By George Ray
When was the last time that you had training on all your employee benefits? When I ask Federal employees this question, I get all kinds of answers.
Agencies do their very best to provide this type of training for their employees, but some tell me that their agency doesn’t seem to have the budget to be able to provide live training on benefits to all their employees – at least not regularly anyway.
And others say, “We’re in a remote office with few employees so the training never comes to us, we always have to go to the training -- if we can get permission”. Or, “The last time we attended, we listened in on a conference call, but the materials didn’t make it to us in advance, so we were a bit lost while trying to follow along. “
Sometimes the challenge is really just you. You didn’t open the e-mail until two days before the session, and now your work schedule is filled and you won’t have time to attend. Or, you called at the very last minute, but were told that all the seats have been filled.
There are many obstacles that can get in the way, but you need this information. Understanding and using your employee benefits wisely is one of the most important things that you can do for yourself and your family.
To move aside some of the obstacles, Federal Benefits Online has launched an online, e-learning course called “Understanding Your Federal Benefits” that comprehensively covers your employee benefits. The first version of the course (for regular FERS-covered employees) offers over 6 hours of video divided into 21 sections, with course notes and other materials in each section. It thoroughly covers your FERS pension, the Thrift Savings Plan, life insurance, health insurance, disability programs, long-term care, Social Security, Medicare, and much more.
The course lets you take control of this information by allowing you to watch it in a comfortable location and at a time that’s convenient for you. You can go at your own pace and review the material when you want to or need to. It also provides an opportunity to share this information with your spouse or a trusted family member.
The introduction and the first section of the course are available for free as a trial offer to let you get a feel for the information that’s provided. The course is a great value for just $197. It’s time to take control of your benefits, and now it’s much easier to do.