
To apply for benefits from the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) you must submit a retirement application, Standard Form 3107. If you have been separated from federal service for more than 30 days, submit your application to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM): U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Where can I find the application information for benefits?
For application information, refer to the Application Process or 'Quick Info' sections on each benefit page. Why was my benefit application denied? Benefits.gov does not accept or manage applications for government benefits. Federal and State agencies are responsible for offering and administering benefits.
What are the requirements to apply for benefits?
Most programs require you to be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. Many programs have other state requirements like a family’s size and financial resources. Learn more about who’s eligible and how to apply for these programs at Benefits.gov or your state’s social, human, or health services office.
Can I check the status of my government benefits application?
While you cannot apply for government benefits or check your application status directly on the Benefits.gov website, we can help guide you to the next steps in the application process. For application information, refer to the Application Process or Quick Info sections on each benefit page. Who should I contact with application questions?
Do I qualify for government benefits?
If you have a low income and need help with basic living expenses, you may qualify for government benefits to help cover food, housing, medical, and other costs. The federal government creates and gives money to states to run major assistance programs.

How can I get free money from the government?
Free Money from the Government The federal government does not offer grants or “free money” to individuals to start a business or cover personal expenses, contrary to what you might see online or in the media. Websites or other publications claiming to offer "free money from the government" are often scams.
What is the federal benefit program?
The Social Security program uses federal income taxes to provide income to people when they retire. The program also provides income to people who cannot work because of a disability, and pays a worker's dependents in the case of their death.
How can I get financial assistance?
Visit Benefits.gov to find out if you're eligible and how to apply for other types of help. This may include financial assistance, transportation, food, counseling, and more. If you don't have medical insurance, you can use HRSA health centers.
Is benefits Gov a legitimate site?
Benefits.gov (formerly GovBenefits.gov) was one of the earliest “E-Government” initiatives to launch in 2002 as part of the President's Management Agenda, and was established as the official benefits website of the U.S. government.
Who is a federal benefit recipient?
Be a U.S. citizen or a non-citizen who meets additional requirements. Be medically disabled. Be a resident of one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands. File for all other benefits for which you are eligible (receipt of these benefits will reduce your benefits under SSI)
How much is the federal benefit credit?
The federal benefit rate is the amount of money the Federal government provides for supplemental security income recipients. As of 2021, the benefit rate is $794 for individuals and $1,191 for couples, but the rate usually increases annually.
Is the federal government giving money away?
“The federal government does not offer grants or 'free money' to individuals to start a business or cover personal expenses, contrary to what you might see online or in the media,” it clearly states on usa.gov. “Websites or other publications claiming to offer “free money from the 'government' are often scams.”
What are 3 types of financial aid?
Types of AidGrants: Financial aid that generally doesn't have to be repaid.Loans: Borrowed money for college or career school; your loans must be repaid with interest.Work-Study: A federal work program through which undergraduates and graduate students at participating schools earn money to help pay for school.
What are three types of financial assistance?
There are 3 different types of funding opportunities a student may look for, namely:Scholarship.Bursary.Study Loans.
How do I get a monthly government check?
Automatic monthly payments for nearly all working families If you've filed tax returns for 2019 or 2020, or if you signed up to receive a stimulus check from the Internal Revenue Service, you will get this tax relief automatically. You do not need to sign up or take any action.
What is government assistance?
Government assistance is action by government designed to provide an economic benefit that is specific to an entity or range of entities qualifying under certain criteria.
What is public assistance?
Public assistance refers to assistance programs that provide either cash assistance or in-kind benefits to individuals and families from any governmental entity. There are two major types of public assistance programs; social welfare programs and social insurance programs.
Benefits and Financial Assistance from the Government
If you're looking for immediate or emergency help, your state's human service or social service agency might be able to help. They can either provi...
How to Apply for Unemployment Benefits
There are a variety of benefit and aid programs to help you if you lose your job. CareerOneStop.org is a good place to start. It can help with unem...
Food Stamps (SNAP Food Benefits)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal nutrition program. Known previously as "food stamps," SNAP benefits can help you...
Welfare or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a federally funded, state-run benefits program. Also known as welfare, TANF helps families achiev...
Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Medicaid is a federal and state health insurance program for people with a low income.The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) offers health...
How do I apply for a benefit?
Benefits.gov does not accept or manage applications for government benefits. While you cannot apply for benefits or check your application status d...
Why was my benefit application denied?
Benefits.gov does not accept or manage applications for government benefits. Federal and State agencies are responsible for offering and administer...
How do I check my application status for a benefit?
While you cannot apply for government benefits or check your application status directly on the Benefits.gov website, we can help guide you to the...
Who should I contact with application questions?
Benefits.gov does not accept or manage applications for government benefits. Please contact the Federal or State agency that manages the benefit fo...
How do I apply for a benefit?
Benefits.gov does not accept or manage applications for government benefits. While you cannot apply for benefits or check your application status directly on the Benefits.gov website, we can help guide you to the next steps in the application process.
Why was my benefit application denied?
Benefits.gov does not accept or manage applications for government benefits. Federal and State agencies are responsible for offering and administering benefits. Please contact this agency for questions about your benefit application. Benefits.gov is designed to help you easily locate this information. Each benefit program has a ‘Quick Info’ box.
How do I check my application status for a benefit?
While you cannot apply for government benefits or check your application status directly on the Benefits.gov website, we can help guide you to the next steps in the application process. For application information, refer to the Application Process or Quick Info sections on each benefit page.
Who should I contact with application questions?
Benefits.gov does not accept or manage applications for government benefits. Please contact the Federal or State agency that manages the benefit for questions about your application. Benefits.gov is designed to help you easily locate this information. Each benefit program has a ‘Quick Info’ box.
How is FERS eligibility determined?
Eligibility is determined by your age and number of years of creditable service. If you are disabled, age requirements may be affected. In some cases, you must have reached the Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) to receive retirement benefits. Use the FERS Information page to determine your Minimum Retirement Age.
How long do you have to be separated from federal service to apply for FERS?
If you have been separated from federal service for more than 30 days, submit your application to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM): U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
When did the Federal Employees Retirement System start?
Congress created the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) in 1986, and it. became effective on January 1, 1987. Since that time, new Federal civilian employees. who have retirement coverage are covered by FERS.FERS is a retirement plan that. provides benefits from three different sources: a Basic Benefit Plan, Social.
What is FERS retirement?
FERS is a retirement plan for Federal civilian employees. Program Contact. 1-888-767-6738. Additional Info. Application for Federal Employees Retirement. Managing Agency. U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Check if you may be eligible for this benefit. Check if you may be eligible for this benefit.
Ways to Apply
You can complete an application for Retirement, Spouse's, Medicare or Disability Benefits online.
Retirement or Spouse's Benefits
You can apply online for Retirement or spouse's benefits or continue an application you already started.
Disability Benefits
You can apply online for disability benefits or continue an application you already started.
Appeal a Disability Decision
If your application for disability benefits was denied recently for medical reasons, you can request an appeal online or continue working on an appeal you already started.
Medicare Benefits
You can apply online for Medicare or continue an application you already started.
Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs
You can apply online for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits
If you want to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), please read:
Information Needed Is As Follows
How do I apply for unemployment benefits in coronavirus pandemic? Unemployment questions | Pt. 1
Learn About The Types Of Food You Can Buy With Snap Benefits
If youre eligible, you can purchase food using benefits that are issued to you monthly. You can use your SNAP benefits to buy a variety of foods for your household, including:
How To Apply For Unemployment Benefits
The best and fastest way to apply is online. You can apply by phone, but wait times can be very long. At this time, you cannot apply in person. The steps below will guide you through the process.
How To Get Cobra
Group health plans must give covered employees and their families a notice explaining their COBRA rights. Plans must have rules for how COBRA coverage is offered, how beneficiaries may choose to get it and when they can stop coverage. For more COBRA information, see COBRA Premium Subsidy. The page links to information about COBRA including:
I Am About To Exhaust My Regular Unemployment Compensation Benefits What Kinds Of Relief Does The Cares Act Provide For Me
Under the CARES Act states are permitted to extend unemployment benefits by up to 13 weeks under the new Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program. PEUC benefits are available for weeks of unemployment beginning after your state implements the new program and ending with weeks of unemployment ending on or before December 31, 2020.
Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation
PEUC provides up to 13 weeks of benefits to individuals who have exhausted regular Unemployment Compensation , have no rights to regular UC, are not receiving compensation under the UC laws of Canada, and are able and available for work, and actively seeking work.
Why Is My Pua So Long
Fraud checks or additional document verification where many UI applications are being flagged has also been cited as a big reason for PUA delays/rejections. This is not surprising since may gig workers and contractors dont have standard unemployment documentation and so require extra verification and fraud checks.
What to do if you are terminated by an employer?
If you are an employer seeking information about legal termination of employees, you may wish to contact both the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and your State Labor Office to ensure you do not violate any federal or state labor laws. You may wish to consult with a licensed attorney.
What is the extension for unemployment in 2021?
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 temporarily authorized: An extension for people already receiving unemployment benefits. Automatic, additional payments of $300 per week to everyone qualified for unemployment benefits. Extension of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program for self-employed or gig workers.
How long does unemployment last?
Extended unemployment insurance benefits last for 13 weeks. You can apply for extended benefits only once you've run out of regular benefits. Check with your state; not everyone qualifies. You must report unemployment benefits as income on your tax return.
What to do if you get hurt working for a private company?
Private Sector and State or Local Government Employees. If you get hurt working for a private company or state or local government, seek help through your state. Your state workers' compensation program can help you file a claim. If your claim is denied, you can appeal.
How long does a disability policy last?
Types of Disability Policies. There are two types of disability policies. Short-term policies may pay for up to two years. Most last for a few months to a year. Long-term policies may pay benefits for a few years or until the disability ends.
How long will it take to process my federal retirement application?
It takes around 60 days (2 months) to process applications for common cases.
Who processes my federal retirement application?
Your agency's HR and payroll offices work to create your retirement application package, and then they send it to OPM for processing.
What happens after my agency's HR office processes my application?
They will send your retirement package to your agency's payroll office, who will work to:
How do I check the status of my retirement application?
After OPM receives your retirement package from your agency, we'll notify you and then assign you a claim number. After you get this notification and claim number, you can contact us to get an update on the status of processing your retirement application.
What information will I get about my retirement benefits once OPM finishes processing my application?
OPM will send you a welcome letter and personalized retirement booklet. Your booklet will detail your entire retirement benefits package, including how much your monthly annuity payment will be, your enrollment in health care and life insurance coverage, and information you will need to prepare your annual tax returns.
Am I eligible for voluntary early retirement?
Maybe. If your agency undergoes a major reorganization, reduction in force, or transfer of function, and a significant percentage of the employees will be separated or will be reduced in pay, then the head of your agency can ask OPM to allow early optional retirement for eligible employees.
Do I need to submit a letter of resignation?
No. A completed and signed retirement application is equivalent to a letter of resignation.
Enroll in a Health Plan
During the annual FEHB Open Season, anyone eligible to participate in the FEHB Program may enroll, change health plans or options, cancel your FEHB enrollment, and change participation in premium conversion (waive or begin participation).
Annuitants
During the annual FEHB Open Season, anyone eligible to participate in the FEHB Program may change health plans or options, cancel or suspend their FEHB enrollment, and request plan brochures and information. Annuitants can do the above actions by:
Compensationers
Compensationers may review and/or download the FEHB Guide and SF 2809 from the FEHB website.
