Q. I am a civil service retiree and never paid into Social Security. But my wife worked and did pay into Social Security. She is now collecting her benefits and started at age 62. Will I be able to collect any money from my wife’s benefits at age 66?
Author Reg Jones
Reg Jones
Reg Jones was head of retirement and insurance policy at the Office of Personnel Management. Email your retirement-related questions to fedexperts@federaltimes.com.
Q. Would a person who received a CSRS refund after 20 years of service at the U.S. Postal Service be subject to the Windfall Elimination Provision at age 62?
Q. My mom just passed on. She was receiving a disability annuity. When we checked with OPM, we were shocked to find out they had taken all of her retirement contributions and used it for her disability payments. Is this really what happened? A. In all likelihood, yes. Annuity payments to retirees — whether regular or disability — initially come from the contributions employees made to the retirement system while they were working. Only when that money runs out does the government begin making those payments out of the retirement fund. A retiree who worked full time for an entire…
Q. I have worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs for 25 years, and I have always has Self Plus One coverage (no dependents). For several years I’ve been enrolled in the AvMed self and family health plan because it didn’t have the option for a Self Plus One plan. After realizing the increased premium, I asked human resources about it, who said OPM created a Self Plus One option in 2015. Since there is only one additional member (my spouse) who has legally used my health benefits, I am requesting a refund for the difference in premiums paid over the past…
Q. I’ll retire in December 2016 with 30 years at the U.S. Postal Service. I don’t want to keep my basic life insurance. If I cancel that, will my FEHB benefits also be canceled?
Q. Is the High-3 only up to the pay cap? Does the pay cap even matter when determining the High-3?
Q. How does one calculate top three? Is that the amount you make annually for the last three years of your top salary? For example: .01 x $62,000 x 20 (with $62,000 being the average of one’s top 3).
Q. Can I cancel my current FEHB plan and enroll in a private insurance plan if the FEHB plans do not meet my needs?
Q. Can I elect a survivor benefit in any amount, or does it have to be the 100 percent or 50 percent that is always talked about?
Q. If I buy back my military time, will it count, and is it calculated under my FERS covered service? Will it be included in my FERS supplement check? I’m a postal employee that started in 1986. I was in the military from 1981-1985.