FAQs
NARFE Washington State Federation Frequently Asked Questions (and answers)
If you don’t see your question below, please ask!
- Membership
- Q. Why should I join NARFE?
- Q. How do I become a NARFE chapter member?
- Q. How much does a NARFE membership cost?
- Q. How do I update NARFE with my new address (and/or phone number/email)?
- Q. A NARFE member in my life has passed away. Help!
- Other
- Q. Where can I find NARFE webinars?
- Q. Does the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82) affect me?
- Q. How can I reach out to my lawmakers to advocate for federal retirees and employees?
Membership
Q. Why should I join NARFE?
A. As the only organization dedicated to PRESERVING and PROTECTING the PAY and BENEFITS of all Federal workers and retirees, NARFE delivers valuable guidance, timely resources, and powerful advocacy. NARFE is a leading voice in Washington speaking on behalf of the Federal community. We provide dedicated, expert representation, fighting for your benefits and well-being every day. As a NARFE member, your commitment strengthens every message sent to Congress and fortifies our National outreach.
In addition, to our powerful advocacy, NARFE federal benefits specialists provide members with expert, professional counsel to you make critical decisions about your health care insurance, compensation and other benefits. Whether you’re an active or retired federal employee, NARFE will help you take charge of your federal benefits and financial future. JOIN NARFE
Q. How do I become a NARFE chapter member?
A. Call or email NARFE Membership and ask them to add you as a chapter member. If you are transferring from another chapter, download and print this form and send to NARFE National. Finally, you can attend a meeting of the chapter you want to join and give their treasurer a check for your dues. New members are eligible for free chapter membership for the first year of NARFE membership.
Q. How much does a NARFE membership cost?
A. National dues are $48.00 for a 1-year membership; $92.00 for a 2-year membership and $126.00 for a 3-year membership. Monthly dues withholding is available to retirees (1/12 of the discounted rate of $42). Chapter dues is additional. Your first year of chapter dues is free, renewal amount depends on the chapter, usually less than $15/yr. More details on renewal here.
Q. How do I update NARFE with my new address (and/or phone number/email)?
A. Thank you for your interest in keeping your info up to date with NARFE–keeping current makes sure you get your NARFE Magazine and other important material from NARFE!
- You can log into the NARFE Member Portal and do it yourself
- If you are a chapter members, any Chapter officer can update it for you
- If all else fails please contact NARFE Headquarters – they can also update it for you.
Q. A NARFE member in my life has passed away. Help!
A. Contact your Chapter service officer, or the Washington State Federation service officer for help! They can guide you through the process of reporting the death and completing the necessary forms for federal survivor benefits.
Other
Q. Where can I find NARFE webinars?
A. You can find the current and archived webinars on the NARFE webpage under the main menu: Education > NARFE Webinars.
Q. Does the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82) affect me?
A. If you or your spouse are CSRS (or other non-SSA pension, for example, state or county) annuitants, these changes could substantially increase your monthly SSA income. More information here.
Q. How can I reach out to my lawmakers to advocate for federal retirees and employees?
A. Use a targeted campaign that NARFE has created under our Legislative Action Center. This easy-to-use tool ensures you’re highlighting NARFE’s top priority issues. There are also tools to write letters to the editor, which make an impact with the public as well.
For other issues, find the contact information on our Federation website, or the House and Senate websites. Once you locate your member, you can navigate directly to your lawmakers’ websites to fill out their online contact forms and share your thoughts.