Yes, you want to retire as near the end of the month as possible. Preferably at the end of the pay period so you get full leave credit. DO NOT use any AL that you have not earned as apposed to what is advanced. Make sure you understand all of the FEGLI (life insurance) options, you can do the 75%reduction and when you turn 65 it becomes free. Any of the other options you may have now will get very expensive in retirement so don't give up basic (preferably do the 75% reduction) it just makes sense.I’m hoping to retire around September I’ll be 60 with 20 + years. Any basic advice like when to start online process, does specific dates matter ( end of pay period) etc. Any odd things you wish you had known.
I would recommend getting the retirement package 6 months in advance if you go the paper route! If you complete the forms online I believe that package would still be valuable to have so you can make decisions and be prepared to record answers during the online completion. I would also recommend submittal of the completed application be at least 3 months in advance.I’m hoping to retire around September I’ll be 60 with 20 + years. Any basic advice like when to start online process, does specific dates matter ( end of pay period) etc. Any odd things you wish you had known.
I hate to say this but I'm pretty sure there is no option for a paper application. It is required to be online. I do think that if it's a disability application you still may do paper but that's the only one.I would recommend getting the retirement package 6 months in advance if you go the paper route! If you complete the forms online I believe that package would still be valuable to have so you can make decisions and be prepared to record answers during the online completion. I would also recommend submittal of the completed application be at least 3 months in advance.
But they must still supply a Retirement book. There's a lot of good information in it that can be used to make decisions...........................?????????????????????????I hate to say this but I'm pretty sure there is no option for a paper application. It is required to be online. I do think that if it's a disability application you still may do paper but that's the only one.
Not sure but I think the blue book is a thing of the past, someone who has used the new process please fill us in.But they must still supply a Retirement book. There's a lot of good information in it that can be used to make decisions...........................?????????????????????????
Did they cut out the counseling session also?Not sure but I think the blue book is a thing of the past, someone who has used the new process please fill us in.
No I think they still do those and when I did mine it was well worth the effort. It's only the paper aspect that they changed. In the end it will probably be a good thing but will take a while. I heard of people that had made a mistake on their paper form and "corrected" it in some way just to have it rejected because they allowed NO stray marks or smudges on the papers.Did they cut out the counseling session also?
I'm so glad I got out when I did, so many different aspects of employment with the USPS has gone down hill. It used to be such a sought out and desired job, it's so sad!
I agree 100%No I think they still do those and when I did mine it was well worth the effort.
If you don't have the forms (No Blue Book), how would the counseling review occur?It's only the paper aspect that they changed.
I heard the same stories, someone in my office was on their 3rd time sending it in.In the end it will probably be a good thing but will take a while. I heard of people that had made a mistake on their paper form and "corrected" it in some way just to have it rejected because they allowed NO stray marks or smudges on the papers.
Same. It was more than time. Everyday I say a brief thank you for working when I did. I left because I couldn't tolerate either side anymore - they were both incompetent.Did they cut out the counseling session also?
I'm so glad I got out when I did, so many different aspects of employment with the USPS has gone down hill. It used to be such a sought out and desired job, it's so sad!