Clester's retirement story

[Steel_Magnolia]

My NPS retirement stuff went through fairly quickly, even though they lost my buy-back paperwork once and I had to resubmit. They made everything easy for me every step along the way. My leave check came when they said it would and my final $ amount was determined quickly.

Spouse retired from USFS and it wasn't as easy for him. There was a paperwork snafu on his health insurance switch-over. For a while the government tried to tell him that he hadn't worked enough years to be able to carry his health insurance into retirement. That was a little nerve-wracking until we got it ironed out. And my regional NPS personnelist actually helped us to fix it!

Maggie

 

[JimmyJoe]

In the USDA, they are up to their eyeballs with useless employees making 110K a year. However to higher extra employees making 70K a year to handle the overload of retiring people, they didn't do that. And they won't. So it's been 8 months and I'm still waiting for my permanent retirement payout. Farts. Anyway. yeah. It's so much nicer being a retire. My agency can kiss off. What a waste of years I spent there. Just wait till computers really kick in and start doing EVERYTHING. Those 110k plus employees are only going to have their affairs to do when that time hits. Can't swing a dead cat in my old Maryland/DC/VA office without hitting a coupla' GS14s.

 

[SkyPilot]

In the USDA, they are up to their eyeballs with useless employees making 110K a year. However to higher extra employees making 70K a year to handle the overload of retiring people, they didn't do that. And they won't. So it's been 8 months and I'm still waiting for my permanent retirement payout. Farts. Anyway. yeah. It's so much nicer being a retire. My agency can kiss off. What a waste of years I spent there. Just wait till computers really kick in and start doing EVERYTHING. Those 110k plus employees are only going to have their affairs to do when that time hits. Can't swing a dead cat in my old Maryland/DC/VA office without hitting a coupla' GS14s.

If you are having problems getting your retirement squared away, contact your congressional rep's. office, or your senator. They will inquire on your behalf, and will require a response likely within 30 days. This seems to get the pencil pushers attention. No one likes to have to deal with a congressional inquirey!

 

[clester]

Just got notice today that my supplement and backpay is on the way, I wasn't expecting it yet so it is a pleasant surprise. So it will be about 3 months after retirement.

Still getting partial fers though.

I thought it was too good to be true. I have tried to get through to OPM and I did once and got transferred and then got voicemail.

Anyway, the check they said I would get 9-1 for annuity supplement hasn't arrived yet.

I'll be glad when they can get it all figured out.

 

[nnuut]

I've figured it out, they have been doing this for over 40 years and still don't have it right!

 

[clester]

I thought it was too good to be true. I have tried to get through to OPM and I did once and got transferred and then got voicemail.

Anyway, the check they said I would get 9-1 for annuity supplement hasn't arrived yet.

I'll be glad when they can get it all figured out.

Still no word. Just get the runaround when I call It didn't come this month. AGAIN!

 

[Buster]

Still no word. Just get the runaround when I call It didn't come this month. AGAIN!

Dude, there is something seriously wrong..(I know, an understatement)..But you are being screwed big time..I would call or make a face to face visit with whomever was your old HR rep that processed your paperwork..or their supervisor..this is beyond stupid now, this is cutting into your life and lack of being able to enjoy your well deserved retirement..It may even be lawyer time..What about NATCA?..didn't you pay a ton of dues over the years?

Time to get mad IMO!

Just an FYI as a comparison for you to have some ammo to do battle with: I retired July 2nd, got my first Annuity (80%) Aug. 2nd, Aug 10, got my Annual Leave payback, Sept 1st, got my second annuity payment, Today Oct 1st, got my third one...There is no excuse for your delay of payments!!!!

 

[clester]

Obviously it's because you are CSRS. I have heard of many other FERS people in the same boat.

It is ridiculous!

 

[Buster]

Obviously it's because you are CSRS. I have heard of many other FERS people in the same boat.

It is ridiculous!

Naw, I don't think that's the reason...It's gone on way too long..Somethings wrong..

 

[clester]

Still no word. Just get the runaround when I call It didn't come this month. AGAIN!

Another update.

I started calling everyday and finally got the number to the office where my case worker was and started leaving voice mails. After 3 days I got a call from her. She was very nice and helpful. She said my case was being finalized and I should get back pay and a regular retirement payment Nov. 1 including the annuity supplement. She gave me her phone number direct to her desk too! She said to call her directly if I needed anything.

So, if this happens I would have gone 4 months with the very low partial payment. I had planned on it being at least 6 months, so I am happy.

Got my fingers crossed.

 

[Zebra]

Excellent news Clester,.................SWEET!

 

[clester]

Another update.

I started calling everyday and finally got the number to the office where my case worker was and started leaving voice mails. After 3 days I got a call from her. She was very nice and helpful. She said my case was being finalized and I should get back pay and a regular retirement payment Nov. 1 including the annuity supplement. She gave me her phone number direct to her desk too! She said to call her directly if I needed anything.

So, if this happens I would have gone 4 months with the very low partial payment. I had planned on it being at least 6 months, so I am happy.

Got my fingers crossed.

Today I got what appears to be my backpay for the last 4 months less all the deductions . No word or mailings from OPM though.

So, that means first full retirement check should be Nov.1.

I'll keep you posted.

 

[JimmyJoe]

Finally got my final estimate after 9 months. They didn't use my full fers factor of years x high three. The booklet they sent me is kinda mumbo jumbo in terms of providing this factor. In fact, looking at it, it doesn't. They used my partial temporary factor of approx 80% of my fers. Do you believe that? Anyway I'm getting my final retirement payment next month, although its off by the factor above. I'll call them as soon as they deposit my lump sum they owe me. Still beats working.

 

[Zebra]

JimmyJoe, 9 months...........dame them! Totally unexceptable..........dame government workers!

 

[clester]

Update:
I got my statement of retirement benefits yesterday.

It has all my info right too! ATC rules and all. The payment will be almost exactly what I had figured.

It says my full retirement check will be Nov 1. and it includes supplement.(I retired may 31)

So I went 4 months with the interim payments.

Today I am happy I worked for the gov't.

I hope they get everyone else's done that fast and correct.

 

[Steadygain]

Update:
I got my statement of retirement benefits yesterday.

It has all my info right too! ATC rules and all. The payment will be almost exactly what I had figured.

It says my full retirement check will be Nov 1. and it includes supplement.(I retired may 31)

So I went 4 months with the interim payments.

Today I am happy I worked for the gov't.

I hope they get everyone else's done that fast and correct.

This is beautiful - man !!

This is what makes us what we are - and what could be more beautiful?

You're happy with the life you've lived and the years of committment and dedication you gave to serve as you did over the years.

You're very grateful for 'making the right decisions' and sticking with it and now you are 'happy' and 'content' with the lasting rewards.

Instead of 'keeping it to yourself' - not only are you thrilled to share your happiness - but you deeply LONG for others to find the same happiness and contentment.

You've done outstanding - in many ways my friend - I hope the very best for you (and yours).

 

[Birchtree]

Now don't forget Obama wants his share to continue his constituency redistribution - we need to increase those minority at risk welfare checks to help with the mortgages. We don't want the less gifted and lazy to be homeless now do we. Give big.

 

[brooksmd]

Now don't forget Obama wants his share to continue his constituency redistribution - we need to increase those minority at risk welfare checks to help with the mortgages. We don't want the less gifted and lazy to be homeless now do we. Give big.

Careful Birch, some people take exception when political comments are posted. Not me. I think it's spot on.

 

[JimmyJoe]

Finally got my final estimate after 9 months. They didn't use my full fers factor of years x high three. The booklet they sent me is kinda mumbo jumbo in terms of providing this factor. In fact, looking at it, it doesn't. They used my partial temporary factor of approx 80% of my fers. Do you believe that? Anyway I'm getting my final retirement payment next month, although its off by the factor above. I'll call them as soon as they deposit my lump sum they owe me. Still beats working.

I did some numbering. They got it right. The "mumbo jumbo" is more clear when I read the latter portion of my retirement booklet. They factored in the survivor benefit for my wife. This is stated in text rather than in numbers. It comes to about $250 less, which puts my base factor of about 80% mentioned above as correct. So I'm off to the la la land of retirement. See ya' and I hope your trip to retirement is smooth. It'll be sweet when you get there.

 

[2moryrs]

And now that you have attained retirement benefits, might I suggest that you check out National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE)association? It is the only organization actively standing up and protecting what we retirees worked for all our career, and what current employees are hoping to have when they reach retirement age.

If you join before end of year you save $12.00. If you are already retired and sign up for annuity allotment, you also save something.

With these economic times we are experiencing, membership is more important now than ever before.

Thanks for reading.

2moryrs (not!)