Why do some people get Medicare automatically?

  Why do some people get Medicare automatically?

"...When you apply for retirement or disability benefits from Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board), it also serves as your application for Medicare. Once you get approved for Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you’ll automatically get Part A coverage (without having to pay a premium for it) once you’re eligible for Medicare.

If you’re getting benefits from Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board) at least 4 months before you turn 65, you’ll automatically get Part A coverage. You’ll also be signed up for Part B (unless you live in Puerto Rico or outside the U.S.). Because you pay a monthly premium for Part B coverage, you can choose whether to keep it or not. ..."

Reference: www.medicare.gov




 

Is your contact information up to date?

  Is your contact information up to date?

"USPS employees can make changes through LiteBlue ...Keep personal contact information current using a physical address — not a PO Box — and mobile telephone number. Go to the LiteBlue homepage and update your address if necessary.

Emergency contacts can be updated by logging on to LiteBlue, clicking on the “Apps” banner, then selecting “My Contact Information.” Follow the prompts to complete the submission. ..."

Reference: news.usps.com




 

APWU | Upcoming Proposed Flexible Spending Account Changes

  Upcoming Proposed Flexible Spending Account Changes

"...the current administrator (FSAFEDs) and the Postal Service are notifying current FSA enrollees that their funds must be used by December 31st, 2024, or they will be forfeited. This is completely unacceptable. Employees who put money in their FSA expecting to roll over any remaining money should not lose out in this switch in administrators. ..."

Reference: apwu.org




 

IRS releases tax inflation adjustments for tax year 2025

  IRS releases tax inflation adjustments for tax year 2025

"The tax year 2025 adjustments described below generally apply to income tax returns to be filed starting tax season 2026. The tax items for tax year 2025 of greatest interest to many taxpayers include the following dollar amounts:

Standard deductions. For single taxpayers and married individuals filing separately for tax year 2025, the standard deduction rises to $15,000 for 2025, an increase of $400 from 2024. For married couples filing jointly, the standard deduction rises to $30,000, an increase of $800 from tax year 2024. For heads of households, the standard deduction will be $22,500 for tax year 2025, an increase of $600 from the amount for tax year 2024." ...more

Reference: www.irs.gov




 

News From Other Unions | 35% Pay Hike and $7,000 Ratification Bonus to End Boeing Strike, Assisted by Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su

  Boeing offers hefty pay increases to reach tentative deal with union amid weekslong machinists strike

"...The union said that the new deal was helped with the help of Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su, and told the striking workers it "is worthy of your consideration." ...The corporation is also offering employees 12% in 401(k) contributions, plus a one-time contribution of $5,000 to workers' retirement accounts. ..."

Reference: www.foxbusiness.com




 

News From Other Postal Unions | Mail Carriers Reach Tentative Contract With USPS Garnering Annual Pay Increases of 1.3%

  Mail Carriers Reach Tentative Contract With USPS

"...As part of the agreement, all city carriers will get three annual pay increases of 1.3% each by 2025, some of which will be paid retroactively from November 2023. ..."

Reference: www.newsmax.com




 

What happens to my Alabama property taxes when i turn 65?

  What happens to my Alabama property taxes when i turn 65?

"...If you are over 65 years of age, or permanent and totally disabled (regardless of age), or blind (regardless of age), you are exempt from the state portion of property tax. County taxes may still be due. ..."

Reference: www.revenue.alabama.gov




 

What happens to my federal basic life insurance (FEGLI) at 65?

  What happens to my federal basic life insurance (FEGLI) at 65?

When you turn 65, your federal basic life insurance (FEGLI) will automatically begin to decrease by 2% per month until it reaches 25% of its original value, at which point it becomes free and remains at that level for the rest of your life; this is considered the "75% reduction" option, which is the standard unless you choose to reduce it by 50% or keep the full amount with continued premium payments.

Reference: www.opm.gov




 

Identity Fraud Protection | Lock Your Social Security Number at E-Verify (Official Government Site)

everify Social Security Lock | Protect Yourself From The Foreign Invasion

Snippet of Article: "...Self Lock is the unique feature that lets you protect your identity in E-Verify and Self Check by placing a "lock" in E-Verify on your Social Security number (SSN). This helps prevent anyone else from using your SSN for an E-Verify case. If an employer enters your locked SSN in E-Verify to confirm employment authorization, it will result in an E-Verify Tentative Nonconfirmation (mismatch). With Self Lock, you are always in control...How to Use Self Lock

To access Self Lock, you must be logged in to your myE-Verify account.

To lock your SSN, you must select and answer three challenge questions. Select questions you can easily answer, because you will need to answer them again to verify your identity if you receive an E-Verify Tentative Nonconfirmation (mismatch) due to Self Lock.

If you are about to start a new job with an E-Verify employer, you should log into your account and unlock your SSN."

Source: www.e-verify.gov

www.e-verify.gov, myE-Verify account,

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OPM Announces Resources for Postal Service Health Benefit Program Enrollees

  OPM Announces Resources for Postal Service Health Benefit Program Enrollees

"...WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) today shared new enrollee resources ahead of the inaugural launch of the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program this Open Season. Resources include a new landing page with details for PSHB enrollees; information about auto-enrollment where Postal employees will be automatically transitioned from their current plan to a comparable plan in the new PSHB program; and a page providing information on cost savings for enrollees who are also signed up for Medicare Part B or Medicare Advantage through PSHB. The Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program..."

Reference: www.opm.gov




 

National President Hogrogian Speaks at NALC 2024 National Convention

  National President Hogrogian Speaks at NALC 2024 National Convention

Video: Watch NPMHU National President speak at the NALC convention.

Reference: NPMHU




 

St. Louis Mail Handler steals over $1.5 million in checks from letters in MO center, feds say

  St. Louis Mail Handler steals over $1.5 million in checks from letters in MO center, feds say

"...$1.5 million in checks went missing from letters at a Missouri mail distribution center, fingerprints tracked back to a 29-year-old postal worker, federal officials said. Anthony Virdure II, a mail handler for the United States Postal Service in St. Louis, was indicted on three counts of mail theft and one count of wire fraud..."

Reference: www.kansascity.com