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This site has been visited
22455918 times.
Last update: 09/2/2010.
22455918 times.
Last update: 09/2/2010.
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Top Five Reasons to Join NARFE August 13, 2008 WHAT IS NARFE?
• The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) is the only association dedicated to safeguarding and enhancing the benefits of America’s active and retired federal employees, and their survivors. NARFE is an advocate for both active and retired federal employees before Congress and the White House. Membership in NARFE totals 300,000 federal workers and retirees.
• NARFE sponsors and supports legislation to protect the earned retirement benefits and general welfare of members. NARFE’s years of experience on Capitol Hill and in federal agencies have made NARFE a respected name among members of Congress and a key player in the federal community.
NARFE membership is only $33.00 a year. When you become a NARFE member, you can have:
WHAT HAS NARFE DONE FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES AND RETIREES? NARFE’s mission has remained the same since 1921—to protect and improve the retirement benefits of federal employees, retirees and their families.
Some of NARFE’s accomplishments include:
NARFE’s current legislative agenda focuses on:
NARFE members know that the most effective means of change starts from within our own community. United, we can succeed in making a difference on Capitol Hill. NARFE members know that legitimate change involves time, money, dedication and the constant pursuit of what is right and just. It is with this in mind that NARFE has helped to change the future for the federal community. Joining NARFE ensures that NARFE can continue to fulfill its mission.
WHO CAN JOIN?
NARFE membership, for only $33.00 a year, is open to civilians who are or will be eligible to receive an annuity or survivor annuity from the federal retirement programs of any agency of the U.S. government or the District of Columbia (prior to October 1, 1987), including:
When you join NARFE, you will be assigned to a chapter closest to your area of residence. You may transfer to a different chapter at any time.
A VOICE ON CAPITOL HILL
NARFE is the only association dedicated to preserving and enhancing the retirement benefits of current and future federal retirees. Since 1921, NARFE has been working on behalf of federal employees, retirees and their families. NARFE’s reputation and power enable the Association to influence legislative decisions that affect the lives of federal workers and retirees.
NARFE’s national legislative program is advanced in Congress by a team of registered lobbyists backed by an informed network of grass-roots activists in every state and congressional district, and a member-supported Political Action Committee.
NARFE’s legislative program is created by its members at a national convention held every two years through a resolution procedure originating at the chapter level. The process culminates at the National Convention with the adoption of specific legislative policy goals. Once approved, the goals become NARFE’s legislative program for the next Congress.
Weekly Hotline Messages keep you up to date on the latest developments in Congress and administration proposals. Access to NARFE magazine provides you with the only comprehensive source of legislative analysis and reporting on Capitol Hill and agency developments on your retirement and health benefits. You also have exclusive access to NARFE’s Legislative Action Center, where you can actively participate in protecting your benefits by sending your own message to Capitol Hill. ADVANCE INFORMATION ON BENEFIT CHANGES
Federal retirement, life insurance, health and other benefits for both current and retired federal employees can change from time to time, and NARFE keeps members informed of these changes. In addition, benefits can be different, depending on whether you are covered by the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), CSRS Offset or the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), and whether your FERS annuity has a CSRS component. Almost all federal retirees are eligible for Medicare and Social Security Benefits, and require targeted information on how to coordinate their CSRS or FERS benefits with these programs. Some examples:
Premium Conversion
Did you know that federal retirees cannot participate in the Premium Conversion Program and the Flexible Spending Account Program like federal employees? The premium conversion program allows employees to save about $800 per year by paying their Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) premiums with pre-tax dollars.
CSRS vs. CSRS Offset
CSRS retirees are subject to the Social Security Government Pension Offset (GPO), while CSRS Offset retirees are not subject to the GPO. The GPO reduces a CSRS retiree’s spousal or survivor Social Security benefits by $2 for each $3 of the CSRS retiree’s annuity, totally eliminating the Social Security spousal or survivor benefit in most cases.
Reductions in Social Security
FERS retirees are not subject to the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) because they contributed to Social Security during their entire employment under FERS. The WEP reduces the earned Social Security of a worker, often by more than 50 percent if the worker also has a pension or retirement benefit that was not based on Social Security, such as CSRS or CSRS Offset. Some federal employees transferred to FERS with five or more years of federal service that were subject to CSRS rules. These employees receive FERS annuities with a CSRS component separately computed under CSRS rules. Because their CSRS employment was not subject to Social Security, their annuities are impacted by the WEP. NARFE MAGAZINE AND WEB SITE
Published monthly, NARFE magazine contains information you won’t find anywhere else on national legislation affecting active and retired employees, questions and answers on federal retirement and health benefits, Association news, member profiles and chapter news. The magazine also carries articles on financial planning, health, retirement choices and lifestyle features—all written specifically for members of the federal family.
NARFE is the only source of targeted benefit information and guidance for federal retirees and is the sole group evaluating public policy from the future and current perspective of federal annuitants.
NARFE’s comprehensive Web site contains vital members-only information on benefits and other information you need before and during retirement, as well as access to NARFE’s electronic Legislative Action Center, where you can track the progress of NARFE’s legislative issues and send targeted messages to members of Congress.
FINANCIAL SERVICES
 CD AND MONEY MARKET ACCOUNTS
Bank of America Deposits Program: Preferred CD and Money Market Deposit Account Rates for NARFE Members: A solid savings and investment plan is funded on the principles of diversity and security, and NARFE is pleased to have arranged to provide CD and Money Market Deposit accounts through Bank of America N.A. NARFE CDs have consistently ranked among the best nationwide. And the NARFE Money Market has outperformed most money funds, as well as other bank money market and savings accounts nationally, year after year. Additionally, these accounts come with FDIC insurance, up to the maximum amount allowed by law.
CREDIT CARD
NARFE WorldPoints® MasterCard Credit Card: Bank of America now offers the officially approved credit card program for NARFE, featuring the Platinum Plus® MasterCard with WorldPoints. You can earn points and get the rewards you want–cash, travel, merchandise and gift certificates–now with easy online redemption, too! Only the WorldPoints card gives you the freedom to choose so much, so easily. Carry the only card that helps support NARFE programs and initiatives at no additional cost to you.
 NARFE’s Official Credit Union
As a NARFE member, you and your family are eligible to join NARFE Premier Federal Credit Union, which has been serving active and retired federal employees since 1935. The credit union offers great rates, convenient services and easy access to your funds, with more than 3,700 shared branches and 57,000 surcharge-free ATMs. Your savings are federally insured to at least $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration and backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. NARFE Premier Federal Credit Union is an Equal Housing Lender.
TRAVEL
VACATIONS
 NARFE members can save on their next vacations–tours, cruises, land packages and much more through NARFE Travel.
CAR RENTALS
You can rent a car at discounted rates and
receive other special offers from one of
NARFE’s Preferred Car Rental Agencies:
Alamo, National, Avis and Hertz.
HOTELS
Wyndam Hotels Group: Members can save 10 percent off the best-available rates at more than 6,000 participating hotels. Whether you are looking for a luxury hotel, an all-inclusive resort or something more budget-conscious, Wyndham Hotels Group has the right hotel, in the right place, for the right price.
 Choice Hotels International®: Choice Hotels International is proud to offer NARFE members discounts at more than 4,000 hotels in 40 countries. Member may receive a 20-percent discount at participating hotels or rates at or below per diem, whichever discount is the greater.
 INSURANCE
NARFE Insurance Services: A variety of plans are available designed and administered exclusively for NARFE members: whole and term life, FEHBP and Medicare supplements, hospital indemnity, accidental injury and death, dental and cancer care plans.
 GEICO®: NARFE members with good driving records may be eligible for quality car insurance from GEICO at discounted rates. Discount amount varies in some states and is not available in all states or in all GEICO companies. One group discount is applicable per policy.
MOVING SERVICES
 Bekins Van Lines: NARFE members receive special discounted pricing for all interstate shipments. Discount applies to packing and moving services, and valuation protection. All intrastate shipments, and local and international moves will be competitive in cost, based on geographical location.
  NARFE Home Benefits Program: A one-stop resource for everything you need to buy, sell, finance or move your home.NARFE members can get expert home buying and selling support; hassle-free home financing (cash credits for buying or selling your home, plus a $300 closing cost credit); and professional moving with Allied Van Lines. Special discounts offered on interstate moves, in-transit storage and personal property valuation protection, plus discounts on Budget® rental trucks when booking online.
OTHER SERVICES
EMERGENCY SERVICES
 Medical Air Services Association: (MASA) has been the industry leader in prepaid emergency assistance services for more than 30 years. NARFE members have experienced MASA’s “peace of mind” services since 2001. NARFE members are now entitled to even more: air ambulance transportation, helicopter transportation, ground ambulance, vehicle, return, mortal remains transport and much more.
HEARING BENEFITS
Developed in partnership with American Hearing Benefits: NARFE members are entitled to free annual hearing screenings for members and their immediate family, referrals to local providers and the world’s most advanced digital hearing instruments at prices up to 60 percent off MSRP.
BANK CHECKS
Identify Check Printers: Offers officially
licensed bank checks and accessories
featuring the NARFE logo. NARFE members
can support the Association with every
check they write.
In 1996, NARFE entered into a partnership with the Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (FEEA) to provide emergency disaster assistance to NARFE members who are victims of a declared natural disaster. The NARFE-FEAA Disaster Fund is supported by tax-deductible donations from NARFE members and friends of NARFE, and is administered by FEEA. Some $320,000 in NARFE disaster assistance funds helped 468 NARFE members following Hurricane Katrina and 37 additional NARFE members since then (as of Oct. 2008). Cash grants ($500 maximum per grant per household) are available to all NARFE members who have been injured, incurred property damage or have other needs during and after a declared natural disaster.
IN 1998, NARFE created a scholarship fund open to the children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and stepchildren of NARFE members. Also in partnership with FEEA, the NARFE-FEEA Scholarship Awards Program is supported by NARFE members and is administered by FEEA. Some $556,000 in scholarship funds has been distributed to the children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and stepchildren of NARFE members (as of Oct. 2008). In 2007, $60,000 in scholarships was awarded to 60 students.
JOIN NOW for only $33.00 a year so you can take advantage of NARFE membership.
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This is the only Web site that reflects the official opinions and positions of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE). Opinions and/or positions that appear on any other site bearing NARFE's name or seal are not necessarily those of NARFE.
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