security disability due to other disabilities that are not service related. Will my benefits from the VA be reduced because I do this? A: No.
Q: I am a FERS employee planning to retire on Dec. 31, 2011 — the last day of the leave year and also the last day of the final pay period for 2011. I planned on doing this per the Nov. 15, 2010 column referencing “Advantages to retiring in 2010 and 2011” … i.e. I plan on maxing out my annual leave at 448 hours. While filling out the SF 3107 I came across Sect B, block 2 — “Date of final separation” — which was defined by the BEST counselor as “the date you put on the SF 3107…
Q: I have been on disability retirement for 4 1/2 years. I worked for the USPS for 28.6 years. I am able to work but can’t do the required lifting 70 pounds, pushing and pulling. I can do everything else. How do I apply for a position? I am now 58. A: There are two ways you can apply for a position. You can go to the personnel office at your former activity or you can go to the Postal Service’s website at www.usps.com/employment/welcome.htm.
Q: I will be 50 on June 29. If DOJ has a VSIP before my birthday but in the year of my birthday, can I take early retirement? A: No.
Q: I have 31 years of federal service and am eligible for retirement under CSRS. When did BCBS federal switch to “standard and basic” options versus “standard and high” options? I have always had the standard family option since I married in 1985 and have paid the lesser of the two premiums. I just noticed I pay the higher premium now. I didn’t realize there was a “basic” option available and I didn’t have it. A: That change happened 10 years ago and was highlighted both in OPM’s open season material and in the plan literature sent to enrollees by…
Q: I plan to retire from Defense Department in four years when I turn 60. At that time I will have 25 years of creditable service. I received a CSRS Offset Retirement Estimate from my personnel office. I owe $8,500 of unpaid CSRS redeposit. I’m trying to determine whether to pay it back now or just have it taken out monthly when I start receiving my retirement. The projection shows they would deduct $71 per month from my annuity. I have to give 50 percent of my retirement annuity to my former husband. I don’t really want to take $8,500…
Q: I am a retired CSRS federal employee with 35 years of service. I also earned 40 quarters under Social Security and receive about half of the Social Security benefit I would get if I were not getting CSRS retirement pay. My wife did not work enough to have 40 quarters, but I understand that she is entitled to half my Social Security benefit. Is she entitled to half my nonreduced Social Security, or half my reduced Social Security? A: Her spousal Social Security benefit would be half of your reduced Social Security benefit. If you were to die first,…