Overview
Title
Submission for Review: 3206-0245, Request for Change to Unreduced Annuity, RI 20-120
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The office in charge of government retirements is asking people to tell them if it's helpful to let retired workers change their money benefits when they end a marriage, but they didn't explain some things very clearly, like what changing the benefits really means or who this will affect.
Summary AI
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Retirement Services has announced an opportunity for the public and other federal agencies to provide feedback on the reinstatement of a previously expired information collection request, titled Request for Change to Unreduced Annuity, RI 20-120. This form helps retired federal employees adjust their benefits following the end of a marriage, allowing them to change to an unreduced annuity. OPM is seeking comments on various aspects of this information collection, including its necessity, effectiveness, and the burden it may impose on respondents. Feedback will be accepted until February 18, 2025, via the Federal Rulemaking Portal.
Abstract
Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Retirement Services offers the general public and other federal agencies the opportunity to comment on the reinstatement of an expired information collection request (ICR), Request for Change to Unreduced Annuity, RI 20-120.
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Sources
AnalysisAI
The document from the Federal Register seeks public feedback on the reinstatement of an information collection request pertaining to the Request for Change to Unreduced Annuity, RI 20-120. Issued by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), this text addresses how retired federal employees can adjust their annuity benefits following the end of a marriage. The opportunity for public commentary is open until February 18, 2025.
Summary of the Document
This Federal Register notice informs that the OPM is inviting comments on the previously lapsed form RI 20-120. This form assists retired federal employees in transitioning their annuity benefits after marital termination to an "unreduced annuity," a move that essentially entails the elimination of a reduction in benefits that might have been applied due to spousal agreements. OPM underscores the importance of this feedback to assess the form's necessity and utility, and to ensure a balanced understanding of the burdens it may impose on respondents.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One notable issue within the document is the ambiguous explanation of what changing to an "unreduced annuity" truly entails. For retirees, understanding the practical implications and benefits of this transition is crucial. Yet, the document does not thoroughly clarify what impacts an "unreduced annuity" will have on their financial situation.
Additionally, there seems to be a technical issue regarding the burden hours calculation. The document states a total burden of "2,500 minutes," whereas burden is typically reported in hours. This appears to be a miscalculation or misstatement, possibly meant to convey 2,500 hours instead.
Further clarification is needed on the specifics of how the changes might affect retirees in practical terms. The text calls for comments without providing a detailed context on what is expected to be discussed, potentially leaving stakeholders unsure about the exact concerns to address.
Another area of concern is how the form is aimed at retirees "whose marriage has ended." This phrase might benefit from a clearer explanation to specify the conditions or types of marital changes (such as divorce or death of a spouse) that would necessitate the form's use.
Impact on the Public
Broadly, the document represents an administrative effort to streamline and refine processes for federal retirees seeking changes to their annuity benefits following marital changes. It reflects a step toward greater engagement with stakeholders by inviting public commentary. However, the lack of detailed information might hinder effective public participation.
Impact on Stakeholders
For retirees, the process facilitated by the RI 20-120 form could positively impact their financial planning and stability. By allowing for annuity adjustments post-marriage, retirees might find better alignment with their current financial needs. However, they may also face confusion without sufficient clarity provided on the implications of such changes.
For the OPM, this feedback process is an opportunity to improve service delivery and address retirees' concerns. Yet, they may receive less effective feedback if the request lacks specificity and direction.
In summary, while the document aims to incorporate public input on an important administrative procedure, its effectiveness will rely heavily on the clarity of issues presented and the scope for public engagement it genuinely provides.
Issues
• The document does not clearly explain the significance of changing to an 'unreduced annuity' or the implications it might have for retirees.
• The estimated total burden hours is mentioned as '2,500 minutes', which seems incorrect. Typically, burden hours should not be expressed in minutes, and there might be an error in the calculation or expression of total burden hours (it should be 2,500 hours instead).
• There is a lack of detailed information on how the proposed changes will specifically impact the retirees and what benefits or disadvantages might stem from using the RI 20-120 form.
• The document mentions collecting comments on the 'proposed burden and respondent audience' but provides limited context or detail on what aspects might be burdensome or who the respondent audience is expected to be.
• The phrase 'to comply with the wishes of the retired Federal employee whose marriage has ended' is ambiguous and could be clarified to specify the conditions under which the form is necessary.