Latest news with #FederalEmployees
The Independent
17-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Photos of US State Department workers getting hugs and applause as they're fired
Carrying boxes past signs of thanks for their service, fired State Department workers were hugged and applauded as they left their headquarters for the last time. More than 1,300 State Department employees fired in July, some focusing on intelligence activities, U.S. energy interests abroad, strategic competition with China and visa fraud. The lay offs are in line with a dramatic reorganization plan from the Trump administration. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Independence Benefits Helps Federal Employees Navigate Retirement Amid VSIP Offers, TSP Volatility, and FEGLI Cost Increases
FLORENCE, S.C., July 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As early retirement incentives and agency budget shifts continue across federal departments in 2025, Independence Benefits has announced expanded support for federal employees evaluating complex benefit decisions. The Alabama-based firm provides personalized retirement consultations for employees covered under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), with sessions focused on helping workers assess their options related to pensions, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) withdrawals, Social Security timing, and life insurance coverage. "This year has created real uncertainty for many federal workers," said Christopher Lee, Founder and Retirement Planner at Independence Benefits. "From VERA and VSIP offers to adverse market conditions, employees are facing decisions they've never had to make before. We help them evaluate their options with clarity." The firm has seen a noticeable increase in demand from agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Social Security Administration (SSA), U.S. Postal Service (USPS), and Department of Defense (DoD), where many employees are exploring early-out offers or preparing for standard retirement. Each consultation includes an individualized review of: FERS pension estimates and survivor benefit elections TSP withdrawal and rollover strategies tailored to income needs Social Security filing timelines and long-term impact FEGLI comparisons and alternative insurance options "We break it down step-by-step, without pressure," Lee added. "The goal is clarity, not sales." Unlike group-sponsored programs, Independence Benefits operates independently and is not affiliated with any specific insurance carrier or government agency. This allows for education-first support designed to help federal employees navigate benefit choices with confidence. The firm has also released a library of planning tools and content for those nearing their Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) or evaluating early-out programs such as VSIP and VERA. To learn more or request a retirement consultation, users can visit: About Independence Benefits Independence Benefits is an independent retirement services firm focused on the needs of federal employees. Based in Florence, Alabama, the firm offers one-on-one consultations that include pension reviews, insurance comparisons, TSP withdrawal strategies, and timeline planning. All services are delivered by licensed professionals and structured to provide educational, neutral guidance. Contact Founder & Retirement PlannerChristopher LeeIndependence Benefits LLCchris@ Photo: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Independence Benefits
Bloomberg
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Bloomberg
Federal Employees Can Work From Home as DC Preps for Trump Parade
Federal employees ordered back to their offices under Donald Trump are now temporarily welcome to work from home to make way for parade preparations as the US Army marks its 250th birthday in Washington on Saturday. The Office of Personnel Management told agency heads last week that they should consider allowing unscheduled telework for DC-based employees beginning June 11 'to help alleviate traffic congestion, prevent disruptions to preparation activities, and minimize any distractions to law enforcement and security officials.'
CBS News
22-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Judge blocks Trump's executive order dismantling Education Department
A federal judge in Massachusetts on Thursday blocked the Trump administration's attempted dismantling of the Department of Education. Judge Myong Joun, a Biden appointee, blocked the Trump administration from carrying out its reduction-in-force at the Education Department, which was announced on March 11. Joun also blocked transferring the management of federal student loans and special education functions out of the Education Department. All fired federal employees from the department must be reinstated as well. This is a breaking story. It will be updated.
