CSRS and FERS Retirement and Benefit Course

Module 1: Retirement Coverage

• Types and eligibility requirements for CSRS and FERS retirement coverage
• Determining employee retirement coverage
• Understanding exclusions and exceptions

Module 2: CSRS/FERS Creditable Service

• Identifying creditable civilian and military service
• Impact of deposits and redeposits on retirement calculations
• Crediting unused sick leave

Module 3: CSRS/FERS Eligibility for Retirement

• Age and service requirements for voluntary, early, and deferred retirements
• Special retirement provisions (LEO, Firefighters, ATC)
• Eligibility for disability retirement

Module 4: CSRS/FERS Annuity Computations

• Calculation of annuities using high-3 salary and service credit
• Impact of age and survivor benefit elections on annuity
• Understanding reductions and adjustments (COLAs)

Module 5: Survivor Benefits

• Eligibility and computation of survivor annuities
• Impact of survivor elections and court orders
• Continuation of health benefits for survivors

Module 6: Federal Employee Health Benefits and Federal Long-Term Care Insurance

• FEHB eligibility, coverage options, and premium conversion
• Long-Term Care Insurance basics and enrollment
• Temporary continuation of coverage (TCC)

Module 7: Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI)

• Basic and optional FEGLI coverage
• Eligibility and continuation of coverage into retirement
• Understanding beneficiary designations and post-retirement adjustments

Module 8: Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

• TSP contribution limits, matching funds, and catch-up contributions
• Investment options and risk management
• Withdrawal options and implications at retirement

Module 9: Social Security and Medicare Benefits

• Social Security eligibility, computation, and family benefits
• Understanding Medicare coverage and enrollment
• Integration of Social Security and Medicare with CSRS/FERS benefits

Module 10: Retirement Application Process

• Steps for submitting retirement applications (nondisability and disability)
• Agency and employee responsibilities during application
• Understanding post-application procedures and OPM actions