Browsing: overseas

Q. I am a FERS employee who will be retiring from an overseas base.  I have a balance of 10 days home leave on the books. When I retire, can I use those days by leaving 10 days early back to the U.S.? A. Probably not. According to DOD Subchapter 1260.4.4.3, home leave may be used “only during a period of service abroad when it is contemplated that the employee will return to service abroad upon completion of the home leave period or upon completion of an assignment in the U.S.”

Q. I am 52 years old and on FERS Disability Retirement. If I move to Israel and live there for a few years, would such a move affect my status?  And would my annuity be reduced?  I acknowledge that I must show up to the required medical examinations as stated in my retirement plan.  Would Israeli doctors suffice or must I be at a specific medical facility in the United States? A. Moving to Israel would not affect the amount of your annuity nor would you be required to go to a medical facility in the U.S. All you need…

Q: What advantages, if any, are there for a retired federal employee whose primary residence is Thailand to enroll in Medicare? I am 68 years old, receiving Social Security benefits, and I am enrolled in the Blue Cross federal employee plan. A: Because Medicare generally does not cover health services you get outside the United States, it depends on whether you will be a permanent resident of another country or will be returning periodically to the U.S. At a minimum, you should enroll in Medicare Part A (hospital) because that coverage is free. You already paid for it through payroll…