"Federal retirement backlog leaves thousands of postal workers without benefits"

[javacertified]

Heard about this?
I am just starting the retirement process, and then I see this story, which says thousands are affected.

Federal retirement backlog leaves thousands of postal workers without benefits​

Federal retirement backlog leaves thousands of postal workers without benefits

CBS News Texas has learned that dozens of retired United States Postal workers have been waiting months to receive their retirement benefits, with little to no explanation for the delays.

www.cbsnews.com

 

[javacertified]

The above was CBS.
This is from federalnewsnetwork:

"More than 55,000 federal retirement applications are still pending finalization at the Office of Personnel Management. That’s after OPM managed to shave off about 10,000 applications from its total case inventory last month. During March, OPM received close to 15,000 incoming retirement applications, but processed over 22,000. Roughly half of those claims were completed digitally through OPM’s new processing system, which OPM said can finalize retirements at about double the speed as the traditional system."

OPM still has 55,000 federal retirement applications pending finalization | Federal News Network

Roughly half of those claims were completed digitally through OPM’s new processing system, which OPM said can finalize retirements at about double the speed.

federalnewsnetwork.com

 

[justacarrier]

Hopefully you still will receive your interim payments. It's always taken a few months, mine was almost 9 months a few years ago, but I did receive the interim payments that were fairly close to the correct amount.

 

[javacertified]

Hopefully you still will receive your interim payments. It's always taken a few months, mine was almost 9 months a few years ago, but I did receive the interim payments that were fairly close to the correct amount.

Thank you. That's encouraging. The article sounded rather bleak.

 

[ABCya]

OPM approved my disability retirement on January 5 of this year. All I've gotten is "trying to determine your pay" . I haven't even received an interim payment.
I can't access LiteBlue, but I also can't access OPM.
This is flat out ridiculous.

 

[damifiknow]

sbcya how long ago did you apply

 

[ABCya]

sbcya how long ago did you apply

I applied well over a year 1/2 ago, but it was incomplete because mgmt at my home unit refused to sign their paperwork that goes with application. I hired an attorney through Harris Federal Law firm , but they still refused. I had to get a Congressman to assist, and that did the job.
The full application was submitted beginning of Oct 25. It was approved by OPM on Jan 5. But then, nothing. I am no longer considered an active employee, so my 4 digit pin doesn't work to go online and HR again told me they can't help there. They also can't help once OPM accepts you. But OPM hasn't finalized my pay, not even for interim pay. So I'm not considered fully retired , therefore Im unable to go online to OPM site, even though I have a CSA #. They don't answer the phone, its just a recording with no option for leaving a call back request. They are over loaded from applications, even though they are now submitted online. (Disability apps are still by paper).
Today HR took my information and submitted it to the disability retirement department in HR, and said it may be ip to 2 days to get a call back. And said they probably cannot help since its all in OPMs hands.
Go ahead( to DB,) shout it out with me.
SHOW ME THA MONEY!!

 

[damifiknow]

this is not good for me

 

[ABCya]

An update. When I called OPM today, it actually went to a different recording that gave the option to be on hold . I was on hold for well over an hour, but finally spoke to a human.
It turns out that the hold up is with DOL/OWCP not sending me a letter giving me the option to stay with OWCP or retire. So I've placed a call with the DOL in Kentucky to call me back. Once there is a date set for the last day in pay status with OWCP, then the ball can start rolling again with OPM.

 

[ibd1]

I wonder of the people having trouble, how many used a specialist like Joni, how many used someone from liteblue and how many did it on their own. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each.

 

[justacarrier]

I wonder of the people having trouble, how many used a specialist like Joni, how many used someone from liteblue and how many did it on their own. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each.

I did mine on my own and helped a few other people do theirs also. I will admit that I am well versed in the retirement process and it really is not that difficult. Most people just get overwhelmed by the "process" and are afraid they may make a mistake. Joni has helped several people I know and they were extremely happy with her and she is one of the most knowledgeable people you will ever find to help you in the outside world. John Embleton also helps union members in getting their retirement done, I know John and he is someone I would 100% recommend to contact if you're a member.

 

[oi veh.]

John Embleton also helps union members in getting their retirement done, I know John and he is someone I would 100% recommend to contact if you're a member.

thank you for that. i have been debating whether to spend the money on joni or use john as his services have already been paid for ala dues.

 

[ABCya]

I spent a small fortune on an attorney. Looking back, I'm sure someone with the same knowledge would be better. However, I also had malicious management and post master who literally ignored every attempt at contact to do paperwork they were required to do. That said, the attorney did not intimidate them to do their job. It was the Congressman.
The hold up lately was a negligent DOL employee.
My recommendation is to know all the steps required, time frames, and receive assistance if needed by a trusted source and know Congress can back you up. Hiring Harris Federal was too expensive, although they did handle documents. But once you're approved they completely cut the cord and do not see it through.

 

[Tired carrier]

I retired almost three years ago and I filled out my retirement paperwork myself. I made no mistakes on it and started receiving my interim payments a few months later. The payments weren’t even close. It took eleven months before my retirement was finalized. If I hadn’t had enough money in savings to get me through I would have been screwed. I depleted my savings and when I received my back pay they raped me on the taxes.

 

[ABCya]

I retired almost three years ago and I filled out my retirement paperwork myself. I made no mistakes on it and started receiving my interim payments a few months later. The payments weren’t even close. It took eleven months before my retirement was finalized. If I hadn’t had enough money in savings to get me through I would have been screwed. I depleted my savings and when I received my back pay they raped me on the taxes.

11 months, Dear Lord please don't let that be the norm.

 

[new guy]

I'm on medicare advantage and did not need my postal insurance or its 9 hundred dollar a month cost so I cancelled it during open enrollment. got my May check yesterday they are still taking out my insurance. Someday it will be finalized and they will get it correct. They say they are still working on.

 

[Gotrope]

thank you for that. i have been debating whether to spend the money on joni or use john as his services have already been paid for ala dues.

I'd pay Joni. John is ok, joni is exceptional.

 

[oi veh.]

I'd pay Joni. John is ok, joni is exceptional.

thank you!!