1. Army Benefits Center-Civilian
Welcome to the
Army Benefits Center-Civilian
New Employee
Orientation
Welcome!!
Hello, my name is Tobie Solander and I am a counselor from the Army Benefits Center – Civilian located at Fort Riley, KS. This briefing is intended to help new employees with their benefits information. Throughout this briefing you may hear me say “ABC” which simply refers to the Army Benefits Center.
Army Benefits Center-Civilian 301 Marshall Avenue Fort Riley, Kansas 66442

2. Agenda Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB)
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI)
Employee Benefits Information System (EBIS)
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP)
Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)
During this briefing we will cover numerous aspects of your benefits as a new employee, which will be seen on the next 2 slides. Although we at the ABC do not administer several of these benefits we will provide links and guidance on how to access them. Some of these we will provide links for include the Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Long Term Care Insurance (LTC), Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP), and some aspects of your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). All other benefits will be accessed through the Employee Benefits Information System (EBIS).

3. Agenda - Continued Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
Military Deposit (P-56)
Civilian Deposit/Redeposit
Retirement Eligibility
Death–In-Service
Annual Leave, Sick Leave, Military Leave, & Compensatory Time
Service Computation Dates
Beneficiary Forms
Army Benefits Center – Civilian:
New Employee Benefits Toolkit
This is an additional listing of some of the information we will go over.

4. Federal Employees Health Benefits Eligibility
Must be in a position subject to retirement deductions (FERS, CSRS, or CSRS Offset)
Temporary appointments must be longer than 365 days
Part time employees will pay a higher premium based on the number of hours worked per pay period
Coverage is NOT automatic
No waiting period for coverage
No pre-existing conditions
In order to be eligible for Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) when you first begin working, you must be in a position subject to retirement deductions. To determine the different plans available to you and the costs associated with them, please visit the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM’s) This website will be given again later in the briefing.

5. Premium Conversion
Pre-tax benefit: Health Insurance premiums will be deducted prior to taxes
You will be automatically enrolled in Premium Conversion unless you waive it
Premium Conversion allows you to save on Federal taxes, State taxes and Social Security deductions
Premium Conversion means that your FEHB premiums will be a pre-tax deduction, thus lowering your taxable income at the end of the year. Premium Conversion is automatically given to employees. If you do not wish to have Premium Conversion, you may waive this now as a new employee, during the annual FEHB Open Season or if you have a Qualifying Life Event (QLE).

6. FEHB There are many plans available, including nationwide plans
To see a list of all available plans visit:
It is your responsibility to research the available plans and ensure that the plan you select covers your area
Normally, the effective date will be the first day of the next pay period after the election is made
Notify ABC-C immediately if your FEHB information is not correct on your Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
To research the available FEHB plans, go to the OPM website listed on this slide and click on “Compare Health Plans” found on the lower right side of the page under the title “Quick Links”. Now you will need to input your zip code to display the available plans in your area. On the next screen you will be asked to choose an employee type, you should select “Non U.S. Postal Service.” Next you will select “Biweekly” as your pay frequency. Once the plans are displayed, you will be able to choose up to four different plans to compare side-by-side. Finally, the four plans will be displayed for your comparison. Once you make your decision, note the three digit enrollment code, then you can log on to EBIS to make your election.

7. FEHB Time Frame
As a new employee, you must make an election within 60 days of your 1st eligibility date or entrance on duty date
You may make changes outside the 60 day window with a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) or during the annual Open Season
Open Season begins the 2nd Monday in November and runs through the 2nd Monday in December effective on the 1st full pay period in January
You have an initial 60 day window to elect coverage. You must be in an open season or have a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) in order to elect coverage after the 60 days. To see a list of the qualifying life events that will allow a change outside of Open Season or after the initial 60 day window for new employees, go to the ABC website to view the Standard Form (SF) 2809.
Open Season begins the 2nd Monday in November and runs through the 2nd Monday in December. Open Season elections will become effective the 1st day of the 1st pay period in January. Counselors are available to assist you in making your election, however, they can not endorse a specific plan. If you have a family plan with one family member and that member is no longer eligible to have benefits, the carrier will not automatically change your plan to self only. It will be your responsibility as the employee to make a new election changing to a self only plan.

8. Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
Tax deferred retirement savings/investment plan
Provides the opportunity to increase your retirement income
Will be the LARGEST part of your retirement
You must be in a position subject to retirement deductions (FERS, CSRS, or CSRS Offset)
Two investment options:
Individual Funds and Lifecycle Funds
TSP is a savings plan in addition to your retirement plan. It is similar to a 401(k) plan. Starting early is a key factor to increasing your retirement income later on in life.

9. TRADITIONAL TSP
Traditional TSP contributions are taken out of your pay BEFORE your salary is taxed
Withdrawals from Traditional contributions are taxed when withdrawn
Combined Roth and Traditional TSP contributions cannot exceed $18,000 for 2015
Agency contributions are always part of your Traditional TSP balance
In order to obtain information regarding past performance of each of the individual funds, please visit the TSP website.

10. ROTH TSP
Roth TSP contributions are taken out of your pay AFTER your salary is taxed
Withdrawals from Roth contributions are tax-free
Combined Roth and Traditional TSP contributions cannot exceed $18,000 for 2015
Agency contributions are always part of your Traditional TSP balance
For additional information on Roth TSP, please visit the TSP website.

11. TSP Enrollment
You may start, stop or change your contribution amount at any time via the Employee Benefits Information System (EBIS)
If you are a FERS employee, you will receive Agency Automatic Contributions of 1%
As a FERS employee, your agency automatically enrolled you in TSP and 3% of your basic pay is deducted from your paycheck each pay period and deposited in your TSP account.
As a FERS employee, your agency automatically enrolled you in TSP and 3% of your basic pay is deducted from your paycheck each pay period and deposited into your TSP account. If you want to change your TSP contribution, only one change is allowed per pay period. FERS employees are not required to contribute in order to receive the automatic 1% given by the government.

12. AGENCY TSP Matching
As a FERS participant, you will receive agency matching contributions on the first 5% that you contribute per pay period
The first 3% is matched dollar for dollar
The next 2% is matched 50 cents for every dollar
Contribution Limit for 2015 is $18,000
If you are a FERS employee and plan to fulfill the IRS maximum contribution limit, it is important that you do not reach the maximum until the last pay period of the tax year. If this amount is reached earlier, you will miss out on matching contributions. If you need assistance in determining your contributions amount, please contact a counselor at ABC. The counselor, however, will not be aware of your account balance. You will need to contact TSP directly for this information.

13. TSP Individual Funds
Contribution allocations are made through the TSP website (
Individual Funds are the G, F, C, S and I funds
G Fund:
Government Securities Investment Fund
F Fund:
US Bond Market
C Fund:
Standards & Poor’s 500 Stock Index
S Fund:
Dow Jones Industrial Index
I Fund:
International Stocks
In order to obtain information regarding past performance of each of the individual funds, please visit the TSP website.

14. TSP Lifecycle Funds
Lifecycle Funds (L Funds) are funds that are invested according to a mix of stocks, bonds and Government securities among the five individual funds (G, F, C, S, & I Funds)
L Funds are based on your retirement “time horizon”
Every 10 years – the funds are readjusted to less risk
Lifecycle Funds:
L Income
L 2020
L 2030
L 2040
L 2050
In order to obtain information regarding past performance of each of the individual funds, please visit the TSP website.

15. TSP Fund Allocation
Until you make your fund allocation on the TSP website, all of your funds will be invested in the G fund
You may re-allocate your TSP funds or transfer funds twice a month. You may make unlimited transfers to the G fund.
There is no Open Season
To allocate your TSP funds you will need to access the TSP website at using your TSP account number or customized user ID and web password
TSP will mail you an account number and PIN approximately 7-10 days after they receive the first contribution to your account.
Your PIN will allow you to access your TSP account and allocate or transfer your funds.

16. TSP Catch-Up
TSP Catch-Up is open to participants who will be age 50 or older in the year they elect to contribute ($6,000 limit for 2015)
You must be contributing the full IRS yearly limit in order to be eligible $18,000 for 2015)
Agency matching contributions do not apply
You must make a new election every year
You may contribute to a Traditional Catch-Up and a Roth Catch-Up, the total of the two cannot exceed the $6,000 limit
TSP Catch-up is an additional tax-deferred contribution for employees age 50 and older. Employees can make the election in the year they are turning 50. Employees planning to enroll in TSP Catch-up must plan to contribute the maximum IRS limit by the end of the year. Employees do not receive agency matching contributions for TSP Catch-up but it allows you to save more towards retirement. Employees must elect to contribute each year, it does not automatically continue from year to year like your regular TSP.

17. TSP
You may review the TSP booklet Summary of the Thrift Savings Plan (TSPBK08) on the TSP site at
Call TSP at for additional information
The TSP website will provide you with all information regarding the Thrift Savings Plan.

18. Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Eligibility
You must be in a position subject to retirement deductions (FERS, CSRS, or CSRS Offset )
Your work schedule can be part time or full time
You will be automatically enrolled in Basic coverage unless you waive it
FEGLI or Federal Employee’s Group Life Insurance is available to all retirement-covered employees. In other words, you must be subject to retirement deductions in order to be eligible to participate in FEGLI.

19. FEGLI Enrollment
Elections can be made through the website using EBIS, or by calling ABC at if you are having trouble using EBIS
You may waive or decrease your coverage at any time
You must have Basic coverage in order to elect Optional coverage
Notify ABC-C immediately if your FEGLI coverage is not correct on your LES
At the Army Benefits Center we recommend that you elect the maximum life insurance during your initial enrollment. Life insurance can be decreased at any time, however it is difficult to increase your coverage later on if you desire to have more than what you initially elected.

20. Basic Life Insurance
Equal to annual basic pay rounded to the next higher $1,000 plus an additional $2,000
Example:
$51,400 = $52,000 + $2,000 = Amt of Basic $54,000
Provides an extra benefit if you are under 45 yrs of age at no additional cost
Extra benefit doubles the amount of basic insurance if you die prior to age 35
Decreases by 10% each year until there is no extra benefit if you die at age 45 or older
Your Basic insurance will increase with your pay. The value will always be based on your annual salary. The basic coverage is a low cost option for life insurance available automatically to you as a new employee. No physical or health assessment is required.

21. Optional Life Insurance
Option B: Provides an amount 1-5 multiples of your annual basic pay rounded to the next higher $1,000
Option C: Provides coverage for your spouse and eligible children equal to 1-5 multiples;
$5,000 per multiple for your spouse ($25,000 maximum)
$2,500 per multiple for your eligible children ($12,500 maximum)
FEGLI consists of Basic Life insurance and three additional options. Option A is a standard $10,000. Option B is multiples of your salary. You are allowed up to 5 multiples. Option C provides coverage for your family. You are also allowed up to 5 multiples under option C. It is the same cost per multiple whether you have a spouse only, child only, or a spouse and multiple children. Eligible children include: Unmarried dependent children under the age of 22, or if over the age of 22, they must be incapable of self support. You must be enrolled in basic coverage in order to have optional life insurance. You are allowed to have all three options, or any combination of them.

22. FEGLI Time Frame
You have 60 days from your 1st eligibility date or entrance on duty date to elect Optional coverage
If you elect Optional coverage it will be effective the same day (you must be in pay and duty status)
If you fail to elect Optional coverage during the 60-day window, you will be allowed to elect additional coverage if you have a life event, during Open Season, or (after 1 year) by submitting to a medical exam, applying to and receiving approval from OFEGLI with an SF 2822
You have 60 days from your 1st eligibility date to elect Life Insurance. Life Events that will allow you to elect Optional coverage are as follows: Marriage, Divorce, Death of a spouse and Birth/Adoption of a child. In some situations you may be able to submit a letter of reconsideration to obtain coverage outside of the initial 60 day window.

23. FEGLI Time Frame Belated election opportunity based on a life event
Must apply within 6 months after an employee experiences a QLE
The Human Resource Office determines whether the employee was unable, for reasons beyond his or her control, to elect insurance within the time limit.
This decision is made by the Human Resource Office; OPM is not involved in the determination.
If you experienced a QLE within the last 6 months and were not able to make a change to your Life Insurance for reasons that were beyond your control you should contact the ABC to see if you would qualify for a belated election.

24. FEGLI – Emergency Essential or Deployed for Contingency Operation
Must be designated as emergency essential or deploying in support of a contingency operation as a CIVILIAN
You can elect the following coverage with no QLE or physical:
Can elect Basic only
Can add Option A
Can add Option B or increase current multiples
Enrollment must be made on a SF 2817 Life Insurance Election and sent to the ABC-C, this can’t be processed through EBIS
Department of Defense employees who are designated emergency essential have an opportunity to elect Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).  This election opportunity is also allowed for civilian employees who are deployed in support of a contingency operation . If you have previously waived FEGLI coverage, P.L allows you to enroll in Basic FEGLI coverage.  If you already have Basic coverage, you may also elect Option A (Standard) coverage and/or Option B (Additional) coverage. The new law does not authorize an opportunity to elect Option C (Family Member) coverage.

25. Employee Benefits Information System (EBIS)
ABC-C Automated Systems
Employee Benefits Information System (EBIS)
Secured Web based application
Available 24 hours a day
Create and process electronic benefit elections
Requires use of:
Common Access Card (CAC) authentication
SSN and PIN
Allows you to print pending benefits transactions
EBIS is a fully automated system available 24 hours a day accessible only from a computer with an installed and operational CAC reader. (Air National Guard personnel should see their HRO to obtain an AKO account and registry information.) EBIS is easily accessed through our website at

26. The ABC website is very informative
The ABC website is very informative. There is no login or password needed. We urge you to spend a few minutes familiarizing yourself with our site and the information available. Now we will concentrate on accessing EBIS. Go to the upper right corner of the home page and click on EBIS.

27. Once you get to the site you must agree to the consent banner by simply clicking the “I Agree” button.

28. SSN with no dashes 000000001 123456 ABC PIN #
You are now at the EBIS login page. Simply input your Social Security number and your ABC PIN. If you are a new user, you must use the “New User” button below, and your temporary pin is the two digit month and the last two digits of the year you were born. You will need to set your new PIN at this time. Make the PIN a number that you can easily remember. Just a suggestion, you may want to set your CAC PIN as your EBIS PIN. Your EBIS PIN can not be obtained by anyone, so if it is forgotten, you will need to follow the “Reset PIN” directions.

29. Once you enter EBIS click “Transactions” to enroll or change your benefits. This will allow you to make elections for FEHB, FEGLI, TSP and TSP Catch-Up benefits.

30. This is the transactions menu
This is the transactions menu. If you have a pending election, there will also be a “printer friendly” icon under the pending screen where you may print a copy of your election. If you are over 50, you will also see a TSP Catch-Up screen.

31. ABC-C Telephone System
To access call toll free
TDD: (Hearing Impaired)
Counselors are available 12 hours per day from 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Central Time
Counselors are available 6 am to 6 pm Central Time, Monday through Friday. Please note the TDD line is only for those that are hearing impaired and with special TDD equipment. This is not a voice line.

32. Army Benefits Center – Civilian
Select:
3 = National Guard
This is the IVRS menu. It can be found on the ABC website. This will make the navigation of the phone system a little easier.

33. Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Allows you to pay for certain health/dependant care expenses with pre-tax dollars
If you are eligible for FEHB, you are eligible for FSA
You have 60 days from your 1st eligibility date or entrance on duty date to enroll, or you can enroll during the annual Open Season
You must reenroll every year
Use it by 15 March of the following year or lose it
Maximum election for 2014 is $2,550
You do not have to be enrolled in FEHB to enroll in the Flexible Spending Account (FSA). FSA Open Season runs concurrently with the FEHB Open Season each year. You have until March 15th of the following year to utilize the funds you contribute and until April 30th to submit claims for the previous year’s account. If you do not meet these deadlines you will forfeit the remaining balance in your FSA.

34. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
To receive more information regarding FSAs,
please contact a FSA counselor
Telephone: FSAFEDS ( )
TTY:
Mon-Fri 9AM-9PM Eastern Time
Closed Weekends and Holidays
For more information on FSA, please call or visit their website.

35. Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP)
Long term care insurance provides funds if you can no longer perform everyday tasks for yourself
Care can be provided in a variety of settings:
your home
a nursing home
hospice care
assisted living facilities
You may apply within 60 days of your entrance on duty date
You may apply at anytime with the longer underwriting procedure
If you are eligible for FEHB, you may apply for Long Term Care Insurance (LTC).
You do NOT have to be enrolled, however, in FEHB to obtain LTC coverage.
If you apply after the initial 60 day period, you will have to use the longer underwriting application with numerous health related questions and possibly a review of medical conditions and/or an interview with a nurse.

36. Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP)
Want to talk with a Certified
Long Term Care Insurance Consultant?
Tel: LTC-FEDS ( )
TTY:
Mon - Fri 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. EST
Sat 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. EST
Closed Sun and Federal holidays
For more information, please call or visit the Long Term Care website.

37. Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program FEDVIP
Available to employees and their family members eligible for FEHB coverage
Stand alone Dental and Vision Insurance
Competitive premiums
Pre-tax payroll deduction
Can enroll in dental and/or vision
You may apply within 60 days of your entrance on duty date or during the Open Season
You do not have to enroll in FEHB to have dental and/or vision insurance.

38. FEDVIP Enrollments: Self Only Self & One Self & Family Dental Benefits
Enrollments:
Self Only Self & One Self & Family
Dental Benefits
Diagnostic
Preventative
Emergency Care
Restorative
Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery
Endodontic
Periodontics
Prosthodontics
Orthodontics
Vision Benefits
Diagnostic Services
Preventative Services
Eyewear
Glasses
Contacts
Enrollment and benefits differ from plan to plan. A comparison can be made at the OPM web site ( by clicking on “insurance programs” found on the bottom half of the page. Once the new page comes up, scroll to the bottom for the plan comparison tool found under either the Dental or Vision sections.

39. FEDVIP http://www.benefeds.com Mon-Fri 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. ET
Closed Weekends and Holidays
Telephone: FEDS ( )
TTY:
Contact FEDVIP by phone or visit their website for more information.

40. FERS Retirement Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
New permanent and indefinite employees will be placed in the FERS – Further Revised Annuity Estimate (FERS-FRAE)
If you had 5 years of creditable civilian service under FERS, you are eligible to be placed in FERS
Retirement Contributions
FERS 0.8% (hired on/prior to 12/31/2012)
FERS-RAE 4.1% (hired in 2013)
FERS-FRAE 4.4% (hired on/after 1/1/2014)
As a new employee you are placed in a retirement category. If this is your first time working for the federal government and you are in a covered position, you were placed in FERS which is symbolized by a letter K in block 30 of your SF 50. If your position is not a covered position you will see a number 2 which is for FICA only or Social Security. If you are a returning employee with 5 years of CSRS service and had more than a 365 day break, your code should be C which is CSRS Offset. You will be afforded a 6 month opportunity to elect FERS. If your break was less than a year you will be placed in CSRS and have a code number of 1.

41. Thrift Savings Plan FERS Retirement
FERS is a 3-tiered retirement system
TSP WILL make up the LARGEST portion of your total retirement
FERS annuity is the smallest portion of your retirement
FERS
Social
Security
For those of you that are covered by FERS, it was designed as a 3-tiered system. As you can see FERS is the smallest part of the pyramid. Since TSP makes up the majority of your retirement, it is important that you contribute as much as possible to the TSP throughout your career.
Thrift
Savings Plan

42. Military Deposit
Now we will go over Military Deposit for employees.

43. FERS Post-56 Military Service FERS Military Service on/after
Must Pay to Receive Credit for Retirement Eligibility and Annuity Computation
For FERS employees, you will not receive credit in retirement for military service after if you do not pay or make a deposit for that time.
Amount of Deposit:
3% of basic pay earned + interest Interest may vary by date service was performed

44. FERS Credit For Post-56 Military Service
IN RECEIPT OF MILITARY RETIRED PAY
Based on Non – Combat Disability or Length of Service (includes campaign time)
Based on Combat Disability or Chap 1223, Title 10 (Reserves)
This chart will help you determine weather or not to buy back your military retired pay as a FERS employee.
Must Pay to Receive Credit for Eligibility & Annuity Computation
No credit unless Military Retired Pay is Waived and Deposit is Paid

45. How Do I Make a Military Deposit?
ABC-C Fax #
Complete form RI 20-97, Estimated Earnings During Military Service
send to the appropriate branch of service (addresses and fax numbers are on the ABC-C website)
Include copies of all of your DD 214s
Once you receive the completed RI 20-97:
fax or mail it with your DD 214 and SF 2803/SF 3108 and SF 2803A/ SF 3108A to HRO or the Army Benefits Center-Civilian
Payments are made directly to DFAS-Cleveland
Once deposit is completed, ensure a copy of the “Payment in Full” notice is filed in OPF
The first 2 years are interest free, the 3rd year is interest deferred
For FERS or CSRS employees, it is important to buy back your military service as soon as possible. There will be no interest charged during the first two years after you are hired. After the second year, interest will start to accrue.
The forms needed to make the deposit can be found on the ABC website. On the home page click “forms” and then the word “military.” The required documentation can then be sent by fax to the following number:

46. Civilian Deposit Service
Civilian service not covered by retirement deductions (typically service in which you only paid into Social Security)
Typically temporary service
Effect of deposit service upon retirement annuity computation depends upon retirement plan
Amount of deposit is equal to deductions that would have been withheld (based on retirement plan) plus interest
Employees hired under temporary or intermittent service and paying only into FICA may buy their time back if they are currently in a retirement covered position. For FERS employees, the time has to be prior to Contact ABC-C with any questions concerning your civilian deposit service.

47. FERS Deposit Service Deposit Made Deposit Not Made
Non-Deduction Service prior to
Deposit Made
Deposit Not Made
Credit for eligibility (RSCD) and Annuity Computation
No credit for eligibility (RSCD) and Annuity Computation
This chart explains the difference if a civilian deposit is made and not made, for FERS employees.

48. Non-Deduction Service on or AFTER
FERS Deposit Service
Non-Deduction Service on or AFTER
DEPOSIT NOT ALLOWED
A deposit in NOT ALLOWED if you are have service on or after and you are a FERS employee.
No credit for Eligibility or Annuity Computation

49. Redeposit Service
Service for which retirement deductions were withheld but later refunded after a separation from Federal service
Effect of redeposit service upon retirement annuity computation depends upon retirement plan and the date refund was received
Amount of redeposit is equal to amount of refund plus interest (interest accrues from date of refund check)
If you took a refund of your retirement contributions you may be allowed to make a redeposit for that time. You will have to pay interest on the amount that was refunded.

50. FERS Refunded Service FERS REDEPOSIT IS NOW ALLOWED!
FERS Service for which retirement
contributions were refunded to you
FERS REDEPOSIT IS NOW ALLOWED!
For FERS employees. A redeposit is now allowed on prior refunded FERS service.
Note:
FERS with CSRS component*, CSRS rules apply
FERS with no CSRS component*, FERS rules apply
*5 Years creditable CSRS or potentially creditable CSRS service and elected FERS

51. Effect of Redeposit Service On FERS Retirement Annuity
Refunded CSRS Service is credited under FERS if you had less than 5 years
Make Redeposit
Don’t Make Redeposit
Creditable toward meeting retirement eligibility
Creditable for computing annuity
Creditable toward meeting retirement eligibility
Not creditable for computing annuity
This chart shows the difference between making or not making a redeposit for your FERS refunded service.

52. How To Pay A Civilian Deposit Or Redeposit
Complete front page of SF 2803/SF 3108, Application to Make Service Credit Payment and send or fax to ABC-C
ABC-C will calculate an estimated deposit/redeposit amount and mail to OPM
OPM will notify you of final deposit/redeposit amount and payment procedures
OPM will send you a receipt and new balance each time payment is made
Ensure “Payment in Full” notice is filed in OPF
The receipt for payment is not automatically placed in your Official Personnel Folder (OPF). You must submit a copy to your local CPAC or HRO to be placed into your OPF.

53. FERS Optional Retirement
Eligibility requirements for Optional Retirement:
Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) with 30 years of service
Age 60 with 20 years of service
Age 62 with 5 years of service
MRA with at least 10 years but less than 30 years of service
5% reduction for each year under age 62 (permanent reduction)
Not entitled to annuity supplement
NOTE:
Must have at least 5 years of creditable civilian service
Military service or sick leave may not be used to reach the 5 year rule
For FERS retirement you must have at least 5 years of creditable civilian service to be eligible to retire. Military service or sick leave may not be used to reach the 5 year rule.

54. MINIMUM RETIREMENT AGE (MRA)
IF YEAR OF THE MINIMUM
BIRTH IS... RETIREMENT AGE IS...
BEFORE
& 2 MONTHS
& 4 MONTHS
& 6 MONTHS
& 8 MONTHS
& 10 MONTHS
& 2 MONTHS
& 4 MONTHS
& 6 MONTHS
& 8 MONTHS
& 10 MONTHS
1970 & AFTER
This chart shows your minimum retirement age for FERS Retirement.
NOTE: SINCE EMPLOYEES BORN IN 1948 DID NOT REACH AGE 55
UNTIL 2003, THE MRA UNTIL THAT DATE IS 55

55. Disability Retirement-FERS
To qualify for a disability retirement, you must have at least 18 months of creditable civilian service
To apply, you must complete regular retirement forms as well as the Disability Retirement forms
You are required to apply for Social Security
It can take OPM 2-6 months to approve or disapprove your request
Disability retirement annuities ARE subject to Federal taxes
Office of Personnel Management’s definition of disabled is that you are unable to render useful and efficient service in your current position due to disease or injury. The disability must be expected to last at least one year and your agency certifies they can not reassign or accommodate you. You must have at least 18 months of creditable civilian service for FERS employees. To apply, in addition to the application for immediate retirement, you must submit the disability application, which must be approved by OPM. Disability annuities are also subject to Federal taxes. The VA rating that prior military personnel receive has no bearing on your disability retirement.

56. Death-In-Service
If you die while still an active employee, your survivor
MAY be entitled to death benefits
In the event of your death, your survivor needs to
contact your supervisor, who contacts the Human
Resources Office (HRO)
The HRO will contact ABC-C
An ABC-C counselor will contact your survivor within
24 hours
Death in Service is a top priority at the Army Benefits Center. We want to make sure that your survivor is taken care of. In the event of your death your survivor should contact your supervisor. Your supervisor should contact the Civilian Personnel Advisory Center (CPAC) or Human Resources Office (HRO). The CPAC or HRO will contact the ABC. Our policy is that a benefits counselor will contact your survivor within 24 hours. This is the process for active employees. The survivor for retirees should contact OPM. You should take care of your survivors by making sure that there are up-to-date beneficiary forms on file. You can locate these forms on the ABC website.

57. Annual Leave Permanent and Indefinite Technicians
Eligible to earn and use annual leave immediately
Provided to allow technician’s periods of relaxation and for personal and emergency purposes
Supervisors decide when the leave may be taken based on the needs of the organization and mission
A maximum of 240 hours of annual leave may be carried over to a new leave year.
An employee may use annual leave for vacations, rest and relaxation, personal business or emergencies. An employee has a right to take annual leave, subject to the supervisor’s discretion.

58. Annual Leave (Cont’d)
Full-time technicians earn annual leave as follows:
Less than 3 years of service earn :
4 hours annual leave each bi-weekly pay period
104 hours each leave year
More than three years but less than 15 years of service earn:
6 hours annual leave each bi-weekly pay period
plus an additional 4 hours the last pay period of each calendar
160 hours each leave year
Fifteen or more years of service earn:
8 hours each bi-weekly pay period
208 hours each leave year
Technicians are entitled to receive a lump sum payment for all accrued annual leave upon separation from technician employment. If the technician accepts a position in another federal agency, a lump-sum payment of annual leave is not allowed and will be transferred to the new federal agency.

59. Annual Leave (Cont’d) Temporary Technicians accrue annual leave
Temporary appointments less than 90 days:
Leave accrues each pay period
Is not available for use until:
90 days has been reached; or,
Appointment is extended beyond 90 days
If separated before 90 days, accrued leave will be paid out on last check
Temporary appointments more than 89 days:
Leave accrues
Available for immediate use after earned

60. Sick Leave (IAW CNGFPR 630, Leave and Absences Hours of Duty, Absences, and Leave, dated 15 April 2009)
All technicians (permanent, indefinite, temporary) accrue 4 hours of sick leave per pay period.
Technicians must be employed for the full bi-weekly pay period to be entitled to accrue sick leave for that period.
Sick leave accumulates without limit.

61. Sick Leave (Cont’d)
Sick leave is appropriate when the following cause absence:
Technician’s medical, dental, or optical examination or treatment
Technician’s incapacitation for the performance of duties by physical or mental illness, injury, pregnancy, or childbirth.
The technician will jeopardize the health of others by his/her presence on the job because of exposure to a communicable disease
(determined by the health authorities having jurisdiction or by a health care provider).
A supervisor may require a medical certificate to support use of sick leave for 3 days or more. A medical certificate is a written statement signed by a registered practicing physician or other practitioner certifying the incapacitation, examination, or treatment for the period of disability.
For absences of short periods at frequent intervals whenever there is a reason to believe that the sick leave privilege is being abused, the technician will be advised in writing that a medical certificate will be required to support any future use of sick leave regardless of duration.

62. Sick Leave (Cont’d) Technician’s care for a family member
Make arrangements necessitated by the death of a family member or attend the funeral of a family member.
Technicians who must be absent from duty for purposes relating to the adoption of a child.

63. Military Leave
Military technicians are authorized by Section 6323(a) of Title 5 U.S.C. 120 hours per fiscal year of military leave.
A total of up to 120 hours of military leave may be carried over to the next fiscal year. However, no more than 240 hours may be in the leave account at any time.
Military leave can only be used for periods of absence from the technician’s position, to include travel time to perform military duty.
Under no circumstances will military leave be granted to cover an absence due to state active duty (SAD).
Upon appointment, a new technician is automatically entitled to 120 hours of Military leave for the fiscal year in which they are appointed.
A new technician’s Military Leave (120 hours) will not appear on an LES until the technician uses a minimum of 1 day.
Temporary technicians are not authorized military leave.

64. Compensatory Time
In accordance with the Technician Act of 1968 (P.L ), technicians who work overtime will be compensated with compensatory time in lieu of overtime pay
Compensatory time is earned hour for hour
Compensatory time must be used before annual leave, unless annual leave would be forfeited.
Compensatory time must be taken within 26 pay periods after the pay period in which it was earned or it will be forfeited.
Compensatory time that is forfeited cannot be reinstated.
Compensatory time is earned for work in excess of 40 hours in a week and approved in advance by management.
Compensatory time must be used before annual leave, unless annual leave would be forfeited.
Temporary technicians are entitled to earn compensatory time.
If a temporary technician is terminated before compensatory time is used, the compensatory time is forfeited.

65. Service Computation Date (SCD)
A SCD is a date, either actual or constructed, that is used to determine benefits and is generally based on how long the person has been in the Federal Service.
The most pertinent types of SCD are as follows
SCD – Leave
SCD – TSP
SCD – Retirement

66. SCD – Leave
Depends on the amount of service creditable for leave accrual purposes
Less than 3 years of service earn :
4 hours of annual leave each bi-weekly pay period
104 hours each leave year
More than three years but less than 15 years service earn:
6 hours of annual leave each bi-weekly pay period
plus an additional 4 hours the last pay period of each calendar
160 hours each leave year
Fifteen or more years of service earn:
8 hours of annual leave each bi-weekly pay period
208 hours each leave year
SCD Leave is used to determine the rate at which an employee accrues annual leave (4, 6, or 8 hours per pay period)

67. SCD – Leave (cont’d) Creditable service
Federal Title 10 service (DD214 must state that service was HONORABLE or UNDER HONORABLE CONDITIONS)
All Prior federal civilian service (temporary, indefinite, or permanent)
National Guard service or training under the call of the Governor of a State or performed for a State under title 32, United States Code, is NOT creditable unless it is covered under USERRA
To verify creditable service, the HRO requires a SF-50, DD 214 and in some cases, approved orders as a source document.
Only honorable Title 10 or previous Federal Technician service is creditable to Leave SCD.
Federal Technicians begin accruing 4 hours of Annual Leave per pay period upon appointment. A minimum of 3 years creditable Federal Service is required to accrue 6 hours per pay period. A minimum of 15 years is required to accrue 8 hours per pay period.

68. SCD - TSP
The TSP-SCD is used to determine if a separated FERS employee is vested in the Agency Automatic (1%) Contributions and associated earnings.
This date should include ALL Federal civilian service you have performed in the past
The date will never be earlier than January 1, 1984.
If you are a FERS participant, your SCD is shown along with the required vesting information on your TSP participant statements.
“Vesting” refers to the service requirement that must be met to entitle employees to a pension benefit.
The vesting requirement for most employees is 3 years.
TSP-SCD is also used to determine the maximum TSP loan amount

69. SCD - Retirement
The date a federal employee started contributing to their retirement system (not necessarily the effective date of current appointment).
Includes :
Military service where the military deposit has been completed
Civilian service covered under a retirement system
Civilian deposit service

70. SCD – Retirement (Cont’d)
Creditable civilian service
Federal appointment
Covered by CSRS or FERS
Under other Federal retirement systems as long as the individual could obtain a refund deduction under that system and deposit them in the CSRS/FERS fund

71. SCD – Retirement (Cont’d)
Creditable Uniformed Service:
Ended honorably
Active Duty under title 10 or under a call by the President or Secretary of Defense
National Guard service or training under the call of the Governor of a State or performed for a State under title 32, United States Code, is NOT creditable unless covered under USERRA
Uniformed service must be paid via military deposit to qualify as creditable. The entire deposit must be paid in full to DFAS prior to retirement.

72. Beneficiary Forms
SF Designation of Beneficiary, Unpaid Compensation of Deceased Civilian Employee (Last check and annual leave)
SF Designation of Beneficiary, Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS)
SF Designation of Beneficiary, Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
SF Designation of Beneficiary, Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Program (FEGLI)
TSP-3 - Designation of Beneficiary, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
You will possibly need to complete four of these beneficiary forms. The SF 1152 is for any paychecks, awards, and unpaid annual leave. The SF 2808 and the SF 3102 are for the funds you contributed to your retirement plan. If you are married, this would be a contingent beneficiary form because your spouse will possibly receive a survivor benefit, if so there will be no funds paid out in a lump sum. The SF 2823 is for your life insurance. Finally, the TSP-3 is for your TSP funds.

73. New Employee Benefits Tool Kit
ABC-C Brochure - the Who, What, Where and Why of ABC-C
ABC-C Telephone System Menu - to assist in contacting a benefits Specialist at the ABC-C
New Employee Overview - provides enrollment time frames and links for benefits
Benefits Election Guide - information on when and where to elect benefits
If you have questions that were not answered by this overview, you can get additional information on our website or by contacting a benefits counselor on our toll free number of Counselors are available Monday through Friday from 6 am to 6 pm Central Time, excluding holidays.

74. New Employee Benefits Tool Kit (continued)
New Employee Benefits Briefing - contains information helpful to new employees and is available in several versions (automated and self-paced)
Employee Benefits Information System (EBIS) Tutorial - step-by-step instructions on accessing EBIS
Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Calculator - see how choosing different combinations of coverage can change the amount of premiums and life
If you have questions that were not answered by this overview, you can get additional information on our website or by contacting a benefits counselor on our toll free number of Counselors are available Monday through Friday from 6 am to 6 pm Central Time, excluding holidays.

75. In order to be eligible for Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) when you first begin working, you must be in a position subject to retirement deductions. To determine the different plans available to you and the costs associated with them, please visit the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM’s) This website will be given again later in the briefing.

76. For Additional Information
Toll Free: (option 3)
Hearing Impaired TDD:
Fax:
Counselors available from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT
Website:
Address: Army Benefits Center-Civilian,
301 Marshall Avenue,
Fort Riley, KS 66442
If you have questions that were not answered by this overview, you can get additional information on our website or by contacting a benefits counselor on our toll free number of Counselors are available Monday through Friday from 6 am to 6 pm Central Time, excluding holidays.

77. If you have additional questions please feel free to contact us at our toll free number
This now concludes our New Employee Orientation. Again, please feel free to contact the ABC with any questions you may have.