FERS
BAL 23-105 Military Deposit Notice: An Audit for HR
The BAL 23-105 military deposit notice must reach new hires with military service within 90 days. A Veterans Day audit checklist for HR offices.
7 min read
Blog
Federal benefits, explained.
Plain-language articles on FERS, TSP, FEHB, FEGLI, and Social Security for the people who brief federal employees.
FEHB
FEHB Terminating Plans 2027: An Agency Outreach Guide
Nine FEHB terminating plans and one PSHB option end in 2027. See the default plans and an outreach plan so affected employees choose before Dec. 14.
7 min read
FEHB
FEHB Open Season Effective Date 2027: A Guide for HR
The FEHB open season effective date for 2027 is Jan. 10 for most employees but Jan. 1 for retirees and PSHB. A date guide for agency benefits offices.
7 min read
Agency briefings
OPM Retirement Backlog at 8,814: The Case for Digital
The OPM retirement backlog fell to 8,814 claims in September 2026. Digital claims took 56 days versus 149 for paper. What HR offices can do with that data.
7 min read
FERS
2027 FERS COLA: Explaining 2.6% for FERS, 3.6% CSRS
The 2027 FERS COLA is 2.6% while CSRS retirees get 3.6%. A plain-English guide HR offices can use to explain the formula, the age-62 rule and the timing.
7 min read
FSAFEDS
FSAFEDS Open Season 2027: Re-Enroll and the Visa Card
FSAFEDS open season 2027 brings a new Visa FSA card, but no automatic renewal. What employees must do by December 14 and how HR offices can explain it.
7 min read
FEHB
FEHB Family Member Eligibility Verification for 2027
FEHB family member eligibility verification now applies to every Open Season addition. What HR offices must verify, which documents count, and how to plan.
7 min read
Agency briefings
Federal Benefits Open Season 2026: HR Comms Checklist
A week-by-week plan for federal benefits Open Season 2026: what to send employees, when to send it, and the OPM materials HR offices can use right now.
7 min read