Federal employees approaching retirement or following recent workforce developments may have questions about what to expect. In this episode, Dan and Katelyn explain OPM’s retirement process and discuss the recent Schedule Policy/Career changes, including what has and has not changed for federal employees.
Katelyn explains OPM’s retirement processing timeline, including the five stages of the retirement process from separation through final annuity processing. She discusses interim annuity payments, steps employees can take before retiring to help minimize processing delays, and common reasons retirement applications take longer to complete. Katelyn also reviews important considerations involving FEHB, FEGLI, survivor benefit elections, and preparing retirement paperwork before leaving federal service.
Dan discusses Executive Order 14410 and the Schedule Policy/Career designation. He explains which positions may be affected, how the designation could impact certain civil service protections, and what remains unchanged, including FERS, TSP, FEHB, FEGLI, and Social Security benefits under current guidance. Dan also reviews practical financial planning considerations for employees who may be affected and emphasizes the importance of making retirement decisions based on an individual’s circumstances rather than headlines.
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The FedLife Podcast is your in-depth, biweekly deep dive into the world of federal benefits and retirement planning. Hosted by federal benefits expert Ed Zurndorfer and Dan Sipe of Serving Those Who Serve, each 30-minute episode unpacks the complexities of FERS and CSRS retirement, FEHB and Medicare, survivor benefits, tax planning, and more. Designed for federal employees and retirees who want more than just the basics, FedLife goes beyond the headlines to explore the rules, nuances, and strategies that can make a meaningful difference in your retirement. Remember: it’s your Fed life, make it a great one.
The Fed15 Podcast is your weekly 15(ish)-minute briefing on federal benefits and financial planning, built specifically for federal employees and retirees. Hosted by Dan Sipe and Katelyn Murray of Serving Those Who Serve, each episode delivers clear, actionable guidance on topics like FERS and CSRS retirement, TSP strategies, FEHB, survivor benefits, tax planning, and more! Whether you’re five years from retirement or already there, The Fed15 helps you cut through the noise, avoid costly mistakes, and make confident decisions about your federal benefits.
