Benefits Impact

Retirement - FERS/CSRS

While covered under FERS or CSRS, you paid contributions towards the applicable retirement system.

You have options regarding your retirement contributions

Employees with Post-1956 Military Service

• If you are planning to apply for a deferred retirement and have post-1956 military service, you must make a deposit to receive credit for the service. This must be done before your employment ends. Speak to your Benefits Contact.
• If you are in the process of making a deposit for active-duty military service, what you have paid is considered a partial deposit for the military. To receive credit for military service, it must be completed while employed by another federal agency.
• Upon reemployment or transfer to another federal agency, provide them with a copy of the application package and payment record. You will need to establish a payment schedule with your new agency to complete your military deposit.
• If you have paid a military deposit in full, you should have already received a copy of the paid-in-full documentation.

Social Security and Medicare

• If you paid into Social Security and Medicare, you earned credits in the same manner as the private industry. These credits will be added to any past or future credits earned to establish benefits.
• Contact the Social Security Administration for information.
• If you need help filling out form CMS L564 - Medicare Request for Employment Information, email [email protected].

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

Unemployment Insurance

Unemployment insurance programs provide financial assistance to eligible workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own, as long as they meet specific eligibility criteria. Unemployment insurance is a joint state-federal program. Each state administers a separate unemployment insurance program, but all states follow the same guidelines established by federal law.

• If you are not going to another job, you may be eligible for unemployment insurance from your local Public Employment Service Office. The SF-8 form provides further instruction.
• Visit the DOI unemployment insurance page for more information and to find your state's unemployment insurance program office.

Life Insurance (FEGLI)

• Life insurance coverage continues free of charge for 31 calendar days after your employment ends. During the 31-day period, you may convert your coverage to an individual policy.
• What to expect: If you wish to convert your policy, contact the Benefits Office to request information on converting to an individual policy (SF-2819) and an agency certification of your insurance status (SF-2821).

Health Benefits (FEHB)

Health insurance coverage continues free of charge for 31 days after the last day of the pay period in which you separate (i.e., if your date of separation is September 30, 2025, this date falls in pay period 21 and the last day in pay period 21 is October 4, 2025. This means the last day of free coverage is November 4, 2025.

What to expect:

You can request information from OHR about converting your group health insurance to a private policy. Information is as follows:

1. Notice of Change in Health Benefits Enrollment (SF 2810): This explains your option and how to convert your group health insurance policy to an individual policy with your current carrier.
2. Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC):
   • You are eligible for TCC for up to 18 months after separation.
   • Select any plan in the Federal program in which you are eligible to enroll. If elected, the 18-month time period begins immediately after separation, and coverage is effective on the day after the 31-day extension of coverage ends.
   • If you change plans upon election of TCC, enrollment in the previous plan will continue through the 31-day extension of coverage. Enrollment in the new plan or option will become effective the day after the 31-day extension of coverage and will continue for up to 17 months.
   • After TCC coverage ends, you are eligible for another 31-day extension of coverage at no cost, and you may convert to a non-group contract offered by your health benefits plan.
   • Refer to the TCC pamphlet for additional information.
3. To enroll, complete a health benefits election form (SF-2809) and return it to the Benefits Office within 60 calendar days of separation. Write "TCC" at the top.

TCC Changes & Cancellation:

If you have enrolled in TCC and need to make changes to or cancel your coverage, contact the DRPS section at NFC.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• Health Care and Limited Expense Health Care: Contributions terminate on the date of separation. Eligible expenses incurred before that date are entitled to reimbursement. Unused funds will be forfeited.
• Dependent Care: Contributions terminate, but you may continue to be reimbursed for expenses until the end of the benefit period or until your account balance is exhausted, whichever is sooner.

For questions about your FSA account, contact FSAFEDS directly.

Dental and Vision Insurance (FEDVIP)

• Enrollment in a dental or vision plan will terminate at the end of the pay period in which you separate. If you have any questions about your coverage under this program, contact BENEFEDS directly.

Federal Long-Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP)

• If you or a family member is enrolled and premiums were paid by payroll deduction, you must submit a Billing Change Form to Long Term Care Partners (FLTCP) as soon as possible.
• The Billing Change Form is available online or by calling FLTCP at 1-800-LTC-FEDS (1-800-582-3337).

Leave

• Annual leave: You will receive a lump sum payment for any unused leave, including "use-or-lose" balances. It will follow the same electronic deposit as your paycheck.
• Sick leave: If you return to the Federal Government, any accrued sick leave will be restored to your account.