SEPT
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COVER STORY
CHANGING THE SCENERY
TRANSFERRING BETWEEN FEDERAL AGENCIES
Volume 94 • Number 9
PIECING TOGETHER YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY (PART TWO)
2018 ELECTION RESULTS SECOND BALLOT ENCLOSED (FOR ELIGIBLE VOTERS)
Federal Employee Program
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S EP T
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SPECIAL
6
2018 NARFE Election
WASHINGTON WATCH
30
12
President Trump Releases Government Reorganization Plan
13
FY19 Appropriations Update
16
Postal Reform Legislation Reintroduced
17
Department of Labor Fiduciary Rule Struck Down
18
Advocacy After August: Grassroots Advocacy Year-Round
19
NARFE Bill Tracker
COVER STORY TRANSFERRING BETWEEN FEDERAL AGENCIES. Learn about how to change federal agencies successfully when you want to work somewhere else within the federal government.
COLUMNS
4
From the President
44 Managing Money
36
PIECING TOGETHER YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY: PART TWO. The discussion of Social Security continues with some additional rules for people to keep in mind.
52 For the Record
www.narfe.org
54 Member Perks
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK:
@narfehq
Alzheimer’s Update
48 NARFE News
VISIT US ONLINE AT:
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
22 Questions & Answers 46
On the Web
NARFE National Headquarters
DEPARTMENTS
ON THE COVER
56 The Way We Worked
Illustration by GRAPHEK W W W. N A R F E . O R G
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SEPTEMBER 2018 | Volume 94 | Number 9
EDITOR Helen Mosher ASSISTANT EDITOR Christopher Johnson COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT Precious Dorch-Robinson GRAPHIC DESIGN GRAPHEK EDITORIAL BOARD Richard G. Thissen, Jon Dowie, Barbara Sido EDITORIAL OFFICE: NARFE Magazine 606 North Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 Phone: 703-838-7760 Fax: 703-838-7781 Email: communications@narfe.org ADVERTISING SALES: Warren Berger Media People Inc. 122 East 42nd St., Suite 1622 New York, NY 10168 Phone: 212-779-7172, ext. 223 Email: wberger@mediapeople.com
NARFE FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED ON THE TELEPHONE: This publication can be heard on the telephone by persons who have trouble seeing or reading the print edition. For more information, contact the National Federation of the Blind NFB-NEWSLINE® service at 866-5047300 or go to www.nfbnewsline.org. ON DIGITAL AUDIO: Issues of NARFE Magazine are also available in audio format through the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS). For availability, call 202-727-2142 or your local NLS service provider. The Association, since July 1970, has been classified by the IRS as a tax-exempt labor organization [not a union]; however, dues and gifts or contributions to the Association are not deductible as charitable contributions for income tax purposes.
National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association NATIONAL OFFICERS RICHARD G. THISSEN, President; natpres@narfe.org JON DOWIE, Secretary/Treasurer; natsectreas@narfe.org EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BARBARA SIDO, execdir@narfe.org
REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS
REGION I James P. Crawford (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont) TEL: 603-630-5191 EMAIL: crawfordjim62@gmail.com REGION II Evelyn Kirby (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania) TEL: 410-604-1141 EMAIL: ekirby@atlanticbb.net REGION III Clarence Robinson (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands) CELL: 404-312-8028 EMAIL: crobin8145@att.net
REGION VI Marshall L. Richards (Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Republic of Panama and Texas) TEL: 903-660-2784 EMAIL: pappysdad@cobridge.tv REGION VII Rodney L. Adelman (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming) TEL: 623-505-4719 EMAIL: narfe7vp@cox.net REGION VIII Helen L. Zajac (California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada and Republic of Philippines) TEL: 707-644-7565 EMAIL: HLZajac125@gmail.com
REGION IV Edward J. Konys (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin) TEL: 937-470-0566 EMAIL: region4vp@gmail.com
REGION IX Richard Wilson (Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington) TEL: 253-210-5609, CELL: 425-736-6899 EMAIL: narfe1404@comcast.net
REGION V Carol R. Ek (Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota) TEL: 620-241-1131, CELL: 620-504-2202 EMAIL: ek617@att.net
REGION X William Shackelford (Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia) TEL: 703-830-6590, CELL: 703-201-6304 EMAIL: wshack1951@aol.com
HERE’S HOW TO CONTACT US…
TO JOIN NARFE, RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP OR FIND A LOCAL CHAPTER:
CALL (TOLL-FREE) 800-456-8410 OR GO TO www.narfe.org TO CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER OR EMAIL LISTING:
CALL (TOLL-FREE) 800-456-8410 EMAIL memberrecords@narfe.org OR GO TO www.narfe.org, log in and click on “Update My Record”
TO REACH A FEDERAL BENEFITS SPECIALIST:
EMAIL fedbenefits@narfe.org NARFE HEADQUARTERS
606 N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-838-7760 Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. ET
www.narfe.org
narfe (ISSN 1948-4453) is published monthly by the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE), 606 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, VA, and additional mailing offices. Members: Annual dues includes subscription. Nonmember subscription rate $40. Postmaster: Send address change to: NARFE Attn: Member Records, 606 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314. To ensure prompt delivery, members should also forward changes of address without delay. Because of the volume involved, NARFE cannot acknowledge nor be responsible for unsolicited pictures and manuscripts, although every reasonable precaution is taken. All submissions become the property of NARFE. Copyright © 2018, NARFE. Advertisements in the magazine are not endorsements of products and/or services by NARFE, unless officially stated in the ad. We shall accept advertising on the same basis as other reputable publications: that is, we shall not knowingly permit a dishonest advertisement to appear in NARFE Magazine, but at the same time we will not undertake to guarantee the reliability of our advertisers.
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From the President
NARFE AND THE FED WORKFORCE
T
hree recent events happened that reminded me of the value of the federal workforce. The first was the
Trump administration’s plan to move the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and other agencies’ functions to the White House. The second was receiving the semiannual newsletter from the Army Career Program with which I served for 27 years. Lastly, hearing about the 18-day rescue operation
of the Thailand soccer team. The announcement of the reorganization plan is somewhat troubling. Moving retiree support and records out of OPM has the potential to reduce the visibility and support federal retirees receive, and could result in Feds getting lost in the shuffle.
NARFE’s Mission Statement
Equally troubling is movement of OPM policy development to the Executive Office of the President. This is almost certain to lead to more politicization of civilian service matters and a real threat to return to the days of having political connections to obtain federal jobs. That is why NARFE has raised many concerns about this proposal and we are working with Congress to address them. The Army Career Program newsletter outlined the continuing mission of the Quality Assurance Specialist, Ammunition Surveillance (QASAS) Program to support the forces on the ground in Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq. This reinforced my belief that the federal workforce is the engine that makes this country great and supports our everyday lives—from the airplanes we fly to the medicines we need, from the postal service to supporting our military and diplomatic missions. The rescue mission of the soccer team in Thailand was miraculous and conducted with military and civilian support of our armed forces. When we meet with members of Congress, we remind them of the number of civilian workers and retirees in their districts and states. I also remind them of the positive difference federal employees make to each American every day. Continue to advocate for the federal workforce by visiting NARFE’s Advocacy page at www.narfe.org/legislation.
RICHARD G. THISSEN NARFE NATIONAL PRESIDENT natpres@narfe.org 4
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2018 NARFE Voting Results:
No majority for NARFE President means round two with preferential voting Election results are listed below. Because no presidential candidate received a majority of the vote, a second round of voting is taking place. You can vote online or by mail via the ballot insert included with this issue (if you are eligible to vote). See pages 10-11 for voting information. Election results are certified by Election Services Corporation. For a PDF download of the official results, visit www.narfe.org/pdf/NARFE_2018_Election_FinalResults.pdf.
ELECTION RESULTS OFFICE / BALLOT QUESTION
CANDIDATE
VOTES
National President
Jon Dowie
2,583 (19.55%)
Steve Lenkhart
3,777 (28.58%)
Ken Thomas
4,979 (37.68%)
Theodore A. (Ted) Van Hintum
1,875 (14.19%)
Kathryn Hensley
7,467 (56.31%)
Richard G. Thissen
5,786 (43.69%)
Robert L. Helfrich
771 (54.80%)
Donald F. Wiese
636 (45.20%)
Cindy Renee’ Blythe
662 (58.90%)
John Schmidt
462 (41.10%)
William “Bill” Shackelford
1,424 (70.29%)
Charles Talley
602 (29.71%)
YES
10,395 (79.78%)
NO
2,634 (20.22%)
YES
11,460 (89.06%)
NO
1,408 (10.94%)
YES
10,718 (82.94%)
NO
2,204 (17.06%)
Secretary/Treasurer
Region 4 Vice President
Region 5 Vice President
Region 10 Vice President
Preferential Voting
Articles of Incorporation
National Secretary/Treasurer Salary
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ELECTIONS BYLAWS AND RESOLUTIONS ELECTION RESULTS — ADOPTED NUMBER
SUBJECT
EFFECT
RESULT
1802
NARFE Executive Director
Duties of executive director
11,766-1,215 (90.64%)
1803
Federations
Defines federation membership/organization
12,445-513 (96.04%)
1804
Committees
Redefines committees
12,386-564 (95.64%)
1805
Proxies
Disallows proxies on NEB
12,149-785 (93.93%)
1811
Membership Lists & Labels
Removes language from standing rules
11,670-1,248 (90.34%)
1818
Clarify National Membership
Replaces “national” with “association”
12,284-644 (95.02%)
1824
Federations and Chapters
BC01
Supporting Members
BC02
RVP Term Limits
BC03
Vacancies
BCR-01
Membership Forms
NEB01
Resolutions
Incorporates OCM and OMOV into federations/chapters Allows those supporting NARFE’s mission as nonvoting members Restricts RVPs from serving more than three consecutive terms Allows NEB to fill vacancy in president from NEB Requests review and possible redesign of membership forms Incorporates OCM and OMOV to resolution process
11,299-1,541 (88%) 11,092-1,772 (86.23%) 11,676-1,201 (90.67%) 12,069-793 (93.83%) 12,392-452 (96.48%) 11,057-1,595 (87.39%)
BYLAWS AND RESOLUTIONS ELECTION RESULTS — REJECTED NUMBER
SUBJECT
1801
Term Limit Exception
1807
Access to Lists and Labels
1808
Timing of Ballot Votes
1809
Expand Federation Duties
1813
Reallocate Chapter Dues
1819
First Year Chapter Fee
1820
Publication of Roll Call Vote
1826
Publication of NEB Agendas
1827
Changes to Regions
1828
Renew Chapter Membership
1829
Member Category Names
1840R
NARFE Cannot Do It Alone
1846R
Consolidation of Rosters
EFFECT Allow president to run for third consecutive term Defines access to labels for federation candidates Issue month of magazine coincides with conference Federations become communication hub Reallocates new member dues from federations to chapters Extends period of chapter fee receipt to six months Requires publication of board votes on policy changes Requires publication of board agendas seven days in advance Requires two-thirds vote to change regions Change to renewal form Changes “national” to “non-chapter” members Forms a new coalition of similar interest organizations Consolidates national and chapter member data
RESULT 1,006-11,045 (8.35%) 1,587-10,420 (13.22%) 1,183-10,825 (9.85%) 983-11,023 (8.19%) 1,269-10,745 (10.56%) 1,759-10,248 (14.65%) 2,208-9,812 (18.37%) 1,673-10,308 (13.96%) 1,612-10,370 (13.45%) 1,539-10,414 (12.88%) 1,081-10,893 (9.03%) 1,360-10,599 (11.37%) 1,981-9,981 (16.56%) W W W. N A R F E . O R G
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2018 NARFE
CANDIDATE STATEMENTS These statements from the National President candidates who have chosen to continue in the election were originally published in the June 2018 issue of NARFE Magazine. These statements are also available on the election website, www.narfe.org/2018Balloting.
STEVE LENKART These are extraordinary times. In the years to come, active and retired federal and postal employees will face many challenges to the financial security and health care benefits that we enjoy today. Within the last year alone, budget discussions between the White House and Congress proposed cutting at least $149 billion from federal retirement over the next 10 years. This massive cut proposes to eliminate the FERS annuity supplement, employ ‘high five’ instead of high three salary years for retirement calculations, and increase contributions by 1% for each of the next six years. Earned benefits for current retirees take an enormous hit because the proposed budget would eliminate cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for FERS retirees and significantly reduce COLA for CSRS retirees. It is estimated that under this scenario, federal pensions may lose between 33 percent to 60 percent of value in 20 years, meaning each $100 in pension dollars today would be worth $67 to $40. Luckily, NARFE has a second-to-none legislative department that fought off these unbearable cuts proposed in the FY 2018 budget. However, greater challenges await as the FY 2019 budget proposal may double the
KEN THOMAS
NARFE recently released the Strategic Plan - Secure the Future document. Like many of you, I read the document and listened to comments and explanations concerning recommended changes. Some changes I agree with and some I don’t. What I do believe is drastic changes are needed if NARFE is to survive in
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cuts to $300 billion. It is safe to assume that in the years to follow, this trend will continue. These appalling attempts to erode the wellness of the civil service and the financial security of active and retired employees inspired me to run for national president. For the last 30 years, I have supported and defended civil service as the cornerstone of a modern democracy. My expertise centers around policies that sustain a strong, apolitical workforce buttressed by sensible pay and benefits that attract the very best talent. As a career SES and as the former executive director of the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board, I embraced policies to better govern and promote successful careers for two million federal employees. In private practice as a professional advocate and spokesperson, I took the fight for pay and benefits from the sidelines to the spotlight in the eyes of the public, the press, Congress, and several presidential administrations. As an executive for federal labor, executive, and professional associations, I expanded organizational reach to younger generations to solidify national presence and prominence. If elected, I will bring the entirety of my strength, energy, reputation, and institutional knowledge to NARFE as national president. I look forward to meeting and talking with you in the coming months. the twenty-first century and be a viable association. NARFE continues a course of decline and is slow to confront challenges of the future. NARFE’s challenges include: structurally remaining unchanged since 1947; unprecedented membership collapse (loss of 250,000 members since the late 80s, over 98,000 in the last seven years); insufficient revenue to maintain the association by overreliance on dues revenue; and lack of focus on the core legislative mission.
ELECTION
CANDIDATE STATEMENTS Solving NARFE’s challenges require structural change, rebranding to revitalize it, and a message that aggressively and effectively markets it to a new generation of federal employees who are the future of NARFE. In so doing, NARFE cannot ignore or dismiss its loyal and faithful members who have long supported and held the association together. It is time for change and not business as usual. NARFE cannot afford weak promises, low expectations, and unattainable goals. I am now a candidate for NARFE National President. My government experience, including working on Capitol Hill, thirty-five years in departmental management and executive level service, and my years of NARFE experience as a chapter, district, and federation officer will serve the association’s membership well. NARFE needs a practical leader providing strategic direction with a strong focus on advocacy. The president must be a key power broker at Capitol Hill meetings, playing the dual
THEODORE A. (TED) VAN HINTUM I am Ted Van Hintum and I am announcing my candidacy for NARFE National President. I joined NARFE as an active federal employee in 2006. After retirement from the federal government, I was elected President of the Colorado Billie Love Chapter 2286 in 2011. In 2013, I was elected President of the Colorado Federation of NARFE chapters representing over 4,400 Colorado NARFE members in 17 chapters. I was reelected Colorado Federation President in 2015. I continue to serve as Chapter 2286 President and as Colorado Federation Immediate Past President. I am a Life Member of NARFE. My accomplishments as Colorado Federation President included: • L aunching the “Colorado NARFE News,” a quarterly newspaper delivered to all NARFE members in Colorado and the Federation Presidents; • Creating the congressional district liaison program in Colorado and appointing 10
role of a valued expert helping design coverage and changes in legislation, and a straight-talking advocate who can summarize complex reforms in layman’s terms. As NARFE’s president, my priorities must be building the business of NARFE, creating efficiencies, making tough deals and carefully considering divergent viewpoints. The time has come for real-world solutions to the array of challenges NARFE faces. I am . . . • Committed to listening to your comments and suggestions. • Committed to setting strategic direction, and initiating projects focusing on membership recruiting and retention. • Committed to association restructuring. • Committed to using technology to enhance association growth. • Committed to marketing and advertising NARFE. I respectfully ask for your vote and support by electing me your next NARFE National President. congressional liaisons to serve in Colorado’s 7 congressional districts; • Revising Colorado Federation bylaws to implement Optional Chapter Membership and One Member One Vote (distributed to all Federation Presidents as model bylaws); • Serving as the Region VII representative on the NARFE Strategic Planning Committee in 2015 and 2017; and, • Serving on the NARFE National Bylaws Committee in 2016 (also in 2018). I retired from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in 2008 after almost 38 years of federal service. My career started as a VA claims examiner in the Des Moines, Iowa VA Regional Office in 1970. I then transferred to VA headquarters in Washington, DC. My last position was as Assistant Director in VA’s Education Service where I was responsible for VA field operations in administering the GI Bill education benefits program. The GI Bill provided over $1 billion annually to 500,000 veterans and active duty service members. (Continued on p. 10) W W W. N A R F E . O R G
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2018 NARFE
CANDIDATE STATEMENTS (Continued from p. 9) During my VA career, I was an American Political Science Association Congressional Fellow and, on detail from the VA, served as a staff member on the House of Representatives Veterans Affairs Committee. I completed VA’s executive development program and the OPM Senior Executive Development program at the Federal Executive Institute.
Prior to VA employment, I served in the Navy from 1963 to 1966 as an Electronics Technician aboard the cruiser USS Topeka with service in the Vietnam theater of operations. Upon release from active duty I attended Iowa State University and graduated in 1970 with a degree in Political Science. I respectfully ask NARFE members to vote for me as NARFE National President.
ELECTION INFORMATION
P
lease carefully review the entire instructions prior to completing your ballot. You are eligible to vote in the election if you were a NARFE member in good standing as of June 26, 2018. You may cast your vote either online OR by mail, but not both. Once your member ID and PIN number are used on any ballot, they will not be valid for additional ballot(s). Please take time to vote today. Thank you for participating in NARFE’s election process.
REVIEW THE BALLOT CAREFULLY
• Candidates for national president: This ballot uses preferential voting, so you will need to rank the candidates as 1st choice, 2nd choice and 3rd choice. Rank each candidate exactly once.
VOTE BY MAIL • Place a Q or R or darken the box to indicate
your choices. Use dark blue or black ink. • Do not write your name or otherwise identify yourself on the ballot. • Tear or cut this ballot along the perforated line to detach. Place a First Class stamp on the reverse side of the card to mail. • Ballots must be received at Election Services Co. by 11:59 p.m. ET on September 30, 2018. Please mail your ballot at least 7 days before the deadline to allow sufficient time for delivery.
NEED ASSISTANCE? For voting assistance, please call 1-866-720-4357 on Monday – Friday between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. ET, or email narfehelp@electionservicescorp.com • Do not mail ballots to NARFE. Ballots received by NARFE will be disqualified.
VOTE ONLINE
• Please go to https://www.esc-vote.com/ narfe2018 to log in and vote. • You must have your member ID number and your unique PIN number to log in. These numbers can be found at the top of the printed ballot. These numbers will serve as your unique identifier for voting. Please do not share them with others. • For ease of voting online, Election Services Co. will email members with an email on file with NARFE. Members can click on the link in the email to go to the voting website and cast a vote using the member ID number and unique PIN number included in the email to log in. • Once you are logged in, follow the online voting instructions. • Online voting begins August 10, 2018, and ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on September 30, 2018.
Ballots must be received at Election Services Co. by 11:59 p.m. ET on September 30, 2018 10
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ELECTION
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Electing the Next NARFE President
T
he 2018 NARFE election did not return a majority vote for president, but the members did vote to suspend the rules and use preferential voting, so welcome to phase two. For this ballot, there will be a box for first, second, and third choices next to each name. You need to mark one candidate for first choice, one candidate for second and one candidate for third (one candidate has withdrawn). It’s very important that you mark one choice, and only one choice, for each candidate so that NARFE can get the full opinion of the electorate. The tally will begin by taking into account all first-choice votes, and if one candidate receives a majority he will be declared elected. If there is no majority of first-choice votes, all of the choices will be calculated thus: first-choice votes will receive 3 points, second-choice votes 2 points, third-choice votes 1 point. This method is called the Borda Count, and is often referred to as a consensus method because the candidate with the most following generally emerges as the winner. Thus, the preferences for second choice become extremely important.
It’s very important that you mark one choice, and only one choice, for each candidate so that NARFE can get the full opinion of the electorate. Some might think that they can help their favored candidate by only voting for one choice, but that’s not the way this method works. Not only do you lose your voice, you could be creating other problems. Robert’s Rules of Order
Newly Revised (11th edition) gives this advice on page 428: “When this or any other system of preferential voting is to be used, the voting and counting procedure must be precisely established in advance and should be prescribed in detail. The members must be thoroughly instructed as to how to mark the ballot, and should have sufficient understanding of the counting process to enable them to have confidence in the method. Sometimes, for instance, voters decline to indicate a second or other choice, mistakenly believing that such a course increases the chances of their first choice. In fact, it may prevent any candidate from receiving a majority and require the voting to be repeated.” This is why, in some elections by preferential voting, ballots that are not completely filled out by assigning preference choices for all three candidates are considered illegal ballots, and not counted. In accordance with this quote, the NEB has discussed and established the following rules for this election. They are: • Ballots must be sent to the election vendor. Ballots received at the headquarters office will be discarded without being opened. • Ballots must be received before the stated deadline. Ballots received after the deadline will be discarded without being tallied. • Only one ballot will be counted per person. If a member votes by both mail and online, the ballot first received by the election vendor is the one that will be counted. • If a ballot does not have all preferences marked, it will only be counted for the first tally to determine a majority vote. Ballots that do not contain a mark for each candidate expressing a preference will not be counted for any preference on the second tally Borda count (if needed). Therefore, members are strongly encouraged to mark all choices on their ballots to ensure their full voices are heard and counted. Colette Collier Trohan serves as NARFE’s parliamentarian. W W W. N A R F E . O R G
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Washington Watch
PRESIDENT TRUMP RELEASES GOVERNMENT REORGANIZATION PLAN
T
he Trump administration recently released “Delivering Government Solutions in the 21st Century: Reform Plan and Reorganization Recommendations,” a wide-ranging
government reorganization plan.
NARFE is continuing to evaluate the plan but is particularly focused on two of its major components of the plan: a proposal to shift Office of Personnel Management (OPM) functions to other agencies and a proposal to restructure the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and ultimately privatize the agency. The proposal to transfer OPM functions would put the agency’s human resources policy functions in the charge of the Executive Office of the President (EOP). This includes civil service reform and policies surrounding the pay and benefits of our nation’s 5 million federal employees and retirees. OPM’s programmatic responsibilities, such as the management of retirement and healthcare benefits programs, 12
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would be shifted to the General Services Administration (GSA), which under the reorganization plan would be renamed the Government Services Agency. The reorganization plan also calls for privatizing USPS. In fact, it calls for short-term steps to put USPS on sustainable financial footing only to sell it to the highest bidder. This proposal came out before the President’s Task Force on the USPS issued any recommendations. ACTION ALERT!
In a June 26 letter to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, NARFE President Richard G. Thissen voiced NARFE’s concerns regarding the reorganization plan in advance of the committee’s first hearing on the plan. Thissen expressed the association’s grave concerns with regards to the proposal to eliminate OPM and disperse its functions to other agencies. This move could put important programs, such as the federal retirement and health benefits of more than 5 million federal employees and retirees, in a precarious situation. For example, with a shift of OPM responsibilities to GSA, it is possible that these programs will receive less care and atten-
SEPTEMBER
Are you concerned that Postal Reform legislation would set a dangerous precedent for all federal retirees and send a message to Congress that it’s okay to cut your earned pay and benefits in retirement? Use NARFE’s Legislative Action Center to send a message, tweet or call your legislators to urge them to oppose Postal Reform today.
tion than they deserve. If OPM’s human resources policy functions are moved to the EOP, there is a strong likelihood that the nonpartisan federal civil service could easily be politicized and employees rewarded or terminated based on political preference. Not to mention, these important civil service policy functions would be placed in the hands of a president who has already expressed his feelings for civil servants by proposing grievous cuts to their hard-earned pay and benefits. In the letter, Thissen also expressed NARFE’s strong
disagreement with the proposal to restructure USPS into a private corporation, which would compromise USPS’ constitutional universal service obligation. A drastic move of this magnitude could imperil the jobs, pay, benefits and retirement of committed postal employees. The recommendation to privatize the postal service also fails to account for the role of the prefunding requirement in creating the agency’s unfunded liabilities. NARFE staunchly opposes any efforts to privatize the postal service.
FY19 APPROPRIATIONS UPDATE
C
ongress has been hard at work on fiscal year 2019 (FY19) appropriations. Notably, the Senate included a 1.9 percent 2019 pay increase for federal employees in its committee-approved $23.7 billion Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill. The House cleared a $23.4 billion version out of committee; however, no pay increase was included. Many bills have gained initial passage by their respective chambers. The House passed a $674.6 billion defense spending bill, a $44.7 billion on energy and water, $96.9 billion for military and veterans and a $3.8 billion legislative branch minibus. The Senate passed the minibus with slightly less funding, respectively, but only its $675 billion defense bill had made it through
committee as of press time. NARFE members must continue to contact their legislators and advocate for a 1.9 percent pay raise for federal employees in 2019. Freezing federal pay, as the president has expressed his intention to do, directly target Feds in a time of rising private-sector wage growth and economic prosperity. Even if this proposal doesn’t affect you, help advocate for the federal workforce by visiting the NARFE Action Center at www.narfe.org/legislation. —BY SAMUEL BARTELS, ADVOCACY ASSISTANT
Sweeping changes of the scale that the reorganization plan calls for require congressional oversight and approval. The fiscal year 2018 (FY18) omnibus, approved in March, strengthened this by prohibiting the cutting or elimination of programs or offices without congressional approval. At the hearing in June, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee discussed the reorganization plan, at which many members echoed the concerns voiced by NARFE. —BY SAMUEL BARTELS, ADVOCACY ASSISTANT
MYTH vs. REALITY Myth: The president can unilaterally reorganize federal agencies without congressional oversight. Reality: Congress must pass legislation that grants the president authority to reorganize the federal government. In the unlikely event that legislation passes, presidential reorganization plans must be submitted to Congress for review. Alternatively, Congress could pass legislation to reorganize agencies in a way it sees fit, which would then fall to the president to sign or veto. In any event, it appears unlikely that Congress will pursue any reorganization plans before the end the year.
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Washington Watch
POSTAL REFORM LEGISLATION REINTRODUCED
A
familiar foe, the Postal Reform Act, was reintroduced in June by Rep. Mark Meadows, R-NC, with the support of Reps. Steve Russel, R-OK; Dennis Ross, R-FL; Gerry Connolly, D-VA; Elijah Cummings, D-MD; and Stephen Lynch, D-MA. With only a few minor changes, H.R. 6076, the Postal Reform Act of 2018, is nearly identical to its predecessor H.R. 756, the Postal Reform Act of 2017, which was introduced by retired Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-UT, and passed by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee (OGR) in March 2017. Since the previous version advanced out of OGR, the bill was reintroduced in the event committee members want the latitude to make changes after recommendations are released by the President’s Task Force on the United States Postal Service (USPS). This will allow OGR to include task force recommendations in the bill during the markup process. Just like the original bill, H.R. 6076 contains the same precedentsetting provision that would take away the earned Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program coverage of postal retirees if they fail to enroll in Medicare Part B. There are currently 76,000 16
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postal retirees over the age of 65 who elected not to enroll in Medicare Part B when they were eligible because the extra coverage simply does not fit their personal needs and situations. Under this bill, these postal retirees would be required to pay an additional $1,600 annually or more in additional premiums for often duplicative coverage, despite having declined Medicare coverage in the past. Many retirees are living on modest fixed incomes, have not accounted for these unforeseeable new expenses and may not be able to afford them. Changing retiree benefits in retirement is a dangerous path for Congress to go down, and NARFE is working to ensure this precedent isn’t set. NARFE maintains the same opposition to H.R. 6076 that it did to H.R. 756. Balancing the USPS’ books on the backs of its retirees is not the way to address USPS finances. Government retiree health coverage is not a gift, but earned in exchange for a career of hard work in service to the American people. It is important that NARFE members continue to voice their opposition to all three bills: H.R. 6076, H.R. 756 and S. 2629. Please contact your legislators and
urge them to reject these bills, which would not only remove choice for postal retirees, but would also set a very dangerous precedent governmentwide that retirement benefits can be altered for those already in retirement. —BY SAMUEL BARTELS, ADVOCACY ASSISTANT
Legislative Resources • Legislative Hotline: A weekly update of legislative news, compiled by the NARFE Advocacy Department staff, distributed via email and available by phone (tollfree) at 800-456-8410, option 4 and online at www.narfe. org. • Legislative Action Center: A one-stop site to send a letter to Congress, and more, at www.narfe.org.
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR FIDUCIARY RULE STRUCK DOWN
O
n June 21, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals made effective its March decision to strike down the Department of Labor (DOL) fiduciary rule. The March decision determined that DOL exceeded its statutory authority in promulgating the fiduciary rule and reversed an earlier decision made by a Dallas district court that upheld the DOL rule. NARFE is incredibly disappointed by this ruling, as it puts an end to the safeguards the fiduciary rule offered not only to federal employees and retirees managing their Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) accounts, but also removed protections afforded to the retirement savings of all Americans. Under the DOL fiduciary rule,
financial advisers were subject to a “best interest” standard when recommending rollovers of assets into individual retirement accounts (IRAs), including rollovers from the TSP. With the court decision, federal employees and retirees are no longer protected against financial adviser conflicts of interest as they seek advice in how to invest their retirement savings. The DOL fiduciary rule prevented financial professionals from offering advice that would steer clients towards higher-fee investment products that line their own pockets at the expense of clients. The circuit court’s ruling has significant consequences for those seeking the safe stewardship of their retirement savings, includ-
ing federal employees and retirees receiving advice regarding their TSP holdings. With the fiduciary rule struck down, the “suitability” standard remains in place, which is less protective and permits financial professionals to offer their clients advice that serves their own interests over that of their clients. For example, under the suitability standard, financial advisers are legally able to recommend that TSP account holders roll over their TSP holdings into an IRA and invest their savings into a mutual fund that offers virtually identical returns as those offered by TSP funds, with significantly higher associated costs. —BY SAMUEL BARTELS, ADVOCACY ASSISTANT
What Every Fed Should Know About Their Benefits Registration FREE for Members in the NARFE Federal Benefits Institute
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October 11
FEHB & Medicare: Understand Your Choices Sponsored by GEHA
November 8
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James Marshall, head of the NARFE Federal Benefits Institute, offers a depth of knowledge from his long career helping Feds make smart decisions.
Tammy Flanagan, expert on federal benefits, offers easy-to-understand answers to the most complex questions. Mark Keen, CFP, is a financial planner with years of experience helping feds prepare for retirement.
NARFE Federal Benefits Institute www.NARFE.org/Institute Sept18-issue_Webinar-half-page.indd 1
7/25/18 11:02 AM W W W. N A R F E . O R G 17
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Washington Watch
ADVOCACY AFTER AUGUST: GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY YEAR-ROUND
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rassroots Advocacy Month runs through August, but that doesn’t mean that the threats to your earned pay and benefits have disappeared. NARFE members need to stay vigilant and ready to raise their voices as harmful proposals are considered before the close of the 115th Congress. Did you participate in Grassroots Advocacy Month in August? Maybe you sent a message to your legislators using NARFE’s Legislative Action Center or you attended a town hall meeting and asked a question about NARFE’s legislative priorities. However you chose to connect with your legislators, NARFE’s Advocacy Department thanks you for your time and efforts in raising NARFE’s concerns with proposals affecting the federal community. If you didn’t take action last month, there’s still time to make your voice heard.
Stay tuned to the Legislative Hotline sent every Friday Congress is in session for updates about legislative movement. Along with an update, a call to action will be included if any of the proposals we are concerned with move in Congress, or are used as so called “pay-fors” for other legislation. If you see a call to action in the Hotline or on NARFE.org, this is the time to contact your legislators and sound the alarm that it is not okay to take away what was already promised to the federal community. If NARFE members were unable to meet with their members of Congress in August, take advantage of the congressional recess in October and schedule a meeting now. More information will be sent in the coming weeks about how to take action in October to supplement August’s advocacy actions and ensure candidates for Congress are aware of NARFE and our legislative priorities.
NARFE GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY Learn more about how you can take action to protect your earned pay and benefits by reviewing NARFE Grassroots materials at bitly.com/NARFEGrassroots2018
With the midterm elections less than two months away and legislators planning to be in their state/district more often, it’s time to make another push to protect your earned pay and benefits. Just remember to be polite and courteous at all times. Legislators will be holding town halls and attending community events this fall, so take advantage of this extended time in the state/district to make your voice heard. The same strategies from Grassroots Advocacy Month apply after August and into the October recess. Be deliberate about how you connect since you don’t want to sound like a broken record. Also don’t forget about candidates running for office. Engage them in a similar manner you would your member of Congress. If you had a congressional meeting last month, focus on sending messages, tweets and calls to the office and/or attending town halls or community events this month and in October. Any action you take as a NARFE member to address NARFE’s legislative priorities with your legislators is beneficial to spreading the word about NARFE and our position on the issues. Take action in the way you feel most comfortable. Please communicate with chapter and/or federation leaders before attending a community event or town hall so they’re aware NARFE will be represented. For any questions about how to take action after Grassroots Advocacy Month, please contact NARFE’s advocacy department at advocacy@narfe.org. —BY MOLLY CHECKSFIELD, GRASSROOTS PROGRAM MANAGER
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narfe bill tracker THE NARFE BILL TRACKER IS YOUR MONTHLY GUIDE TO THE CONGRESSIONAL LEGISLATION THAT NARFE IS FOLLOWING. CHECK BACK EACH ISSUE FOR UPDATES. ISSUE
BILL NUMBER / NAME / SPONSOR
WHAT BILL WOULD DO
H.R. 756: Postal Service Reform Act of 2017 / Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-UT Cosponsors: 11 (D), 12 (R) H.R. 6076 / S. 2629: Postal Service Reform Act of 2018. Rep. Mark Meadows, R-NC Cosponsors 5 (D), 2 (R) Sen. Tom Carper, D-DE Cosponsors 3 (R), 2 (D)
POSTAL REFORM
Approved by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform; pending in two other committees Pending in three House committees
Approved to bypass committee process
H.Res. 15: As a resolution, it will not be sent to the president and, therefore, cannot become law / Rep. Sam Graves, R-MO Cosponsors: 183 (D), 72 (R)
Expresses the sense of the House that the U.S. Postal Service should take all appropriate mesaures to ensure the continuation of six-day delivery.
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
H.Res. 31: As a resolution, it will not be sent to the president and, therefore, cannot become law / Rep. David McKinley, R-WV Cosponsors: 177 (D), 50 (R)
Expresses the sense of the House that the U.S. Postal Service should take all measures to restore service standards in effect on July 1, 2012.
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
H.Res. 28: As a resolution, it will not be sent to the president and, therefore, cannot become law / Rep. Susan Davis, D-CA Cosponsors: 185 (D), 61 (R)
Expresses the sense of the House that the U.S. Postal Service should take all measures to ensure the continuation of door-to-door delivery for all businesses and residential customers.
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
Provides for a 3 percent pay raise for federal employees in 2019.
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (H.R. 4775) and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Repeals laws passed in 2012 and 2013 that increased the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) contributions for newly hired federal employees.
Referred to the House Committees on Oversight and Government Reform and Foreign Affairs
H.R. 4775 / S. 2295: The Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act /Rep. Gerald E. Connolly, D-VA Cosponsors (H.R. 4775): 51 (D), 1 (R) Sen. Brian Schatz, D-HI FEDERAL Cosponsors (S. 2295): COMPENSATION 10 (D), 0 (R) H.R. 3269: Federal Employee Pension Fairness Act of 2017 / Rep. Anthony G. Brown, D-MD Cosponsors: 28 (D), 0 (R)
NARFE’s Position:
Requires postal retirees to enroll in Medicare in order to continue receiving their current federal health insurance coverage. Enrollment would be automatic.
LATEST ACTION(S)
Support
Oppose
No position
Continued on p. 20
NARFE, October 2017
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Washington Watch
EDITOR’S NOTE: These bills are all listed online at www.narfe.org/legislation/votervoice.cfm.
BILL NUMBER / NAME / SPONSOR
ISSUE
FEDERAL COMPENSATION
DC STATEHOOD
TAXES
GPO/WEPVV
CAMPAIGN FINANCE
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H.R. 1022: Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act of 2017 / Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-NY Cosponsors: 79 (D), 1 (R)
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Provides federal employees with 6 weeks of paid leave in connection with the birth or adoption of a child.
LATEST ACTION(S) Referred to the House Committees on Oversight and Government Reform and Administration
H.R. 1291 / S. 1278: Washing- Sets forth procedures that would allow the District of ton, DC Admission Act / Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-DC Columbia to become a state known as the State of Washington, DC. Cosponsors (H.R. 1291): 165 (D), 0 (R) Sen. Thomas Carper, D-DE Cosponsors (S. 1278): 27 (D), 1 (I)
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and Committee on Rules
H.R. 2929: Federal Employee Combat Zone Tax Parity Act / Rep. Rob Wittman, R-VA Cosponsors: 7 (D), 2 (R)
Extends the tax credit available to military personnel who serve in combat zones to civilian federal employees.
H.R. 3200: The TaxpayerFunded Pension Disclosure Act / Rep. Ron DeSantis, R-FL Cosponsors: 0 (D), 7 (R)
The legislation would allow for public disclosure of federal pension data, including: name of annuitant, last agency of employment, grade, monthly annuity and total annuity contributions.
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means NARFE, September 2017 Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform NARFE, October 2017
H.R. 1251: CPI-E Act of 2017/ Rep. John Garamendi, D-CA
Requires Social Security and many federal retirement programs to use the Consumer Price Index for the elderly (CPIE) to calculate cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to retirement benefits.
Referred to the House Committees on Ways and Means, Veterans’ Affairs, Oversight and Government Reform, and Armed Services NARFE, May 2017
H.R. 1205 / S. 915: Social Security Fairness Act of 2017 / Rep. Rodney Davis, R-IL Cosponsors (H.R. 1205): 129 (D), 58 (R) Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-OH Cosponsors (S. 915): 20 (D), 4 (R), 1 (I)
Repeals both the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP).
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means (H.R. 1205) Referred to the Senate Committee on Finance (S. 915) NARFE, May 2017
H.R. 20: The Government By the People Act of 2017 / Rep. John Sarbanes, D-MD
Reforms campaign finance laws to put small donors on par with wealthier donors. Provides a tax credit or contributions and government matching contributions.
Referred to three House committees
Cosponsors: 51 (D), 1 (R)
COLA
WHAT BILL WOULD DO
Cosponsors: 161 (D), 1 (R)
NARFE’s Position:
Support
Referred to Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Oppose
No position
ISSUE
BILL NUMBER / NAME / SPONSOR H.R. 5389: Federal Retirement Fairness Act / Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-WA
FEDERAL COMPENSATION
DATA BREACH
Cosponsors: 9 (D) 4 (R)
H.R. 5765: The Reducing the Effects of the Cyberattack on OPM Victims Emergency Response (RECOVER) Act / Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-DC Cosponsors: 4 (D) 0 (R)
WHAT BILL WOULD DO
LATEST ACTION(S)
Referred to the House This legislation would allow federal employees who started Committee on Oversight their careers in temporary posi- and Government Reform tions, before transitioning into permanent roles, to “buy back” such time and include it in their retirement annuity calculations.
This legislation would extend the availability of identity protection for individuals whose personal information was compromised during recent data breaches at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform NARFE, February 2018
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Questions & Answers
The following Questions & Answers were compiled by NARFE’s Federal Benefits Institute staff. NARFE does not provide legal, financial planning or tax advice or assistance.
EMPLOYEES PHYSICIAN’S SPECIAL PAY UNDER TITLE 38 VS PHYSICIAN’S COMPARABILITY ALLOWANCE
Q
In the July 2018 issue of NARFE Magazine, a question was addressed regarding the Physician’s Comparability Allowance (PCA) that is included in the basic pay that physicians receive at certain agencies. It was stated that the PCA would not be used in the computation of your annuity unless you completed at least 15 years of service as a government physician. I’m a dentist with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and receive similar special pay under Title 38. If I don’t complete at least 15 years of service as a dentist, will my special pay be used in the computation of my annuity?
A
Before Congress passed Public Law 108-445, Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel Enhancement Act of 2004, you would have had to com plete at least 15 years of service as a government physician to have your special pay qualify for the computation of your annuity, just like the current rules for PCA. But
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effective January 8, 2006, the 15-year requirement is eliminated for physicians or dentists under Title 38, United States Code if they separate from any position with any agency with title to an annuity on or after January 8, 2006. His or her full Title 38 special pay must be included in the annuity computation. These new Title 38 rules were
also extended to physicians in other agencies such as the Department of Defense, Health and Human Services, and the Department of Justice. However, this law did not change the rules in the determination of using PCA under Title 5 in the computation of the annuity. Those rules still apply to PCA. Refer to Benefits Administration Letter 04-102 for details regarding PCA: www.bitly.com/letter04-102 Refer to Benefits Administration Letter 06-104 for details regarding special pay under Title 38: www.bitly.com/letter06-104
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND COMPENSATION FOR WORK-RELATED INJURIES
Q
If I’m injured on the job and eventually separate from federal service to receive benefits/payments
from the Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Program (OWCP), am I required to simultaneously apply for retirement, if eligible? It’s my understanding that I cannot receive both at the same time, and in my case, the benefit from OWCP would be higher.
A
Regardless of the reason why you separated from federal service, you’re never required to simultaneously apply for retirement, if eligible. Applying for your retirement is an individual choice and is never mandated. You may be forced to separate from federal service for various reasons, but you’re never required to apply for your retirement unless you want to. However, there are reasons why you might consider simultaneously applying for retirement if you are separating from federal service to receive wage replacement benefits from the OWCP. Even if you are not eligible to apply for retirement based on age and service, you might qualify for a disability retirement if you apply for it. Most employees who separate from federal service due to a work injury or illness will often simultaneously apply for an immediate retirement even if they intend to immediately suspend the annuity payments in lieu of receiving wage replacement benefits from the OWCP. Application for an immediate retirement protects: • The rights of the employee in situations where OWCP cuts back or eliminates the worker’s
compensation benefits, and •T he rights of potential survivors to benefits in the event of the employee’s death. For more details, schedule an appointment with your agency human resources office to discuss your specific situation. You can also refer to Chapter 102 of the CSRS/FERS Handbook for additional information: bitly.com/ CSRS-FERSHandbook-Ch102
DEDUCTIONS FROM INTERIM RETIREMENT PAY
Q
Some of my coworkers, who retired earlier this year, received around three or four interim retirement payments from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) before their annuities were finalized. I am planning to retire later this year, and I’m expecting the same. Are there any deductions withheld from the “interim payments” that I’ll receive while OPM is adjudicating my retirement from federal service? What about my federal health and life insurance coverage that I’m planning to keep?
A
OPM will only withhold federal income tax from your interim payments. You may find that the federal income taxes withheld from your first interim payment will be higher than the federal tax withholdings from your subsequent interim payments and regular annuity. OPM will make any necessary tax withholding adjustment when they finish
processing your application. You will also be able to use OPM’s Retirement Services Online to make any necessary adjustments to your tax withholding, including any state tax withholding if applicable. You may want to speak with a tax advisor to determine whether or not it will be necessary to send tax payments directly to your state tax office while you are in interim retirement pay status. Although your health and life insurance coverage will continue while you are receiving interim pay, OPM will begin withholding health and life insurance premiums retroactive to the commencing date of your annuity, when they finish processing your application.
GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN IMPACT ON RETIREMENT PROCESSING
Q
I am planning on retiring around the first of the year and wonder, if a government shutdown occurs, what happens to the retirement process? Does it grind to a halt or will this affect my pension?
A
If the federal government shuts down, folks might not go to work for a few days, but it’s back to business as usual when it reopens. It shouldn’t affect the process dramatically, and shouldn’t affect your pension. Most agency retirement officers request that you submit your retirement application one to three W W W. N A R F E . O R G
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Questions & Answers
months prior to your date of retirement to allow them ample time to do their part. Depending upon the exact dates of any shutdown, it’s very possible that your agency may have already completed their part and have already forwarded it to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for processing. OPM Retirement Services employees will still be working normal operating hours during a government furlough or a shutdown. Your agency has 30 days from the date of your separation from federal service to push your retirement application package through your agency payroll office and over to OPM. The agency doesn’t always take 30 days to do this, but if your agency hasn’t forwarded your application to OPM, this could cause a minor delay during a shutdown. Upon receipt of your retirement application, OPM will place you in interim pay status as soon as possible. You would most likely find yourself in this temporary pay status (with or without a federal government shut down) for three to six months anyway. Once OPM finalizes your retirement, you would be retroactively paid any amount that you may have been previously underpaid. If the federal government shuts down for a few days (or a few weeks) while you are employed, whether you ever receive salary for these days or not, it won’t affect the computation of your annuity from OPM. Federal employees are afforded up to six months of leave without pay (LWOP) per calendar year without any impact to the computation of their retirement, including length of creditable service and high-3 average salary.
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DEFERRED FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ANNUITY
Q
I am younger than 50 and have over 20 years of federal law enforcement service under FERS, but less than 25 years. If I separate now, when will I qualify for my deferred retirement? Will I receive the special group formula for a deferred retirement?
A
Unfortunately, the special group formula (for Law Enforcement Officers & Firefighters) is only used in the computation of immediate retirements. Although the special group formula is not used in the computation of a deferred retirement, since you have over 20 years of special group service, you would qualify for a deferred retirement under FERS at your minimum retirement age (with no reduction for early age).
PRE-EXISTING HEALTH ISSUES
Q
While employed, if you change plans under the FEHB Program, can the new plan refuse to cover preexisting conditions?
A
No. FEHB law does not permit any exclusions or waiting periods for preexisting conditions in any plan in the FEHB Program. This is also true if you change plans after you retire.
RETIREES WORKERS’ COMPENSATION, CSRS, WEP, AND GPO
Q
I was a Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) employee when I was injured on the job. I applied for workers’ compensation and was separated once I was approved and have been receiving benefits from the Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Program (OWCP) ever since. I already have enough credits to qualify for Social Security, but will I be subject to the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP)? If I attempt to claim Social Security based on my spouse’s work record, will I be subject to the Government Pension Offset (GPO)?
A
It depends. Workers’ compensation payments (sometimes called wage replacement benefits) are not considered government pensions for WEP or GPO purposes; therefore the benefits you receive from OWCP do not subject you to the WEP or GPO upon application for Social Security benefits. However, if you previously filed an application for your CSRS retirement, the application for your type of government pension would subject you to the WEP or GPO upon application for Social Security. This is true regardless of whether or not you ever received any CSRS annuity payments from OPM. But if you never filed an application for your CSRS retirement in the past, then you would not be subject to the WEP or GPO unless you apply for your CSRS retirement in the future.
LOSS OF SPOUSE
Q
I recently became widowed. How do I tell OPM that I don’t need my annuity reduced any longer for the cost of the spousal survivor benefit that I elected
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Questions & Answers
years ago when I initially retired from federal service? I also want to switch my Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) to a Self-Only plan.
A
You can use the RI 20-120 form, Request for Change to Unreduced Annuity, to communicate your request to OPM. It’s a simple form to complete and the mailing address is included on the form. It allows you to cancel the spousal survivor benefit that you elected years ago and it allows you to communicate your desire to switch to a Self-Only FEHB plan. Since OPM has not yet updated the RI 20-120 form since the introduction of Self-Plus-One FEHB plans, if you still have one child who is eligible for coverage under FEHB, you can complete and submit the OPM Form 2809 to switch from Family to a Self-Plus-One plan, if it’s less expensive than the premium for Family coverage. Once you complete the form(s), you should include a copy of your spouse’s death certificate and mail the documentation via certified mail (with return receipt) to the address listed on the form. This same form can be used by annuitants who wish to terminate a spousal survivor benefit and change FEHB upon divorce or marriage annulment. In this situation, you would include a court-certified copy of your divorce decree (including all property settlements) or a court-certified copy of your marriage annulment. You can find the RI 20-120 on OPM’s web site at: www.opm. gov/forms/pdf_fill/ri20-120.pdf You can find the OPM Form 2809 on OPM’s web site at: www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/ opm2809.pdf
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FEGLI FAMILY COVERAGE CLAIM
Q
If my spouse or child predeceases me and I have Family life insurance, Option C under the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) program, how do I submit the life insurance claim?
A
The Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MetLife) pays claims for the FEGLI Program through its administrative office, the Office of Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (OFEGLI). Federal employees will work directly with their agency human resources office and annuitants will work directly with OPM to make this claim. Both employees and retirees would use the FE-6 DEP form (Statement of Claim – Option C Family Life Insurance). The form can be downloaded here: www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_ fill/fe6dep.pdf For annuitants who don’t have internet access, you can call OPM at 1-888-767-6738 and request that they mail you this form. If you need help in completing the form, you may contact MetLife/ OFEGLI’s customer service representatives, toll-free, at 1-800-633-4542. In addition to this claim form, you must send a certified copy of the deceased’s death certificate. Please do not attempt to send your claim form and other documents directly to MetLife/OFEGLI. If you are an active employee, send everything to your employing office. However, if you are retired or receiving Federal Workers’ Compensation benefits, send everything to:
ffice of Personnel O Management (OPM) Retirement Operations Center Attention: FE6-DEP Boyers, PA 16017 Making a claim does not automatically cancel the Option C Family life insurance coverage. Whether you are filing a claim or not, if you want to cancel or reduce your Option C Family coverage as an employee, contact your agency human resources office. If you are retired or receiving Federal Workers’ Compensation benefits, send your request in writing via certified mail (with return receipt) to: Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Retirement Operations Center Attention: Annuity Adjustment Section Boyers, PA 16017
FEGLI FAMILY COVERAGE AND DIVORCE
Q
My spouse and I divorced about 3 years ago, and my youngest child reached her 22nd birthday last year. I forgot to cancel my Option C Family life insurance coverage with OPM as an annuitant. Now that I don’t have any eligible family members that qualify for this coverage, how can I cancel this part of my FEGLI coverage?
A
As an annuitant, you can send your request in writing via certified mail (with return receipt) to: Office of Personnel Management Retirement Operations Center Attention: Annuity Adjustment Section Boyers, PA 16017
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Questions & Answers
Since the last eligible family member was your youngest child, you can ask OPM to refund the premiums that were withheld from your annuity retroactive to your daughter’s 22nd birthday last year. Explain this in your letter to OPM and include a copy of your daughter’s birth certificate. For other members reading this Q&A: if this individual didn’t have any eligible children under her FEGLI, she could have asked OPM to refund the premiums that were withheld from her annuity retroactive
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to the effective date of her divorce. In this situation, she would have included a courtcertified copy of her divorce decree (including all property settlements) with her letter to OPM. To obtain an answer to a federal benefits question, NARFE members should call 800-456-8410 and select option 2 for the Federal Benefits Institute; send the question by postal mail to NARFE Headquarters, ATTN: Federal Benefits; or submit it by email to fedbenefits@narfe.org.
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Cover Story 30
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Thinking about a change of scenery to a new federal agency? Here’s what you need to know.
At one time or another, some federal employees may consider transferring to another agency. Some run out of promotion possibilities at their current workplace. Others hope for a shorter commute or to relocate for family reasons. Some are unhappy with the current direction of their agency, with their supervisors or coworkers, even with the work they are doing. The grass simply looks greener on the other side of the fence. Surprisingly, however, most federal employees do not or cannot take advantage of the opportunity the government offers to transfer between agencies without loss of seniority, pay or pension benefits. According to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), 76.9 percent of today’s federal employees have worked at only one agency, 14.7 percent at two agencies and 8.4 percent at three or more agencies. If you’re thinking about transferring somewhere else but don’t know how to get started or how to get another agency to hire you, here’s what you can do, along with some tips on how to succeed once you’ve made the switch.
HOW TO GET STARTED
“The first thing you have to decide about changing agencies is this: what do you want to do?” says Stewart Liff, a retired federal employee and author of Managing Your Government Career among five other books about management and leadership. “Once you decide that, think about what your potential is and how marketable you are.” There are plenty of transfer opportunities for some people. Every agency needs employees with finance, human resources and information technology skills. The skills you learn in these areas are very transferrable to other organizations. Others may need to change careers to be hired. They may even have to accept temporary downgrades to go somewhere else. “You need to have a vision of what you
want, and where you want to go and why,” Liff explains. “Have a realistic expectation of what you are trying to accomplish. Don’t just leave for the sake of leaving.” Before filing an application, speak to people, especially those you know to get a sense of what things are like at the agencies in which you are interested. If you get an interview, make sure you are interviewing your interviewers as much as they are interviewing you. Sometimes, it is even possible to be detailed to another organization for short periods of time. If you’re interested in a specific agency, learn what its career path for your job specialty is like. Many agencies hire claims examiners, but the target grade for a claims examiner in the Social Security Administration is not the same as that for one in the Department of Veterans Affairs. The annual Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) measures employees’ perceptions of whether, and to what extent, conditions characteristic of successful organizations are present in their agencies. Employees share their perceptions in many critical areas, including their work experiences, their agency and their leadership. For job seekers, the survey offers a treasure trove of information on the culture of agencies you are considering. You can find the results of the most recent and archived surveys at www.opm.gov/fevs/. Websites and electronic bulletin boards such as FedSmith.com, FederalNewsRadio.com and FederalSoup.com, as well as publications like FedWeek, Federal Times, Government Executive, and, of course, NARFE Magazine can provide you additional help and support.
FINDING THE RIGHT JOB
All agencies who post competitive job opportunities must post their vacancies on the USAJOBS website, www.usajobs.gov. Many agencies also post their excepted service positions on that website. (Competitive service jobs require applicants to compete with others W W W. N A R F E . O R G
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in open competition. Excepted service hiring authorities are granted by OPM to fill special jobs when it is not feasible or not practical to use traditional competitive hiring procedures.) If agencies choose to not post their excepted service opportunities on USAJOBS, they can post them wherever they see fit. OPM recommends job seekers check department websites for excepted service job announcements. Agencies are also authorized to reassign and transfer employees in the competitive and excepted services within and across organizations to match skill sets as needed.
Once you’ve identified an agency you want to work for and a job field you are interested in, go directly to the agency itself.”
OPM also recommends employees seeking transfers check out the “Training and Development for Federal Employees” section of their website (www.bitly.com/opm-careerdev). The tools the site offers will help enhance your skills and make you more valuable to other agencies. Besides regularly checking USAJOBS, Liff offered additional suggestions. “The downside of USAJOBS,” he explained, “is that you’re competing with a larger pool of candidates—people both inside and outside of government.” He suggests once you’ve identified an agency you want to work for and a job field you are interested in, go directly to the agency itself. Most federal employees who have worked for the government for several years have competitive status. This allows them to work for other agencies sometimes without competing with members of the public who do not have such status and must go through OPM’s examination process. OPM cautions, however, that most agencies are not able to effect employee transfers without first considering surplus and displaced employees who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. Liff suggests visiting agency human resources offices, and give them a job application for them to hold on file. “When a vacancy comes,” he explains, “they’ll consider you—hopefully before everyone else!” Personal relationships have lots of importance in getting hired. Liff recommends applicants try to find a contact, or contacts, at the agencies they are interested in. “If you talk to someone 32
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who is interested in you,” he says, “they can hire you on the spot for a specific job if they have direct hire authority for the position.” In many agencies, he continued, “if you have competitive status and there’s no one on staff who has a higher priority, that’s the easiest way to get hired, because they know you in advance and the experience you’ve already had, which enables them to hire you much more quickly and much more directly.” Other tips include: regularly updating your resume, making sure it reflects your most recent levels of experience; always being sure you qualify for a job before applying; being aware of the job qualifications listed in the announcement and seeing to it that your application is geared to provide the specific things agencies are looking for. One step many federal job seekers omit is to be aware of their own reputation within their current agency. Line up references and speak to them in advance, so that when they get a call about you, it isn’t coming out of the blue. It’s always good to submit a brief cover letter with your application that outlines some of the highlights of your previous experience and what you have to offer to another agency, so that they can see your record of accomplishment right away, making you a person the agency wants to hire.
ONE PERSON’S EXPERIENCE
Renee McGhee left the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), spent several years working for the Smithsonian Institution’s engineering department, and then returned to her old agency. “I left VA because it didn’t appear a promotion was likely in my immediate future,” she explained. McGhee felt she needed to prove to herself and others she could be successful and obtain her next promotion in an atmosphere where she wasn’t known as well as she was at VA. She had “grown up” at the department, progressing in her career from her start as a GS-4 until she eventually became a GS-14. “VA was like family,” she says. More than that, she knew it was time for a change. She had started her then-current job when she was quite young and knew it well. She didn’t want that comfort zone to cripple her for the remainder of her career.
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McGhee faced numerous challenges at the Smithsonian. She had to quickly learn a new way of doing business in a totally different environment. She had no relationships with Smithsonian employees and didn’t know anyone there. To overcome this, she signed up for training on critical thinking and thinking strategically in an engineering environment. She tried hard to fit in. “I wanted them to know they made a wise choice selecting me for the position,” she explained. McGhee succeeded in her efforts. She was promoted earlier than expected and received awards for her work. But she missed working at VA. Her former supervisor asked her to return several times, “and it was hard to say no, when what I really wanted to say was yes,” she recalls. She missed interacting regularly with other VA employees with whom she had developed longterm relationships. “VA knew me basically from the birth of my career. There were people there who knew my entire journey. They were genuinely proud of me, proud of my career progress, and often told me so.” “When I left VA,” she said, “I was often a bit homesick.” Nine years ago, she returned to the department in a new position as an executive assistant—one that not only drew on her previous VA experience, but also on her work at the Smithsonian. McGhee is still glad she made the change. “Because I had left the agency for a while, I was able to sit at the table and contribute to discussions without the weight of my previous VA role hanging over me,” she concludes.
HOW TO ADJUST TO A NEW AGENCY
While McGhee was able to adjust to her new agency, it’s not an easy thing to do. Most people who leave don’t have the option of returning. Liff has some advice to make your transition successful. “The first thing I always recommend when you go to another agency is to watch and listen,” he said. “Learn the culture. Learn the unspoken and unwritten rules so you have a sense of what’s going on, and a sense of the history of your new place.” Understanding the culture, especially the “do’s and don’ts,” will help keep you from making 34
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mistakes that will set you back right from the get-go. Find a couple of mentors within the new agency. Also, identify who the best and worst employees in your area are and associate with the best. “Know why they are considered the best employees, and what makes them tick,” Liff said. “People judge you, in part, on who you have a good relationship with.” Look for quick victories, areas of opportunity in which you can rapidly make a visible impact. “You want to become a go-to person as quickly as you can,” he noted. ”Obtaining quick victories are a good way to do that. Liff also reminds new transfers to watch how they are dressed and groomed, because people, fairly or unfairly, judge you in part on how you look. He also suggests not being the last person to come to work or the first person to leave, and to establish a record of being someone others can rely on. “It’s OK to change agencies,” said Liff. “I changed agencies several times. What you want to do is find a place where you’re comfortable.”
It’s OK to change agencies.... I changed agencies several times. What you want to do is find a place where you’re comfortable.”
He cites the example of professional basketball player Kevin Durant, who was criticized for choosing a championship team, the Golden State Warriors, when he had the opportunity to select the next team he would play for. Going to a champion, fans and sportswriters said, was taking the easy route. “But he only has a finite time to play,” explained Liff. “He wanted to go to an organization whose culture would make him happy, and where other people shared his point of view of the world. And that, to me, is a very important thing.” “We, who work in government – if we are able to see the forest through the trees, have a wonderful opportunity to make a difference. Associate with great people wherever you are, and the synergy coming from that can make your career an incredibly positive experience.” —EVERETT A. CHASEN IS A WRITER AND COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C. AREA. HE RETIRED FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AFTER 35 YEARS OF SERVICE.
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In Part 1 of this article, which ran in the August 2018 issue of NARFE Magazine, we focused on the basic information you should know regarding Social Security eligibility. Among other general topics, we explained how waiting to draw a benefit has an increasing effect on the amount payable. We also examined the “earnings test” that might limit your ability to claim Social Security if you are still working and younger than your full retirement age (FRA). This is often the first thing people neglect to consider when they initially become eligible for a benefit from Social Security years before they reach their FRA. If gainfully employed, many folks aren’t ready to give up their jobs just so they can draw a Social Security benefit. But, the “earnings test” no longer applies once you reach your FRA. It’s easy to lose track of these basics when you’re trying to think strategically about Social Security. So now that we’ve discussed the basics that you need to keep in mind, let’s move on to additional rules that apply to your Social Security “strategy.”
STARTING AND STOPPING SOCIAL SECURITY
If you have drawn fewer than 12 monthly payments from the SSA and change your mind for any reason, you could stop the benefit and reapply 36
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later. However, you would be required to return the benefits that you (and your family) received based on your work record during that period. You are only allowed to do this once during your lifetime. If you have already taken more than 12 monthly payments, you could consider suspending your payment once you reach your FRA. If you have previously applied for Social Security, you can suspend your payments anytime between your FRA and age 70. If you do this, you could suspend your payments all the way to age 70. For example, Mary locked herself in with 75 percent of her full benefit when she applied for Social Security at age 62. Upon reaching her FRA a few years later, she suspended her payment until age 70. At age 70, the SSA automatically recomputed her benefit and recommenced her payments with delayed credits, giving Mary 107 percent of her full benefit for the rest of her life. Just keep in mind, if you suspend your benefit between your FRA and age 70, no other family members can claim a benefit from your work record until you unsuspend your payments or predecease them. (This does not apply if you were born on or before January 1, 1954 and previously suspended your benefit prior to April 29, 2016.) Additional details can be found here: www.ssa. gov/planners/retire/withdrawal.html
By: James Marshall
FAMILY BENEFITS AND DUAL ENTITLEMENT
A family member is usually unable to claim a benefit from a worker’s Social Security record if the worker is alive and not claiming his or her own benefit. This is why some people claim Social Security early if they still have children that are eligible for benefits when the worker reaches the age of 62. Children are eligible for a benefit from their parent’s work record until the age of 18, or 19 if still in high school. If your child is dependent upon you due to a disability that began before his or her 22nd birthday, the benefits could continue beyond the age of 18 or 19. If married, your spouse is unable to claim a benefit from your Social Security work record until you claim your own benefit or pass away. This same rule applies to you. You are unable to claim a benefit from your spouse’s work record until they claim their own benefit or predecease you. However, if you are divorced from someone you were married to for at least 10 years, once you reach your Minimum Retirement Age (MRA), you can claim a benefit from your former spouse’s Social Security work record as long as your former spouse has reached his/her 62nd birthday. Your former spouse does not have to apply for his/her benefit to permit you to draw from his/her work record. The
benefit you claim will not affect your former spouse’s benefits. This is true even if he or she has remarried and has family members also claiming benefits from his/her work record. The maximum spousal benefit at FRA or older is 50 percent of the worker’s full benefit. A spousal benefit claimed prior to FRA would be a permanently reduced percentage of the worker’s full benefit. Regardless of whether the worker is drawing more or less than his or her own full benefit, the spousal benefit is always a percentage of the worker’s full benefit. Dual entitlement means that you are eligible for your own benefit and you are eligible for the benefit that your spouse or former spouse earned for you. When you are dual-entitled and apply for your benefit, it is deemed that you are applying for both. The SSA looks at both work records and gives you the higher amount of the two benefits.
The maximum spousal benefit at FRA or older is 50 percent of the worker’s full benefit.
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For example, Tony and Sarah are both 62 and are dual-entitled, currently eligible for reduced benefits as a worker and as a spouse. 75 percent of Tony’s benefit is $1,600 and 75 percent of Sarah’s benefit is $1,800. At the age of 62, both are eligible for 35 percent of each other’s full benefit as a spousal benefit. The spousal amount potentially payable to Tony is $840 and the spousal amount payable to Sarah is $747. But due to the fact that 35 percent of their spouse’s full benefit is less than 75 percent of their own, both Tony and Sarah will be drawing their own benefit while they are both alive. Additional details can be found here: www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10085.pdf and www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/applying6.html.
If you are receiving a government pension that is computed based on work where you did not pay into Social Security (i.e. CSRS), then you are most likely familiar with the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Once you are in receipt of this government pension, if you have your 40 credits, the Social
Security benefit that you have earned for yourself is subject to the WEP. However, if you have at least 30 years of substantial earnings that Social Security taxes were withheld from, then you would be exempt from the WEP. Some people who retire under CSRS Offset or transferred to FERS may be exempt from the WEP for this reason. The WEP cannot reduce your benefit to $0, so don’t be one of those CSRS annuitants with 40 credits who never claim Social Security because you were told that the WEP would do that. The WEP also affects any benefit that your spouse, former spouse, or child might be eligible to claim from your work record while you’re alive. However, the WEP does not affect a benefit that someone can claim from your work record after you pass away. You can use calculators on Social Security’s web site to estimate your benefit affected by the WEP: www.ssa.gov/planners/calculators/ Once you are in receipt of a CSRS pension, if you are eligible for a Social Security benefit based on your spouse/former spouse’s work record, the GPO would affect the Social Security benefit he or she earned for you. The GPO might reduce that benefit to $0, but there are situations where it might not—especially if you are a widow/widower with a small pension. Most CSRS employees
If you were born on or before January 1, 1954, certain exceptions apply. If you had reached your FRA and previously filed and suspended your benefit prior to April 29, 2016, eligible family members could draw a benefit from your suspended work record. But if you didn’t meet this deadline, although you are still allowed to suspend Social Security payments at your FRA, no one else could draw a benefit from a work record suspended after this deadline until you unsuspend the benefit or predecease your eligible family members. If you did not previously suspend your benefit and can afford to wait until your FRA to claim a benefit, you would have the option to file a restricted application with the SSA if your spouse is already drawing his or her own benefit. This allows you to claim 50 percent of his or her full benefit even if he or she is collecting less than his or her own full benefit. Meanwhile, your benefit continues to grow with delayed credits until you decide to draw your own benefit or until you reach the age of 70, when delayed credits are maxed out.
Example: Mary started claiming 75 percent of her full benefit at age 62. Mary’s spouse (John), who has reached his FRA, is eligible for 100 percent of his full benefit, but since he wants his own benefit to grow with delayed credits, he files a restricted application with the SSA so he can receive 50 percent of Mary’s full benefit without affecting his own benefit. A few years later, at age 70, John claims 132 percent of his full benefit. Similar rules apply if you are single upon reaching your FRA but previously divorced after at least 10 years of marriage. If you can afford to wait until your FRA to claim Social Security, and if your former spouse is 62 or older, you could file the restricted application and allow your own benefit to grow until you’re ready to claim your benefit with delayed credits. But for everyone else who was born on or after January 2, 1954, these options are no longer available. Additional details can be found here: www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/claiming.html and www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/applying6.html
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Unless you have a CSRS component in your annuity, FERS annuitants are not subject to the WEP or the GPO.
who transferred to FERS and CSRS Offset are exempt from the GPO if they spent the last five or more years of their federal careers paying Social Security taxes. You are not subject to the WEP or the GPO until you retire from the government. So if you are still working under CSRS beyond your FRA, you might want to look into claiming any Social Security benefit that you have earned for yourself or any Social Security benefit that you may qualify for based on your spouse/former spouse’s work record. The WEP and the GPO won’t affect these benefits until you retire from federal service. Your spouse’s Social Security work records are not subject to the WEP or the GPO unless they are also in receipt of a government pension based on work where they didn’t pay Social Security taxes. A CSRS spousal survivor benefit payable to your widow/widower from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will not affect their Social Security benefits. Unless you have a CSRS component in your annuity, FERS annuitants are not subject to the WEP or the GPO. Additional details can be found here: www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10045.pdf and www.ssa. gov/pubs/EN-05-10007.pdf
WIDOW/WIDOWER BENEFITS
The MRA for claiming a reduced widow/widower benefit from Social Security is age 60. The MRA is reduced to age 50 if you are disabled, or any age if you are caring for the deceased’s child who is under age 16 or is disabled. A widow/widower benefit is subject to the same “earnings test” as other benefits payable until the beneficiary reaches his or her FRA. This explains why so many widows/widowers are not collecting Social Security—they are often still working well into their mid-60s. The maximum widow/widower benefit is payable if the benefit is claimed at the widow/widower’s FRA or older. A widow/widower benefit claimed prior to your FRA is permanently reduced for early age. Remarriage after the age of 60 will not affect your eligibility for widow/widower benefits from Social Security. 40
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Widow/widower benefits are also payable to divorced spouses as long as the marriage lasted for 10 or more years before the divorce, even if the deceased had remarried and was still married to someone else at the time of their death. As long as the surviving divorced spouse hasn’t remarried prior to the age of 60, he/she would qualify for the widow/widower benefit as well. If you become widowed beyond your FRA and have already started claiming your own Social Security benefit, you will remain on your own benefit if it is larger than your widow/widower benefit. However, if the widow/widower benefit amount is larger than yours, the SSA will increase your benefit accordingly. Using the example from earlier, if Tony (receiving $1,600) predeceases Sarah (receiving $1,800), Tony’s benefit stops upon his death and Sarah continues receiving $1,800. However, if Sarah predeceases Tony, Sarah’s benefit stops upon her death but Tony’s benefit will be increased to $1,800 as a widower if he has reached his FRA. If Tony is younger than his FRA at the time of Sarah’s death and wants to avoid a permanent reduction for early age, Tony has the option to wait until his FRA to claim the maximum widower benefit. If you become widowed before you start drawing your own benefit, you might want to look into the option of drawing your widow/widower benefit before switching to your own benefit later, especially if you are done working and are younger than age 62. If you are dual-entitled and one benefit still has potential to grow, the widow/widower can claim one benefit while allowing the other benefit to continue growing until claimed. This is slightly different than what was explained earlier when both individuals are alive and upon application for Social Security, the higher of the two work records is automatically used. The rules regarding the option to claim from one work record versus another apply differently to widows/widowers.
If you become widowed before you start drawing your own benefit, you might want to look into the option of drawing your widow/widower benefit before switching to your own later.
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Using the example from earlier, John (who just reached his FRA) recently predeceased Mary. At age 62, since she is younger than her FRA, Mary is entitled to either 75 percent of her full benefit or 81 percent of John’s full benefit. If she chooses to claim her benefit first, her widow benefit will continue to grow until it reaches the maximum amount payable at her FRA, at which time she could switch to her widow benefit (if it’s a higher amount than her own). Conversely, if she chooses to claim her widow benefit first, her own benefit will continue to grow until it reaches the maximum amount payable to her at age 70, at which time she could switch to her own benefit for the rest of her life. When dual-entitled as a widow/widower, you can choose when you want to switch from one record to the other. You don’t have to wait until the other benefit is maxed. If you are dual-entitled and become widowed before you have drawn a benefit from Social Security, you should schedule an appointment with the local Social Security office and ask a claims specialist to compute estimates to reflect your options. More details can be found here: www.ssa.gov/ planners/survivors/survivorchartred.html.
Deciding when to draw Social Security is an important decision.
Similar to your federal pension, Social Security is one of the few sources of retirement income that you cannot outlive. Deciding when to draw Social Security is an important decision as it affects the amount you might receive for the rest of your life. The next time you read something about Social Security strategies, or the next time you are thinking about your options, keep this article nearby so you can brush up on some of these rules to remember. — JAMES MARSHALL IS THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE FEDERAL BENEFITS INSTITUTE AT NARFE.
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A simple idea… made possible with sophisticated technology. If you have trouble understanding a call, captioned telephone can change your life. During a phone call the words spoken to you appear on the phone’s screen – similar to closed captioning on TV. So when you make or receive a call, the words spoken to you are not only amplified by the phone, but scroll across the phone so you can listen while reading everything that’s said to you. Each call is routed through a call center, where computer technology – aided by a live representative – generates voice-to-text translations. The captioning is real-time, accurate and readable. Your conversation is private and the captioning service doesn’t cost you a penny. Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service (IP CTS) is regulated and funded by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and is designed exclusively for individuals with hearing loss. To learn more, visit www.fcc.gov. The Hamilton CapTel phone requires telephone service and high-speed Internet access. WiFi Capable. Callers
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Do you get discouraged when you hear your telephone ring? Do you avoid using your phone because hearing difficulties make it hard to understand the person on the other end of the line? For many Americans the telephone conversation – once an important part of everyday life – has become a thing of the past. Because they can’t understand what is said to them on the phone, they’re often cut off from friends, family, doctors and caregivers. Now, thanks to innovative technology there is finally a better way.
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Managing Money
10 THINGS TO KNOW WHEN LEAVING A RETIREMENT PLAN TO A NONSPOUSE
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f you plan on leaving your retirement plan to a non spouse beneficiary, here are 10 things your nonspouse beneficiary should be aware of.
1. Not all beneficiaries are created equal You may choose to leave your money to any number of possible beneficiaries. Know that there is a big difference between a “designated beneficiary” and a “beneficiary,” when it comes to the options when inheriting a retirement plan. A designated beneficiary is a real, living human being, whereas a beneficiary may include pets and nonliving entities. 2. Must be identified as Inherited IRA A nonspouse beneficiary inheriting a TSP account, or an IRA, may transfer the inherited account to an Inherited IRA, but he or she may not commingle an inherited retirement plan with his or her own retirement plan money. The Inherited IRA must be clearly designated in the title of the account and must include the name of the deceased IRA owner. 3. Trustee-to-trustee transfers only When a nonspouse wants to move the inherited retirement plan from one financial institution to another, he or she may only do so by way of a trustee-to-trustee transfer. A nonspouse beneficiary
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does not have the option to do a 60-day rollover with an inherited retirement plan. Once a nonspouse beneficiary takes a distribution, there’s no getting the money back into the inherited retirement plan. 4. Beneficiaries are subject to distribution rules While retirement plan owners are generally required to take RMDs beginning in the year they turn 70½, beneficiaries of retirement plans, including inherited Roth IRAs, must begin taking RMDs by December 31 of the year following the year of the owner’s death—regardless of the beneficiary’s age—unless opting for the 5-year rule. 5. The 5-year rule A nonspouse beneficiary may elect the five-year distribution rule, which permits the nonspouse beneficiary to take distributions however he or she likes, as long as the inherited IRA is completely depleted by December 31 of the fifth year following the owner’s death. If the IRA owner died after the Required Beginning Date (RBD), which is generally April 1 following the year you turn 70½, there is no 5-year option. The nonspouse beneficiary must begin the RMDs as stated.
BY MARK A. KEEN,
CFP®
Only a designated beneficiary may take RMDs over his or her own life expectancy. Nondesignated beneficiaries, such as an estate or charity, must follow the 5-year rule if the owner died prior to the RBD. If the owner died after the RBD, a nondesignated beneficiary may take RMDs based on the owner’s remaining life expectancy. 6. Single Life Expectancy Table versus Uniform Lifetime Table Designated beneficiaries may calculate the RMD based on his or her own age; however, a beneficiary must use the Single Table, rather than more favorable Uniform Lifetime Table. 7. Multiple beneficiaries If there are multiple beneficiaries, they will want to split the inherited retirement plan into separate inherited IRAs for each beneficiary by December 31 of the year following the year of the owner’s death. 8. The inherited retirement plan retains its tax status Tax-deferred plans, such as traditional IRAs and the Traditional Thrift Saving Plans (TSP) contain pretax contributions and earnings, which are taxed at the time of distribution. The taxdeferred status continues for the beneficiary; no income tax will be owed until the funds are withdrawn. It’s important for an owner and a beneficiary
BENEFITS RESOURCES NARFE offers members a wide range of information on federal benefits. Visit www. narfe.org/federalbenefits and www.narfe.org/ FederalBenefitsInstitute.
to have accurate records of any after-tax money in a retirement plan, such as a Traditional IRA. Likewise, a Roth account retains its tax-free status, and any earnings in an Inherited Roth IRA may be distributed tax-free assuming the 5-year rule is met. The holding period carries over from the owner to the beneficiary. 9. No early distribution penalty The 10 percent early distribution penalty does not
apply to beneficiaries taking distributions from the inherited retirement plan. If an owner takes a distribution from a taxdeferred retirement plan, such as a Traditional IRA, prior to reaching age 59½, he or she will be subject to a 10 percent early distribution penalty unless an exception applies. The early distribution penalty will only apply to earnings and conversion amounts in a Roth IRA if the applicable 5-year has not been met. 10. Inherited IRAs are not protected in bankruptcy proceedings In 2014, the Supreme Court ruled that an inherited IRA held by a nonspouse beneficiary no longer constitutes a retirement plan for federal bankruptcy protection. MARK A. KEEN, CFP®, IS PARTNER, KEEN & POCOCK, AND AN INVESTMENT ADVISER REPRESENTATIVE AND REGISTERED PRINCIPAL OF THE STRATEGIC FINANCIAL ALLIANCE, INC. (SFA). SECURITIES AND ADVISORY SERVICES ARE OFFERED THROUGH SFA.
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Alzheimer’s Update
A HEALTHY MIND AND BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE
A
lzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that damages and eventually destroys brain cells, leading to memory loss and changes in other cognitive abili-
ties serious enough to interfere with daily life. As a progressive disease, it worsens over time. There is no cure, currently. There are research efforts looking for ways to develop effective treatments and prevent this dreadful disease. Researchers are also working on ways to better care for people who are already affected by the disease and find better ways to support their families. With prevention studies, it appears less than one percent of people with Alzheimer’s disease have an early-onset type associated with genetic mutations. According to research, individuals who have these genetic mutations are guaranteed to develop the disease at some point. An ongoing clinical trial being conducted by the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network (DIAN) is testing whether antibodies to beta-amyloid can reduce the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaque in the brains of people with such genetic mutations therefore delaying or preventing symptoms. Another clinical trial, known as the A4 trial (Anti-Amyloid Treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer’s) tests whether antibodies to beta-amyloid can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in people age 65 to 85 who are at high risk for the disease. The A4 trial is being conducted by the 46
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Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study (ADCS). In 2014, the Alzheimer’s Association awarded approximately $8 million to researchers in Massachusetts to conduct a companion study to the A4 trial known as LEARN (Longitudinal Evaluation of Amyloid Risk and Neurodegeneration). The LEARN Study will follow people over time who do not have beta-amyloid plaques in the brain to determine what brain changes, if any, are associated with cognitive decline. Prevention and Risk of Alzheimer’s “Can Alzheimer’s be prevented?” is a question that continues to intrigue many researchers and add fuel for more investigations. There is no clear-cut answer as of yet, partially due to the need for more large-scale studies, but some promising research is under way. The Alzheimer’s Association continues to fund studies exploring the influence of exercise, diet, social and mental stimulation, social interactions with people, mental interaction and other relevant factors in the development of Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
BY OLIVIA A. WILLIAMS NARFE-ALZHEIMER’S CHAIR
Some autopsy studies have shown that as many as 80 percent of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease also have cardiovascular disease. The long-standing question is why some people develop the Alzheimer’s plaques and tangles but don’t develop the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. It appears that vascular disease may help researchers eventually find an answer. Some autopsy studies suggest that plaques and tangles may be present in the brain without causing symptoms of cognitive decline, unless the brain also shows evidence of vascular disease. More research is needed to better understand the link between vascular health and Alzheimer’s. Some research suggests that regular physical exercise may be a beneficial strategy to lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. It is believed that exercise may directly benefit brain cells by increasing the blood and oxygen flow in the brain because of its known cardiovascular benefits. Current evidence suggests that heart-healthy eating may also help protect the brain. A hearthealthy diet includes limiting the intake of sugar and saturated fats, and eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. New Legislation Through the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM), the Alzheimer’s Association is leading the way to secure policies to (Continued on p. 47)
(Continued from p. 46) improve the quality of life for those living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. AIM’s role is not just in supporting legislation, but also working with policy makers during the development stage to ensure the legislation best meets the needs of the Alzheimer’s community. While working with the bipartisan Congressional champions in the Senate and House, AIM was instrumental in the development and introduction of S. 2076/H.R. 4256, the Build Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act. This bill was introduced in November 2017 in the Senate by Sens. Susan Collins (RME), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) and in the House by Representatives Brett Guthrie (RKY), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Maxine Waters (D-CA). The BOLD Infrastructure for
Alzheimer’s Act would strengthen existing Alzheimer’s public health infrastructure across the country to implement effective Alzheimer’s interventions such as increasing early detection and diagnosis, reducing risk and preventing avoidable hospitalization. Also, this legislation would also increase implementation of the National Public Health Road Map nationwide by establishing Alzheimer’s centers of excellence; providing cooperative agreements to public health departments; and increasing data collection, analysis and timely reporting. Where Do We Go From Here? Alzheimer’s disease has become a public health issue, being viewed as an aging issue and also having an effect on a community level. The impact is major and there seem to be ways to intervene. Public health
care primarily involves medical treatment and care for particular individuals—the prevention, treatment and the management of illness among individuals by medical professionals. With more than 5 million Americans having Alzheimer’s, it is the most expensive disease in America with costs now exceeding a quarter of a trillion dollars per year and growing larger. As NARFE members, along with the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement, we need to continue to contact our Senators and Congress members to support this much-needed bill. Write letters and emails and make phone calls. We can do this with NARFE members’ help. Continue to donate funds for Alzheimer’s disease research so one day we can find a cure. OLIVIA A. WILLIAMS IS CHAIR OF THE NARFE-ALZHEIMER’S NATIONAL COMMITTEE. EMAIL: OEASHF3@BELLSOUTH.NET THIS COLUMN APPEARS QUARTERLY.
NARFE NATIONAL LIFE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION National Life Membership offers a hedge against future dues increases and affirms a member’s ongoing support of NARFE’s mission to serve federal employees and retirees. National dues are paid for life; applicable chapter dues are billed annually.
CONTACT INFORMATION o Mr. o Mrs. o Miss o Ms. Full Name _____________________________________________ Street Address _________________________________________ Apt./Unit ______________________________________________ City _______________________ State _____ ZIP _____________ Phone (__________) ____________________________________ Email ________________________________________________ Date of Birth _____ /_____ /_________ dd
mm
yyyy
Recruiter ID # (if applicable) _______________________________ Chapter Number (if applicable) ____________________________ (call 800-456-8410 for chapter information) MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION Member Number: _______________________________________ (New members) Membership is open to civilians in any agency of the federal or D.C. (before Oct. 1, 1987) governments eligible for a federal annuity.
Thank you for becoming a National Member for Life. You will receive a membership card, certificate and special lapel pin. Please allow six weeks for processing. Dues payments & gift contributions to NARFE are not deductible as charitable contributions for income tax purposes.
I am a (check all that apply)
o Active Federal Employee o Active Federal Employee Spouse
o Annuitant o Annuitant Spouse o Survivor Annuitant
Life Membership Fee Schedule Ages 30-39 40-50 51-55 56-60 61-65 66-70 71-75 76-80 81-90 91-100+
Single or Quarterly Payment Installments $1,796 $450.25 1,408 353.25 1,127 283.00 960 241.25 801 201.50 653 164.50 514 129.75 392 99.25 251 64.00 127 33.00
PAYMENT INFORMATION o Single Payment or o Quarterly Installments (4 payments) Life Membership fee amount: $ _____________________ PAYMENT OPTIONS o Check or Money Order (Payable to NARFE) o Charge my: o MasterCard o VISA o Discover o American Express Card No. _________________________________________ Expiration Date _____ /_______ mm
yyyy
Name on Card _____________________________________ Signature ________________________ Date ___________ MAIL THIS APPLICATION TO NARFE Member Records 606 N. Washington St. / Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 W W W. N A R F E . O R G
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47
NARFE News
KEEP YOUR ADDRESS UP-TO-DATE Use the NARFE website to keep your home address and contact information up-to-date. Visit www.narfe.org/myaccount to access all your member information. This is a one-stop place to update your records, add an email address, renew membership or donate to NARFE programs. Questions? Visit www.narfe.org and click “contact us” on the home tab.
READY...SET... RECRUIT
F
or every new member recruited September 1 through December 31, 2018, recruiters will earn $10 for each new member they recruit (the recruiter’s ID number must be provided when the new member joins.) Recruiters also will be entered once for each recruit for a monthly drawing of a $25 Amazon Gift Card and for the Grand Prize Drawing for a brand new Bose SoundLink Revolve + Bluetooth 360 speaker.
As we all work toward the common goals of increasing NARFE membership and engaging members in our mission, encourage members at all levels to spread the word and get involved with this important effort. Please publicize the 2018 Membership Drive in your newsletters, websites and meetings. Frequent reminders can help keep members focused and excited about the program. NARFE’s Fall Membership Drive starts September 1. Updated bro-
chures and materials are available to support the field in recruiting efforts. The NARFE membership brochure, F-135, is available to order. The brochure can help you through recruitment talking points and includes an application with a prepaid return envelope. Complete rules and information can be found online at www.narfe. org/recruit. — BY MONICA WILLIAMS, DEPUTY DIRECTOR, MEMBERSHIP MARKETING
ALZHEIMER’S STAMP AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE The U.S. Postal Service has designed a postal stamp for Alzheimer’s awareness, available for purchase. NARFE member Kathy Siggins helped bring this stamp to fruition. The design depicts a woman with Alzheimer’s disease being comforted by a family member, friend, caregiver or health care professional, touching her on the shoulder. The stamp can be purchased at many post offices, online at usps.com or
toll-free 800-STAMP-24. Proceeds from the stamp will be distributed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for more Alzheimer’s research. The Alzheimer’s Disease stamp is the first of five semipostal stamps, each with a limited release of two years. Missed the Alzheimer’s Update article on the stamp? View it in the March 2018 issue of NARFE Magazine on p. 44.
DON’T MISS IMPORTANT NARFE NEWS
A
re you taking advantage of all of NARFE’s channels of communication? Every member of NARFE receives a copy of NARFE Magazine in the mail each month. If you have an email address on file, you receive the association’s weekly electronic news digest, NARFE NewsWatch, in
48
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your inbox every Tuesday. But did you know that NARFE keeps the conversation going on Facebook and Twitter? • On Facebook, NARFE can be found at NARFE National Headquarters - www. facebook.com/NARFEHQ/
• NARFE’s Twitter handle is @narfehq. Don’t miss out on important breaking news from NARFE Headquarters. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to keep informed daily.
NARFE News
NARFE Magazine Recognized
N
ARFE has been honored with the APEX 2018 Award for Publication Excellence for “Federal Cybersecurity Shortage,” a NARFE Magazine article written by David Tobenkin. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the APEX awards program, an annual competition for publishers, editors, writers and designers who create print, web, electronic and social media. More than 1,400 entries were submitted, with NARFE being one of 24 recognized in the
Feature Writing category. “APEX awards recognize best-practices in graphic design, editorial content and the ability to achieve overall communications excellence,” said Ken Turtoro, executive director of Communications CONCEPTS which manages the awards program. “Federal Cybersecurity Shortage,” published in the November 2017 issue of NARFE Magazine, examines the challenge of cybersecurity threats to the federal government from a personnel perspective. From competing against the private sector to recruit and retain skilled professionals to the lack of preparedness and implementation of cyber security protocols within various federal agencies, Tobenkin explores the
progress made by agencies to better understand cyber security skills and position requirements alongside the issue of lower and less competitive starting salaries particularly among younger employees. A freelance writer in Washington, DC, Tobenkin has written extensively on a range of topics spanning postsecondary education, real estate, human resources, technology, economics, healthcare and the federal workforce. NARFE Magazine is NARFE’s monthly flagship publication, featuring expert insight on retirement planning, healthcare, Social Security and other earned benefits and legislation that affect federal employees and retirees.
NARFE’S PREMIER CONFERENCE AUGUST 26-28, 2018 • JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA HYATT REGENCY JACKSONVILLE RIVERFRONT
SEE YOU AT FEDCON18! Not registered yet? There’s still time to join your fellow Feds at the federal benefits training conference of the year. Full conference and one-day rates available. NARFE has negotiated a fantastic rate of $99 per night at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront. Visit www.NARFE.org/fedcon18 for more information and to register.
50
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It’s not a Wheelchair... It’s not a Power Chair... It’s a Zinger! Meet the future of personal transportation. More and more Americans are reaching the age where mobility is an everyday issue. Whether from an injury or from the everyday aches and pains that come from getting older– getting around isn’t as easy as it used to be. You may have tried a power chair or a scooter. The Zinger is NOT a power chair or a scooter! The Zinger is quick and nimble, yet it is not prone to tipping like many scooters. Best of all, it weighs only 42 pounds and folds and unfolds with ease so you can take it almost anywhere, providing you with independence and freedom. Years of work by innovative engineers have resulted in a mobility device that’s truly unique. They created a battery that provides powerful energy at a fraction of the weight of most batteries. The Zinger features two steering levers, one on either side of the seat. The user pushes both levers down to go forward, pulls them both up to brake, and pushes one while pulling the other to turn to either side. This enables great mobility, the ability to turn on a dime and to pull right up to tables or desks. The controls are right on the steering arm so it’s simple to operate, and its exclusive footrest swings out of the way when you stand up or sit down. With its rugged yet lightweight aluminum frame, the Zinger is sturdy and durable yet lightweight and comfortable! What’s more, it easily folds up for storage in a car seat or trunk– you can even gate-check it at the airport like a stroller. Think about it, you can take your Zinger almost anywhere, so you don’t
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© 2018 firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.
83917
1-888-831-4104
2018
G FUND
F FUND
C FUND
S FUND
I FUND
JULY
0.25%
0.04%
3.72%
1.64%
2.45%
JUNE
0.24%
-0.10%
0.61%
0.86%
-1.20%
MAY
0.24%
0.73%
2.41%
4.85%
-2.13%
YTD
1.62%
-1.52%
6.45%
7.91%
-0.04%
1 YEAR
2.59%
-0.66%
16.21%
17.46%
6.80%
3 YEAR*
2.22%
1.75%
12.54%
11.18%
5.41%
5 YEAR*
2.21%
2.63%
13.17%
11.68%
6.22%
10 YEAR*
2.32%
3.98%
10.71%
11.18%
3.79%
*ANNUALIZED
2018
L 2020
L 2030
L 2040
L 2050
JULY
0.79%
1.12%
1.91%
2.21%
2.48%
JUNE
0.19%
0.17%
0.14%
0.13%
0.12%
MAY
0.50%
0.66%
0.98%
1.13%
1.26%
YTD
2.12%
2.47%
3.39%
3.74%
4.06%
1 YEAR
4.59%
6.24%
9.11%
10.34%
11.47%
3 YEAR*
3.92%
5.22%
7.23%
8.08%
8.81%
5 YEAR*
4.09%
6.09%
7.87%
8.77%
9.55%
10 YEAR*
4.08%
5.89%
7.11%
7.73%
N/A
*ANNUALIZED
RETURNS are net of the effect of accrued administrative expenses and investment expenses/costs. Source: TSP (For additional monthly returns, go to www.tsp.gov.) G Fund: Government securities (specially issued to the TSP) F Fund: Government, corporate and mortgage-backed bonds C Fund: Stocks of large- and medium-size U.S. companies S Fund: Stocks of small- to medium-size U.S. companies (not included in the C Fund) I Fund: International stocks of 21 developed countries L Fund: (Lifecycle) Invested in the G, F, C, S and I Funds (The proportion of L Fund balance invested in each of the individual TSP funds depends on the L Fund chosen.)
OPM RETIREMENT CLAIMS PROCESSING STATUS
2017
Claims Received
Inventory Monthly FYTD (Steady State Average Processing Average Processing is 13,000) Time in Days Time in Days
JUNE 6,141 14,530 JULY 10,070 17,091 AUGUST 7,136 17,125 SEPTEMBER 8,810 16,828 OCTOBER 8,850 18,860 NOVEMBER 5,572 19,294 DECEMBER 5,568 14,515 JANUARY 14,590 20,467 FEBRUARY 13,290 24,225 MARCH 7,767 18,730 APRIL 8,390 17,489 MAY 7,625 18,024 JUNE 9,397 18,198
68 67 65 62 64 68 60 63 46 49 58 58 65
67 67 67 67 64 66 63 63 59 57 57 58 59
PLEASE NOTE that this report is new, with the addition of monthly/FYTD processing time in days, to be more in line with the OPM 60-day processing goal. l Source: OPM 52
Ongoing trade tensions and rising interest rates weren’t enough to keep global equities from trending higher as better labor markets, the growing economy, and strong corporate earnings growth contributed to investor appetite for stocks across all sectors. The C Fund and S Fund achieved gains in the U.S. while the I Fund rose on better international results. The F Fund managed to do just better than break even for the month in spite of higher Treasury yields. All of the L Funds once again finished positive. —BY SEAN MCCAFFREY, CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER, THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN
L INCOME
2018
For the Record
GLOBAL EQUITIES, INTEREST RATES TREND HIGHER IN JULY
THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN FUND RETURNS
| SEPT
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COUNTDOWN TO COLA
T
he Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) increased 0.17 percent in June 2018. To calculate the 2019 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), the indices of July, August and September 2018 will be averaged and compared with the 2017 thirdquarter average of 239.668. The percentage increase determines the COLA. June’s index, 246.196, is up 2.72 percent from the base. Benefits awarded under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) to individuals suffering work-related injuries or illnesses are adjusted according to each calendar year’s percentage change in the CPI-W. June’s index is 2.20 percent higher than the December 2017 base index of 240.526. The CPI represents purchases of food and beverages, housing, apparel, transportation, medical care, recreation, education and communication, and other goods and services. Included are various government fees, such as water charges, auto registration fees, and sales and excise taxes.
MONTH
CPI-W
OCTOBER 2017
240.573
NOVEMBER DECEMBER
Monthly % Change
% Change from 239.668
-0.15
0.38
240.666
0.04
0.42
240.526
-0.06
0.36
JANUARY 2018
241.919
0.58
0.94
FEBRUARY
242.988
0.44
1.39
MARCH
243.463
0.20
1.58
APRIL
244.607
0.47
2.06
MAY
245.770
0.48
2.55
JUNE
246.196
0.17
2.72
JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER
Donate to NARFE Programs Support Alzheimer’s Research
YOUR CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION IS TAX-DEDUCTIBLE TO THE FULLEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW.
WRITE YOUR CHAPTER NUMBER ON CHECK; MAKE IT PAYABLE TO: NARFE-Alzheimer’s Research
Enclosed is my NARFE-Alzheimer’s contribution: $ Every cent that is contributed is used for research. Please circle: Mr. Mrs. Miss Ms. AND MAIL TO: Name: Alzheimer’s Association Address: 225 N. Michigan Ave., 17th Floor City: State: ZIP: Chicago, IL 60601-7633 Chapter Number: Credit Card Information: MasterCard VISA NARFE MEMBERS CONTRIBUTED FOR If you have any questions, write to: Discover AMEX ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCH: $13 Million Fund NATIONAL COMMITTEE CHAIR Card Number: Olivia Williams, 22 Garden Springs Road Expiration Date: (mm)/ (yy) Columbia, SC 29209 *Total as of June 30, 2018 3-Digit Security Code: 100% of all contributed funds go to Name: (please print) EMAIL: oeashf3@bellsouth.net
$12,775,591.99* Alzheimer’s research.
Signature
Join the Silver CIrcle CLIP THIS CONTRIBUTION FORM AND MAIL TO: NARFE Silver Circle 606 N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314
•For a contribution of $25 or more, you will receive a Silver Circle pin, and your name will be listed in narfe magazine with other contributors. •For a contribution of $1,000 or more, your name will be placed on the “Wall of Fame” at NARFE Headquarters.
YOUR CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION IS TAX-DEDUCTIBLE TO THE FULLEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW.
/
Enclosed is my Silver Circle contribution: $ ID # (ID # may be found on your narfe magazine label or your NARFE membership card)
Name: Address: City: State: ZIP: Silver Circle contributions are NOT deductible for federal income tax purposes.
INSTALLMENT PLAN Wall of Fame 12-month installment plan
Give to the Scholarship and Disaster Funds
PLEASE MAIL COUPON AND CHECK TO: FEEA 1641 Prince St. Alexandria, VA 22314
/
All donations go to the NARFE General Fund to support NARFE programs and operations.
My check is enclosed
(Please make check payable to NARFE Silver Circle.)
Please charge my credit card Card type MasterCard VISA Discover AMEX Card Number: Expiration Date: (mm)/ (yy) Name: (please print)
Signature
MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: NARFE-FEEA Disaster Fund or NARFE-FEEA Scholarship Fund.
Date
YES!
Date
/
I would like to help with my contribution.
Scholarships are available to children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of federal civilian retirees and current federal employees who are NARFE members. NARFE-FEEA Disaster Fund NARFE-FEEA Scholarship Fund
Amount: $ Amount: $
Name: Address: City: State: ZIP: To make credit card contributions, visit NARFE Scholarships at www.feea.org/givenarfeschol or NARFE Disaster Relief at www.feea.org/givenarferelief.
/
Member Perks
SAVE MONEY WITH NARFE PERKS NARFE appreciates your service, and so do businesses across the country. Whether you are planning your next vacation or planning for retirement, members can save money on everyday purchases, thanks to our Affinity Partners. It’s just one more way we’re able to say “thank you” for being a NARFE member.
INSURANCE NEW
Nationwide 1-855-550-9216 For your love of discounts side. Discover how Nationwide’s suite of solutions can help protect your financial future. Protect what matters to you for less with a member-only discount when you enroll in an suto or power sports policy. Plus, receive an additional discount when you bundle home and auto policies. Protect all sides with Nationwide’s wide range of insurance and financial solutions. Benefit from guidance and support from a company that has been strong and stable for 90 years.
NARFE Insurance Services 800-233-5764 www.narfeinsurance.com Designed exclusively for NARFE members, plans administered by Mercer Health & Benefits Administration LLC: Group Term Life Insurance, Senior Age Whole Life Insurance, Senior Term Life Insurance, Group Hospital Income Insurance, Hospital Income and ShortTerm Recovery Insurance, and Pet Insurance.
MOVING SERVICES
Bekins Van Lines 800-456-6832 narfe@bekins.com All NARFE members will receive contracted pricing for all interstate shipments. This will apply to packing, transportation and full-value coverage against damages. Please mention you are a NARFE member 54
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MiniMoves 800-300-6683 MiniMoves is America’s only national mover exclusively focused on small shipments; a piece, a room or a full condo. Member discount - $25 off 500 pounds; $50 off larger moves. Use code 1292.
Wheaton World Wide Moving 800-248-7960 narfe@wvlcorp.com At Wheaton, we know interstate relocating is much more than trucks and boxes. Moving is not simply an address change. It’s a life change. Call today and mention you are a NARFE member to start the moving process.
PRODUCTS
NEW
Office Depot and OfficeMax 855-337-6811, extension 12897 www.officediscounts.org/ narfe Office Depot and OfficeMax are one company!GFD NARFE Members can save up to 80% on over 93,000 products. Great for your printing, cleaning and office needs. Shop online or in any Office Depot or OfficeMax store. Enjoy FREE next-day delivery on online orders over $50! Visit www.officediscounts.org/narfe to shop online or print off a FREE Store Purchasing Card or call 855.337.6811 x 12897 to place your order over the phone.
Purchasing Power 866-670-3479 purchasingpower.com/NARFE With Purchasing Power, thousands of brand-name products are within reach. As members of NARFE, you can buy today and pay over time through payroll or annuity allotment. Choose from the latest computers, appliances, vacation packages and more. Never worry about hidden fees, credit checks or interest. Pay over 6 or 12 months, and you’re done. Save 5% with code NARFEVIP.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Verizon FiOS www.narfe.org/memberperks NARFE members can save up to $10 a month on a new qualifying Triple Play bundle with Verizon Fios Internet, TV and home phone service. This exclusive online-only savings is only available to new Verizon customers or those upgrading to the Triple Play Package.
TRAVEL
Alamo 800-462-5266 www.alamo.com Drive Happy® with Alamo® where NARFE members receive year-round discounts. Call or visit our website today and reference Contract ID 262544.
Avis Car Rental 800-633-3469 www.avis.com Avis Car Rental is one of the world’s best-known car rental brands with approximately 5,500 locations in more than 165 countries. Call or book your reservation now at Avis.com using the NARFE AWD number A701900.
Budget Car Rental 800-218-7992 www.budget.com Budget Car rental was founded in 1958 for the “budget-minded” renter. Today, with approximately 3,500 locations around the world, Budget is a leading rental car supplier now offering discounts to members of NARFE. Call or book your reservation now at Budget. com using the NARFE BCD number D871500.
Choice Hotels International 800-258-2847 www.choicehotels.com With 6,400 hotels in the United States and throughout the world, Choice Hotels® offers something for everyone. As a NARFE member, receive 20% off your next stay at participating hotels when you use Special Rate ID 00801967. Choice Hotels brands are: Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Sleep Inn, MainStay Suites and more.
National 800-CAR-RENT www.nationalcarrental.com You Drive A Hard Bargain. Receive up to 20% off rentals at National Car Rental. To make a reservation, call National Car Rental at 1-800-CARRENT® and reference Contract ID 5282909. For complete terms and conditions, visit www.narfe.org/ memberperks.
Wyndham Hotel Group 877-670-7088
HearUSA www.hearusa.com/narfe
NARFE members receive up to 20% off the “Best Available Rate” at participating Wyndham Hotel Group locations worldwide. To receive discount, book online or call our special benefits hotline at 1-800-364-6176 and give the agent your special discount ID number, 8000002694, at time of booking. For online bookings, your discount ID will be automatically entered and your discount displayed.
HearUSA: The Nation’s Most Trusted Name in Hearing Care. Choose from 250+ hearing aids with $0 Co-Pay for Many Plans. Wireless. Bluetooth. Smartphone Compatible. Nearly Invisible. Risk-Free 60-Day Trial. Free Follow-Up Care. Free 3-Year Warranty. Call 1-855845-2706 to see if you qualify for 2 FREE hearing aids.
Life Line Screening 800-324-9906 www.lifelinescreening.com/ NARFE
Wyndham Extra Holidays 800-428-1932 www.extraholidays.com Excellent service and the finest comforts are standards you can always rely on with Wyndham Extra Holidays. With more spacious floor plans than a regular hotel, you can enjoy a One-, Two- or Three-Bedroom suite with separate living areas and partial or fully equipped kitchens. Please use promo code 8000002694 when calling or booking online.
Life Line Screening, America’s leading provider of community-based preventive health screenings, will conduct health screenings using state-ofthe-art ultrasound technology in your neighborhood. To schedule an appointment, please call the number above and give the operator code number BKHN075 or visit the website.
WELLNESS NEW
Brookdale Senior Living 571-483-1265 www.Brookdale.com
As the largest operator of senior living communities in the U.S., Brookdale has over 1,000 locations all across the country. NARFE Members are eligible for 7.5% discounts at Brookdale Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care communities and 10% discounts on Brookdale Private Duty Home Care. For new move-ins only.
Sunrise Senior Living www.SunriseSeniorLiving.com Sunrise Senior Living, a leading provider of high-quality, individualized, senior living services, offers NARFE members a special, discounted rate. Mention code: NARFE-discount during your visit and receive a one-time 5% off of suite/room rates at any of Sunrise’s U.S. communities for one year. For a complete list of Sunrise locations, visit www.SunriseSeniorLiving.com. For new move-ins only.
NARFE Member Perks are designed to provide NARFE members with a quality option in their search for commonly used products and services. NARFE makes no guarantee on any products and services listed and encourages its members to shop and compare before making a decision on any financial matter. Check out these additional Member Perks on the NARFE website for more details!
FEDERAL EMPLOYEE PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR
W W W. N A R F E . O R G
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55
The Way We Worked
PROTECTING THE FORESTS In this photo from 1936, a U.S. Forest Service guard at the Eagle Creek Ranger station issues a campfire permit to visitors in Mt. Hood National Forest in Oregon. Forest Service staff manned the forests to both protect the land and assist in providing recreational opportunities for visitors. When this photo was taken, recreation had already been firmly established within the forest, and its big attractions were picnicking and camping in the summer and skiing in the winter. Local, regional and national camping clubs were just starting to grow in popularity. This continues today with approximately four million visitors annually engaging in camping, hiking, and skiing at national forests and grasslands. PHOTO from the U.S. Forest Service, courtesy of the National Archives History Office; in collaboration with the Society for History in the Federal Government (SHFG), bringing together government professionals, academics, consultants, students and citizens interested in understanding federal history work and the historical development of the federal government. To join, visit www.shfg.org. 56
| S E P T E M B E R
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DID YOU KNOW? Founded in 1905, the United States Forest Service (USFS) is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that administers the nation’s 154 national forests and 20 national grasslands, which encompass 193 million acres. The concept of the National Forests was born from Theodore Roosevelt’s conservation group, Boone and Crockett Club, due to concerns regarding Yellowstone National Park beginning as early as 1875. Visit www.fs.fed.us for more information.
PAY NOTHING ON OVER FORTY HEARING AID MODELS. GEHA members pay as little as $0 out of pocket on over 40 hearing aid models when they use their $2,500 health plan benefit to purchase hearing aids through TruHearing®. Hearing aids come with: •
3 provider visits
•
45-day trial
•
3-year warranty
•
48 free batteries included
Example Savings (per pair):
ReSound LiNX 3D™ 5
Widex Beyond 220
Phonak Audeo® B50-R
TruHearing Price: Your Benefit:
TruHearing Price: Your Benefit:
TruHearing Price: Your Benefit:
Smartphone compatible
*
You Pay:
$2,500 - $2,500
$0
Smartphone compatible
*
You Pay:
$2,500 - $2,500
$0
Rechargeable
You Pay:
$2,790 - $2,500
$290†
70 additional models available for under $500 after applying your benefit.
†
$2,500 benefit available to High and Standard Option health plan members. Call TruHearing to schedule an appointment: 1.866.796.2438 For more info, visit geha.com/MyHearingAids
*Smartphone-compatible aids connect to iPhone®, iPad®, and iPod® Touch devices. Connectivity also available to many Android® phones with use of a phone clip accessory.
All content ©2018 TruHearing, Inc. All rights reserved. TruHearing® is a registered trademark of TruHearing, Inc. All other trademarks, product names, and company names are property of their respective owners. Actual customer savings will vary. Prices and products subject to change. Three followup visits must be used within one year after the date of initial purchase. Free battery offer is not applicable to the purchase of rechargeable hearing aid models. Hearing aid returns, repairs, and replacements are subject to provider and manufacturer fees. For questions regarding fees, contact TruHearing customer service.
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Big Men: 46-56 (even sizes) $27.99
SAVE on 2 or more! $25.99 ea.
Inseams: XS(25-26) S(27-28) M(29-30) L(31-32)
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PO Box 8, Warren, PA 16366-0008
Card #____________________________________Exp.: ____/____ Mr. Mrs. Ms. ___________________________________________ Address ____________________________________Apt. # ______ City & State _______________________________Zip __________ Phone/Email ____________________________________________ I enclose $_______purchase price, & only $9.99 shipping & handling for my entire order. Please add applicable state & local sales tax for the following states: CA, CO, FL, GA, LA, MA, ME, MN, NJ, PA, RI, VT, WA, WI, & WV. WHAT WHAT HOW Search this code at 7ØL –Ø6ØG9 WAIST? INSEAM? MANY? Haband.com to get this NAVY Ø3 price & FREE SHIPPING! 5A MEDIUM BLUE *Valid on standard shipping for areas served by the US Postal Service. Ø1 BLACK 6J GREY HEATHER Check for Protection Plus! (X96) 5L BLUE HEATHER
Expedites replacement of items lost in transit. Add $2.95 to protect your entire order.
Satisfaction Guaranteed or Full Refund of merchandise purchase price up to 90 days after receipt.
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17647906
STRETCH TWILL
®
Haband