Started our day the same way – went to a couple of seminars, came home to let the girls out and have lunch. Decided to check on our accounts to make sure nothing was happening that shouldn’t be. Got a big shock.
Being a retired Fed, my pension shows up in my bank account on the first of every month. The money was there but it was almost $500 short! Talk about heart attack time. I am what they call a Civil Service Offset retiree. That means that I quit the government (after Todd was born), stayed home for a couple of years and then went back to work for the Government within a three year time period. During that time, the Government changed how they were handling their retirement accounts. So I ended up being covered under both the old Civil Service Retirement AND Social Security.
That’s all well and good, except that I had to apply for Social Security when I turned 62 which was this year. They didn’t have a clue what to do with me because of this offset business. They’ve been working on it for a couple of months and finally gave up and sent it to their regional office to figure out. The regional office took care of the issue but failed to let my case worker know. She, of course, then didn’t tell me. I called her in a panic and she was able to find out what the story was.
What this all boils down to is this: I will now get two deposits every month. One from OPM (the Federal retirement system) and one from SSA to make up the difference. Are you as confused as I am? Means I will, on the third Wednesday of every month, finally get all my money. Now I have to rearrange bill paying.
Thursday afternoon were closing ceremonies. A few statistics:
679 rigs
1268 attendees
956 baby caps knitted and donated to the local natal ward at the hospital.
$3617 raised for CARE - a special “retirement” community for RVer’s needing help as they age or recuperate from a physical set back. They’re a non-profit agency sponsored by Escapees.
We didn’t win any door prizes. The grand prize sure would have been nice. An 11 day escorted tour to New Orleans. Oh well.
Thursday night was a dance party. Quite a few people attended which was a lot of fun. Here are a few pictures.
I’ll just let you figure out what Jim and Karen are doing.
Judy and Gary – I made them stand still so I could take the picture.
Judy and Jim – see what happens when you leave to go to the bathroom?
Getting instructions for the chicken dance.
I was going to post a video of the chicken dance but I can't get it to load. So you're plain out of luck.
I learned the chicken dance when we spent the winter at Rainbow Plantation. Its a hoot!!
ReplyDeleteYes, I got very confused there for a moment...just thankful you got it all straight and your money will be there by the 3rd. :-)
Hi Sandie. I too was an Offset employee, with CSRS and SS. I retired on Jan 1 2010 and it took seven months to get my annuity correctly calculated. I also received my final annual leave payment in 2010, but not earned in that year. I am now having trouble with SS, 9 a year and a half later!) but they have finally acknowledged that the check was not earned, and eventually the letters I keep getting saying I own thousands to Social Security will stop. Good luck with all that!!
ReplyDeleteDon't u just love it when the dogs are so relaxed, they roll onto their backs and their little legs are just waving in the air,all curled up, so cute!!!
ReplyDeleteWhew, that short check would have caused me to panic too! Glad you got it all worked out and hopefully you'll be back on a regular schedule with income and out-go!
ReplyDeleteDid you try posting your video to You Tube? That seems to be the easiest way and then you can share it from there. I would love to see the chicken dance!
Well, at least you had good news. Even though they took your money away, they are going to be giving it back to you! That's fishing money for Jim! You better keep it coming.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I didn't get caught up i the social security thing, although they tried their best to lure me over.
ReplyDeleteThey got you to do the chicken dance but you don't play games!
ReplyDeleteDon't you just hate banking surprises!
I went to my first and only Escapade in 2009 and had a wonderful time. I won the first doorprize! Thanks for all the pictures and commentary. Wish I was with you guys.
ReplyDeleteFinally got caught up from going to doc appt., dentist appt., and buying the CRV. I am glad you had a good time at the Rally. You two look just lovely in your yellow vests...that is your color...LOL.
ReplyDeleteThe scam was awful!I would have been in panic mood. Glad April was so understanding and knew her job!
I can't even begin to figure out your financial situation. I am just happy you are going to get paid!
I love the girls lying around like they are queens. They are so cute! Enjoy the ride!
The SS/CivServ "thing" is a mess!!! Why keep it simple when the system can be made a complicated mess!! I do have to say that it does work out once you get the attention of everyone and convince them to do their job.
ReplyDeleteOnce again, I'm happy that I found your blog. The two of you are living a dream life.
You are certianly having the adventures!! Hope things go back to all good and you leave the 'bad' behind!
ReplyDelete