1. BENEFITS INFORMATION FOR NEW HIRE ORIENTATION
NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION (NOAA)
March 2014

2. AGENDA Retirement Coverage Deposit/Redeposit/Military
Health Insurance (FEHB)
Life Insurance (FEGLI)
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Long Term Care (LTC)
Dental and Vision Insurance (FEDVIP)
Designation of Beneficiary
Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
Run through the topics that will be discussed.
Encourage questions to be asked through out the presentation.

3. Federal Employee’s Retirement System (FERS)
Employees hired in a covered position between 1/1/84 and 12/31/12 are covered under FERS. Some CSRS employees chose to switch to FERS during FERS open season or after a break in service of more than three (3) days.
Three Tiered System
Basic Annuity (0.8% basic pay)
Social Security (6.2% basic pay)
Thrift Savings Plan
The OPM Publication FERS (An Overview of your Benefits) highlights the main features of FERS. You may download this publication at

4. Federal Employee’s Retirement System – Revised Annuity Employees (FERS-RAE)
From 1/1/13 to 12/31/13, all newly hired employees in a covered position and rehired employees with a break in service of more than three (3) days and with less than 5 years of FERS creditable service as of 12/31/12 are covered under FERS-RAE.
Three Tiered System
Basic Annuity (3.1% basic pay)
Social Security (6.2% basic pay)
Thrift Savings Plan
OPM Benefits Administration Letter, , provides more information on FERS-RAE and can be downloaded at:

5. Federal Employee’s Retirement System – Further Revised Annuity Employees (FERS-FRAE)
As of 1/1/14, all newly hired employees in a covered position and rehired employees with a break in service of more than three (3) days and with less than 5 years of FERS creditable service as of 12/31/13 are covered under FERS-FRAE.
Three Tiered System
Basic Annuity (4.4% basic pay)
Social Security (6.2% basic pay)
Thrift Savings Plan
OPM Benefits Administration Letter, , provides interim information on FERS-FRAE.

6. CSRS and CSRS Offset Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS)
Most Federal employees hired prior to 01/01/84 are covered by CSRS.
Basic Annuity (7% basic pay)
CSRS Offset
Employees that are rehired after 12/31/83 with at least 5 years civil service and who have more than a one year break in service by 12/31/86 are covered by CSRS-Offset.
Basic Annuity (0.8% basic pay)
Social Security (6.2% basic pay)
CSRS is a one tiered system. All retirement deductions go into the CSRS retirement fund.
CSRS Offset is a two tiered system with money going into CSRS retirement fund as well as FICA – Social Security.

7. Retirement Deduction Contributions
CSRS
Employee and Government
7.0% CSRS
CSRS Offset
0.8% CSRS
6.2% Social Security
Medicare Part A
1.45%
Explain that most Federal workers have a 7% reduction from their salary for retirement purposes, its how that 7% is divided up that makes the difference between CSRS, Offset and FERS.
Explain the different amounts between the government share and the employee share’s share.
CSRS employee’s all the deductions to into the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund.
CSRS –Offset employee’s pay into the Social Security Trust fund for the first $87,000 wages. Above $87,000 the deduction continues but it goes into the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund.
All Federal workers regardless of retirement system pay 1.45% into Medicare part A.

8. Retirement Deduction Contributions
FERS
Employee
0.8% FERS
6.2% Social Security
FERS – RAE
3.1% FERS – RAE
FERS – FRAE
4.4% FERS - FRAE
Government
11.9% FERS
9.6% FERS – RAE
9.6% FERS - FRAE
Medicare Part A
Employee and Government
1.45%
Explain that most Federal workers have a 7% reduction from their salary for retirement purposes, its how that 7% is divided up that makes the difference between CSRS, Offset and FERS.
Explain the different amounts between the government share and the employee share’s share.
CSRS employee’s all the deductions to into the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund.
CSRS –Offset employee’s pay into the Social Security Trust fund for the first $87,000 wages. Above $87,000 the deduction continues but it goes into the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund.
All Federal workers regardless of retirement system pay 1.45% into Medicare part A.

9. Prior Service
Contact your servicing Human Resources Team if you have prior Federal Service.
This service must be requested from the National Personnel Records Center or the last Federal Agency. It may take some time to receive these records.
This service is potentially creditable for retirement and leave purposes.
This service also determines your retirement system placement.

10. Definition of Deposit Service
Deposit service is a federal appointment (i.e., Temporary Appt), where retirement contributions were not withheld. Usually employees only pay Social Security taxes while serving in these appointments.
A deposit is based on the sum of money you would have contributed to the retirement system if the appointment was permanent PLUS interest.

11. Definition of Redeposit Service
Redeposit service is when an employee separates from the Federal Government and withdraws the retirement contributions they’ve contributed to the Retirement Fund.
A redeposit is the amount of money withdrawn from the retirement fund PLUS interest.

12. FERS Deposit/Redeposit Service
Service performed before 01/01/89 does not count for determining eligibility to retire or in the computation of your annuity unless a deposit is paid.
Service performed after 12/31/88 is not creditable towards retirement.
Redeposit
FERS employees employed on or after 10/28/09 may make a redeposit for previously refunded service.
The refunded service is creditable for retirement eligibility but not in the computation of your annuity, if the redeposit is not paid.

13. CSRS Deposit/Redeposit Service
Service performed before 10/1/82 is creditable for eligibility to retire and in the computation of your annuity, if a deposit is not paid, however, the annuity will be reduced.
Service performed after 09/30/82 is only used for eligibility to retire if a deposit is not paid.
Redeposit
Service performed before 03/01/91 is creditable for eligibility to retire and in the computation of your annuity, if a redeposit isn’t paid, however, the annuity will be reduced.
Service performed after 02/28/91 is only used for eligibility to retire if a redeposit is not paid.

14. Paying Deposits and Redeposits
FERS
Complete the Application to Make a Service Credit Payment (SF-3108) form
CSRS
Complete the Application to Make Deposit or Redeposit (SF-2803) form
Submit the completed form to your Benefits and Retirement Specialist for certification and submission to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
OPM will send you a bill with instructions on where to submit the payment as well as the payment options available to you.

15. Post-1956 Military Deposit
A military deposit is a sum of money paid into the civil service retirement system to receive credit at retirement for military service performed after 12/31/56.
The deposit is based on the earnings you received while serving in the military plus interest.
7% of the military earnings for CSRS employees
3% of the military earnings for FERS employees
Interest begins to accrue 2 years after the date first hired in a position subject to retirement contributions.
Interest is computed at a variable interest rate annually.

16. Post-1956 Military Deposit Continued
FERS employees receive no Credit unless a Deposit is Paid
CSRS - First Hired before 10/01/1982
May receive credit if eligible for social security at age 62 or, later if retiring after 62, and a deposit is paid.
A deposit is not required if at age 62 or later you are not entitled to social security.
CSRS - First Hired On or After 10/01/1982
Receives no credit unless a deposit is paid.
Additional information can be found on our website

17. How to make a Post-1956 Military Deposit
You must first request your Estimated Earnings from your branch of the military using the Estimated Earnings during Military Service form and attach your DD-214(s)
Once the Estimated Earnings are received, submit it to your Benefits and Retirement Specialist who will compute the deposit amount.
The link below provides step by step procedures, all forms that are required to make your deposit and contact information for the Benefits and Retirement Team.

18. Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB)
You must make an election within 60 days of your entrance on duty (EOD) date to be covered.
You must complete a Health Benefits Election Form (SF-2809) to enroll in a Self Only or Self and Family plan.
Health insurance elections are effective at the beginning of the pay period after your HR Assistant receives your SF-2809.
You can make changes to your health insurance coverage during the annual benefits open season or usually within 60 days of experiencing a qualifying life event.
Plan brochures & additional information is available from the OPM website

19. Examples of Qualifying Life Events
Marriage
Divorce
Birth/Adoption of a Child
Change in employment status
Transfer from a post of duty within US to outside of US
Employee or eligible family member loses coverage under FEHB or another group insurance plan
Death of a Spouse or Dependent

20. Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI)
You are automatically enrolled in Basic life insurance, which is effective on the first day you enter in a pay and duty status UNLESS you waive this coverage before the end of your first pay period.
You have 60 days from your EOD date to sign up for any Optional life insurance. If you do not make an election, you are considered to have waived optional insurance.
You must complete the Life Insurance Election form even if you are only keeping the automatic Basic Only coverage.
The Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Program (FEGLI) offers:

21. FEGLI Continued
Basic Life Insurance — equal to your annual basic pay, rounded to the next higher $1,000 plus $2,000.
Plus three types of optional insurance:
Option A, Standard — an additional $10,000
Option B, Additional — up to five times your annual basic pay (after rounding up to the next $1,000).
Option C, Family —coverage for your spouse and eligible dependent children in the amount of up to 5 multiples. Each multiple is worth $5,000 for a spouse and $2,500 for each child.

22. Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
The TSP is a retirement savings and investment plan for Federal employees, offering the same type of savings and tax benefits offered under 401(k) plans.  
New hires will have 3% automatically deducted from their basic pay.
New hires have 90 days to apply for a refund of the 3% automatic deductions.
Refunded by TSP using the TSP-25 form, included in your TSP Welcome letter. When TSP receives your first contribution, you will receive a letter that includes the date your refund request must be received as well as other details related to your refund.
You must submit the TSP-1 form to stop, decrease or increase the automatic 3% contribution.

23. TSP Continued
The contributions that are made to your TSP account are separate from the contributions to your FERS or CSRS Basic Annuity.
You may make changes to your TSP contributions at any time.
You can contribute up to the Elective Deferral Limit set by the IRS each year.
2014 Elective Deferral - $17,500
Catch-up contributions (CUC) for participants age 50 or older
2014 CUC Amount - $5,500
No agency matching

24. TSP Continued
You may elect to contribute any dollar amount or percentage of your basic pay each pay period. However, your annual contributions cannot exceed the elective deferral limit.
FERS employees receive agency contributions immediately.
Agency Automatic 1% Contribution
Matching Contributions
$-for-$ for the 1st-3rd%
50% for the 4th-5th%
Vested in Agency Contributions — generally after 3 years of civilian service.

25. TSP Features A choice of investment funds:
–   Government Securities Investment (G) Fund –   Fixed Income Index Investment (F) Fund
–   Common Stock Index Investment (C) Fund –   Small Capitalization Stock Index Investment (S) Fund –   International Stock Index Investment (I) Fund; OR
–   5 Lifecycle (L) Funds - L Income, 2020, 2030, 2040 & 2050

26. TSP Offers Immediate employee contributions
Low administrative and investment expenses
Transfers or rollovers of eligible distributions into the TSP
Ability to make contribution allocations daily
Ability to make interfund transfers twice a month
Loans from your own contributions
In-service withdrawals for financial hardship or after you reach age 59½
Ability to designate beneficiaries for your account balance
Protection of spouses' rights for loans and withdrawals and recognition of qualifying court orders
The ThriftLine, and website can be used to obtain automated account info, fund performance info and to perform certain transactions.

27. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
The FSA Program allows you to pay for certain health and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
You have 60 days from your EOD date to sign-up for FSA, or until October 1, whichever comes first.
Applications for the current calendar year are not accepted from October 1 through December 31. If you wish to enroll after October 1 you will need to do so during open season for the following plan year.
If you're newly employed in a position that conveys eligibility for FEHB coverage, you can apply for FSA, even if you don't enroll in the FEHB Program.

28. FSA Continued Two FSAs are being offered to eligible employees:
A Health Care FSA (HCFSA) - used to pay for certain health care expenses that are not reimbursed by FEHB or any other source. The maximum amount you may set aside is $2,500 and the minimum amount is $250.
A Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA) - used to pay for eligible dependent care expenses. The maximum amount you may set aside is $5,000 ($2,500 if you are married and filing a separate income tax return) and the minimum amount is $250. There is a family limit of $5,000 for DCFSA.

29. FSA Continued
FSAs are not carried over from one Plan Year to the next. You must make a new election/re-enroll for the upcoming Plan Year during the annual benefits open season.
Claims can be filed for expenses incurred from January 1 through March 15 of the following year.
All claims must be filed by April 30.
NOTE 1: If you have a Health or Dependent Care FSA you can not claim these expenses on your taxes.
NOTE 2: If you’re transferring from another agency where you contributed to FSA you MUST contact them directly to let them know you’ve changed agencies.

30. FSA Contact Information
You must use the website or you can contact a Benefits Consultant to enroll in the program.
FSA Benefits Consultants are available to assist you at with questions about the program or your account.
The web site also offers access to your personal account and claims information as well as information about the program.

31. Long Term Care (LTC) Insurance
The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) provides LTC insurance for Federal employees and their eligible family members.
You (and your spouse) have 60 days from your EOD date to apply for LTC using the abbreviated underwriting application with only a few health-related questions.
If you apply AFTER the 60 day period, you have to use the long underwriting application with numerous health-related questions and possibly a review of medical records and/or an interview with a nurse.
The cost of the insurance is based on your age when you apply.

32. LTC Insurance Continued
LTC is needed if you can no longer perform everyday tasks (eating, dressing, bathing, continence, transferring, and toileting) by yourself due to a chronic illness, injury, disability or the aging process.
If you're newly employed in a position that conveys eligibility for FEHB coverage, you can apply for LTC, even if you don't enroll in the FEHB Program.
To enroll or for more information, contact the LTC Partners at or visit their website,
NOTE : If you’re transferring from another agency where you contributed to LTC you MUST contact them directly to let them know you’ve changed agencies.

33. Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)
FEDVIP is a supplemental dental and vision program.
You must enroll within 60 days of your EOD date.
You pay the full premium which is withheld on a pre-tax basis from your pay.
If you're newly employed in a position that conveys eligibility for FEHB coverage, you can apply for FEDVIP, even if you don't enroll in the FEHB Program.
If you are enrolled in FEHB and FEDVIP your FEHB dental and vision benefits are the primary payer and FEDVIP is the secondary payer.

34. FEDVIP Continued
You can enroll in a Self Only, Self plus One, or Self and Family plan.
You can select from several national and in some cases regional dental plans or any of the national vision plans. Plan rates for dental insurance is based on your location. Rates can be found at
You must enroll online at or via the phone at
If you miss your 60 day enrollment opportunity, you are allowed to enroll during the annual benefits open season or usually within 60 days of experiencing a qualifying life event.
NOTE: If you’re transferring from another agency where you contributed to FEDVIP you MUST contact them directly to let them know you’ve changed agencies.

35. Annual Benefits Open Season
Every year from the 2nd Monday of November through the 2nd Monday of December an Annual Benefits Open Season is held.
Employees are allowed to change or enroll in:
FEHB (elections are effective the 1st day of the 1st full pay period in the new year)
FEDVIP (elections are effective the 1st day of the new year)
FSA (elections are effective the 1st day of the new year)

36. Part-Time Employees
Part-Time (PT) permanent employees are entitled to all benefits, however, the cost of the benefits are prorated based on the total number of hours the employee is scheduled to work.
To see how the PT work schedule affects your benefits and federal employment, see Benefits for Part Time Permanent Employees at:

37. Designation of Beneficiary
If you die while you are a Federal employee, payments will be made in a particular order set by law for:
Life Insurance (FEGLI)
Unpaid Compensation (Salary, Leave, Travel, Award, etc)
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
Retirement (FERS/CSRS)
Standard rules determine who is eligible to receive these payments. If you want these funds to go to someone other than the set order, you need to file a Designation of Beneficiary.
Please remember to update your beneficiaries!

38. Order of Precedence
If there isn't a valid designation on file when you die, benefits are payable to your:
Widow or widower
Child or children in equal shares
Parents in equal shares or the entire amount to your surviving parent
Executor or administrator of your estate
Next of kin under the laws of the State where you lived at the time of your death.
BE SURE to read the specific instructions on each designation form before designating beneficiaries.

39. Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
Once you have access, you will be able to view your leave and earnings statement at
It is important to verify your benefit elections on your LES.
Please notify your Human Resources Assistant if you notice any errors or inconsistencies with your benefits elections and/or deductions. Any errors in deductions may result in a debt to the government for which you must repay.
TRANSFER EMPLOYEES: Compare your 1st LES from NOAA with your last LES from your previous agency to ensure deductions are correct.

40. Contact Information
If you have specific questions regarding your benefits, contact your Benefits and Retirement Specialist found at