2022 COLA RELEASED TODAY: from Pat Harkin and others                           10/13/2021

The 2022 federal retiree cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will be 5.9 percent for those under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and 4.9 percent for those under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). The announcement of the 2022 COLA follows the release today of the September inflation numbers which increased by 0.4 percent.

The last COLA for federal retirees near this figure was in 2009, when CSRS retirees received 5.8 percent and FERS retirees received 4,8 percent. In 2021, the COLA for both CSRS and FERS retirees was 1.3 percent. 

Social Security cost-of-living increases are calculated based on the annual change in the third quarter consumer price index for workers. The federal government’s Civil Service Retirement System also calculates enrollees’ annual annuity increases on that basis, meaning retirees who are enrolled in CSRS will see a 5.9% increase to their annuity payments next year. FERS retirees will receive a 4.9% increase to their annuities.

CANDIDATE
FOR NATIONAL PRESIDENT RETIRED  
James Dillard-Candidate for 
UPMA National President Retired

Listed below is my agenda for the future of UPMA
                                                         
Why Should You Vote for Me!

LEADERSHIP: I will be a strong advocate for Retired Postmasters and Managers on the Executive Board and at the National Convention as your UPMA National Retiree President. 

TRANSPARENCY: To promote transparency and accountability, all members will be invited to attend all scheduled executive board meetings. My agenda will allocate time for the members to address the board.   

MEMBERSHIP: Is declining at an alarming rate and this will be a major focal point as your representative. I will appoint a committee to introduce new technology along with creative thinking to increase membership. Working together with Chapter Presidents will help bring in new retirees. Membership is the lifeblood of the organization. 

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY: I will explore ways to reduce the budget and pass those savings on to the Retirees. 

MILITARY SERVICE: I volunteered to serve in the United States Marine Corp and served a Tour of Duty in Vietnam. My military background will enable me to make critical decisions that will strengthen the entire organization. 

EXPERIENCE: My membership with UPMA started long before NAPUS/League merger. Enrolled as an active member in 1986 and served as the Sergeant-at-Arms in the Mississippi Chapter. Served two terms as Mississippi Chapter Retiree Vice President. One of the most unforgettable moment in my postal career occurred when my fellow Postmasters selected me as Postmaster of the year in 2014. My first National Convention was in 1999 and I am proud to have attended 21 consecutive National Conventions before the Covid-19 pandemic. I am honored to have served as National Chair/Co-Chair, Sergeant-at Arms National for 19 uninterrupted years. I am currently serving my 2nd term as your National Vice-President of UPMA Retirees and I am prepared to serve as your next President. 

If you cannot find it in your heart to vote for me, I ask that you Pray for me and each other. Thank you, James

PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT: Bill Tierney

The link below is an older article, but still very timely. Once you open the link, the additional links on the right side are current with tons of good info for FERS and CSRS employees who plan to retire in next few years. Many thanks to Bill Tierney for providing the information. 

https://fedretire.net/connect-to-opm-retirement-services-online/

HANG ON A LITTLE LONGER: from OPM.gov

We are currently experiencing high call volumes and longer than normal wait times on the Retirement Information Office Toll Free number (888-767-6738). Our highest call volume is on Monday and Tuesday mornings. If you would like to minimize your wait time, consider calling the Retirement Information Office outside of these hours. Our hours are Monday - Friday 7:40AM EST to 5:00PM EST. As long as you are in queue at 5:00PM, your call will be answered. Also, consider using our Customer Support Center at www.opm.gov/support/retirement/, contacting us via email at retire@opm.gov, or our self-service tool Services Online at www.servicesonline.opm.gov.

RETIRING?   Copied www.myfederalretirement.com

Federal retirement expert, Ed Zurndorfer, outlines actions that FERS-covered employees retiring in late December 2020 or CSRS/CSRS Offset-covered employees retiring in early January 2021 should consider performing to make sure their transition into retirement is as financially beneficial and smooth as possible. Click here for the  Checklist for Federal Employees Retiring in Late December or Early January

OR NOT RETIRING: copied www.myfederalretirement.com

Keep track of your 2021 leave with this handy calendar downloadable in PDF. 2021 Federal Leave Chart / Record / Calendar