Why Federal Employees Miscalculate Their FERS Pension

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  • Опубліковано 28 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 117

  • @ZOANOM
    @ZOANOM 11 місяців тому +7

    Not all feds include shift rates in their high 3 calculation. Be sure to note that only those premium pays that have retirement withheld are included. I've worked 40 years of rotating shifts for the FAA, but none of my eve pay or weekend pay is included.

    • @kristopherkrahl1597
      @kristopherkrahl1597 11 місяців тому

      You're not the only one. There are several agencies that don't include any premium pays in the employees retirement calculation...i.e. night differtial, Sunday pay, Holiday pay, etc...

    • @asandrik3124
      @asandrik3124 5 днів тому

      National Weather Service doesn’t as well.

  • @conner1354
    @conner1354 18 днів тому +2

    I caught a mistake on paying off my military service deposit. I disagreed with HR that I owed interest. I was prior civil service in the National Guard. They kept telling me I did not owe any interest. I didn't want any surprises when it came time to retire. Also anytime a SF-50 is issued check it. I have caught errors on them. If you find an error get HR to fix it ASAP.

  • @mryoung8088
    @mryoung8088 8 місяців тому +6

    SCD also shows on your LES

    • @wilsq30
      @wilsq30 7 місяців тому +2

      Yeah, but the RSCD doesn't and that's what counts for retirement.

  • @Gone_Flying
    @Gone_Flying Рік тому +8

    just FYI- You mentioned downloading SF50 to a personal computer instead of work computers. Thats not possible if one uses eOPF as all IP addresses are blocked except for those on Government networks. The only option is to download to the Government computer (remember to remove eOPF password) and email to your personal email.

    • @SpookyEng1
      @SpookyEng1 9 місяців тому +2

      I used the EOPF tool to covert all of my SF50s to 1 pdf, printed and sent to myself.

    • @wilsq30
      @wilsq30 7 місяців тому

      You can also download from a gov computer and email to yourself

    • @Gone_Flying
      @Gone_Flying 7 місяців тому

      @@wilsq30 Yes...I literally said that in my comment!

    • @michellecummings5598
      @michellecummings5598 7 місяців тому

      I attach it to my usajobs account. then I can get it and download at home

    • @dijaworldworld3895
      @dijaworldworld3895 3 дні тому

      @@Gone_Flyinghope you retired cuz your attitude is unfortunate

  • @robjus1601
    @robjus1601 10 місяців тому +3

    How does one dispute a pension determination by OPM?

    • @LadyIgbo
      @LadyIgbo 2 місяці тому +1

      Probably with Merit protection Board. Or federal court

    • @johngrubb5486
      @johngrubb5486 Місяць тому

      I am getting ready to retire next year. I have a divorce and military buy back. I am just going to take what they give me. It has been extremely difficult 28 years of service in DoD and really don't give a Shizz if I get a pension anyway. I have my military, my VA, SSAN, and 401k. I have zero confidence in FSS and OPM. Everyone I have spoken to in FSS could careless about providing any answers for my pre retirement information.

  • @boatlover1875
    @boatlover1875 5 місяців тому +1

    One of the best summaries I've seen on this topic. I retired 10 years ago and was in an LENF position. I did find law enforcement employees tended to be laser focused on these issues being required to retire early. At a minimum, I'd request the certified statement from HR a year before you become eligible to retire to understand what you are going to get and fix any issues before they happen. I worked for three agencies after becoming eligible to retire and HR at all three were more than happy to provide this service. When changing agencies, you also want to make sure your record doesn't get messed up in the transition. I still have a folder with every form 50 I received in 29 years. Taxes are a huge deal. I was chasing taxes for 10 years, particularly federal. I retired at 54. Worked part time a bit later then got married to someone making a good salary a few years later and then decided to start taking social security right at 62. I found the easiest way to adjust was changing my FEHB withholding each year. SSA limits the max you can for federal taxes which I took but a much lower percentage is what they start you with if your not paying attention.

  • @terryneal5569
    @terryneal5569 11 місяців тому +2

    Do I understand night differential and Sunday premium should be in the calculation?

    • @ZOANOM
      @ZOANOM 11 місяців тому

      Check your LES to see if your retirement is withheld from just your base pay or if it is withheld from the amount that includes Sunday pay.

    • @MyJeffrey1970
      @MyJeffrey1970 9 місяців тому

      NO

    • @ZOANOM
      @ZOANOM 9 місяців тому

      @@MyJeffrey1970How do you know? It depends on which Agency someone works for and whether retirement funds are withheld from their shift work or other premium pay.

  • @jonmariejacobs8887
    @jonmariejacobs8887 6 днів тому

    What is an SF50 and where do you get this?

  • @HerbWalker
    @HerbWalker 11 місяців тому +2

    I am 68 yrs old now and was with TSA from 2002 till 2014 when I was injured an placed on OWCP in Texas, How can I figure for my retirement then. My HR at TSA says Im no longer on the books. :) Thanks

    • @planyourfederalretirement
      @planyourfederalretirement  9 місяців тому

      We don't specialize in Disability-related retirements, so I would recommend finding someone who does. There are unique rules related to disability retirement that you will want to ensure are double-checked.

    • @David-cv3bp
      @David-cv3bp 5 місяців тому

      Do you still receive some type of monthly pay?

  • @pattyk8594
    @pattyk8594 7 місяців тому +3

    Great video thank you!

    • @planyourfederalretirement
      @planyourfederalretirement  7 місяців тому

      Our pleasure! We work with a lot of Federal employees who have been searching for information just like this online and are unsure what is accurate. Happy to provide information like this from licensed financial advisors who specialize in understanding federal benefits.

  • @josephpilkus1127
    @josephpilkus1127 10 днів тому

    Great video! Quick question, not covered here...does OPM use the location where you earned your High 3 or is based on your last location? My High 3 as a GS 14 in D.C. years ago differs from Philadelphia, the location from which I'm retiring.

  • @jeffreymicher510
    @jeffreymicher510 4 дні тому

    I have a question about high 3 salary. We usually get a raise every January. If I wait until February to retire, will that January raise be part of my high 3? In other words, does the last year of the high three have to be worked in full?

  • @jaime3595
    @jaime3595 10 місяців тому +1

    Is there a maximum percentage from FERS, example, 20 years service plus 22 years military (buyback), is 42 years of credible service used for the calculation?

    • @paulmartinez471
      @paulmartinez471 10 місяців тому

      Yes

    • @paulmartinez471
      @paulmartinez471 10 місяців тому

      Yes your 42 years will count. I knew of a guy who retired with 50 years of service.

    • @David-cv3bp
      @David-cv3bp 5 місяців тому

      The answer is No there is no max years, that was under the old CSRS retirement where your pay was maxed at 80% if I remember correctly. For the military buyback, it must be active time only. If you have retired Active duty pension, make sure to double check the figures because you will have to give up the Active Duty pension.

  • @66pacesetter
    @66pacesetter 10 місяців тому +1

    So I thought taxes were calculated with the full Gross amount. So they are calculated after survivor benefits?

    • @David-cv3bp
      @David-cv3bp 5 місяців тому

      You never actually see the amount paid for survivor benefit nowhere in your retirement payment monthly

  • @stellah1643
    @stellah1643 10 місяців тому

    Great info, thanks!

    • @planyourfederalretirement
      @planyourfederalretirement  10 місяців тому

      Happy to provide content like this. In fact, it is kind of what gets us out of bed in the morning! We love talking to Feds and helping them navigate their complex benefits.

  • @BoomerLeo-ij7iu
    @BoomerLeo-ij7iu 7 місяців тому +3

    Department of Defense calculated my service at 20 years, 19days, plus another 24 days of sick leave for a total of 20yrs, 1mo, 13 days. OPM mailed my retirement letter and said I only had 19 years 10 months. Since I served from 12 Jan 2004 to 31 Jan 2024, I thought this seemed like a pretty simple calculation. I realize the two weeks at the end didn't count for anything, but January to January sure seems like a pretty easy, 20 year calculation. That difference of 1% versus 1.1% is huge when I'm gone and my wife depends on it. Is there anything special I need to do on appeal? Should I hire an attorney?

    • @planyourfederalretirement
      @planyourfederalretirement  6 місяців тому

      You will want to review your SF 50s to make sure that during your career, you were paying into FERS for that entire time. If yes, then you will want to look at submitting an appeal to recalculate your benefits with OPM.

    • @BoomerLeo-ij7iu
      @BoomerLeo-ij7iu 6 місяців тому +1

      All straight time from start to finish and backed up with paperwork from DoD showing it. I filed an appeal so hopefully that will be the end of it. It has got multiple personnel from our interagency advisory team (FBI, DoD and others) running scared.

    • @LadyIgbo
      @LadyIgbo 2 місяці тому +2

      @@BoomerLeo-ij7iuwho did you file an appeal with I need to also

    • @BoomerLeo-ij7iu
      @BoomerLeo-ij7iu 15 днів тому

      @@LadyIgbo When they turn down your first appeal, OPM gives you a chance to 'appeal' the appeal, but the second time it's not called an appeal and the office and procedure are all outlined in the your first denial letter. Mine is still in the process and in the hands of God now. I keep praying about it because it will affect my wife negatively for possibly another forty years given her family's female longevity history. . :(

  • @haley5450
    @haley5450 Місяць тому

    thank you so much! So helpful.

    • @planyourfederalretirement
      @planyourfederalretirement  26 днів тому

      Of course! We love talking to Federal Employees about their FERS benefits. That is one of the reasons we LOVE to get questions like these so that you, as a Federal employee, can have a licensed, educated professional give you their opinion on what is important to understand before making decisions.

  • @sofiodotcom
    @sofiodotcom 11 місяців тому

    It occurred to me that the months where we received 3 checks instead of 2 would always be the highest earning months. If the months do not have to be consecutive, would they include all of the 3 check months in the High Average? I think not, but curious what you make of this line of reasoning

    • @planyourfederalretirement
      @planyourfederalretirement  9 місяців тому

      Thank you for the clarification.
      Your high 3 is based on an average of your annual basic pay over any period of 3 consecutive years of creditable service.
      The month with three paychecks doesn't influence your annual basic pay.

  • @wallys7016
    @wallys7016 9 місяців тому +1

    Two questions: how far out and how often can you request a certified summary? If I don’t elect survivor benefit can I still get FEHB for my spouse? If no, why not what does FEHB have to do with pension?

    • @Fedupgarbageguy
      @Fedupgarbageguy 4 місяці тому

      With respect to your second question, the regulations state that spouse can continue access to FEHB provided the federal worker elects full or partial survivor benefit. Because it is a rule, there is no answer to "why not?". Practically speaking, FEHB premiums are deducted from your pension check.

    • @LadyIgbo
      @LadyIgbo 2 місяці тому

      Yes you can also your Husband will have to sign a paper stating he doesn’t want Survivor payments coming out

  • @sS-fs8pn
    @sS-fs8pn 11 місяців тому +1

    If I am 61 with 30+ years, does my sick leave add strictly to time in grade and not impact the needed age of 62 to get the 1.1%? In other words, regardless of sick leave balance I must reach age 62 then retire to get the 10% bump?

    • @stephendove2850
      @stephendove2850 11 місяців тому +2

      Yes

    • @planyourfederalretirement
      @planyourfederalretirement  11 місяців тому +5

      Yes, in order to get the 1.1% multiplier, you MUST retire at 62 or later with 20 years of service. Sick leave will add to your creditable service, but you have to retire at 62 or later to get the 1.1% multiplier.

    • @timdenny1991
      @timdenny1991 26 днів тому

      ​@@planyourfederalretirementwhat happens if I retire at 62 with 10 years of service? Do I get only the 1% multiplier? Or, do I need 20 years?

  • @StayUplifted
    @StayUplifted 10 місяців тому

    What causes the difference between SCD and RSCD? I would imagine one would want to maximize RSCD. How do you maximize it? just contributing to FERS?

  • @charliehicks12
    @charliehicks12 4 місяці тому

    Can you please entertain a question about High-3 calculation? If I had substantial periods of LWOP during a period that would normally be my highest three years of service, is the calculation based on actual pay received vice my salary rate during the period? I was classified full-time throughout my career.

    • @planyourfederalretirement
      @planyourfederalretirement  3 місяці тому

      You can take up to 6 months per year of LWOP without it affecting your retirement or High 3. Longer than 6 months of LWOP in a year will reduce the benefits.

  • @stephendibari5010
    @stephendibari5010 8 місяців тому +1

    About 10 years ago I had about 100 hours of LWOP. Sounds like that gets reduced from my credible years of service. Do I have to contact someone at ABC to determine how many hours of LWOP I actually took?

    • @planyourfederalretirement
      @planyourfederalretirement  7 місяців тому +1

      LWOP fewer than 6 months in a year will have the full amount credited towards FERS.

  • @mikadee7229
    @mikadee7229 5 місяців тому

    how do they calculate night shift differentials in the retirement estimate?

    • @planyourfederalretirement
      @planyourfederalretirement  4 місяці тому

      In general, your basic pay used to calculate your High 3 will only include your salary/hourly rate plus locality. It will not include the night shift differential.

    • @lhpeterparker
      @lhpeterparker 4 місяці тому

      @@planyourfederalretirement Not entirely true. For GS employees night diff is not included, but with BB or WB it is. An easy way to tell is to look at the FERS deduction amount and divide that by the percentage you are charged. You are only charged on your earnings that count towards your base pay. Check this on a PP that has night diff and you will know. Another way is to check your TSP 1% match amount and divide by 1%

    • @LadyIgbo
      @LadyIgbo 2 місяці тому

      @@planyourfederalretirementhow do you know if they added the locality pay. USzpS

  • @PacNW
    @PacNW 7 місяців тому +1

    Your Retirement Service Computation Date (RSCD) is also noted in your myEPP page under Home>Personal Info>Miscellaneous. You will lose access to myEPP after 90 days following separation from federal service.

    • @pamelar.edwards2617
      @pamelar.edwards2617 5 місяців тому

      I work for the federal govt but I'm not aware of myEPP. Where can I find this?

  • @user-ds1xu9bt1g
    @user-ds1xu9bt1g 10 місяців тому +1

    I have 6 years of active civilian service in the Federal System and I'm going to buy three years of my military serive... which gives me 9 years of Federal Service at the age of 62. Will I be able to maintain Healthcare Service for my wife and I?

    • @Roadrunnerhenry
      @Roadrunnerhenry 9 місяців тому +2

      As long as you have it for 5 years prior to retirement you can keep it, but check with your HR department

  • @therealMelB
    @therealMelB 2 місяці тому

    I just found out my conversion to FERS regular retirement is being reduced by more than HALF of what my disability retirement was!
    How is that possible? I am NOT social security so no reduction there. I have more then 20 yrs.
    They told me they would calculate my disability as close to what I would have at 62, apparently they messed up BIG TIME!
    What are my options?

    • @LadyIgbo
      @LadyIgbo 2 місяці тому

      Regular Retirement I don’t think there’s reduction And there is reduction for each year you are under age 62 unless you are 50 yrs old with 25 years. I believe. So you may need to find another fed job for 5 more years Not making over That monthly threshold.. also. You supposed to still be getting that SSA disability until you are 62 U need to Contact OPM

    • @planyourfederalretirement
      @planyourfederalretirement  Місяць тому

      I'm sorry to hear that... Sometimes HR / OPM gives the wrong information, and sometimes they make mistakes. If you feel it has been a mistake, it might be worth submitting an appeal and getting someone involved who understands a FERS Disability retirement benefits.

  • @etsout
    @etsout Рік тому

    What is survivor benefits?

    • @Xinerius
      @Xinerius 10 місяців тому

      Deduction so that if you die, your spouse would keep getting a 25% or 50%of the pension depends on deduct 5% or 10%. You can opt-out if your spouse agree to sign for it, or if you are not married.

  • @michaelharrigan9602
    @michaelharrigan9602 4 місяці тому

    Wg 8 employee on annuity for 30 years going to be 62 next year please help

  • @patrickoconnor7890
    @patrickoconnor7890 2 місяці тому

    I had an on the job injury and was on owcp for just about a year. I understand there is an enhanced annuity of 0.1 for people in my position because I couldn't contribute to tsp or SS. How do I make sure OPM factors that in?

    • @planyourfederalretirement
      @planyourfederalretirement  13 днів тому

      There is a law from 2003 for a 1 percent annuity enhancement for certain FERS employees who had periods of LWOP without working. You will want to make sure you meet the criteria. Contact your HR or OPM to see if those benefits were applied.

    • @patrickoconnor7890
      @patrickoconnor7890 13 днів тому

      Thank you, HR says it's not up to them to document it. I have a feeling I I to fight them on this

    • @patrickoconnor7890
      @patrickoconnor7890 13 днів тому

      *HR

  • @markmullen9286
    @markmullen9286 2 місяці тому

    Very difficult to get anyone on the phone at OPM Retirement Services. Recording states lines are busy call back later. I call back later and get the same recording for over a week. Very frustrating. I have 17 years (including 2 years military active duty service) civilian service with 3 different agencies and separated in 2006. I am 58 years old and am starting to plan for retirement. Who should I talk to ?

    • @LadyIgbo
      @LadyIgbo 2 місяці тому

      Apply with military and Employer they will contact OPM

    • @LadyIgbo
      @LadyIgbo 2 місяці тому

      Shouldn’t you apply at your job than send to OPM

    • @planyourfederalretirement
      @planyourfederalretirement  Місяць тому

      That is very frustrating... OPM will be a good resource and point of contact for processing your retirement. If you would like help planning if you are financially ready to retire, consider booking a consultation with one of our FERS financial advisors through the following link - zurl.co/Njnh

  • @yanmcrae6106
    @yanmcrae6106 5 місяців тому

    Hmm, at 57 I will be at MRA + 10, with 20 years of service...but 15 years at full-time and 5 years at 1/2 time. I hope to retire at that point, with sick leave it will push be out to 20.5 years at least. I will postpone the pension until I can start it at age 60, without reduction. Am I correct in assuming that my multiplier wiltt be approx. 0.75%. So 20.5 x High 3 x 0.75% ?

    • @planyourfederalretirement
      @planyourfederalretirement  4 місяці тому +1

      They will take your total hours worked over your career and divide it by the total hours you could have worked as Full-time to find your proration factor for your multiplier. Assuming the 5 years you had of Part-time was only 20 hours a week (half time), then yes, then that approximate estimate of your multiplier would be close. Of course, getting a Certified Summary of Federal Service and retirement estimates would be wise.

  • @appleblows1
    @appleblows1 10 місяців тому

    You can’t keep your health insurance unless you do 62+20?

    • @planyourfederalretirement
      @planyourfederalretirement  9 місяців тому

      To keep FEHB into retirement, you have two requirements:
      1) Be enrolled in FEHB at least 5 years prior to separation from service.
      2) Retire with the eligibility of an immediate pension.
      This would be MRA with 30 years of service, age 60 with 20 years of service, or age 62 with 5 years of service.

  • @wallys7016
    @wallys7016 9 місяців тому

    Doesn’t include OT? Thought the first $22,500 of $45,000 counted towards retirement as a CBP officer?

    • @planyourfederalretirement
      @planyourfederalretirement  8 місяців тому +2

      There are no rules for how far out you can request a Certified Summary of Federal Service - generally, it's a good idea to request it within about 5 years of retiring. If you do not leave your spouse a Survivor benefit, then they would be covered under FEHB while you are alive, but if you passed away, they would not be able to keep it.

    • @David-cv3bp
      @David-cv3bp 5 місяців тому

      What are you asking?

  • @etsout
    @etsout Рік тому

    Does active duty time from the national guard count towards federal retirement or state retirement?

    • @terryneal5569
      @terryneal5569 11 місяців тому +2

      I think if you call HR they will send you a form to send into your branches finance to buy the service back. I am almost positive if you were activated the time can count but you have to buy it back, it is cheap and worth it usually.

    • @etsout
      @etsout 11 місяців тому

      @@terryneal5569 Thank you.

    • @planyourfederalretirement
      @planyourfederalretirement  11 місяців тому +2

      Active duty time with the National Guard can be bought back and counted towards the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS).

    • @etsout
      @etsout 11 місяців тому

      @@planyourfederalretirement Thank you!

  • @TheMateo2008
    @TheMateo2008 6 місяців тому

    Greetings. I want to retire as soon as possible but I’m 57 years with 25 years of service and 600 hours of Sick Leave. Can you help me.

    • @planyourfederalretirement
      @planyourfederalretirement  6 місяців тому

      We would love to have you schedule with one of our financial planners that specializes in federal benefits. Please contact our office using the form found on our website - zurl.co/9QXt - and our office will call you to get scheduled!

  • @johngrubb5486
    @johngrubb5486 Місяць тому

    I am 63 and plan to retire in 2025. I work in DoD USAF. I asked FSS for a CSFS three weeks ago. FSS said they will not complete a CSFS until I submit my resignation ltr and my supervisor submits my SF -50 for retirement. The regulation says they should, however, USAF FSS said they are too busy and they will not complete a CSFS. They advised me to just use the GRB as they will be close enough. Everyone, just be prepared for real hard push back from FSS. Also, once FSS completes the retirement package, it is then sent to OPM to validate and go over legal to evaluate divorce decree DD and any CPAP. Last, I learned that as last night as your DD provides FERs pension, date of marriage to date of divorce, and formula i.e. Woodward, then a COAP is not required. Putting my seatbelt on and getting ready for a Shizz show!!

  • @Buckeye91744
    @Buckeye91744 11 місяців тому

    I have 31 years of service and 57 years old. Will I get 1.1%?

    • @paulmartinez471
      @paulmartinez471 10 місяців тому +3

      You will get the 1.1 after you reach 62 years

    • @planyourfederalretirement
      @planyourfederalretirement  10 місяців тому

      In order to get the 1.1% multiplier, you must retire at age 62 with 20 years (or more) of creditable service.

    • @David-cv3bp
      @David-cv3bp 5 місяців тому +1

      You are eligible for an immediate retirement annuity (pension), but it is at 1% a year

    • @theresafrelix4878
      @theresafrelix4878 5 місяців тому

      No​@@paulmartinez471

    • @swims10
      @swims10 3 місяці тому

      @@paulmartinez471 incorrect

  • @cmdrbozo
    @cmdrbozo 17 днів тому +1

    The correct term is "creditable service," not "credible service" 😅

  • @michealsizemore1
    @michealsizemore1 4 місяці тому

    My SCD shows 10/20/2012, which is impossible because I did not retire from military active duty until August of 2016. These HR folks need some training...lol

  • @LadyIgbo
    @LadyIgbo 2 місяці тому

    I have a USC 1001 on my Form 50. And they haven’t sent me a Form 50 since 2003, they have me in a Special Retirement. I’m near my Retire Compute Date 2025. Also. They taking an Overpayment from from because I won Back pay from SSA . I said. But I weren’t receiving Consequtive payments from Both of You … I feel this is Illegal

  • @HermanRuizTorrez
    @HermanRuizTorrez 5 місяців тому

    My my it's here the last years,,,,,,,

  • @Obamaistoast2012
    @Obamaistoast2012 3 дні тому

    No one should ever be a federal employee long enough to get a pension.