Federal Retiree Benefits
The article on cost-of-living increases by Keith presents a distorted picture of the income of federal retirees and their surviving spouses. One would think, from reading Keith, that we are rolling in affluence, but that is hardly the case.
The average federal annuitant receives about $1,200 a month, but a large percentage receives less than $1,000. The average surviving spouse receives less than $600 a month. These are not exactly munificent sums.
The cost-of-living increases are not automatic for the 2.4 million federal retirees, but must be fought for every year. Such cost-of-living increases are automatic for the 40 million Social Security recipients, however. Retired federal employees must pay full income taxes on their annuities, which are often their sole means of support.
Keith admits that his situation of “quadruple dipping” is unique. Admittedly, there may be a small number of others who, because of combined careers, may be doing very well under the federal retirement system. That is no reason to penalize the great majority, who are people of modest means and income.
Incidentally, Congressman Keith didn’t say whether he returns any of his four pensions to the federal government.
ALLAN S. NANES, Thousand Oaks
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