# Pre-Retirement Planning Course (FERS Participants Only) (Self-Paced)

Canonical URL: <https://www.graduateschool.edu/courses/pre-retirement-planning-course-fers-participants-only-self-paced>

## Overview

Obtain the information you need to make fully informed decisions about retirement. Gain valuable retirement planning information related to the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS). Learn how Social Security benefits are calculated, and how your health and life insurance benefits carry over into retirement. Learn about Medicare and Thrift Savings Plan withdrawal options. Receive an overview of financial and estate planning.

## What you'll learn

- Determine when you are able to retire and explain the major steps involved in the retirement application process.
- Understand how your basic annuity will be computed and what benefits will be payable to your survivors.
- Identify your federal health and life insurance benefits after retirement, as well as your entitlement to Social Security benefits, including Medicare, and how/whether your Social Security benefit will be affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision.
- Identify your retirement income needs.

## Curriculum

#### Module 1: Introduction to Federal Benefits

- Understand the purpose and scope of the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Identify the three tiers of the FERS retirement system: Defined Benefit, Thrift Savings Plan, and Social Security.
- Recognize the importance of early and proactive retirement planning.
- Learn strategies to organize personal and financial records for retirement.

#### Module 2: Retirement Eligibility

- Determine retirement eligibility based on age, service, and special provisions.
- Use the Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) chart to identify personal MRA.
- Understand voluntary, involuntary, early, and deferred retirement options.
- Evaluate the impact of postponing retirement to reduce annuity reductions.

#### Module 3: Annuity Computations

- Define creditable service and the “high-three average salary.”
- Apply FERS formulas to calculate annual annuity benefits.
- Incorporate unused sick leave into annuity computations.
- Understand eligibility and calculation for the FERS Special Retirement Supplement.

#### Module 4: Processing the Retirement Application

- Identify the steps involved in completing and submitting retirement applications.
- Understand required forms and supporting documentation.
- Recognize timelines and agency responsibilities in processing retirement.
- Know where to find post-retirement resources and assistance.

#### Module 5: Survivor Benefits

- Learn about survivor annuity options for spouses and dependents.
- Understand election requirements and costs for survivor benefits.
- Evaluate scenarios to determine appropriate survivor coverage.

#### Module 6: Health Benefits (FEHB), Long Term Care Insurance (FLTCIP), and Life Insurance (FEGLI)

- Determine eligibility to continue FEHB and FEGLI into retirement.
- Understand covera

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $899