TSP Roth Withdrawal Rules: Tax-Free Distributions and the 5-Year Rule
Roth TSP withdrawal rules after federal retirement — qualified vs non-qualified distributions, the 5-year holding period, and how Roth TSP handles RMDs under SECURE 2.0.
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TSP Separation Checklist for Federal Employees: 90-Day Pre-Retirement Action Plan
A chronological TSP checklist for federal employees approaching separation. Account verification, loan settlement, beneficiary review, and bank setup timelines.
TSP Spousal Consent for Withdrawals: FERS vs CSRS Rules and Notarization Requirements
TSP spousal consent rules differ for FERS and CSRS. Learn the notarization requirements, the $3,500 annuity default, and how to handle exceptions.
TSP State Tax on Withdrawals: Which States Tax Your Distribution and Which Don't
Some states fully tax TSP withdrawals, others exempt federal pensions, and a few have no income tax at all. How state tax treatment affects your retirement income.
TSP Withdrawals and Social Security: How Distributions Affect Your Benefits
TSP withdrawals don't reduce your Social Security benefit amount, but they do affect taxation of benefits and Medicare premiums. Coordination strategies for federal retirees.
TSP Withdrawal Rules for Federal Retirement: Age 55, RMDs, and Roth Exemptions
TSP withdrawal options after federal retirement — the age 55 separation rule, RMD ages under SECURE 2.0, Roth TSP RMD exemption, and tax implications.
TSP Withdrawal Rules: FERS vs CSRS Differences Federal Retirees Need to Know
Key differences in TSP withdrawal rules for FERS and CSRS retirees: spousal consent, annuity defaults, COLA treatment, and coordination with pension income.
TSP Withdrawal Form Online: How to Use the My Account Withdrawal Wizard
Step-by-step guide to the TSP online withdrawal wizard, Form TSP-99 (WEB), and how to navigate the My Account portal for post-separation distributions.
TSP Withdrawal Guide vs Financial Advisor: Which One Do You Actually Need?
Compare a self-directed TSP withdrawal guide against hiring a fee-based financial advisor. Costs, what each covers, and who benefits most from each approach.
TSP Withdrawal Strategies: How to Draw Down Your TSP Without Overpaying Taxes
TSP withdrawal strategies for federal retirees — sequencing traditional vs Roth, managing tax brackets, coordinating with Social Security, and avoiding IRMAA surcharges.
TSP Withdrawal Tax Rate: How Much Federal Tax You'll Owe on Distributions
TSP withdrawal tax rates — mandatory 20% withholding on lump sums, periodic payment defaults, Roth exemptions, and how to avoid undertaxing or overtaxing yourself.
WEP and GPO Repeal 2025: Everything Federal Employees Need to Know
The Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset were repealed in January 2025. Full breakdown of the repeal, retroactive payments, and who's affected.
Alternatives to NARFE for FEHB Medicare Coordination Advice
Looking for FEHB Medicare coordination guidance beyond NARFE? Compare independent guides, Checkbook, ProFeds, and free resources for federal retirees.
Best FEHB Medicare Resource for Postal Employees Under PSHB
The best FEHB Medicare coordination resource for USPS employees and postal retirees navigating mandatory Part B enrollment and Part D EGWP under PSHB.
CMS-40B Form: How Federal Retirees Enroll in Medicare Part B Without Penalties
CMS-40B is the Medicare Part B enrollment application. Federal retirees also need CMS-L564 to prove employer coverage and avoid the late enrollment penalty.
CSRS Retirement Health Benefits: How FEHB Works for Civil Service Retirees
CSRS retirees keep FEHB under different rules than FERS. Learn how CSRS COLAs, survivor annuities, and the WEP/GPO repeal affect your health benefits in retirement.
Federal Benefits Webinar vs FEHB Medicare Guide: Which Format Actually Helps?
Should you attend a federal retirement benefits webinar or use a self-service FEHB Medicare guide? Compare cost, depth, and what each format delivers.
Federal Retirement Health Insurance: How FEHB Works After You Leave Service
Federal retirees can keep FEHB coverage for life if they meet the five-year rule and retire on an immediate annuity. Here's how premiums, enrollment, and Medicare work.
FEHB and Medicare Coordination: How Primary and Secondary Payer Rules Work
When you retire, Medicare becomes primary and FEHB becomes secondary. Learn how claims flow, which payer covers what, and the three coordination paths at age 65.
FEHB at Age 65: The Medicare Decision Every Federal Retiree Faces
At 65, federal retirees choose between FEHB alone, FEHB plus Part A, or the full wrap-around with Parts A and B. Here's how to make the call.
FEHB Dental and Vision in Retirement: How FEDVIP Works for Federal Retirees
FEHB does not include dental and vision — FEDVIP is a separate program. Learn how federal retirees enroll, what it costs, and whether FEDVIP or private plans are the better deal.
FEHB HSA and Medicare Part A: When to Stop Contributions and Avoid the IRS Penalty
You must stop HSA contributions 6 months before enrolling in Medicare Part A. Here's why Part A's retroactivity creates a tax trap for FEHB HDHP enrollees.
FEHB During Interim Pay: How Health Premiums Work While OPM Processes Your Retirement
OPM doesn't deduct FEHB premiums during interim pay. Learn how retroactive reconciliation works, what to budget, and how to avoid a cash crunch when your claim finalizes.
FEHB Medicare Guide vs Federal Benefits Planner: Which One Do You Actually Need?
Compare a self-service FEHB Medicare coordination guide against hiring a federal retirement benefits planner — cost, scope, and when each makes sense.
FEHB Open Season for Retirees: How to Change Plans After Retirement
Federal retirees can change FEHB plans during annual Open Season through OPM's Services Online portal. Here's what to compare when Medicare is part of the picture.
FEHB Plan Comparison for Medicare Retirees: BCBS, GEHA, and Aetna Side by Side
How major FEHB plans coordinate with Medicare for retirees: deductible waivers, premium reimbursements, HRA features, and plan downgrades that save money.
FEHB Premium Costs in Retirement: What Federal Retirees Actually Pay
Federal retirees pay roughly 28% of FEHB premiums while the government covers 72%. Learn how costs are deducted, how premiums change annually, and what drives increases.
FEHB Prescription Drug Coverage and Medicare Part D: How the EGWP Integration Works
FEHB carriers now auto-enroll Medicare-eligible retirees in Part D through EGWPs. Learn how the integration works, the $2,100 out-of-pocket cap, and when to opt out.
FEHB Re-enrollment After Suspension: How to Get Your Coverage Back
Suspended FEHB via Form RI 79-9? You can re-enroll during Open Season or after involuntary loss of alternative coverage. Here's exactly how the process works.
FEHB Self Only vs Self Plus One in Retirement: Choosing the Right Enrollment Type
Switching from Self and Family to Self Plus One in FEHB retirement can save hundreds monthly. Learn enrollment type rules, survivor implications, and when each makes sense.
FEHB Spousal Coverage in Retirement: Survivor Benefits, Divorce, and the Spouse Equity Act
Your spouse's FEHB coverage after your death depends on enrollment tier and survivor annuity elections. Here's how FERS survivor benefits protect spousal health insurance.
FEHB Suspension vs Cancellation: How Form RI 79-9 Works for Federal Retirees
Federal retirees can suspend FEHB with Form RI 79-9 to try Medicare Advantage, TRICARE, or CHAMPVA — and keep the right to re-enroll. Cancel it and you lose FEHB forever.
FEHB TCC (Temporary Continuation of Coverage): The Federal COBRA Alternative
FEHB TCC gives separated federal employees 18 months of continued health coverage at 102% of premium. Learn who qualifies, what it costs, and when it makes sense.
FEHB During VERA and VSIP: Health Insurance Rules for Early Retirement Buyouts
VERA and VSIP buyouts include automatic five-year FEHB waivers in most cases. Learn how early separation affects your health coverage and what documentation you need.
FEHB vs Medicare Advantage: Can Federal Retirees Use Both or Should You Switch?
Federal retirees can suspend FEHB for Medicare Advantage or keep both. Here's how to compare coverage, costs, and network flexibility before choosing.
FEHB Wrap-Around Medicare: How Secondary Coverage Eliminates Out-of-Pocket Costs
When Medicare is primary and FEHB is secondary, many federal plans waive all deductibles and copays. Learn how the wrap-around strategy works and which plans offer it.
How to Coordinate FEHB and Medicare at 65 Without a Benefits Advisor
A step-by-step approach to coordinating FEHB and Medicare at 65 on your own — the decisions, the math, and when you actually need professional help.
IRMAA for Federal Retirees: How the Social Security Fairness Act Affects Your Medicare Premiums
WEP and GPO repeal lump sums pushed many federal retirees into higher IRMAA brackets. Learn the 2026 thresholds, appeal options, and how to use Form SSA-44.
Medicare Enrollment Periods for Federal Employees: IEP, SEP, and GEP Explained
Federal employees have three Medicare enrollment windows. Miss the right one and you face permanent Part B penalties. Here's which period applies to your situation.
Medicare Part B Late Enrollment Penalty: How Federal Retirees Avoid It
The Medicare Part B late enrollment penalty adds 10% per year permanently. Federal retirees with FEHB can avoid it — but only if they file the right forms at the right time.
Medicare Part B Premium 2026: Rates, IRMAA Brackets, and What Federal Retirees Pay
The standard Medicare Part B premium for 2026 is $202.90 per month. See the full IRMAA bracket table, how your federal pension affects surcharges, and when to file SSA-44.
Alternatives to Hiring a FERS Disability Retirement Attorney
FERS disability retirement attorneys charge $5,000–$7,500. Here are the alternatives — from structured guides to NARFE to free OPM resources — and when each works.
Alternatives to Pre-Retirement Seminars for FERS Annuity Verification
Pre-retirement seminars cover FERS annuity rules in 45 minutes. Here are the alternatives that go deep enough to actually verify your estimate.
Alternatives to ProFeds Retirement Workshops for USPS Postal Workers
What USPS employees can use instead of ProFeds and FedImpact seminars for postal-specific retirement planning — free resources, union departments, independent guides, and when a seminar still makes sense.
Best FERS Annuity Guide for Employees Approaching the 1.1% Multiplier Threshold
The FERS 1.1% multiplier requires age 62 plus 20 years of actual service — sick leave doesn't count. Here's the best resource for verifying your eligibility.
Best FERS Annuity Resource for Employees With Complex Service Histories
Federal employees with transfers, military service, part-time periods, or breaks in service need a FERS resource that audits the inputs — not just estimates the output.
Best FERS Disability Retirement Filing Resource for Mental Health Conditions
The best way to file a FERS disability retirement application for depression, PTSD, anxiety, or other psychiatric conditions without hiring an attorney.
Best FERS Disability Retirement Resource for Separated Federal Employees
If you have already left federal service and the one-year disability retirement deadline is running, here is the best way to organize your filing without agency HR access.
Best USPS Retirement Resource for Postal Workers 1–3 Years From Separation
Choosing the right retirement resource when you're 1 to 3 years from your USPS separation date — what to look for, what to avoid, and which options actually cover postal-specific rules.
Federal Employee Medical Retirement: How FERS Disability Retirement Works
Federal employee medical retirement under FERS requires 18 months of service, documented medical evidence, and an OPM application. Here's how the process works step by step.
Federal Pension State Tax Exemption: Which States Don't Tax FERS Retirement Income
Not all states tax FERS annuity income. Learn which states fully exempt federal pensions, which partially exempt, and how your state treats FERS retirement pay.
Federal Retirement Checklist 5 Years Out: What to Verify Before You File
A year-by-year federal retirement checklist starting 5 years before your planned retirement date. Covers service records, deposits, FEHB, FEGLI, TSP, and annuity audit steps.
Federal Retirement Planning Mistakes: 8 Errors That Reduce Your FERS Pension
Common FERS retirement mistakes cost federal employees thousands. Learn the 8 planning errors that reduce your pension and how to avoid each one.
FERS 1.1 Percent Multiplier: How to Qualify for the Enhanced Pension Formula
The FERS 1.1% multiplier gives you a 10% pension boost if you retire at 62 with 20 years. Learn the eligibility rules and common mistakes.
FERS Annual Leave Lump Sum at Retirement: How It's Calculated and Taxed
When you retire from federal service, unused annual leave is paid as a taxable lump sum. Learn how the payout is calculated and how to plan for the tax hit.
FERS Annuity Audit Guide vs Federal Retirement Counselor
Comparing a self-directed FERS annuity audit guide against hiring a federal retirement counselor — what each covers, what each costs, and which fits your situation.
FERS COLA 2026: How the Diet COLA Formula Affects Your Federal Pension
The 2026 FERS COLA is 2.0%. Learn how the diet COLA formula works, when you become eligible, and why retirees under 62 get nothing.
FERS Disability Retirement and Reasonable Accommodation
Reasonable accommodation must be attempted and exhausted before filing for FERS disability retirement. Here's how the process works and what OPM looks for.
FERS Disability Retirement Age 62 Conversion: What Changes
At age 62, OPM automatically converts your FERS disability annuity to a standard retirement benefit. Here's how the recalculation works and what it means for your income.
FERS Disability Retirement Appeal and Reconsideration After OPM Denial
OPM denied your FERS disability claim? You have 30 days to request reconsideration, then an MSPB appeal. Here's the process and what to include.
FERS Disability Retirement Calculation: The 60/40 Formula Explained
How FERS disability retirement pay is calculated — the 60/40 formula, SSDI offsets, high-three average salary, and the automatic age 62 recalculation.
FERS Disability Clinical Nexus Letter: How Your Doctor's Statement Makes or Breaks Your OPM Claim
OPM requires a clinical nexus connecting your medical condition to your job duties. Learn what makes a strong physician statement and how to avoid a denial.
FERS Disability Retirement COLA: How Cost-of-Living Adjustments Work
FERS disability retirees get COLA increases starting in month 13, not age 62. Here's how the FERS COLA formula works and what the 2026 adjustment means.
Common Mistakes in FERS Disability Retirement Applications
OPM denies roughly 1 in 4 initial FERS disability claims. These are the filing mistakes that lead to denial — and how to avoid them before you submit.
FERS Disability Retirement 80 Percent Earnings Limit Explained
FERS disability retirees face an 80% earnings cap on private-sector income. Here's how the limit works, what counts, and what happens if you exceed it.
FERS Disability Retirement Eligibility Requirements
The three requirements for FERS disability retirement eligibility: 18 months of service, a qualifying medical condition, and exhausted accommodation. Full breakdown here.
FERS Disability Retirement FEGLI Life Insurance Options
How FEGLI life insurance works after FERS disability retirement — which coverage you can keep, premium changes by age band, and the free Basic reduction.
FERS Disability Retirement FEHB Health Insurance: Keeping Coverage in Retirement
How FEHB health insurance works after FERS disability retirement — the five-year enrollment rule, premium changes, and what happens during interim pay.
FERS Disability Retirement Guide vs Attorney: Which Filing Approach Fits
Comparing self-filing with a structured guide against hiring a FERS disability retirement attorney — cost, control, timelines, and when each approach wins.
FERS Disability Retirement Interim Pay: What to Expect While OPM Decides
How OPM interim payments work for FERS disability retirees — timing, amount, tax deductions, and what happens when your claim is finalized.
Do You Need a Lawyer for FERS Disability Retirement? Costs and When to Hire
FERS disability retirement attorney fees range from $5,000 to $7,500. When legal help makes sense, when self-filing works, and what to expect from representation.
FERS Disability Retirement and LWOP: Sick Leave Credit and Filing While on Leave
How leave without pay and unused sick leave affect your FERS disability retirement — filing deadlines, sick leave service credit, and what happens to annual leave.
FERS Disability Retirement Medical Evidence: What OPM Actually Needs
OPM requires specific medical evidence for FERS disability retirement — not just a diagnosis. Here's how to build the clinical record that gets applications approved.
FERS Disability Retirement for Mental Health Conditions
PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric conditions qualify for FERS disability retirement when they prevent useful and efficient service. Here's how the process differs.
FERS Disability Retirement One Year Deadline: What Happens If You Miss It
The one-year filing deadline for FERS disability retirement after separation is absolute — OPM cannot waive it. Here's how to protect your timeline with a protective filing.
FERS Disability Retirement Overpayment: Why OPM Sends a Bill After SSDI Approval
SSDI retroactive pay triggers a FERS disability overpayment notice from OPM. How the offset works, what you actually owe, and how to set up a repayment plan.
FERS Disability Retirement Position of Record and High-3 Average Salary
How your position of record and high-three average salary determine your FERS disability retirement eligibility and annuity calculation.
FERS Disability Retirement Processing Time: How Long OPM Takes and What Causes Delays
OPM disability retirement processing averages 3-5 months for digital claims. Learn current timelines, interim pay rules, and how to avoid the most common delays.
FERS Disability Retirement for PTSD, Depression, and Anxiety: Building a Psychiatric Claim OPM Will Approve
PTSD, depression, and anxiety qualify for FERS disability retirement when linked to job duties. Learn how to build the medical evidence OPM requires for psychiatric claims.
FERS Disability Reassignment Requirement: What Your Agency Must Do Before OPM Approves Your Claim
Your agency must search for a vacant position before OPM approves FERS disability retirement. Learn the reassignment rules, commuting area limits, and how to protect your grade.
FERS Disability Retirement Social Security Requirement
Every FERS disability retirement applicant under 62 must apply for SSDI. Here's why it's required, how SSDI differs from OPM's standard, and what happens if SSA denies your claim.
FERS Disability Retirement SSDI Offset: How Your Benefits Are Calculated Together
SSDI offsets your FERS disability annuity by different amounts in year one versus later years. Learn the offset formulas, overpayment risks, and net income math.
FERS Disability Retirement Survivor Annuity and Spousal Consent
How survivor annuity elections work for FERS disability retirees — full, partial, and none options, SF 3107-2 spousal consent, and what your spouse needs to know.
FERS Disability Retirement Timeline: How Long Each Step Takes
Realistic timeline for FERS disability retirement — from accommodation request through OPM approval, including 2026 processing times and interim pay wait periods.
FERS Disability Retirement TSP Withdrawal Options
Your TSP options after FERS disability retirement — penalty-free withdrawals under the Rule of 55, partial distributions, and RMD timing under SECURE 2.0.
Federal Disability Retirement vs Medical Separation: Key Differences
Medical separation and FERS disability retirement are different processes with different outcomes. Understand who decides, what you keep, and the one-year link.
FERS Disability Retirement While Still Working: Active Employee Filing Guide
How to file for FERS disability retirement as an active federal employee — timing, protective filing, and what happens if you separate before OPM decides.
FERS Disability vs OWCP: Workers' Comp and Federal Disability Retirement Compared
FERS disability retirement and OWCP workers' comp serve different purposes. Understand concurrent receipt rules, the election requirement, and which pays more.
FERS Disability Retirement vs Regular Retirement: Which Path Fits
Comparing FERS disability retirement to standard voluntary retirement — eligibility, annuity formulas, survivor benefits, FEHB, and when each option makes sense.
FERS Disability vs VA Disability: Can You Collect Both?
Veterans can receive FERS disability retirement and VA disability compensation simultaneously with no offset. Here's how the two programs interact.
FERS High-3 Salary Calculation: What Counts and What Doesn't
Learn how the FERS high-3 average salary works, which pay counts toward the calculation, and how to verify your 36-month window is correct.
FERS MRA+10 Age Reduction Penalty: The 5% Per Year Cost of Early Retirement
Retiring under FERS MRA+10 triggers a permanent 5% per year age reduction. Learn how the penalty works, how to calculate it, and when postponing eliminates it.
FERS Part-Time Proration Factor: How Part-Time Service Reduces Your Pension
Part-time federal service triggers a career-wide proration factor on your FERS pension. Learn how OPM calculates it and what it means for your annuity.
FERS Postponed Retirement: How to Avoid the MRA+10 Penalty and Keep FEHB
FERS postponed retirement lets you separate at MRA, delay your annuity to reduce or eliminate the age penalty, and reinstate FEHB and FEGLI when payments begin.
FERS Retirement Calculator: How to Estimate Your Federal Pension in 2026
Use the FERS retirement calculator formula to estimate your federal pension. Learn the high-3, multiplier, and sick leave inputs that determine your annuity.
FERS Retirement Tax Withholding: How Your Federal Pension Is Taxed
FERS pensions are taxable income, but part of each payment is tax-free. Learn how federal and state withholding works on your retirement annuity.
How to Apply for FERS Disability Retirement
Step-by-step guide to applying for FERS disability retirement — from requesting accommodation through submitting your SF 3107 and SF 3112 package to OPM.
How to File FERS Disability Retirement When Your One-Year Deadline Is Close
A step-by-step approach to filing your FERS disability retirement application when you have separated from federal service and the one-year statutory deadline is approaching.
How to Organize Your FERS Disability Retirement Paperwork When Your Agency Won't Help
A step-by-step approach to building your SF 3112 package when your agency is slow, uncooperative, or actively unhelpful with your FERS disability retirement application.
How to Plan Your USPS Retirement Without Paying for a Financial Advisor
A postal worker's guide to handling FERS/CSRS retirement independently — what you can do yourself, which free resources actually help, and when you genuinely need professional help.