Transfer Employee Benefits Information

This information applies if you transferred to the NIH from another Federal agency outside the Department of Health & Human Services with no break in service.

If your appointment conveys benefits eligibility for the first time, this checklist does not apply to you. Refer to New Employee Benefits Enrollment for guidance.


Virtual workshops

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

Transfer Benefits Orientation

The process to transfer your Federal benefits from your prior agency.

Connect to a workshop

Join using Zoom

Invite Link
Meeting ID: 160 869 3998
Passcode: 859731

Join by phone

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

Important

  • One week after your arrival, fax a copy of your final leave and earnings statement (LES) from your prior agency to 301-402-5506. This is required to transfer year-to-date information and ensure all benefit elections have been accurately transferred.
  • Review your first NIH LES to ensure all your benefit elections and deductions are reflected. If you have any issues, email AskBenefits@nih.gov.

Benefits elections

Below are other actions you may need to take:

Health Insurance

If enrolled in an HMO and moved outside of the service area due to the transfer, you must change plans. Submit a health benefits enrollment form to the Benefits Office. Check out plan brochures to learn about your options. If enrolled in a fee-for-service (nation-wide) plan, your coverage will automatically continue; therefore, no action is required.

Dental and/or Vision Insurance

If enrolled in either plan, notify BENEFEDS of your change in payroll office (new number is 97-38-1500). Call 1-877-888-3337.

Life Insurance

Coverage automatically transfers. No action required.

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

TSP loans: Provide the Benefits Office with a copy of the loan agreement. This information ensures your loan repayment continues.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

If enrolled, notify FSAFEDS of your change in payroll office (new number is 97-38-1500). Call 1-877-372-3337.

Long Term Care (LTC)

If enrolled and premiums are deducted from your LES, notify LTC Partners of your change in payroll office (new number is 97-38-1500). Call 1-800-582-3337.

Military Deposits

If you’re in the process of making a deposit, provide the Benefits Office with a copy of Form 1514; You can obtain this from your prior agency. It will ensure your payments continue.

Designation of Beneficiary

If an Unpaid Compensation (SF-1152) beneficiary form is on file, you must complete a new one. All other beneficiary forms with your former agency remain valid. Additional information can be found on the Beneficiary Forms page.

NIH Leave Bank Program

Within 60 days of your transfer, 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
 

Leave Balances

Monitor your LES. Your prior leave balances will be transferred within two to three pay periods. After your hours are added, provide your timekeeper with a copy to adjust your leave balances in ITAS (time and attendance system).

Payroll Documents

The following payroll documents must be submitted through USA Staffing Onboarding.

  • Direct deposit
  • Federal tax withholding
  • State tax withholding
  • Voluntary allotments

Court Ordered Allotments

Child support, tax levy or garnishments do not continue automatically. Contact DFAS at 1-888-332-7411. The address is Garnishment Operations-HGA, P.O. Box 998002, Cleveland OH 44199-8002. Documents may also be faxed to 216-522-6960.


Benefits office locations

Bethesda office

BG 31 RM 1B37
31 Center Dr
Bethesda, MD 20892-2215

  • Telephone: 301-496-2404
  • Fax: 301-402-5506

North Carolina office

PO Box 12233 (K1-01)
Keystone/Rm 1105
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

  • Telephone: 984-287-3044 or 240-421-9464
  • Fax: 919-541-3659