Sep 9, 2024 | By Aaron D. Wersing | Read Time: 4 minutes | Federal Retirement

Can You Lose Your Federal Retirement Benefits If Fired?

In addition to competitive pay, federal employees enjoy good benefits and a generous pension. What’s more, federal employees with at least one year of service have significant rights with respect to their job security. Federal employees have a reputation for being hard to fire because of these rights and the corresponding processes. Nevertheless, agencies may fire federal employees for various reasons, including poor performance, misconduct, or downsizing. If you’re a federal employee, you’ve probably wondered, can you lose your federal retirement benefits if fired? How Federal Retirement Benefits Work The Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS), administered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), awards retirement benefits to eligible employees. FERS covers employees who started their service with the government after January 1, 1987. The Civil Service Retirement Act (CSRS) covers federal employees who started working for the government before that date. FERS is a retirement program that provides benefits from Social Security, a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and a Basic Benefits Plan. The first two are transferable to other jobs if a federal employee leaves before retirement. These retirement benefits fully vest in employees after five years of service, though annuities won’t begin until an employee reaches minimum retirement age (MRA). For example, the federal minimum retirement age for employees born in 1970 or later is 57. Although the eligibility rules vary slightly depending on service length, federal employees with more than 10 years of service receive an annuity immediately upon reaching their MRA. Employees with 5-10 years of service can receive an annuity starting at age 62. Federal employees with at least 10 years of service can elect to take an immediate retirement or defer it. FERS reduces immediate retirement benefits by 5% per year for each year the employee is under age 62. Disability and early retirement may have slightly different timelines depending on the employee’s age and years of service. If you have questions about your federal retirement benefits, a federal employment lawyer can provide advice on your eligibility and the benefits available to you. Do Federal Employees Lose Their Retirement If They’re Fired? The short answer is no. Unfortunately, the misconception that you can lose your federal retirement benefits if fired persists even among federal employees. Many employees incorrectly believe that they will lose their federal retirement benefits if the agency fires them. However, the truth is that federal employees whose retirement benefits have vested are all but guaranteed to receive those benefits, subject to a few exceptions. Employees unaware of this may be tempted or pressured to resign if they know they are about to be fired. These employees are often under the wrong impression that by resigning, they can save the benefits they would otherwise lose. This was exactly the situation in Morrison v. Department of the Navy. In that case, the Department of the Navy alerted an employee that an adverse employment action was pending against him. The Department urged him to resign to avoid losing his retirement benefits. Ruling on the case, the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) noted that retirement benefits earned over the course of a federal career “are generally available upon separation from federal service, even when the separation is agency initiated.” To be clear, this means that when an agency fires a federal employee—whether for cause, poor performance, reduction in force, or otherwise—that employee remains entitled to any vested retirement benefits. There are very limited exceptions to this rule (discussed below), but for the vast majority of federal employees, they will never be an issue. How Federal Employees Can Lose Their Retirement Benefits As mentioned above, there are only a few narrow circumstances in which federal employee will lose their retirement benefits. Under 5 U.S.C. § 8312, federal employees forfeit their retirement benefits only if they are convicted of one or more specific federal crimes. There are more than 20 in total, each covering an act against the national security of the United States, including: Related statutory sections cover additional crimes that would render a federal employee ineligible for benefits. These include: Federal employees who do not commit any of those crimes don’t have to worry about losing their benefits. Can Federal Employees with Voluntary Early Retirement Lose Their Retirement Benefits If Fired? The Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA) allows government agencies to temporarily reduce the minimum age and service requirements for retirement benefits. Agencies usually use VERA to offer employees an incentive to retire voluntarily, often during a restructuring, downsizing, or reorganization. Rather than involuntarily reducing the number of employees at the agency, it may make VERA offers or Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments (VSIP) to willing employees. Unlike with FERS or CSRS, federal employees fired for poor performance or misconduct cannot take advantage of discontinued service annuities under VERA. However, they may still be eligible for a deferred benefit. Federal employment lawyers familiar with government retirement plans can help you assess your options. If you accepted a voluntary early retirement offer from a government agency, a federal employment lawyer can also advise you of your rights moving forward. Wondering If You’ll Lose Your Benefits After Being Fired? Contact Our Federal Employment Attorney The Law Office of Aaron D. Wersing has been helping federal employees with their retirement and disability benefits for many years. During that time, we’ve helped hundreds of clients reclaim their jobs, stop discrimination, and resolve other issues in the workplace. If you resigned based on false information about the status of your retirement benefits, we can help. Contact us today or call us at (833) 833-3529.

Sep 6, 2024 | By Aaron D. Wersing | Read Time: 3 minutes | Federal Retirement

Federal Employee Retirement Survivor Benefits Explained

It is well known that federal employment offers many valuable benefits. Chief among these benefits is the generous federal retirement package. The retirement program in the federal government is the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), which Congress created in 1986. In addition to retirement benefits, FERS features survivor death benefits in some cases. Specifically, FERS survivor benefits grant a certain percentage of a deceased federal employee’s annual benefit amount to a current or former spouse. This article will discuss the key details of federal retirement survivor benefits, but it is always a good idea to reach out to a qualified federal employment attorney for additional information. How Many Types of FERS Survivor Benefits Are Available? The recipient of a deceased federal employee can receive three kinds of benefits. The first type is the current spouse survivor annuity. As the name implies, this benefit is payable only to the person who was the current spouse of the federal employee at the time of the employee’s death. The second kind of benefit is an annuity for former spouses. The former spouse annuity can arise when the deceased employee voluntarily chose to establish it before their death. Alternatively, courts can also award annuities to former spouses through a divorce decree, provided it was granted after May 7, 1985. The third and final type of benefit is a one-time lump sum benefit. These three FERS survivor benefits are available only if the employee died while employed with the federal government. How Much Can a Current or Former Spouse Receive in FERS Survivor Benefits? If you are a beneficiary of a deceased employee who retired under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), you may be eligible for survivor benefits, which amount to 50 percent of the employee’s unreduced annual benefit. The federal employee’s annual benefit will depend on the deceased employee’s time in government service, age, and pay level. The federal employee has a large role in deciding how much their survivor benefits are, even to the point of deciding the spouse receives no survivor benefit. They can also elect for the spouse to have a partially reduced annuity or a fully reduced annuity. How Long Do FERS Survivor Benefits Last? Surviving spouse annuities (whether to former or current spouses) continue for the life of the spouse unless the spouse remarries before they reach age 55. There is an exception to this rule, however, if the spouse and employee were married for over 30 years. In that case, the spouse of the deceased employee will receive annuity payments regardless of whether they remarry or not. Curious to Learn More About FERS Survivor Benefits? Contact Our FERS Attorneys Today It is very difficult it is to lose a spouse. We understand that sorting out financial matters is probably the last thing you want to deal with when your spouse passes away. On top of that, the world of federal retirement survivor benefits is often difficult to navigate on your own. If your deceased spouse was a federal employee, we can help ensure that you obtain the benefits that they intended you to have. Here at the Federal Employment Law Firm of Aaron D. Wersing, PLLC, we are dedicated to assisting with all kinds of federal employment matters. We care about all of our clients, and we are passionate about ensuring that they obtain the compensation they deserve. We have many years of experience successfully helping our clients—as our client reviews show. Together, we can work with you to help maximize your FERS survivor benefits. Many people wrongly believe that hiring an attorney will cost them a small fortune. However, we don’t want money problems to prevent people from reaching out and consulting us. Don’t lose out on obtaining the federal retirement benefits you rightfully deserve. Contact us today.

Aug 15, 2024 | By Aaron D. Wersing | Read Time: 4 minutes | Federal Employment Law

Bullying In The Workplace Under Federal Law

If you have suffered bullying in the workplace, you might be able to receive relief under federal law if the bullying has certain characteristics. As a federal employee, you can maintain legal action for bullying if that bullying also qualifies as harassment under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. If you are unsure if bullying at work is actionable, don’t resign yourself to the stress and fear, contact an experienced workplace bullying lawyer immediately for help. You do not have to tolerate working in a hostile work environment, let alone any workplace bullying. Is Workplace Bullying Illegal? It depends. Federal laws on workplace bullying are really laws against harassment. Employment bullying qualifies as illegal harassment if it’s a condition to continue your employment or it’s severe and pervasive enough for a reasonable person to consider it hostile. Bullying cannot be illegal harassment unless it’s unwelcome conduct motivated by one of the following factors: Your employer can be guilty of harassing you for being a member of a protected group mentioned above or for perceiving you to be a member of a protected group. Your employer can be liable for harassment committed by a supervisor, one of their agents, a co-worker, or a non-employee. You also don’t have to be the person harassed to maintain a legal action. If harassment of another person affects you, you could have a claim. Can You Sue For Workplace Bullying? You may be wondering, can you sue for workplace bullying? Yes. Legal action against workplace bullying is available to you if the bullying fits the definition of harassment under federal law. However, federal employees can bring workplace bullying lawsuits only after they have followed the steps to make an administrative complaint with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) office. What Is the Procedure for Filing Workplace Bullying Complaints and Workplace Bullying Lawsuits? There are many steps on the way to filing a lawsuit against your employer for harassment. Suing for workplace bullying can be a complicated process, and a lawyer for workplace bullying can help you fulfill every step. 1. Filing a Workplace Bullying Complaint If you are a federal employee, bullying in the workplace law requires that you first reach out to an EEO counselor at your employer’s agency within 45 days of suffering harassment. You can either take part in counseling or alternative dispute resolution (ADR). If ADR or counseling doesn’t solve the problem, you can file a formal complaint with your agency’s EEO office. You have 15 days after receiving an EEO counselor’s filing notice to file a complaint. The agency can either dismiss your complaint for procedural reasons, or conduct an investigation. The agency has 180 days to investigate. After investigating, the agency gives you a notice about asking for a hearing or issuing a decision about whether there was discrimination. If you want a hearing, it is held before an administrative law judge. You have 30 days from the agency’s hearing notice to file for a hearing. You can request a hearing in writing or online. After the judge makes a decision, the agency gets 40 days to decide if they are going to grant you relief that the judge orders. This decision is called a final order. If you don’t agree with the final order, you can request an appeal within 30 days. You can also ask for reconsideration of the appeal decision within 30 days. If you follow the procedure correctly, you have many chances to get justice against harassment. An experienced attorney for workplace bullying can preserve your rights at every level of the process. How To File A Workplace Bullying Lawsuit Once you have been through the administrative complaint and appeals process, you can file a bullying-at-work lawsuit. There are a number of different times when you can file a lawsuit, depending on the situation. To file a lawsuit against your employer for violating laws against workplace bullying, you have to follow these timelines: A workplace bullying attorney can determine if the time is right for you to file a lawsuit and champion your rights to a safe workplace in court. If you are curious about workplace anti-bullying laws by state, many of them are similar to the federal laws (though deadlines and procedures vary). But you must follow the federal procedures above if you are a federal employee. Contact Our Federal Employment Attorneys for the Protection You Need Please remember that you don’t have to endure every hostile behavior at work to receive a paycheck, and you should not have to work in a hostile work environment. The workplace bullying lawyers at the Federal Employment Law Firm of Aaron D Wersing PLLC are experienced in federal employment law and dedicated to protecting federal employees’ rights. Contact us online or call us at 866-508-2158 for the guidance and protection you need.

Aug 12, 2024 | By Aaron D. Wersing | Read Time: 4 minutes | Federal Retirement

Federal Retirement and Your Service Computation Date—What to Know

Working for the federal government comes with many benefits. As a federal employee, you can enjoy regular working hours, ample health benefits, a generous retirement package, and some protections against being fired or laid off. However, many of these retirement benefits depend on your service computation date (SCD). For that reason, it’s essential to understand what a service computation date is and how to calculate your own service computation date. Once you understand your service computation date, you can plan your retirement date and assess when you will be able to access certain employment perks. If you have questions about your federal retirement and your service computation date, call (866) 340-4430 or contact us online today. Our federal employment lawyers are ready to help. What Is a Service Computation Date (SCD)? Active Duty Service Computation refers to a method used to calculate an individual’s service time for benefits purposes. This computation involves establishing a Service Computation Date (SCD), which can be an actual or estimated date. The SCD helps determine how long a person has been in Federal Service, impacting their eligibility and benefits. SCDs are applicable in both the current Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and its predecessor, the Civil Servant Retirement System (CSRS). That said, there are several different SCDs. A more precise service computation date definition depends on the type of SCD. Below are the four different types of SCDs. Leave Service Computation Date Your leave service computation date relates to your annual leave accrual. All federal employees gather annual leave at a rate of four hours per pay period during their first three years in service. After three years of service, federal employees accrue annual leave at six hours each pay period. After 15 years, the annual leave accrual rate increases again to eight hours per pay period. You can locate your leave service computation date on Block 31 of every standard form 50 (also called “SF-50”) in your personnel file. Retirement Service Computation Date A service computation date is the date the federal government uses to decide your benefit eligibility and when your benefits will begin. As with the leave SCD, it is usually the date that you began your first federal appointment. However, the leave SCD and retirement SCD can vary if you served in the military prior to joining the federal service. Military veterans can choose to add their time in the military to their time in the federal service by “buying back” their military time and making that period of service count towards their SCD. To do this, veterans must submit a “deposit” equal to a small percentage of their military base pay when they were on active duty. Thrift Savings Plan Service Computation Date The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a savings and investment retirement account that constitutes one of the core pillars of FERS. The TSP allows the employee to contribute their own funds towards a retirement account. The government will then match the employee’s contributions up to a certain point. It’s almost like a 401K plan operated by the government. 5 CFR §1603 includes a vesting requirement for the funds contributed by the government. Under this requirement, the government’s contributions to an employee’s TSP only vest after the employee has three years of service. The TSP SCD represents the date that a TSP participant begins to fulfill the three-year vesting period. Unlike the retirement SCD and leave SCD, the TSP SCD does not include prior military service. Reduction in Force Service Computation Date Although rare, federal agencies occasionally lay off employees through a reduction in force (RIF). The agency determines who to lay off first according to seniority. The earlier your federal government RIF SCD, the lower the chance that your agency will lay you off. Unlike the other SCDs, your RIF SCD can be adjusted by your performance ratings over the previous four-year period. Your appointment type can also affect your RIF SCD. How Can I Calculate My Service Computation Date? Now that we’ve discussed the concept of the various service computation dates, you might be wondering, What is my service computation date? As you might be able to guess by now, the answer depends on which service computation date you are trying to calculate. The leave SCD is easy to obtain because it is listed on your SF-50. However, the other SCDs are harder to calculate because they are affected by factors like prior military service and past performance. For more information on your SCD, you should either contact your human resources office or a federal employment attorney. Are You Considering Whether to Sue Your Federal Employer? Federal agencies are far from perfect. A mistake by your employer could easily affect your service computation date and your access to government employment benefits. If you think that your federal employer has incorrectly calculated your SCD or is wrongly denying you benefits, contact the Law Office of Aaron D. Wersing, PLLC. Over the years, we’ve helped hundreds of federal employees with a wide variety of federal employment problems. We are dedicated to safeguarding the rights of federal employees. Don’t hesitate to contact us or call (833) 833-3529.

Aug 12, 2024 | By Aaron D. Wersing | Read Time: 4 minutes | FERS Disability

Differences Between FERS Deferred Retirement and FERS Postponed Retirement

For federal employees contemplating retirement, understanding the nuances between different retirement strategies is essential. Except for a few very senior employees, most federal workers fall under the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS). It’s particularly important to understand whether FERS deferred retirement or FERS postponed retirement is a better fit for your circumstances. In this article, we’ll clarify the difference between these two different retirement options and help you understand which one might be better for you. However, if you need specific advice for your situation, then contact a competent FERS disability retirement attorney today. Understanding Your Options: FERS Deferred or Postponed Retirement First, we need to explore what the terms “deferred retirement” and “postponed retirement” mean. Although these options fall under the FERS, they each operate under distinct circumstances and hold unique implications for retirees. Deferred retirement is typically for FERS employees who leave federal service before they reach the minimum retirement age (MRA). You can apply for deferred retirement if you have at least five years of creditable civilian service. However, bear in mind that you can’t withdraw your contributions to the retirement fund. If you do, you won’t be eligible for deferred retirement. On the other hand, postponed retirement is an option for FERS employees who have reached their MRA and have somewhere between 10 and 30 years of service. Postponed FERS retirement allows you to delay receiving retirement benefits to avoid the age reduction penalty. What Are the Differences Between Deferred Retirement and Postponed Retirement? Besides the eligibility requirements and the retirement benefits that we just mentioned, there are several other differences between deferred retirement and postponed retirement. Insurance Benefits One critical difference lies in health insurance and life insurance benefits. Under FERS deferred retirement, you are not eligible to continue receiving either Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) or Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) after you leave federal service. If you choose to postpone your retirement, you can reinstate your FEHB and FEGLI when you begin to receive your annuity. However, to receive these benefits, you need to show that you were enrolled in these programs at least five years before your separation. Survivor Benefits Another key difference involves survivor benefits. If you die while receiving a deferred retirement annuity, no survivor annuity is payable. This is because you have to receive an immediate annuity that began within 30 days of your separation to be able to receive survivor benefits. By contrast, FERS postponed retirement can sometimes pay out survivor benefits to your loved ones if you pass away before receiving your annuity. Thrift Savings Plan FERS deferred and postponed retirements also differ when it comes to the thrift savings plan (TSP). All employees under FERS benefit from the TSP. Furthermore, deferred retirees and postponed retirees can withdraw their TSP funds. However, if deferred retirees can withdraw their TSP funds after they separate, they will have to pay the IRS’s early withdrawal penalty if they are below the age of 59 and 6 months. However, postponed retirees do not have to pay the early withdrawal penalty because they are already at their MRA. Cost of Living Adjustments Lastly, FERS deferred retirement does not offer cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) until the retiree reaches the age of 62. Conversely, retirees under FERS postponed retirement can receive COLAs as soon as they begin receiving their annuity, even if they are under 62. Is There a FERS Deferred Retirement Calculator I Can Use? Many people find it helpful to visualize their retirement options with a retirement calculator. While OPM offers a general formula for calculating your FERS retirement, they do not offer a calculator specifically for deferred retirement situations. If you’re looking to calculate your potential retirement sums, it’s best to contact an experienced federal retirement attorney. Let Us Help You Determine Whether FERS Deferred Retirement or Postponed Retirement Is a Better Option While this article provides a basic understanding of the interplay between different kinds of retirement, it’s only a foundation. The truth is that retirement decisions can be complex. In addition, the choices you make for your retirement will have tremendous effects on your life down the road. Consequently, it’s prudent to reach out to a knowledgeable federal attorney who can give you the advice you need. Our team of adept attorneys at the Federal Employment Law Firm of Aaron D. Wersing, PLLC, is deeply knowledgeable about the nuanced legal factors intrinsic to FERS deferred and postponed retirement cases. In addition, we share an abiding passion for helping the dedicated civil servants who make our country’s government run effectively. Together, we can help you understand which retirement option is best for you in light of your circumstances. We’ll then take the steps necessary to put your plan into motion, including helping you complete your application for deferred or postponed retirement under FERS. If necessary, we’ll work with your agency to ensure that your legal rights are respected and that you receive the retirement benefits that you rightfully deserve. Contact us today to set up your initial appointment by calling us at 866-612-5956. You can also visit our website online.

Aug 8, 2024 | By Aaron D. Wersing | Read Time: 3 minutes | Workplace Discrimination

Examples of Military Discrimination in the Federal Workplace

Veterans deserve our utmost respect and gratitude for their sacrifices to protect our country. Unfortunately, stereotypes and prejudicial assumptions about servicemembers do exist, even among federal civilian employers. When veterans face targeted mistreatment in the workplace, it’s not just unacceptable—it’s illegal under federal law. This blog will cover what veterans should know about military discrimination in the federal workplace. We’ll discuss the laws that protect service members in the federal workplace and cover examples of veteran discrimination to watch out for. Protections for Veterans in the Federal Workplace Federal law grants military veterans a number of rights and protections when they return to civilian life. Let’s look at some of these protections specifically offered to veterans seeking federal civilian employment or reemployment. Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act This federal law is the foundation of the protections against veteran workplace discrimination. The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) bans all public and private civilian employers from discriminating based on an employee or job candidate’s past, present, or future military service. This means that it’s illegal to consider someone’s military service when it comes to employment decisions such as hiring, firing, promoting, extending benefits, and more. Under USERRA, certain service members can also receive other employment benefits. For example, if an eligible veteran leaves civilian employment to perform military service, they have the right to be promptly reemployed in their prior position when they return. Americans with Disabilities Act and Rehabilitation Act Many veterans also enjoy protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA prohibits employers from discriminating against qualified employees with a physical or mental disability. This includes discrimination against veterans with PTSD or other psychological impairments acquired through military service or otherwise. Although the ADA enforces these protections in the private sector, the Rehabilitation Act applies the same standards and rights to employees with disabilities in the public sector. It’s important to note that the ADA definition of disability is different from the standards used by the VA to assign disability ratings for service-connected medical conditions. Under the ADA, a disability is a mental or physical impairment that prevents someone from performing one or more “major life activities,” including: Veterans with medical conditions that interfere with these or other major life activities are entitled to reasonable accommodations from an employer. Reasonable accommodations can include a variety of alterations to the work environment that allow the veteran to fulfill their job duties despite their physical or mental limitations. Employers who refuse to consider requests for disability accommodations or retaliate against you for making such requests are violating federal law. What Does Military Discrimination in the Workplace Look Like? Employment discrimination against military service members can take many forms. Some examples of veteran discrimination at work include: This is not an exhaustive list. Keep in mind that some discriminatory behaviors can be subtle and easy to overlook as part of regular workplace conflict. If you’re unsure whether you’re facing targeted mistreatment, it’s best to consult with an employment lawyer. Can a Protected Veteran Be Fired? If you’re an eligible service member, USERRA may prohibit your employer from firing you without cause for a period after you return to civilian work. This doesn’t mean that you can’t be terminated at all. It just means your employer must have a valid, business-related reason for dismissing you. Under USERRA, protected veterans who served for more than 180 days can’t be fired without cause for up to one year after their reemployment. For veterans who performed for between 30 and 180 days of service, this protection extends up to six months after you return to civilian work. Defending the Rights of Veterans in Public Service Targeted mistreatment of military service members in the workplace is just as illegal as discrimination due to sex, race, or religion. If you suspect that the mistreatment you face at work is motivated by your veteran status, contact an employment lawyer immediately. At the Federal Employment Law Firm of Aaron D Wersing PLLC, we’re proud to represent those who have served our country. Our attorneys know federal employment law and veteran discrimination protections inside and out, and we’re prepared to help you understand and exercise your legal rights. With years of experience advocating for federal employees, our legal team has the skill, integrity, and dedicated support to help you get the justice you deserve. Contact our office by phone or online to learn more and schedule a consultation.

Aug 6, 2024 | By Aaron D. Wersing | Read Time: 3 minutes | Federal Employment Law

Overtime Rules & Regulations for Federal Employees

The right to overtime pay is one of the most cherished labor protections granted by federal law. Both public and private sector employees have the right to overtime pay for work done beyond their designated hours. However, government employees face a different and more complex set of rules around overtime under federal law than their private counterparts. Understanding these rules is essential to ensure your agency compensates you fairly for your work. In this blog post, we’ll explain the basic rules governing overtime pay for federal employees. We’ll also cover who is eligible for overtime, how rates are calculated, and what limitations apply to this compensation. Understanding Federal Employee Overtime Rules Two laws govern how federal employees can receive overtime pay: the Fair Labor Standards Act and Title 5 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is the major law that provides the foundation for wage, hour, and overtime rules many private and public employees enjoy today. All federal employees are assumed to be eligible for the rights and benefits of the FLSA unless they fall under one of the stated exemptions. Federal overtime laws for salaried employees not covered by the FLSA are found under Title 5 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations. Each law uses a different process to calculate a federal employee’s overtime pay. FLSA Overtime Under the FLSA, nonexempt federal employees are eligible for overtime pay for time worked beyond the standard 40-hour workweek. Calculating FLSA overtime works differently for federal employees than private employees. For federal employees, overtime pay is a combination of: It helps to understand the terms “straight-time rate of pay” and “hourly regular rate of pay,” as these have specific meanings as used in these laws. Your “straight-time rate of pay” is your basic, employer-determined wage, e.g., $25.00/hour. By contrast, employees can calculate their “hourly regular rate of pay” by dividing the total compensation (special rate supplements included) they receive in a workweek by the number of hours they work in a week. Why is there a difference between these two rates? Federal law entitles employees to premium pay rates for working on Sundays, nights, and under other special circumstances. FLSA overtime calculations consider the supplementary earnings from those hours when determining overtime for a given workweek. The DOL overtime rule works the same for nonexempt federal employees who aren’t paid hourly. Nonexempt salaried workers can determine their “straight time rate of pay” by simply dividing their annual income by 2,087 (the number of hours federal employees work in a year). Title 5 Overtime Under Title 5, federal workers exempt from the FLSA can receive supplemental compensation for “officially ordered or approved” hours beyond the 40-hour workweek. An employee’s Title 5 overtime rate depends on where they fall on the General Schedule (GS) payscale. Employees whose income falls below GS-10, step one, are entitled to receive time-and-a-half (1.5 times) their hourly pay rate for any overtime work. For example, an exempt federal employee whose hourly rate is $23.00/hour would be entitled to $34.50/hour for each hour of approved overtime. Overtime for an employee whose income is above GS-10, Step 1 can go one of two ways: The employee will be paid whichever of these two rates is higher. What Is the Overtime Cap for Federal Employees? There are some limits to the amount of overtime certain federal employees can earn in a given pay period. Under Title 5, a GS federal employee can’t receive so much premium pay that their biweekly rate would exceed whichever of the following is greater: This limit takes into account all forms of premium pay, not just overtime. For example, it includes Sunday premium pay, night pay, holiday pay, etc. However, these limits only apply to GS employees earning Title 5 overtime, not FLSA overtime pay. Skilled Advocates for Federal Employees Overtime pay is vital to ensure that employers compensate you adequately. If your employer does not pay your designated overtime, federal law gives you the right to pursue legal action. The Federal Employment Law Firm of Aaron D Wersing PLLC has spent years fighting for government employees who are denied rightful compensation and benefits. With deep knowledge of FLSA and Title 5, our attorneys are prepared to help you understand and assert your rights to fair pay. To learn more about how we can help you with an overtime-related dispute, contact our office today.

Aug 6, 2024 | By Aaron D. Wersing | Read Time: 4 minutes | MSPB

What Is a Reduction in Force for Federal Government Employees?

Downsizing, layoffs, restructuring, rightsizing, labor force adjustments, reduction in force—no matter what you call it, most employees know it means bad news. Many people use these terms interchangeably to refer to involuntary job cuts across an organization. However, for federal employees, a reduction in force (RIF) involves specific procedures that don’t apply to workers in the private sector. In this blog post, we’ll answer common questions about how downsizing works for federal employees, including: We’ll discuss what sets a federal RIF apart from layoffs or downsizing in the private sector and explain the rights and regulations involved. What Is an RIF in Business? In the private sector, a reduction in force happens when an organization eliminates employment positions it no longer needs. A business that conducts an RIF permanently reduces its workforce, usually for financial reasons. An RIF often follows massive budget cuts, economic instability, or other major changes in business strategy. Sometimes, private employers offer severance packages to help ease the shock of termination, but this is not always the case. RIF vs. Layoff Many employees today use the term “layoffs” instead of RIF to describe a permanent reduction in the workforce. Although the two words refer to similar situations, they actually refer to different things. The primary thing that separates these two things is the potential for rehiring. Technically, a layoff is a temporary reduction in staff motivated by present budgetary or operational challenges. For example, a business that hires aggressively before the holiday season may discover that there’s not enough work to justify its current labor force in the off-season. As a result, they might choose to initiate layoffs with the intention of rehiring some employees in the future when demand rebounds. With an RIF, there’s no potential for rehiring by the same company. Once the position is gone, it’s gone. What Is an RIF for Federal Employees? At the most basic level, a federal RIF is very similar to a private sector RIF. In a federal RIF action, an agency decreases its total employment positions and permanently eliminates one or more employees. Situations when federal agencies could initiate an RIF include: Unlike in the private sector, specific procedures govern how federal agencies conduct an RIF. The Code of Federal Regulations gives agencies the authority to make certain key decisions in the process, including: However, agency leaders don’t have total control over when it comes to which employees get terminated. How Do Agencies Decide Who to Eliminate? Federal law requires agencies to use a designated RIF procedure to evaluate employees and determine who is eligible for retention, reassignment, or removal. First, the agency will group employees under consideration into a competitive area category to limit the RIF process geographically and organizationally. Then, the agency separates workers into sub-groups. These “competitive levels” are composed of employees with interchangeable job duties, qualifications, and hours (e.g., full-time, part-time, etc.). This ensures that employees are evaluated against others with similar skills and responsibilities. Now, the agency begins the process of evaluating each employee according to four retention regulations: Based on these factors, the agency will rank employees within their competitive level. Federal employees who rank higher in their regulation register are likely to stay in their role, while those closer to the bottom are at a greater risk of removal. What Rights Do Federal Employees Have in an RIF? The complex regulations around a federal RIF can seem intimidating to employees. However, employees do have important rights throughout the process. These include: When your agency fails to respect these rights—or the rules involved in the retention evaluation process—you could have grounds for legal action. If you’re concerned about oversights or unfairness in your RIF process, contact a federal employment attorney immediately. Passionate Advocates for Government Workers RIF procedures are complex for everyone involved. Unfortunately, agencies don’t always apply the proper care and consideration required when evaluating employees for removal. When your job is on the line, you deserve the support and oversight of a professional. The Federal Employment Law Firm of Aaron D Wersing PLLC has spent years helping government workers understand and assert their rights in RIF actions and other employment disputes. Our attorneys have extensive experience with the unique complexities of federal employment law, from MSPB appeals to OPM disability applications. We’ve helped hundreds of federal employees protect their rights and regain their jobs. Contact our office today to learn more about how we can help you.

Jul 17, 2024 | By Aaron D. Wersing | Read Time: 6 minutes | Federal Retirement

How Do I Calculate FERS Retirement With A Calculator?

Figuring out how to calculate FERS retirement can require some work. But luckily, we can help with calculating this for you. A FERS disability retirement calculator is exactly what it sounds like. So you want to know how to calculate federal retirement. It is a tool you can use to calculate the amount of payment you will receive if you retire due to a disability. Of course, this calculator tool is applicable only if you are a federal employee retiring through the FERS disability retirement program. For immediate assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact or call (833) 833-3529 to reach our experienced FERS disability lawyers. How is FERS Calculated? A FERS disability retirement pay calculator works just as any other calculator does. You give the calculator a set of inputs and parameters, and the calculator gives you an answer. The output could be your annual payment (referred to as an annuity). Or it could be your monthly or weekly payment. On the other hand, your output could be the total amount of money you will receive over X amount of time (36 months, 20 years, etc). It all depends on what you ask the calculator to give as its output. It is up to you. Many of the FERS retirement calculations depend on your high-3 salary. OPM defines your high-3 as the highest average basic pay you earned during any 3 consecutive years of service. Your basic pay is your basic salary paid for your position. This includes salary increases for which FERS retirement deductions are withheld, such as shift rates. It does not include payments for overtime, bonuses, etc. Further, if one’s total service was less than 3 years, the average salary is figured by averaging basic pay during all periods of creditable Federal service. The best way to find your high-3 average salary is to get a FERS benefit to estimate from your Agency. This report will show the official figures that will be sent to OPM. While the OPM website does not have a specific calculator tool, they publish information on how they make the calculations online. Here, we summarize those guidelines. FERS Disability Computation If You Have Reached the Age of Retirement If you are age 62 or older when you retire due to a disability, the following FERS calculation applies. The calculation also applies if you meet the age and service requirement for immediate voluntary retirement and suffer from a disability. This calculation is known as an “earned” annuity since you have otherwise met the qualifications for retirement benefits. ‘ The calculation goes one of two ways. If you are 62 or older when you retire and have less than 20 years of service with the federal government, or are under 62 years old but qualify for immediate voluntary retirement, your annuity calculation will be 1% of your high-3 average salary for each year of service. Thus, if you serve eighteen years, your annuity is 18% of your high-3 average salary. Your high-3 average salary is the highest average basic pay (minus overtime) you receive for three consecutive years during your employment. If your salary tops out at $65,000 for three years, that’s your high-3 salary. If your annual salary was $55,000 three years before your disability, then $65,000 per year for only two years before the disability, your high-3 average salary is the average of $55,000, $65,000, and $65,000. If you are 62 years old or older and have at least 20 years of service to the federal government, your annuity calculation is different. Your annuity calculation is 1.1% of your high-3 average salary for each year of service. So if you have 20 years of service at this point, your annuity is 22% of your high-3 average salary. Because the calculations for disability retirement for someone 62 years old or older are the same as regular voluntary retirement, it generally does not make sense to apply for FERS disability if you are at least 62 years old. Related Article: Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) for Federal Employees FERS Disability Computation If You Have Not Reached the Age of Retirement For these calculations, the assumption is that you are under the age of 62 at the time of retirement and not eligible for voluntary retirement at that time. There are 3 tiers given: For the first 12 months, your annuity calculation will be as follows: Your base annuity is 60% of your high-3 salary. If you receive social security, the total amount of your social security payment is subtracted from your FERS annuity as a 100% offset. If your “earned” FERS annuity is greater than this amount, your earned annuity will be your annuity payment. After the first 12 months, before you reach age 62, your base annuity calculation will be reduced to 40% of your high-3 year salary. If you receive social security, 60% of that amount will be drawn from your annuity. Just like the first 12 months, your “earned” annuity will be your annuity payment if that amount is greater than the base annuity (minus the social security offset). Once you reach age 62, FERS will recalculate your annuity from that point on. It will be the annuity you would have had if you were able to work until the day before you turn 62 and retire under FERS. In other words, the service computation reverts to the one we outlined above. What Are Disability Annuity Reductions? In some situations, your disability annuity can be reduced due to elections made during the application process. The main situation where this happens is when you are married and have a survivor benefit election. Unless your spouse consents to you electing a smaller than ‘full’ survivor annuity (which you establish at the beginning of your employment term), your annuity faces a reduction of either 5% or 10%. If you elect survivor benefits that are 50% of your benefit, a reduction of 10% occurs. On the other hand, if you elect survivor benefits of 25%, a...

Jul 17, 2024 | By Aaron D. Wersing | Read Time: 3 minutes | FERS Disability

What Conditions Are Considered Disabilities?

If you find yourself on this web page right now, you probably already know a bit about the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Under the FERS retirement disability program, workers who find themselves injured or otherwise disabled receive employment security benefits if they are unable to work due to their condition. Sometimes the benefits are temporary, but sometimes they are permanent. Furthermore, the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) prevents employers from discriminating against employees on the basis of disability. Some of the most common disability-related questions we get from our clients at the Federal Employment Law Firm of Aaron D Wersing have to do with what the FERS and ADA consider a disability. Those questions include things like: If you have any of these or other related questions, you’re in the right place. We put together this page specifically to help you assess whether your injury qualifies you for disability benefits. What Is Considered a Disability? There are quite a few different medical conditions that FERS considers disabilities. In fact, there are too many to cover here. You can, however, find an exemplary list that the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses in its entirety right here. While FERS doesn’t use the exact same list, the two are very similar. After all, they both come from the federal government and serve near-identical functions. In all, the SSA’s list contains 14 categories of impairments: This list encompasses a very broad range of different medical conditions and disabilities. At the end of the day, the most important element in qualifying for disability is demonstrating your inability to function at work as you would without the disorder. Additional Common Disorders Injuries to hands, feet, and other extremities can qualify you for disability benefits if you are unable to work. For example, it’s possible you can get disability for plantar fasciitis, arthritis, or tendon damage. It all depends on the circumstances of the injury and your job duties. If you injure yourself enough to warrant an amputation, chances are you qualify for disability. The federal government considers thumb amputation a disability. In fact, the federal government considers any finger amputation a disability. While losing a finger may not seem as extreme a disability as a terminal illness, losing a digit can significantly impede one’s ability to work. If you’re wondering whether cancer is a disability, the answer is a resounding yes. FERS, the SSA, and the federal government as a whole all consider cancer a disability, as does the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). In fact, you may have noticed that cancer warrants its own category in the SSA’s full list of medical conditions. Cancer itself, and many of the treatments associated with it, take a significant toll on patients’ bodies. As a result, working is often entirely out of the question for individuals with cancer. Excluding cancer in any form from the list of disabilities would be entirely inappropriate. Need Help with Your Disability Claim? Contact Our Federal Disability Lawyers Today More often than not, the most difficult part of getting disability benefits is proving that your condition is sufficient to render you unable to work in your position of record. The problem is that there is a subjective element in determining whether someone can work or not. The best thing you can do to ensure this process moves forward is with the help of a FERS disability attorney. They can help you gather evidence that proves your disability’s impact on your life. At the Federal Employment Law Firm of Aaron D Wersing, federal disability benefits are one of our legal team’s primary focus areas. You have rights, so let us help you fight to protect them. Have a look at some of our client testimonials, then let’s get started. Call today!

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