Federal Benefits Made Simple - May 2025

Treat Mom to a Magical Morning The Ultimate Mother’s Day Breakfast Plan

We should all show appreciation for the moms in our lives year-round, but Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to do something extra special. For many busy moms, a relaxing, stress-free breakfast in bed is the ultimate treat. But a Mother’s Day breakfast doesn’t have to be an over-the-top display or super complicated to prepare. A little planning, a few thoughtful details, and helping hands make all the difference. Start with a menu she’ll love. Mother’s Day breakfast in bed should be simple but meaningful. Breakfast go-to menus like pancakes and French toast are delicious and easy to make, and you can add a parfait or fresh fruit and a glass of freshly squeezed juice for a special touch. If she loves eggs and toast, go in that direction. Preparing Mom’s favorite dish or incorporating ingredients that remind her of a family tradition can take the meal to the next level. Present it beautifully. You can elevate even a simple breakfast with a few thoughtful additions. Ditch the disposables and use real plates, silverware, and linen napkins. Deliver the breakfast with care on a lovely tray accompanied by a small vase of flowers. A handwritten card or note goes a long way to showing your appreciation. Keep everything organized neatly, and make it easy for her to enjoy.

Make it a team effort. Get the whole family involved — minus Mom, of course! Even young kids can pitch in by spreading butter, arranging fruit, folding napkins and helping to make a card. Older kids can help out more with the actual cooking. To make Mother’s Day morning stress-free for everyone, do prep work the night before. Chop fruit, prepare the coffeemaker, and organize all the ingredients. And don’t forget the cleanup. Working as a team to wash dishes and put things away will ensure a dirty kitchen doesn’t ruin Mom’s special day when she gets up. Remember, you don’t have to prepare the perfect meal to make Mother’s Day memorable. It’s all about showing your love and appreciation. This holiday is an opportunity to bring the entire family together to create a special moment for the most important woman in your life.

Here’s What Federal Employees Need to Know EARLY RETIREMENT WITHOUT PENALTIES?

Qualifications A person must meet several eligibility requirements to receive a DSR. First, it is only an option for employees with involuntary separations, like when an agency lays off employees due to budget cuts, loss of a position due to organizational changes, or a transfer of your position to somewhere outside your commuting area. You also have to meet certain age and service requirements. You must be at least 50 and have at least 20 years of federal service. If you have 25 or more years of service, you can use a DSR even younger. In both cases, at least five of those service years must be in civilian roles, and your military service can account for 20 years. Finally, you can’t have turned down a “reasonable offer” for another position that is a good match for you, within your agency, within your commuting

area, and no more than two levels below your current pay grade.

Benefits Those who qualify for a DSR get a variety of benefits beyond early retirement. DSR allows you to receive your pension immediately without any reductions. When you reach the minimum retirement age (ranging from 55 to 57 based on your birth year), you’ll receive your first supplement. DSRs also allow you to carry your federal employee health benefits into retirement. If you are facing a reduction-in-force, knowing your options is essential. Discontinued Service Retirement could provide a path to early retirement without sacrificing your pension and benefits. It’s a valuable option that can ensure a smooth retirement even if the unexpected happens.

If you are a federal employee facing the uncertainty of a reduction-in-force when the government releases employees, there’s a little-known option that could make a big difference in your retirement plans. Discontinued Service Retirement (DSR) allows those who may not yet meet the retirement requirements to leave the workforce early without penalties. If you meet the proper criteria, DSR allows you to leave with your pension intact, keep your federal health benefits, and even begin receiving a supplement at your Minimum Retirement Age (MRA). With DSR, you won’t have to worry about a reduction in your benefits, even if you are forced to leave your position earlier than planned.

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