Benefits Newsletter: August, 2022

The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) has rolled out the new TSP features.  You now have access to new features and tools to make your TSP experience better. These new features include flexibility in how you access “My Account,” several options to contact TSP representatives if you need help, and the ability to complete most transactions smoothly and securely online. When accessing your new “My Account” for the first time, you must complete a one-time process to set up a new login.

If you have social security questions and want the convenience of viewing a presentation at your leisure, view a recorded social security overview presentation, which was conducted by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

If you have questions, refer them to the SSA at 800-772-1213, during 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.

Dual enrollment in the FEHB Program is prohibited, except under very limited circumstances.  Dual enrollment is when you or an eligible family member covered under your “self and family” or “Self Plus One” enrollment is also covered under another FEHB enrollment.

To be eligible to continue your health benefits enrollment into retirement, you must: (1) have retired on an immediate annuity (that is, an annuity which begins to accrue no later than one month after the date of your final separation); and (2) have been continuously enrolled (or covered as a family member) in any FEHB Program plan (not necessarily the same plan) for the five years of service immediately preceding retirement, or if less than five years, for all service since your first opportunity to enroll.

When an employee enters Leave Without Pay (LWOP) status

For information (CSRS and FERS) on what happens to your benefits upon separation, visit the

When was the last time you checked the tax withholdings on your Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) for accuracy? Confirming that state taxes are being withheld for the correct state is extremely important. If you fail to make a state tax withholding election, the withholdings automatically default to the state of Maryland. An address change from one state to another completed in myPay does not automatically change your state tax withholding.

The GRB Platform provides you with information about retirement and your benefits. It offers a self-service tool that allows you to view a personalized statement of your benefits and it has a retirement calculator that you may use to perform “what-if” scenarios. It also provides access to a comprehensive reference library and informational seminars on topics related to benefits, retirement, and financial planning.