News for the federal workforce, updated daily.

VERA & VSIP Guide 2026: Take the Buyout?

VERA/VSIP buyouts in 2026: eligibility rules, benefits impact, DOD's $40K cap, TSP access before 55, and whether accepting makes financial sense for you.

Best FEHB Plan 2026: How to Choose & Compare

Compare 2026 FEHB plans and find the best fit for your family. See premiums, coverage, dental/vision options, and HDHP vs traditional plans side by side.

TSP Mutual Fund Window 2026: Is It Worth the $132/Year?

TSP Mutual Fund Window costs $132/year plus $28.75 per trade. See fee impact by account size and decide if the MFW makes sense for you.

2027 Federal Pay Raise: FAIR Act vs. Trump's 0% Budget Proposal

Trump's FY2027 budget proposes a 0% civilian raise while seeking 5-7% for military. The FAIR Act counters with 4.1%. Here's what both mean for your paycheck.

FERS vs CSRS in 2026: Which Federal Retirement System Pays More?

Compare FERS vs CSRS retirement systems side by side. Pension formulas, COLAs, TSP matching, and dollar examples for 2026. Free calculator included.

Military Buyback 2026: Is the 3% Cost Worth It for Your FERS Pension?

Calculate the cost to buy back military time for FERS credit. At 3% of base pay, most veterans pay $2,400-$6,600. Interest-free window + step-by-step process.

Schedule Policy/Career Is Now in Effect (March 2026)

Schedule Policy/Career took effect March 8, 2026, but no positions reclassified yet. Here's what you lose, what you keep, and what to do before the EO drops.

Federal Leave Options Beyond Sick and Annual: Complete 2026 Guide

Know all your federal leave options. LWOP, FMLA, donated leave, military leave, paid parental leave, and more, plus how each affects FEHB, FERS, and TSP.

FERS Supplement Eligibility: Complete 2026 Guide

Who qualifies for the FERS supplement, how much you get, and who is excluded. Calculation formula, examples, earnings test, and the 29 vs. 30 year cliff.

TSP G Fund 2026: Is Your 'Safe' Money Actually Losing Value?

The G Fund has never posted a losing year — yet 2020-2025 inflation beat its returns by ~5 points, costing holders ~$5,200 per $100K. Who should still use it in 2026, and who is double-counting safety they already own.

TSP 1099-R Mailing Schedule 2026: When Forms Arrive

TSP mails 1099-R forms in mid-January 2026. Here's when to expect yours, how to access it online, and what to do if it's late or wrong.

Federal Employee Headshots: The Complete Guide for 2026

Complete guide to federal employee headshots for PIV cards, LinkedIn, and official portraits. Learn requirements, costs, and how AI headshots work.

How to Update LinkedIn After a Federal Layoff (2026 Guide)

Learn how to update your LinkedIn profile after a federal layoff or RIF. Get tips on headlines, summaries, ICTAP eligibility, and professional headshots.

MSPB Ruling: Feds Can't Be Fired After Probation Without Due Process

MSPB ruled CISA violated due process by firing an employee one day after his probation ended. Learn your rights and what to do if this happened to you.

TSP 2025 Performance: I Fund's Historic 32% Return

TSP's I Fund hit 32.45% in 2025, its highest ever. See all fund returns and what's changing for federal employees in 2026.

The $197K Ceiling: When Your GS Pay Gets Capped in 2026

The 2026 GS pay cap is $197,200. Learn which grades hit the ceiling, how it affects your FERS pension, and what happens to money you lose at the cap.

GS Step Increases 2026: How Long Between Steps + Free Calculator

GS step increases come every 1, 2, or 3 years — 18 years from Step 1 to Step 10. Waiting periods, QSI rules, what each step is worth, and a free WGI date calculator.

Locality Pay 2026-2027: Top Areas and the August 31 Decision

2026 locality rates by area, and whether 2027 brings a third straight locality freeze. The August 31 alternative-pay-plan deadline decides. Rates, strategy, pension effects.

Social Security Fairness Act: Are You Missing $7,300 a Year?

WEP and GPO repealed: federal retirees gaining $350-$1,000/month. Check if you're affected, the tax trap, and how to verify your payment.

TSP 72(t) Rule: Access Your TSP Before 55 Without Penalty

Learn how the 72(t) rule lets federal employees access TSP before age 55 without the 10% penalty. Covers SEPP methods, 5-year rule, and mistakes to avoid.

How to Become a TSP Millionaire: What 200,000 Feds Did Right

194,722 federal employees are now TSP millionaires. Learn the strategies, contribution math, and mistakes to avoid on your path to $1M in retirement savings.

Deferred vs Postponed FERS Retirement: $300,000 Difference

Deferred retirement loses FEHB forever. Postponed retirement keeps it. Learn the key differences and how to protect your federal benefits.

FERS Supplement Earnings Limit 2026: Rules for Working in Retirement

Earned income above $24,480 cuts your FERS Supplement $1 for every $2 over the limit. What counts as earnings, what does not, and how to protect your bridge payment in 2026.

Tax Planning for Federal Retirees 2026: What Changed

Federal retiree tax guide: FERS pension (95% taxable), new $6,000 senior deduction, IRMAA brackets, Roth conversion strategies. Save thousands with these moves.