Federal Pension Advice and Insights

Dec 22, 2025

The federal pay raise 2026 has now been finalized, ending months of uncertainty for federal employees who closely monitor annual pay decisions. On December 18, Donald Trump signed an executive order confirming a 1% across-the-board pay increase for most civilian federal employees, marking the smallest federal pay adjustment since 2021.‍This decision follows an alternative pay plan issued earlier in August, which also proposed a 1% increase for civilian employees in 2026 signaling a consistent approach to restrained pay growth rather than a last-minute revision.

Dec 19, 2025

The smartest move to submit retirement paperwork before the year's end is to start early and stay methodical. Most federal employees should begin the process 90 to 120 days before their planned retirement date. ‍This window gives you enough time to coordinate with your human resources office, access your agency’s retirement system or portal, such as Aura, gather all required documents, and fix any gaps before deadlines close. You also need to stay alert during Open Season so your health benefits elections do not conflict with your retirement processing.‍

Dec 18, 2025

The Deferred Resignation Program (DRP) has become a material factor in federal retirement timing. Although the program was not designed as a retirement incentive, its structure allows some employees to extend creditable service and maintain benefits long enough to reach statutory retirement thresholds. At the same time, DRP participation has contributed to a significant increase in retirement application volume and has introduced additional planning risks related to benefit continuity, separation timing, and retirement processing delays. This article explains how DRP affects federal retirement timelines, what it provides during the deferred period, where it can improve outcomes, and where it creates measurable risk.

Dec 16, 2025

As 2025 draws to a close, federal employees are navigating year-end administrative priorities against a backdrop of significant shifts in retirement processing, workforce dynamics, and legislative activity affecting federal benefits.Retirement application volumes are at historic highs. According to the most recent Office of Personnel Management (OPM) data, the inventory of retirement applications awaiting finalization is approaching 50,000, nearly triple the backlog at this time last year — a trend driven by increased retirements and major workforce transitions across the federal government. 

Dec 15, 2025

In early 2025, federal employees and retirees faced significant uncertainty as Congress debated major changes to federal retirement and health benefits.

Dec 12, 2025

The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is the federal government’s primary retirement savings program for federal employees and members of the uniformed services. Established by Congress and overseen by the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, the TSP functions similarly to a private-sector 401(k), allowing participants to contribute a portion of each paycheck toward retirement on a tax-advantaged basis.

Dec 12, 2025

Disabled veterans can qualify for life insurance even with a VA disability rating from 0% to 100%.

Dec 11, 2025

The federal government has officially reopened after 43 days, marking the longest shutdown in U.S. history. But while agencies are back at work, the policy dispute that triggered the shutdown remains unresolved

Dec 9, 2025

Health coverage is one of the most important parts of a federal retirement plan, yet many employees give it far less attention than their pension or TSP. FEHB is available to most full-time federal workers while they are employed, but only those who meet specific requirements are allowed to keep it in retirement. This is where confusion begins. Employees often assume FEHB automatically carries over, when in reality the rules around enrollment history, retirement type, and timing determine lifelong eligibility.According to OPM, FEHB covers over 8.2 million federal employees, retirees, and dependents, but not everyone in that group qualifies to keep coverage after retirement. We’ve seen many employees overlook key details—such as the five-year rule or the impact of Medicare choices until they’re only months away from retiring. These misunderstandings are common, and addressing them early can prevent costly surprises.

Dec 8, 2025

Losing someone is hard enough. Trying to understand what to do with their retirement accounts in the middle of all that is even harder

Dec 5, 2025

If you’re a federal employee or retiree, FEHB and retirement go hand in hand. In 2025, though, the conversation feels more urgent.

Dec 4, 2025

Federal Benefits Open Season 2025 is your once-a-year chance to clean up, upgrade, or simplify your federal benefits for the 2026 plan year.