According to news reports, federal employees hired after December 31, 2012, and those with less than five years of federal service will need to contribute an additional 2.3% for a total of 3.1% to their pension plan to help pay for a year-long extension of unemployment benefits and the payroll tax cut extension. (see “Senate and House Agree on Payroll Tax Cut for 2012”). The pension hike is a permanent change.
There are still other legislative efforts pending in Congress, which would affect federal pay and benefits. President Obama’s FY 2013 budget proposal recommends increasing the amount federal employees contribute to their pensions by a total of 1.2% over three years starting in 2013. (see “2013 Budget Calls for Increase in FERS Pension Contributions”).