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FEDERAL BENEFITS SERVICES DEPARTMENT

There to assist members and chapters and federations

Respond to letters, emails and phone calls

Advise National Officers and Departments on federal benefits

Update manuals

Write the Q and As section of the magazine

Contact Us at FEDBENFITS@NARFE..ORG

WHAT’S NEW AT OPM

1099Rs will continue to be mailed

Should sign up for Services on-lineGet your 1099R on line Can change address, get a verification of life insurance, change tax withholding, sign up for direct deposit and have allotments withheld from you annuity.

WHATS NEW

Self Plus One Option under the FEHBP

Retirement case backlog – as of April 1 – 18,573 new cases.

Other Work Loads Are Affected

OPM Director will be Keynote Speaker

Meeting with the Director

REPRESENTATIVE PAYEES

Individuals are living longer but the quality of life may diminish.

If mentally or physically incapacitated, someone needs to handle federal benefits.

OPM requires 1) court appointed guardian or fiduciary; or 2) Representative Payee

APPLICATION

RI-20-7 Representative Payee Application

Includes what documentation is required if no court appointed guardian.

There is a certification that must be signed by the applicant.

Applicant must provide information on how they intend to discharge their duties

OPM’S PROCESS

After receipt of the application and medical documentation, OPM’s office that handles disability retirements for review and approval.

After review they send their decision to the appropriate operating office in retirement to respond back to the applicant. If there are deficiencies in the application they will note them.

OPM’S DECISION

Prefers someone who has care and custody of the individual.

May deny if evidence does not support the individual is mentally or physically incapable of handling his/her own affairs.

May deny if the applicant did not complete the forms or documentation was insufficient.

IF APPROVED

Payments will be in the name of the Rep Payee for the annuitant or survivor annuitant.

The rep payee can make changes to health benefits, income tax withholding, both mailing and payment addresses. Annual mailings by OPM will go to the Rep Payee’s address – for instance Open Season notices, and 1099Rs.

THAT’S ALL I WANTED TO SAY

I want to quote the late comedian George Carlin who advised:

In retirement keep active, keep busy. Develop a hobby – go to NARFE Chapter meetings – take classes, or anything else to keep your mind active. Because an Idle mind is the Devil’s workshop and the DEVIL my friends is…. Alzheimers.