Chris Kowalik provides an overview of the proposed changes looming over the federal workforce that affect federal employee benefits — plus gives an update on reduction-in-force (RIFs). more…
What if I Don’t Qualify for a VERA or DSR?
Chris Kowalik explores what happens when a federal employee is facing a reduction-in-force (RIF), but doesn’t qualify for an early out or a discontinued service retirement. Includes what an employee may be eligible to receive (such as a cash incentive or severance pay), and how an employee may qualify for a federal pension later more…
3 Myths About FEHB in Retirement
Chris Kowalik dispels several misconceptions about how the Federal Employee Health Benefits program works in retirement more…
Severance Pay
Overview of Fact Sheet The payment of a severance package is one of the downsizing… more…
Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments (VSIP)
Overview of Fact Sheet The Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP) is one of the downsizing… more…
Discontinued Service Retirement (DSR)
Overview of Fact Sheet The Discontinued Service Retirement (DSR) is one of the downsizing tools… more…
Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA)
Overview of Fact Sheet The Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA)—also known as an “Early Out”—allows… more…
Reduction in Force (RIF) Fact Sheets
As government agencies reduce their budgets through a Reduction in Force (RIF), federal employees are often left confused.. Chris Kowalik provides fact sheets focused on the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA), Voluntary Separation Incentive Pay (VSIP), Discontinued Service Retirement (DSR), and Severance Pay. By removing the ambiguity and answering very common questions on each topic, you can better navigate your decisions and understand the consequences of each program more…
How FEHB and Medicare Work Together in Retirement
Chris Kowalik examines the two parts of Medicare that retiring federal employees should be most concerned about, the pros and cons of having both FEHB and Medicare in retirement, plus three different FEHB and Medicare combinations — and their advantages and disadvantages more…
The “F” Word for Federal Employees: ‘You’re Fired!’
Chris Kowalik provides tips for preparing yourself for an unexpected exit from federal service including: getting what you need before you lose access to government systems, knowing what you have earned based on your age and length of service, and accessing money you will need during the transition period more…