Pre-Retirement Planning for Law Enforcement and Firefighters Course

Module 1: Introduction to Federal Retirement Benefits

• Gain an overview of the federal retirement systems, including FERS and CSRS.
• Understand eligibility requirements for retirement benefits.
• Learn how service history impacts retirement calculations.

Module 2: Creditable Service

• Identify what types of service count toward retirement eligibility.
• Understand the rules for military service credit and redeposits.
• Explore procedures for verifying and documenting service history.

Module 3: Retirement Annuity Computations

• Learn how annuities are calculated under FERS and CSRS.
• Understand the factors that increase or reduce your annuity.
• Apply formulas to calculate estimated retirement income.

Module 4: Survivor Benefits

• Understand the types of survivor benefits available to spouses and dependents.
• Learn the cost and impact of electing survivor annuities.
• Review the process for designating beneficiaries.

Module 5: The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

• Review TSP contribution rules and investment options.
• Understand the impact of withdrawals on long-term retirement security.
• Learn about required minimum distributions and withdrawal strategies.

Module 6: Federal Insurance Benefits in Retirement

• Review continuation of FEHB and FEGLI into retirement.
• Understand eligibility rules for carrying insurance coverage.
• Explore options for adjusting or changing coverage after retirement.

Module 7: Retirement Application Process

• Learn the step-by-step process for submitting a retirement application.
• Understand timelines, forms, and documentation requirements.
• Prepare for a smooth transition from employment to retirement benefits.

Module 8: Post-Retirement Considerations

• Understand rules regarding reemployment in the federal government.
• Learn about post-retirement income and tax considerations.
• Review cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) and other ongoing benefit changes.