What's New
TSP Webinars: TSP has announced August 2022 virtual webinars at no cost. These webinars can help better understand the TSP program and options. Please visit https://www.tsp.gov/online-learning/ to sign up. For a list of topics, times, and dates click here TSP-Webinars-Schedule-Aug-2022
Monthly Retirement Briefings
Please join the Bureau of Indian Education Benefit Team for our Monthly Retirement Briefing.
Upcoming Retirement Briefing Information:
TBD
Retirement Briefing Presented By – TBD
Link: TBD
Date/Time: TBD 11:00 am | 3 hours | (UTC-06:00) Mountain Time (US & Canada)
Meeting number: TBD
Password: TBD
Join by video system
Dial 27614683460@biehr.webex.com
You can also dial 207.182.190.20 and enter your meeting number.
Join by phone
1-855-892-3345 United States Toll Free
+1-415-527-5035 United States Toll
Access code: 276 146 83460
Retirement Briefing Evaluation Form
Schedule for Monthly Retirement Briefing Schedule
Click here for the Monthly Retirement Briefing Schedule
Federal Civilian Retirement
"To DREAM of retirement is good, to PLAN for retirement is better!"
If you want to schedule a consult, send an email to bie-benefits@bia.gov or contact your servicing Benefits Specialist. No walk-ins please, schedule an appointment!
Want to retire? Don't know where to start? Contact your servicing Benefits Specialist. Click here for their contact information.
Steps 2 Retire 2022 Flyer
Top 5 Retirement Mistakes Retirement Time Lines Flyer!
Estimates
Employees who wish to have retirement estimates and/or counseling session are asked to download the form and complete the 2021 Retirement Estimate Request Form. When you have a complete your form, please follow the instruction on how to submit to the Bureau of Indian Education Human Resources Office. Each request requires time to research service history and complete calculations, we appreciate your patience!
2021 Retirement Estimate Request Form
We recommend to request an estimate first to verify eligibility, to determine possible monthly annuity, to discuss benefit options, and to clarify the process.
Once you have a completed estimate available, schedule a consultation session with the servicing Benefits Specialist to review the estimate and learn about the retirement process. Due to the current pandemic virtual consultation session are the only option, which are done over the phone or using computer.
Refer to the instructions in your completed Estimate Packet on how to schedule a consultation and to know what documents to have available.
Employees who submit an Estimate requests less than 60 days before their target date will NOT receive the information in time to make an informed decision.
Don't wait to submit your estimate as although schools may be on break (Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter), the Benefit Specialists are receiving multiple request daily and process in the first come first served manner.
Remember: The estimates provided to employee are estimated amounts and are not intended to represent actual amounts. The Office of Personnel Management has sole authority and responsibility for adjudicating retirement claims.
A Retirement Application Packet may be included in the completed Estimate Packet sent to employees.
Retirement Systems
Social Security
Social Security is part of the retirement plan for almost every American worker. It provides replacement income for qualified retirees and their families. Social Security replaces a percentage of your pre-retirement income based on their lifetime earnings. The portion of your pre-retirement wages that Social Security replaces is based on your highest 35 years of earnings and varies depending on how much you earn and when you choose to start benefits. For more information click here for Social Security Website
Office of Personnel Management
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is the Federal Agency that completes retirements for Federal Employees, and becomes the servicing agency for employees once they retire. For more information click here for OPM's Retirement Website
Automated Systems Access
FHR Navigator: https://app.fedhrnavigator.com/frbweb/logon.do?operation=index&client=BIA
- Employees must have an active PIV/CAC card to access FHR Navigator.
Electronic Official Personnel Folder (eOPF): https://eopf.opm.gov/doi/
- Employees must have an active PIV/CAC card to access your eOPF.
Employee Express: https://www.employeeexpress.gov/
Retirement Forms
What forms do I submit to apply for Retirement?
For FERS employees - SF-3107, Application for Immediate Retirement
For CSRS/CSRS Offset employees - SF-2801, Application for Immediate Retirement
If have FEGLI, don't forget SF-2818- Continuation of Life Insurance Coverage
If changing Federal tax withholding or electing no Federal taxes withheld, don't forget W4P.
For disability retirement applicants - SF-3112, Documentation in Support of Disability Retirement Application
Federal Civilian Retirement Annuitants (Former Employees)
2022 Benefits Open Season Information for Annuitants (November-December)
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:
- Using OPM's Open Season Online system.
- Using Open Season Express by calling 1-800-332-9798.
- Sending regular mail (Postmarked no later than final date of Open Season) to:
Office of Personnel Management
Open Season Processing Center
P.O. Box 5000
Lawrence, KS 66046-0500
When using this option, please clearly state your Open Season request. If you are making an enrollment change, be sure to tell us the plan you want, the type of coverage (Self Only, Self Plus One or Self and Family), and the enrollment code. Remember to include your annuity claim number and social security number on your request. If you are choosing Self Plus One or Self and Family coverage, we will also need your eligible family member’s information and other insurance information as specified in the instructions mailed to you at the beginning of Open Season.
Outside of Open Season, Annuitants who move outside of the area covered by their plan may enroll in a different plan covering their new location, and OPM may announce special Open Seasons affecting members of specific plans only. There are also a number of other circumstances which can make you eligible to enroll or change your FEHB coverage outside of Open Season.
- Call our Retirement Information Center at 1-888-767-6738 (or 1-800-878-5707 for a TDD for the hearing impaired). Annuitants in the Washington DC local calling area should dial 202-606-0551 for a TDD for the hearing impaired.
- Sending us email to retire@opm.gov.
For more information, please visit https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/plan-information/en…
Bureau of Indian Education Benefit Specialist's contact information
Natalie Buckley
Office Phone:
Email: natalie.buckley@bia.gov
Service Area: BIE Headquarters, SIPI, and schools located in NM and UT. Plus locations under AZ Navajo North
Stephanie Blanken
Office Phone:
Email: stephanie.blanken@bie.edu
Services Area: BIE Headquarters, HINU, and Schools located in CA, OK, SD, ND, OR, and MT. Plus locations under AZ Navajo South and AZ Navajo Central with Polacca and Havasupai
Bureau of Trust Funds Administration (BTFA) Employees (formerly OST)
Rachael Crespo
Phone Number: (703) 787-1478
Email: rachael.crespo@bsee.gov
Courtney Carruthers
Phone Number (703) 787-1434
