New Employee Benefits Enrollment

This page provides resources to help you make an informed decision about your Federal benefits. For more detailed information, refer to the Federal Benefits Summary and to the New Employee Enrollment Overview.


Virtual workshops

The Benefits staff provides the following live presentations twice a month. Use the Connect to a workshop links below to join in.

    New employee benefits orientation

    Overview of the Federal benefits programs.

    New Employee Benefits Presentation Slides

    Connect to New Employee Benefits Orientation

    Join using WebEx

    Video conference link
    Meeting number (access code): 126 141 3084
    Meeting password: nwY3HidVc83

    Join by phone

    1-650-479-3208  Call-in toll number (US/Canada)
    Global call-in numbers

    New employee workshop

    Answering questions on your benefits and the enrollment process. The workshop supplements the new employee benefits orientation.

    Connect to a workshop

    Join using WebEx

    Video conference link
    Meeting number (access code): 182 341 1687
    Meeting password: NScYdKgT694

    Join by phone

    1-650-479-3208 Call-in toll number (US/Canada)
    Global call-in numbers

    Transfer employees

    If you've transferred from outside the Department of Health and Human Services, please visit the Transfer Employee Benefits Information webpage for actions you may need to take and details on your WebEx presentation.


    Benefits Elections

    You have 60 days from your start date to complete benefits elections for all programs listed below.

    Health Insurance

    Submit election form (SF-2809) through USA Staffing Onboarding for New Hires and include family member eligibility document(s), if applicable. Note: Coverage is not retroactive, and it cannot be made effective the day you enter on duty. It's effective the pay period after your enrollment form is submitted.

    Dental and Vision Insurance

    Apply through the BENEFEDS Portal.

    Life Insurance

    Submit election form (SF-2817) through USA Staffing Onboarding for New Hires.

    • Calculator- A tool that allows you to determine the face value and premiums of various combinations of coverage.

    Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

    Apply through the FSA website. The following tools will help determine if an FSA is beneficial for you and your family.  

    Long Term Care (LTC) Insurance

    Important Notice:  Suspension of New Applications

    Questions may be directed to Long Term Care Partners.

    NIH Leave Bank Program

    Apply for membership in the Integrated Time and Attendance System (ITAS), under the “Leave Bank Membership” tab. If you cannot access ITAS, please contact the NIH Leave Bank Office at LeaveBank@od.nih.gov. Additional information can be found on the Leave Bank website.

    Additional Information

    Benefits Contact

    Contact the Benefits Office to confirm receipt of submissions made through USA Staffing Onboarding for New Hires.

    Benefits and Retirement Point of Contact
    First letter of your last name Your contact
    A - Z

    AskBenefits@nih.gov
    Phone: (301) 496-2404

    Fax: (301) 402-5506

    Transfers from another government agency Chris Leiby
    (301) 480-8620