OPM Refines Fed Retirees' Second-Chance Benefits Guide

2026-05679 — Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Regulations

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is officially pulling back a 2008 plan to update its Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) rules because the world has changed a lot since then. They’ll cook up fresh, modern updates soon to make it easier for everyone to request government info. No new costs or deadlines now, but stay tuned for smarter, faster FOIA rules coming your way!

2026-04377 — Reduction in Force

The Office of Personnel Management is updating the rules for Reduction in Force (RIF), which affects federal employees facing job cuts. The new rules focus more on job performance than how long someone has worked, and they tweak who’s protected from layoffs. These changes aim to make the process fairer and smoother, with a comment deadline on May 4, 2026.

2025-14006 — Appeal Procedures for Recoupment of Awards, Bonuses, or Relocation Expenses Awarded or Approved for All Employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs

If you work or used to work for the VA and got an award, bonus, or help moving, this new rule lets you appeal if they ask for that money back. It explains how to ask the Office of Personnel Management to review the payback order. This means you have a clear, fair way to challenge repayment decisions starting now.

2026-04547 — Submission for Review: 3206-0194, Annuity Supplement Earnings Report, RI 92-22

If you’re a FERS retiree under 62 who’s not on disability, you might get a special annuity supplement that helps boost your Social Security benefits. The government wants to keep checking your yearly earnings to make sure you still qualify for this extra money. They’re asking for your thoughts on this process until May 8, 2026, so speak up if you have ideas or concerns!

2026-04525 — Submission for Review: Initial Certification of Full-Time School Attendance, RI 25-41, 3206-0099 and 3206-0215, Verification of Full-Time School Attendance, RI 25-49

If you’re a surviving adult child between 18 and 22 and a full-time student, this update affects you! The Office of Personnel Management wants to combine two school attendance forms into one simpler form to make it easier to prove you’re still in school and keep getting survivor benefits. They’re asking for your thoughts by May 8, 2026, so get ready to share your feedback!

2025-21777 — Submission for Review: 3206-NEW, Request for Reduction or Cancellation of Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI), RI 76-30

Federal employees who have life insurance through FEGLI can now officially reduce or cancel their coverage using a special form. But heads up: once you cancel or reduce, you can’t add that coverage back later. The Office of Personnel Management wants your thoughts on this process by February 2, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!

Previous: 2026-03994 — Prospective Grant of an Exclusive Patent License: Powered Gait Assistance Systems and Gait Assistance Systems and Methods of Control Thereof

The National Institutes of Health plans to give Bionic Power Inc. an exclusive license to use new technology that helps people walk better, especially those with movement problems. This means Bionic Power can develop and sell these powered gait assistance systems worldwide. If you want to comment or apply for a license, you need to act by March 16, 2026.

Next: 2026-03998 — Sunshine Act Meetings

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is holding public and private meetings throughout March and early April 2026, with most weeks quiet except for a key session on March 4. These meetings affect companies involved in nuclear power and the public who want to stay informed. You can watch live online, request special accommodations, and sign up for updates—no extra cost involved, just stay tuned!