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1. New Retiree's ID Card Procedure
The Department has implemented a new retiree visitors ID card. Russ LeClair has sent me the State telegram outlining the new procedure on how to obtain the new ID card. Thanks, Russ! P 291336Z JUL 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO ALL DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR POSTS COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHTRO/AMEMBASSY TRIPOLI PRIORITY 1951
BT
UNCLAS STATE 081353 E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: APER
SUBJECT: NEW RETIREE ID CARDS 1. The Bureau of Human Resources (HR) and the Bureau of
Diplomatic Security (DS) are pleased to announce a new
procedure for the issuance of identification cards to
retirees. 2. Starting August 4, 2008, DS will issue all retiree ID
cards. These cards will look like other State Department
badges. Retirees with the new cards will have the same
privileges as those with the current retiree ID card: -- A retiree ID card, exclusive of any other form of ID,
can be used to obtain a HST/SA-1 Retiree Visitor Pass
(RVP); -- As currently in practice, the RVP provides a retiree
with limited unescorted access to HST's Foggy Bottom
and 1st floor service areas, as well as the 3rd floor
Library during normal business hours, Monday through
Friday, except holidays;
-- The same privilege applies at SA-1's HR/RET offices,
Medical suites and service areas. -- Retirees can continue to sign in their legal spouse
and or dependant(s). User instructions are printed
on the back of the RVP. 3. Retirees who have in their possession an HR/RET-issued
retiree ID card may go directly to HST DSIS Office in Room
B-237, to complete Form DS-1838, at which time they will
be processed for and issued the new retiree ID card. 4. Retirees without an HR/RET-issued retiree ID badge
must complete Form DS-1838 at the Office of Retirement
(HR/RET), 2401 E Street NW, Room H-620, SA-1, Columbia
Plaza, Washington, D.C. 20522. A retirement counselor in
HR/RET must sign off on the form to certify your status as
a retiree. Then, you will be able to be processed for and
issued the new retiree ID card from the DSIS office in
HST, Room B-237. 5. Retirees must provide two forms of identification to
the DSIS officer [Note: IDs that are typically used are a
valid (not expired) DOS Personal ID Card, a state driver's
license and/or U.S.Passport]. The ID card will be issued
with an expiration date of 5 years. 6. Minimize considered.
RICE
2. Obtaining a lost birth certificate for a dependant born overseas.
How to Apply for a Certified Copy of a Consular Report of Birth Abroad
Submit a signed and notarized written request including all pertinent facts of the occasion along with a copy of the requester's valid photo identification. Only the subject, parent, or legal guardian may request a birth record. The following information must be included in the request:
General Information
`Date of request
`Purpose of request
`Document Requesting (Certificate of Birth, Report of Death, Certificate of Witness of Marriage, or Certification of No Record)
`Number of documents requesting
`Current mailing address and daytime telephone number
Facts of Birth, Death, or Marriage
`Name (at birth/death/marriage)
`Name after adoption (if applicable)
`Date of birth/death/marriage
`Country of birth/death/marriage
`Father's name
`Father's date and place (state/country) of birth
`Mother's name
`Mother's date and place (state/country) of birth
Passport Information
`Passport used to first enter the U.S.
`Name of bearer
`Date of issuance
`Passport number
`Date of inclusion (if passport was not issued to the subject)
Current passport
`Name of bearer
`Date of issuance
`Passport number
Fees
Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240) - $30.00 - ONE REPLACEMENT ONLY
(Request for a FS-240 must include the original FS-240 or a notarized affidavit attesting to its disposition.)
For the following documents, the fee is $30.00 for the first copy and $20.00 for each additional copy:
`Certificate of Birth (DS-1350)
`Report of Death
`Certificate of Witness to Marriage
`Certification of No Record
`Check or money order must be signed, dated, and made payable to "Department of State."
`Remittance must be payable in U.S. dollars through a U.S. bank.
`Do not send cash.
Additional Requirements
`Notarized signature
`A copy of a valid identification of the requester, such as a drivers license, military ID, or passport.
`If you possess a Report of Birth/Death or Certificate of Witness to Marriage, please enclose a copy to aid in our file search.
`If you are requesting an amendment or correction to a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, please include certified copies of all documents appropriate for effecting the change (i.e., foreign birth certificate, marriage certificate, court ordered adoption or name change, birth certificates of adopting or legitimating parents, etc.). The original or replacement FS-240, or a notarized affidavit concerning its whereabouts also must be included.
SUBMIT YOUR REQUEST TO:
U.S. Department of State
Passport Services
Vital Records Section
1111 19th Street, NW, Suite 510
Washington, DC 20522-1705
Turnaround Time
Most consular vital records must be retrieved from off-site repositories, including the National Archives. Thus, the time it takes varies greatly based on the type of record and date of occurrence, making it difficult to give a definite timeframe. However, in most cases, turnaround is four to eight weeks.
Expedited Service
Overnight delivery can save about ten days processing time, but there is no way to reduce the retrieval time. Overnight return via Federal Express is available for an additional $16.25 or the requester may provide a pre-paid air bill for the carrier of choice.
Additional Information
The Vital Records Section can be reached at (202) 955-0307.
Web-link: http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_825.html
Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to e-mail us at HRSC@state.gov or to call us toll free at 1-866-300-7419.
3. A Survivors Booklet
Since co-founding, with Babe Martin, the CANDOER organization in 1995 I have received requests from members for assistance when a spouse dies. With a memory shorter than my hair this has led to my repeatedly having to research information.
In a conversation I had with Milt Aldridge he informed me that REFCOM had ran into the same problem and that they had compiled a survivors booklet for use by their members. Milt forwarded the booklet to me to put up on the CANDOER web site www.candoer.org for our membership to use.
The booklet was geared toward GS retirees and had no information for FS retirees. Tom Murphy volunteered to assist me in adding the information needed for the FS retirees. Murf's input was invaluable to me in making the necessary changes to this document for the information needed by FS retirees.
This guide should not be consider absolutely all inclusive because every individual situation will be somewhat different depending on the family situation, state of residence, and many other factors. However, it is an excellent starting point. It is intended for printing on three-ring binder paper so that it can be placed in a three-ring binder, and additional pages inserted as warranted for any special situation.
This guide is written as if the deceased and the survivor are one entity. As you work through it, some items are for the individual, whereas other items are for the survivor. For example, in one area the individual is asked what type of funeral is desired. In another section, items for the survivor are listed as things to do after the funeral. The more each knows about the other, the higher probability of things being done as one desired and needs.
We would suggest that this guide be copied and then a copy be completed for each person. This will help if future events dictate necessary changes.
Also, this survivor guide should in no way be considered as a replacement for competent legal advice. Legal advice is different for each individual state based on the specific state laws for wills, power of attorney, and other related issues.
If you have additional items that you think should be included, please share them with us, and they will be passed along.
Any changes or additions you feel should be made, to this booklet, please forward them to me at: candoercat@gmail.com
Because the booklet is 28 pages long I have not included it as a web page. It may be downloaded in one of two formats; a Microsoft Word document or and Adobe PDF format. Both will allow you to print the document yourself.
Survivors Booklet dated 01-28-10 (Word)
Survivors Booklet dated 01-28-10 (PDF)
4. NARFE Survivors Guide
This information can be read or printed and contains all of the vital information necessary to report a death to OPM as well as a sample letter and personal family information that would be beneficial to surviving family members. Survivors Guide
5. Vets Aid and Attendance
Regardless of your personal status, consider passing this along to all veterans, families of veterans or individuals with veterans in their family.
"Aid and Attendance" is an underutilized special monthly pension benefit offered by the Veterans Administration for veterans and surviving spouses who require in-home care or live in nursing homes.
To qualify, a veteran (includes the surviving spouse) must have served at least 90 days of active military service,one day of which is during a period of war, and must be discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
The veteran's benefit is $18,234 annually (paid monthly) and increases to $21,615 if a veteran has one dependent. The surviving spouse alone is $11,715 annually. For more information, call 1-800-827-1000.
Visit www.va.gov (type "Aid and Attendance" in the search block), or contact your local VA office.
Apply on-line at vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp.
- The information is about VA pension benefits and the program does exist. It does provide benefits to low income veterans and spouses.
- Unlike typical disability compensation, this is an income based program. There are three links to VA's websites for this program. There are certain caveats to the program; VA provides clear instructions regarding what items are considered countable towards income and what is not included.
- The second website link provides details the requirements for VA pension; you referred to these requirements in your original email.
- This program provides an alternative to claimants who may not otherwise be able to receive disability benefits.
- The final website indicates how VA calculates for this benefit. It is complicated to explain in an email but if someone needs a better explanation or help with applying for the benefits, they can get help from The American Legion.
www.benefits.va.gov/PENSION/pencalc.asp
www.benefits.va.gov/PENSION/vetpen.asp
benefits.va.gov/PENSION/rates_veteran_pen12.asp
6. Should you Enroll In Medicare?
Following is an article that every retiree that is about to reach 65 should read. It helps to answer the question "Should Federal Retirees Enroll in Medicare?"
Should Federal Retirees Enroll in Medicate?
By Edward A. Zurndorfer, Certified Financial Planner
Federal employees have numerous questions as they plan for their retirement from federal service. One of the most often-asked questions is whether a federal retiree, a CSRS or a FERS annuitant, should enroll in Medicare when he or she becomes first eligible.
This question is difficult to answer for many federal annuitants. The reason for this difficulty is that most federal employees are eligible to keep their Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) health insurance benefits throughout retirement and the federal government continues to pay on average 72 to 75 percent of the FEHB premiums, identical to what the federal government pays on their behalf for their health insurance premiums when they are employees.
The question therefore becomes: Why does a federal annuitant need to enroll in Medicare when they have full insurance coverage under the FEHB program? This column will attempt to answer this question and will also answer other frequently asked questions, namely:
When should federal retirees enroll in Medicare and in which parts of Medicare?
Is there a late enrollment penalty for Medicare and when does the penalty apply?
Which is "primary" coverage - FEHB or Medicare?
It is important to first review the different parts to Medicare. There are four parts to Medicare - Part A, Part B, Part C and Part D.
Part A (Hospital Insurance) Helps pay for inpatient hospital care, home health care, and hospice care and prescriptions dispersed in a hospital or skilled nursing facility.
Part B (Medical Insurance) Helps pay for covered services received from a doctor, outpatient hospital car, durable medical equipment, ambulance services, and many other health services and supplies that are not covered by Part A. Part B does not pay for most routine dental care, eyeglasses, hearing aids, most immunizations, or most prescription drugs. Beginning in 2011, Part B covers an annual wellness visit where beneficiaries are provided a personalized prevention plan, including a health risk assessment.
Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans), formerly called Medicare Choice plans These plans are offered by private companies that are approved by Medicare. Federal annuitants covered by a FEHB plan do not need Medicare Part C.
Part D (Prescription Drug Plans) which helps pay for outpatient prescription drugs These plans are approved by Medicare but are managed by private companies. Different plans cover different drugs and may be offered only in specific areas of the country. Federal annuitants covered by FEHB plans usually do not need to enroll in Medicare Part D.
Medicare Parts A and B are called the "original" Medicare. Federal employees are eligible for Part A if they, or their spouse, worked in a Medicare Part A-covered employment for at least 10 years (40 credits), are 65 years or older, and are a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. If an individual is eligible for Medicare Part A, then the individual and the individual's spouse is automatically eligible for Medicare Parts B, C and D.
An individual pays no monthly premium for Medicare Part A, assuming the individual has at least 10 years-worth (40 credits) of Medicare-covered employment. Since all federal employees have been paying the Part A payroll tax since Jan. 1, 1983, all federal employees will be eligible to enroll in Part A when they are age 65 and there will be no monthly premium cost. Annuitants age 65 and employees who are working past age 65 are strongly encouraged to enroll in Part A within a few months of their 65th birthday. In so doing, this may help cover some of the hospital-related costs that a FEHB plan may not cover, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and charges that exceed the plan's allowable charges.
Any federal annuitant 65 and older enrolled in a fee-for-service (FFS) plan such as Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), GEHA, or Mail Handlers should seriously consider enrolling in Medicare Part B. Medicare Part B enrollment and one's FFS plan may combine to provide almost complete coverage for all medical expenses. In other words, between the FEHB plan and Part B, an annuitant would have minimum - probably no - out-of-pocket expenses to pay, including no deductibles, copayments or coinsurance.
Those annuitants who are enrolled in an HMO may not need to enroll in Part B. HMOs provide most medical services with usual small copayments. But some annuitants enrolled in HMOs may want to consider enrolling in Part B as Part B pays for costs involved with seeing doctors outside the HMO network. Part B also pays for costs for non-emergency care in the US if traveling is involved.
The employees with FEHB coverage and who work past age 65 do not have to enroll in Part B when they become age 65. As long as they continue to work in federal service, their FEHB coverage will be primary for medical services such as doctor visits and laboratory services, and they can use their health care flexible spending account (HCFSA) to pay for any out-of-pocket expenses. These individuals will have a special enrollment period (see below under "Medicare Parts A and B Enrollment Periods" #3) when they retire or when their spouse retires to enroll in Part B without paying a penalty.
Unlike Medicare Part A which is free for most enrollees, there is a monthly premium for Medicare Part B. Most individuals will pay the standard monthly premium, but some individuals will pay a higher premium based on their modified adjusted gross income (MAGI).
Medicare Part B Premiums/Deductibles Medicare Part B covers physician services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, durable medical equipment, and certain other medical and health services not covered by Medicare Part A.
The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees is $135.50 during 2019, an increase of $1.50 from $134 during 2018. An estimated 2 million Medicare beneficiaries will pay less than the full Part B standard monthly premium amount in 2019 due to the statutory "hold harmless provision", which limits certain beneficiaries' increase in their Part B premium to be no greater than the increase in their Social Security benefits. The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries is $185 in 2019, an increase of $2 from the annual deductible $183 in 2018.
Since 2007, a beneficiary's Part B monthly premium is based on his or her MAGI. These income-related monthly adjustment amounts (IRMAA) affect roughly 5 percent of people with Medicare Part B.
Part D (Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage) Generally, it will almost always be to a federal employee's advantage to keep their FEHB coverage in retirement without any changes. The exception is for those with limited incomes and resources who may qualify for Medicare's extra help with prescription drug costs. Prior to retiring, federal employees should contact the benefits administrator or their FEHB insurer for information about their FEHB prescription coverage before making any changes.
It is important to note that FEHB prescription drug coverage is an integral part of a federal employee's total health benefits package. An employee cannot suspend or cancel FEHB prescription drug coverage without losing the FEHB plan coverage in its entirety (in other words, losing coverage) for hospital and medical services which could mean significantly higher costs for those services.
Since all FEHB Program plans have as good or better prescription drug coverage than Medicare, FEHB plans are considered to offer "creditable" prescription drug coverage. Therefore, if a federal employee decides not to join a Medicare drug plan when first eligible but changes his or her mind later and while still enrolled in a FEHB plan, the individual can do so without paying a late enrollment penalty. As long as the individual has FEHB coverage, they may enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan from during the Medicare Part D "open season" (October 15 to December 7 of each year) at the regular monthly premium rate. However, if the individual loses FEHB coverage and wants to join a Medicare prescription drug program, they must join within 60 days of losing their FEHB coverage and the monthly Part D premium will include a late enrollment penalty. The late enrollment penalty will increase each year that one waits to enroll and will be included in the premium each year for as long as coverage is maintained.
When Should a Federal Retiree or Annuitant Enroll in Medicare Parts A and B?
Individuals already receiving monthly Social Security retirement benefits are automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B in the month they become age 65. Individuals who are within a few months of their 65th birthday and not receiving monthly Social Security retirement benefits must apply for Medicare Parts A and B by contacting the Social Security Administration. They may do so by either calling 1-800-772-1213 or going online at https://www.socialsecurity.gov/medicareonly.
Medicare Parts A and B Enrollment Periods
An individual can enroll during one of the following periods:
Three months before, the month, or three months after the month the individual becomes age 65.
Between Jan. 1 and March 31 of each year - with coverage becoming effective the following July 1.
Within eight months of losing health insurance coverage provided by an employer or union or retiring from an employer providing health insurance in retirement such as the federal government through the FEHB program.
The following examples illustrate:
Example 1 Larry retired from federal service on Jan. 3, 2019 and will become age 65 in July 2019. Larry is enrolled in FEHB and will be throughout his retirement. Larry needs to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B between April 1, 2019 and Oct. 31, 2019 in order to avoid paying a late enrollment penalty for Part B.
Example 2 Fran, age 66, is a federal employee and intends to retire from federal service on Dec. 31, 2019 at the age of 67. When Fran became age 65 in 2017, she enrolled in Medicare Part A but did not enroll in Part B. This is because she continued to work in federal service and is enrolled in a FEHB plan. When Fran retires on Dec. 31, 2019, she must enroll in Medicare Part B between Jan. 1, 2020 and Aug. 31, 2020. She will do so in person at a local Social Security office, bringing with her two items as proof that she continued to work past age 65 and had health insurance through her employer. She needs to bring her last statement of earnings and leave, and Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Form CMS-L564 (Request for Employment Information). This form is downloadable from https://www.cms.gov and is completed by Fran's Personnel Office.
Is There a Late Enrollment Penalty?
If an individual did not sign up for Part B when he or she was first eligible, then the Part B monthly premium may be higher. In particular, the cost of Part B may go up 10 percent for each 12-month period that an individual could have been enrolled in Part B but did not sign up for it. The individual will have to pay this extra monthly premium as long as the individual has Part B, except in special cases. For those individuals who miss the deadline to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B when they are first eligible, Medicare has an "open season" enrollment for Parts A and B each year between January 1 and March 31 with coverage becoming effective the following July 1. But a late enrollment penalty for Part B (not for Part A) will apply equal to 10 percent per year of the first tier Part B monthly premium amount in effect that year ($135.50 per month during 2019). The penalty period is measured from the last month the individual could have enrolled in Medicare and July 1 of the year Medicare Part B becomes effective.
Which is "Primary" Coverage - Medicare or FEHB?
A FEHB plan must pay first when an individual is an active federal employee or rehired annuitant. When an individual is an annuitant and is enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and in a FEHB plan, then Medicare is primary coverage and the FEHB is secondary coverage or Medicare supplement.
FEHB premiums will not be reduced when an employee or annuitant enrolls in Medicare. Annuitants pay the same FEHB premium for the same FEHB plan as active employees. However, once Medicare becomes the primary payer of an individual's healthcare related expense, the individual may find that a lower cost FEHB plan is adequate for their needs, especially if the individual is currently enrolled in a FEHB plan's high option coverage. Also, some FEHB plans waive deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments when Medicare is primary.
Since enrolling in Medicare is considered a "life event", an annuitant or employee can change his or her FEHB plan to any available plan or option at any time beginning 30 days before becoming eligible for Medicare and ending 30 days after the day the individual becomes eligible for Medicare. Changes to one's FEHB plan can also be made during the annual FEHB open season.
TriCare Health Insurance Coverage and Medicare
Those federal employees who are receiving, or who will be receiving, military retirement pay (for active duty or for reserve duty) are or will be eligible for TriCare health insurance coverage. There are different types of TriCare health insurance, including TriCare Standard and TriCare Prime. But at age 65, a military retiree receiving retirement pay is eligible to enroll in TriCare-for-Life health insurance. There is no monthly premium cost for TriCare-for-Life provided the military retiree (and spouse, if applicable) is enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. This is because when a military retiree becomes age 65, Medicare is considered primary coverage and TriCare is considered secondary coverage.
7. Contact information for the Human Resources Center in Charleston, SC
Human Resources Services Center in Charleston (HRSC)
First point of contact for retirement-related questions
Receives and processes forms from annuitants for FEHB, FEGLI, and beneficiary changes
Quickly answers basic questions (typically 2/3 of those received)
Forwards complex questions to HR/RET retirement counselors for their response
1-866-300-7419 (Toll free)
1-843-308-5539 (Outside U.S.)
1-843-202-3807 (Fax)
HRSC@state.gov (E-mail address )
Telephone number for questions to the Consolidated American Payroll Division (for 1099R, etc.)
1-800-521-2553 (Toll free)
1-843-308-5626 (Local telephone number)
1-843-308-5425 (Fax)
PayHelp@State.gov (E-mail address)
Director of HRSC is: Jeff Mounts - 1-843-308-5301 (Only as a last resort)
Mailing address
Office of Retirement (HR/RET)
U.S. Department of State HR Service Center
1999 Dyess Ave, Building E
Charleston, SC 29405
8. Retirement Services: Who Does What?
Retirement Services: Who Does What?
Employee Self-Service
° View comprehensive retirement info on EBIS (State intranet) and at RNet.state.gov
° Attend Foreign Service Institute (FSI/TC/CTC) retirement planning seminars: RV 105 Mid-Career Retirement Planning Seminar,
RV 101 Retirement Planning Seminar within 10 years of retirement, and RV 102 Job Search Program immediately before retirement
° Generate a personalized estimate of your retirement benefits via EBIS
° Generate estimate of post-retirement TSP withdrawals via the TSP website
° Obtain retirement credit for prior service using "HR Link" module on EBIS
° Review your e-OPF to view retirement-related records to ensure they are complete
° Review survivor beneficiary designations on e-OPF and update if needed
° Submit retirement application via EBIS at least 90 days prior to retirement date
° Order your career achievement (retirement) awards via EBIS
° Update your EP+ profile on HR Online if you may be interested in WAE employment
Human Resource Services Center in Charleston (HRSC)
° First point of contact for retirement-related questions
° Receives and processes forms from annuitants for FEHB, FEGLI, and beneficiary changes
° Quickly answers basic questions (typically 2/3 of those received)
° Forwards complex questions to HR/RET retirement counselors for their response
1 (866) 300-7419 (Toll free) U.S. Department of State
1 (843) 308-5539 (Outside U.S.) HR Service Center
1 (843) 202-3807 (Fax) 1269 Holland Street
E-mail HRSC@State.gov
Office of Retirement (HR/RET)
° Calculates and adjudicates Foreign Service retirements
° Does initial processing of State Department Civil Service retirements
° Processes applications for prior service credit
° Determines former spouse benefits and survivor entitlements (Foreign Service)
° Manages post-retirement benefits adjustments (Foreign Service)
° Interprets retirement law and regulations
° Counsels retiring employees and their spouses on retirement issues when requested
° Answers complex retirement-related questions from employees and annuitants
1 (202) 261-8960 (Phone) Office of Retirement
1 (202) 261-8988 (Fax) 2401 E Street NW, Room H-620
Web site: RNet.state.gov
Retirement Accounts Division (CGFS/C/APP/RAD)
° Delay or non-receipt of annuity check
° Address, bank, withholding changes
° Provides verification of annuity for Foreign Service retirees
° 1099R - Tax report Foreign Service annuity
° Annuity Cost of Living Adjustments
° Monitoring WAE salary/annuity cap
° Refund of excess-35 year contributions
1 (843) 746-0538 (Phone) Global Financial Services-RAD
1 (800) 521-2553 (Toll free) 1969 Dyess Avenue, Building 646B
1 (843) 308-5494 (Fax) P.O. Box 150008
E-mail: PayHelp@State.gov
Payroll Office (CGFS/C/APPO)
° Issuance of final salary/annual leave
° Lump-sum payment
° Sends notification of retirement to TSP
° W-2, Annual Tax Report/Salary
1 (843) 746-0538 (Phone) Consolidated American Payroll Division
1 (877) 865-0760 (Toll free) Charleston, SC
1 (301)985-8584 (Fax)
E-mail: PayHelp@State.gov
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
° Information on Thrift Savings Plan
° Processing of applications for TSP withdrawals
1 (877) 968-3778 (Toll free) National Finance Center
1 (404) 233-4400 (Outside U.S.) P.O. Box 385021
www.tsp.gov(Website) Birmingham, AL 35238
Medicare
° 1 (800) 633-4227
Web site: www.Medicare.gov
Social Security Administration
° Information on Social Security benefits
° Adjudication of application for Social Security benefits
1 (800) 772-1213 (Phone)
Web Site www.SSA.gov
Internal Revenue Service
° Information on taxation of retirement benefits (IRS Publication #721)
Web site: www.IRS.gov
The snail-mail address for the people who handle the 1099R in Charleston is:
U.S. Department of State
Foreign Service Annuity Roll
Post Office Box 150008
Charleston, SC 29405-0008
1. How to Apply for a Veterans ID Card (VIC)
ATTENTION VETERANS
How to apply for a Veteran ID Card
A Veteran ID Card (VIC) is a form of photo ID you can use to get discounts offered to Veterans at many restaurants, hotels, stores, and other businesses. Find out if youâre eligible
for a Veteran ID Cardâand how to apply.
Am I eligible for a Veteran ID Card?
You may be eligible if you meet both of the requirements listed below.
Both of these must be true. You:
Served on active duty, in the Reserves, or in the National Guard (including the Coast Guard),
and
Received an honorable or general discharge (under honorable conditions)
If you received an other than honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable character of discharge, youâre not eligible for a Veteran ID Card. If you have an uncharacterized
or unknown discharge status, weâll have to verify your eligibility before we approve your application.
Youâll need to provide a copy of your discharge papers when you apply for a VIC to prove your character of discharge.
Please note: Retail vendors volunteer to take part in this discount program. If a business decides to provide discounts to Veterans, it doesnât mean that weâre recommending or favoring that business.
How do I apply for a Veteran ID Card?
You can apply online now here.
Please sign in to apply for a Veteran ID Card
Try signing in with your DS Logon, My HealtheVet, or ID.me account. If you donât have any of those accounts, you can create one now.
Youâll need this information.
When you apply, be sure to have these on hand:
Your Social Security number
A digital copy of your DD214, DD256, DD257, or NGB22 that you can upload. This could be in a .pdf, .jpeg, or .png file format.
A copy of a current and valid government-issued ID, such as a driverâs license, passport, or state-issued identification card.
Youâll also need a digital color photo of yourself from the shoulders up. The photo should follow all these standards:
Show a full front view of your face and neck (with no hat, head covering, or headphones covering or casting shadows on your hairline or face), and
Be cropped from your shoulders up (much like a passport photo), and
Show you with your eyes open and a neutral expression, and
Be taken in clothing youâd wear for a driverâs license photo, and
Be a square size and have a white or plain-color background (with no scenery or other people in the photo), and
Show what you look like now (a photo taken sometime in the last 10 years), and
Be uploaded as a .jpeg, .png, .bmp, or .tiff file
What happens after I apply for a Veteran ID Card?
Once youâve submitted your VIC application, weâll check your eligibility and verify that:
Your character of discharge meets eligibility requirements, and
The ID you submitted (driverâs license or passport) is valid, and
The image youâve chosen to appear on the card meets the photo requirements
After weâve verified your eligibility, weâll send you an email letting you know the status of your application. If you have an unknown or uncharacterized discharge status,
your application will take more time to process while we verify your eligibility. (We may need to request your records from the National Personnel Records Center.)
If you receive an email from us asking for additional information or evidence to process your application, youâll need to sign in to AccessVA and update your application
with the information we ask for.
Check the status of your application after you apply
You can sign in to your AccessVA account to check the status of your VIC application.
Replace your Veteran ID Card if it gets lost or stolen
To request a new card, please send us an email.
Email us at vetidcard@va.gov
Get help with your application
If you have any questions or need help, please send us an email.
Email us at vetidcard@va.govEmail us at vetidcard@va.gov
CGFS Foreign Service Annuitant Bulletin
May 2024
Greetings from the Annuity Pay Team at the U.S. Department of State Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services (CGFS). This is the 2024 Foreign Service Annuitant Bulletin.
1. Re-Employed Annuitant (REA/WAE) Program
2. Death of an Annuitant or Spouse - Annuity Changes and Who to Notify
3. Changes in Marital Status
4. Are You Paying Too Much for Health Insurance
5. How to Access Personnel Records Once Youâre Retired
6. Keep Your Records Updated via Annuitant Express (AEEX)
7. How to Apply for a Retiree ID Card
8. Deceased Annuitant Checklist
1. Re-employed Annuitant (REA/WAE) Program
The centralized Re-employed Annuitant (REA) program (previously known as the When Actually Employed (WAE) program) Global Registry is managed by the Bureau of Global Talent Management, Office of Talent Services (GTM/TS).
Annuitants interested in having their name added to the Global Registry should contact the HR Service Center at (866) 300-7419 or by sending an email to HRSC@state.gov.
The Global Registry may be used within the Department to find potential candidates to fill REA positions.
However, having your contact information added to the registry does not guarantee or imply that you will receive employment.
There are not enough REA positions available to accommodate every annuitant seeking reemployment. Instead, the registry acts as a database to increase a hiring managerâs pool of candidates.
Resources can be found on the Retirement Network (RNet) website (https://rnet.state.gov) under the section âReemployed Annuitant (WAE) Program.â
Limits on Re-employment of Annuitants:
If a Foreign Service annuitant is reemployed under a full-time Civil Service, Legislative or Judicial Branch or a Presidential appointment, other than a part-time or intermittent as defined below, payment of the employeeâs annuity is suspended. At the conclusion of the appointment, payment of the annuity resumes, with intervening cost of living adjustments (COLAs) applicable during the period of re-employment.
Employment in a private company or on a personal services contract (PSC) does not trigger suspension of oneâs FSPS or FSRDS annuity.
Any Federal agency or branch of government (including the Legislative and Judicial branches) that reemploys an FSRDS or FSPS annuitant must notify the State Department at: HRSC@state.gov or U.S. Department of State, HR Service Center, Annuitant Services, 1999 Dyess Avenue, Building E, Charleston, SC, 29405. The employing agency must send the HR Service Center a copy of the Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) and take other appropriate actions, as directed by the State Departmentâs Office of Retirement, including salary reduction.
2. Death of an Annuitant or Spouse â Annuity Changes and Who to Notify
In the event of the death of an annuitant or the spouse of an annuitant, will you or your surviving spouse or executor know how to go about reporting the death to the HR Service Center? Will your surviving spouse know if annuity payments and Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) coverage will continue? What about collecting Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) benefits? If not, itâs time to sit down together and talk about this eventuality and organize your financial files so critical financial information is readily available.
If your spouse passed away, you must promptly notify the HR Service Center as soon as possible. You can reach them at HRSC@state.gov or 1 (866) 300-7419. When you contact them, please provide the full name of the deceased annuitant or spouse, date of birth, date of death, Social Security Number, and relationships of those who may be entitled to survivor benefits. Once the HR Service Center receives this information, they will review the records of the deceased and send you an Application for Death Benefits along with details about FEHB and FEGLI benefits. You can then complete the application and return it by mail or fax to HRSC. If the annuitant elected a survivor annuity for the spouse at retirement, the annuitantâs surviving spouse will begin receiving an adjusted annuity payment. One common misconception among surviving spouses of annuitants is that they will receive the same annuity amount as the deceased annuitant. At retirement, the annuitant determines the survivor benefit election, which determines the survivor's portion. Upon the death of an annuitant, the Office of Retirement calculates the survivor portion. This clarification helps manage expectations and aids financial planning during this challenging period. If the annuitantâs spouse is deceased, the annuitant may be eligible for a restoration of the annuity and entitled to an increase in annuity, effective the first of the month after the month in which the marriage terminated. To learn more about this topic, please see the Changes in Marital Status section in this newsletter or visit the Survivor Benefits section located in the Retirement Center at www.opm.gov.
If the annuitant had FEGLI coverage, the HR Service Center will certify the date of death to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). OPM will send instructions and claim forms to the designated beneficiaries listed on the FEGLI election form. If the forms do not arrive within five weeks, the survivor, or executor should write directly to OPM (Attention: CSI/LI/Roll Maintenance, Employee Service and Records Center, P.O. Box 45, Boyers, PA 16017). This letter should provide the full name of the annuitant, date of birth, date of death, the name of the retirement system (FSRDS or FSPS) and the annuitantâs identification number, which is prefaced by the letters CSI- and found in the annuitantâs insurance certification document and in the departmentâs letter of instructions.
If the annuitant had a self and family FEHB enrollment at the date of death, and a survivor annuity is payable, the surviving spouse can elect to continue health benefit coverage under the FEHB Program. It is important that the surviving spouse inform the department of the death of the annuitant immediately. There is a 60-day window from the date-of-death of the annuitant for the surviving spouse to elect coverage in their name. If there are no other eligible family members, the Office of Retirement will change the family enrollment to a self-only enrollment. The premiums for the surviving spouse will be deducted from the survivor annuity. In the event the survivor annuity is not sufficient to cover the FEHB premiums, the surviving spouse will be required to pay the FEHB premiums directly to the Department of State to retain FEHB coverage.
It is crucial to report the death of a loved one to the relevant offices as soon as possible to avoid any financial complications, such as unexpected withdrawals from your account. If any issues arise, like continued receipt of the monthly annuity, it is vital to contact Payroll Customer Support at AnnuityPaySupport@state.gov to stop further payments promptly. The entire process, from reporting the death to finalizing survivor benefits, usually lasts 90 days, provided that the survivor submits the necessary paperwork on time. During this period, survivors must be vigilant with their finances and ensure they navigate the process as efficiently as possible.
The time following the death of a spouse is a difficult one. One way to make this time easier is to talk about what to do in this eventuality, and to create files for the surviving spouse and executor with information about survivor benefits. At a minimum, the file should include:
Copy of the Foreign Service Death Benefits Claim Information
JF-37 Election of Annuity Benefits (Survivor Benefits Election)
DS-5008 Election of Less Than Maximum Survivor Benefit
SF-2823 Designation of Beneficiary (FEGLI Program)
The survivor should also know that several certified copies of the annuitantâs death certificate may be required, not only by the government, but also by financial institutions.
Weâve also included a checklist at the end of this bulletin for Foreign Service Annuitants to keep with their Last Will and Testament. The checklist provides your next of kin or executor a list of what to do and who to contact upon an annuitantâs death.
3. Changes in Marital Status
Foreign Service annuitants, their survivors, and former spouses must keep the Department informed of changes in marital status, including death, divorce, marriage, and remarriage by notifying the HR Service Center at HRSC@state.gov and providing requested documentation. Failing to do so can have consequences on benefits. For example:
An annuitant who elected a survivor annuity for a spouse and whose marriage terminates by death or divorce, may be entitled to an increase in their annuity.
If an annuitantâs marriage is terminated by divorce, the former spouse may qualify for part of the annuity and/or survivor benefits.
An annuitant under FSRDS who marries after retirement may elect a survivor annuity for his/her spouse, provided the election is made using DS 5071 or DS 5072 within one year of marriage.
An annuitant under FSPS who marries after retirement may elect a survivor annuity for his/her spouse, provided the election is made using DS 5071 or DS 5072 within two years of marriage. The election of a survivor annuity can be made effective after nine months of marriage, but the reduction in the retireeâs annuity becomes retroactive to the commencing date of the annuity or the last date a reduction was in effect for a prior spouse.
4. Are You Paying Too Much for Health Insurance?
You may be unnecessarily spending hundreds or thousands of dollars each year if you are enrolled in the wrong plan. Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) carriers offer three plan types, Self Only, Self Plus One, and Self & Family. Did your child turn 18, graduate from college or get married? Did you get divorced? Did your spouse pass away? In many cases, annuitants are still paying for Self Plus One or Self & Family plans even after their family size has been reduced. If youâre not sure which family members are still on your plan, call your carrier. If you need to remove a loved one from your health insurance, please take the appropriate action below to reduce your coverage:
Remove a Child for Any Reason â Each child is different. Discuss your options with the Human Resource Service Center by calling (866) 300-7419 or send an email to HRSC@state.gov, or mail a letter to U.S. Department of State, HR Service Center, Annuitant Services, 1999 Dyess Avenue, Building E, Charleston, SC 29405.
Remove a Spouse Due to Divorce â Your former spouse MUST be removed from your health insurance policy immediately upon your divorce. Complete the SF-2809 and submit with a copy of your divorce decree to HRSC@state.gov or mail to U.S. Department of State, HR Service Center, Annuitant Services, 1999 Dyess Avenue, Building E, Charleston, SC 29405.
Remove a Spouse Due to Death â You MUST remove your spouse from your health insurance policy within 60 days. Additionally, you may be entitled to have your annuity restored to its full amount; therefore, you should contact the Human Resource Service Center immediately by calling (866) 300-7419. Complete the SF-2809 and submit with a copy of your spouseâs death certificate to HRSC@state.gov or mail to U.S. Department of State, HR Service Center, Annuitant Services, 1999 Dyess Avenue, Building E, Charleston, SC 29405.
5. How to Access Personnel Records Once Youâre Retired
The Department of State manages personnel records requests through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the Privacy Act, and Mandatory Declassification Review programs. You can use these programs to access a variety of Department records including your personnel records like SF-50s. To find out more about these programs and request your own personnel documents, please visit the Departmentâs public FOIA page at https://foia.state.gov/.
6. Keep Your Records Updated via Annuitant Express (AEEX)
You can use Annuitant Express (AEEX) at https://www.employeeexpress.gov, to change mailing and email addresses, adjust federal tax withholdings, view, and print monthly annuity statements and annual Form 1099-R. To gain access to AEEX, you need to create an account using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) identification on https://secure.login.gov. The Login.gov account will enable annuitants to log into AEEX. Users having challenges accessing the Login.gov should send inquiries to the Login.gov helpdesk: support@login.gov.
Note: You may change the withholding amount for your current state only; Annuitants may NOT use Annuitant Express to change their state or initiate state tax withholdings.
If you have relocated to another state, or would like to initiate state tax withholdings, please contact AnnuityPaySupport@state.gov.
There has been an increase in attempts to gain unauthorized access to platforms like AEEX and Login.Gov by using email addresses to access sensitive financial data. It is crucial to stay vigilant and cautious of such scams. If you receive an email that appears suspicious or from domains like "login.gov.com" or "employeeexpress.com" with a ".com" ending, exercise caution. One way to verify the legitimacy of the email is by hovering over the email address to check if it is indeed from the US Department of State. If you are unsure, please email AnnuityPaySupport@state.gov, for assistance. An OPM verification enhancement was also launched within Employee Express for added security as of April 12, 2024. An email will be sent to the address on file for all transactions processed within Employee Express. If you receive a notification for a change, you did not authorize, please contact the Payroll Customer Support team via email at AnnuityPaySupport@state.gov or via phone at 1-800-521-2553 or 1-877-865-0760. Your financial security is paramount, and we are committed to ensuring the protection of your data.
7. How to Apply for a Retiree ID Card
If you have business at the Harry S. Truman Building (HST) or State Annex 1 (SA-1 Columbia Plaza), you may apply to Diplomatic Security Identification Services (DSIS) for a Retiree identification card, which is valid for five years. When holders of Retiree ID cards enter HST or SA-1, they are issued a Retiree Visitor Pass that allows them unescorted access during normal business hours to HSTâs customer service areas (1st floor and the Foggy Bottom) and the 3rd floor Ralph Bunche Library, SA-1âs Office of Retirement (GTM/RET) and the Office of Medical Services (MED) suites and service areas. Retiree ID holders who wish to visit offices in other parts of HST or SA-1 must obtain a visitor badge from a building access receptionist and may then proceed unescorted during normal business hours.
Please forward any inquiries or requests for Retiree ID cards to gtm_retiree_badge@state.gov or by calling 202-261-8960. GTM/RET will coordinate completion of the form with the retiree. GTM/RET will certify the retiree's status and send the form to DSIS after which the retiree will be given a confirmation number and may proceed to the SA-9 ID Unit (located at 2025 E Street, NW, Suite SE1051, Washington, D.C.) for their previously scheduled appointment to apply for the Retiree ID card.
Note: You must make an appointment with DSIS at idservicescsc@state.gov prior to contacting GTM/RET. GTM/RET cannot forward its approval to DSIS unless you already have your scheduled appointment.
8. Deceased Annuitant Checklist - PLACE THIS DOCUMENT WITH YOUR LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT AND/OR PROVIDE A COPY TO YOUR GUARDIAN, EXECUTOR, OR NEXT OF KIN
Upon my death, please take the following actions within 5 days:
â Notify the Department of State of my death. Call or e-mail the HR Service Center at 1-866-300-7419 (Toll Free) or 1-843-308-5539 (Outside the U.S.), or HRSC@state.gov. Or you may submit a letter or written report to: U.S. Department of State, HR Service Center, Annuitant Services, 1999 Dyess Avenue, Building E, Charleston, SC 29405.
â Provide a copy of my Certificate of Death to the Department of State by email or mail to HRSC@state.gov or U.S. Department of State, HR Service Center, Annuitant Services, 1999 Dyess Avenue, Building E, Charleston, SC 29405.
â If I was overseas at the time of my death, please report my death to the nearest U.S. Embassy found at https://www.usembassy.gov/.
â Notify my financial institution(s). The annuitant should create a separate list with all financial institution names, account numbers, and phone numbers and keep with this checklist.
â Return any payments made after my date of death. Payments issued via EFT (electronic funds transfer) after the date of death will be reclaimed by the U.S. Treasury and must be returned to the Department promptly. Please do not remove any funds from my bank accounts until the reclamation process is complete.
â Notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) of my death by calling the nearest SSA office or their main number at 1-800-772-1213.
â If applicable, file a claim with the Office of Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) by calling 1-888-767-6738. The HR Service Center will initiate this claim on your behalf once they have certified the death for OPM.
â If applicable, file a claim with the Thrift Savings Plan by calling 1-877-968-3778.
â Return any un-cashed annuity checks to:
U.S. Department of State
Global Compensation â Funds Control
2010 Bainbridge Ave.
North Charleston, SC 29405
â Modify my Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB). If I was enrolled in self-plus-one or self and family and if any covered family member is entitled to an annuity, FEHB benefits can continue. Contact the HR Service Center at 1-866-300-7419 (Toll Free) or 1-843-308-5539 (Outside the U.S.), or HRSC@state.gov for assistance. |
