What's New

2013 Retiree COLA: no accumulation through November

There was no accumulation toward the 2013 retiree cost-of-living adjustment following the Dec. 16 release of the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

The 2013 retiree COLA will be determined by the increase in the average CPI-W between the third quarter of 2011 and the third quarter of 2012.

Following the release of the September 2011 Consumer Price Index (CPI), CSRS annuitants were due to receive a 2012 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) of 3.6 percent. Under COLA rules, this means FERS annuitants will receive a COLA of 2.6 percent.

Because there was no retiree COLA for 2010 or 2011, the 2012 retiree COLA was determined by comparing the average CPI during the third quarter of 2011 and the average during the third quarter of 2008.

2012 FECA COLA: 3.5%

Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA) COLAs are applicable only in cases where death or disability occurred more than one year prior to the adjustment’s effective date.

The projected accumulation for the 2012 COLA under FECA was 3.5 percent following the release of the November CPI. The 2012 FECA COLA will be based on the increase in the CPI between December 2010 and December 2011, and it will become effective on March 1, 2012.

Long Term Care Insurance

Letter carriers or retired carriers can apply for coverage under the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program at any time. You do not have to wait until the next Open Season, but you must submit a "full underwriting" application. "Full underwriting" means that applicants will have to answer numerous health-related questions. It may also include a review of medical records and possibly an interview with a nurse. OPM has stated that this is the same level of underwriting that those who purchase individual policies in the private market undergo.

Letter carriers may obtain additional information about any aspect of the Long-Term Care Program by calling 800-582-3337 or visiting the LTC web site at  www.LTCFEDS.com. 

You can also download application forms or apply on line at that website.