HRSSC Benefits/Compensation PO Box 970400 Greensboro NC 27497-0400	HRSSC Retirements/Separations PO Box 970500 Greensboro, NC 27497-0500
HRSSC EAS Selections PO BOX 970200 Greensboro, NC 27497-0200

Human Resources

2008 Open Season and Other Benefits and Payroll Election Opportunities

Note: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) expire at the end of each year, but they can be renewed during FSA Open Season. Annual Leave Exchange (ALE) for next year’s leave requires an election during this ALE Open Season. Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Catch Up Contributions expire at the end of each year, but elections can be made at any time.

Benefit

Program

Note the deadlines…

Find out about

eligibility and options …

Prepare for and

make your elections…

Comments

Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB)

Program

Opens: 11/10

Closes: 12/09

5:00 p.m. CT

Qualifying Life Event (through HRSSC)

Guides to Benefits

Updates coming soon.

Career Employees.
Postal Inspectors & OIG Employees.
Postal Nurses.
Noncareer Employees.

Prepare

PostalEASE FEHB

Worksheet

Use

PostalEASE

You must enter dependents if electing a new Self and Family plan.
Individual plan brochures are available at www.opm.gov/insure or by calling the health plan.

Coming to you in the mail: Guide to Benefits (program summary) with PostalEASE FEHB Worksheet.

Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)

Opens: 11/10

Closes: 12/08

11:59 p.m. ET

Qualifying Life Event (through FEDVIP, not HRSSC)

Guide to Dental & Vision Insurance

Update coming soon.

All Employees.

If you are eligible to participate in FEHB, you are eligible to enroll in FEDVIP, even if you are not enrolled in FEHB.
USPS does not contribute.
You pay full cost of premiums on a pre-tax basis.
You may enroll in a dental plan, a vision plan, or both.
You may enroll in a plan for Self Only, Self Plus One, or Self and Family coverage.
Rules for the eligibility of family members in FEDVIP are the same as those for their eligibility in FEHB.

Coming to you in the mail: FEDVIP Guide.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Opens: 11/10

Closes: 12/28

5:00 p.m. CT

Qualified Life Status Change (through HRSSC)

PostalEASE FSA

PostalEASE

Health Care FSA maximum is $5,000.
Dependent Care (day care) FSA maximum is $5,000.
Over-the-counter medicines and drugs are eligible.

Coming to you in the mail: Post cards, leaflet, and brochure.

Annual Leave Exchange (ALE)

Opens: 11/15

Closes: 12/15

11:59 p.m. CT

Letter mailed to eligible employees.

Prepare

PostalEASE ALE

Worksheet (mailed

to eligible employees)

Use

PostalEASE

Most career nonbargaining unit employees from Rate Schedule Codes (RSCs) E, F, S, V, U, and Z may exchange from 8 to 128 hours in whole-hour increments if their annual leave balance is at least 160 hours as of close of business on January 2, 2009.
Bargaining unit employees from RSCs C, K, M, N, P, T, and Y may exchange from 8 to 40 hours in whole-hour increments if their annual leave balance is at least 440 hours and if they have used less than 75 hours of sick leave for the leave year as of close of business on January 2, 2009.
For bargaining unit employees, the lump sum is calculated on salary as of January 3, 2009, and included in the January 23, 2009, paycheck. For nonbargaining unit employees, the lump sum is calculated on salary as of January 17, 2009, and included in the February 6, 2009, paycheck. These lump sum payments are taxable in 2009.

Coming only to eligible employees in the mail: Letter about annual leave exchange.

Allotments/

Net-to-Bank (Direct Deposit)

3:59 a.m. CT,

PostalEASE Net-to-Bank

Worksheet

Use

PostalEASE

You must provide your financial institution’s routing number and your account number.

Thrift Savings Plan Regular Contributions

3:59 a.m. CT,

www.tsp.gov/forms/tspbk08.pdf

Prepare

PostalEASE TSP

Worksheet

Use

PostalEASE

The IRS annual limit on elective deferrals is $16,500.
FERS employees who want to maximize contributions while avoiding the loss of USPS matching contributions should make a whole dollar contribution per pay period equal to the announced maximum divided by 26.
Contribution elections for 2009 wil be accepted beginning at 4:30 a.m. CT on December 17, 2008.

Coming to you in the mail: TSP enrollment information letter and PostalEASE TSP Worksheet.

TSP 50+

Catch-Up Contributions

3:59 a.m. CT,

www.tsp.gov/forms/tspbk08.pdf

Prepare

PostalEASE TSP 50+

Catch Up Worksheet

Use

PostalEASE

If you are age 50 or older during 2009, you may contribute an additional amount up to the IRS limit, which is $5,500.
Catch-up contribution elections for 2009 will be accepted beginning at 4:30 a.m. CT on December 17, 2008. You must certify that your regular TSP contributions will reach the IRS maximum.

Coming only to eligible employees in the mail: TSP enrollment information catch-up letter and PostalEASE TSP Catch-Up Worksheet.

TSP Investment Choices

Any time

www.tsp.gov/forms/tspbk08.pdf

Use

www.tsp.gov

Have TSP acct. no. or

(available from HRSSC)

to TSP

Via the ThriftLine you may request:
A new TSP PIN.
A new 8-character Web password.
A copy of your TSP account number.
Quarterly participant statements.
Via www.tsp.gov you may request:
A new 8-character Web password.
A copy of your TSP account number.
A custom User ID.
Printable views of quarterly participant statements.
Cancellation of request to have quarterly participant statements mailed.

Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP)

You may apply any time —

underwriting required

www.ltcfeds.com/usps

Choose your correct category of eligibility,

then click your desired files under “Information Kit Materials.”

Use

www.ltcfeds.com/usps

Choose your correct category of eligibility,

then click your desired files under “Application.”

New and newly eligible employees may enroll with the abbreviated application within the first 60 days of becoming eligible.
You may download the information kit and the application or have them mailed to you.

Commuter Program

Any time

Processed at 11:59 p.m. ET, 10th day of the month

M–F 8 a.m.–8 p.m. ET

New career employees receive a brochure in the mail and must allow up to 30 days for information to be entered in the Wageworks system.
Other employees can enroll at any time.
Elections, changes, and cancellation for Commuter Program take effect 2 months after processing deadline.
Effective January 1, 2009, the monthly pre-tax spending limit for transit is $120 and for parking is $230.

— Compensation, Human Resources, 11-6-08

A few months ago all of our Official Personnel Folders (OPFs) were sent to a contracted scanning source and are now available for employees to view from home via LiteBlue - eOPF Employee Self Service. www.LiteBlue.usps.gov <file://www.LiteBlue.usps.gov/> They cannot be accessed from a Postal Computer.

You may view and print documents in your electronic Official Personnel Folder. You will need your Employee Identification Number and your USPS Personal Identification Number (PIN) to access this system. If you've forgotten your PIN, dial 877-477-3273. Follow the steps and your USPS PIN number will be mailed to your address of record or request it via PostalEASE. https://ewss.usps.gov/esymain.htm <https://ewss.usps.gov/esymain.htm>

Linda Jennings, PHR
HR Generalist (Principal)
Hawkeye District

Lite Blue is a collection of external websites and internal postal links. Listed below are the different links on Lite Blue and their web address or postal link.

Employement with the USPS

E Reassign

Employee Benefits Research Institute http://www.choosetosave.org

Long Term Care Insurance http://www.ltcfeds.com

MyMoney.gov http://www.mymoney.gov

OPM Employment and Benefits http://www.opm.gov

OPM Health & Life Insurance http://www.opm.gov/insure

Social Security http://www.socialsecurity.gov

Commuter Program http://www.wageworks.com

Credit Union http://www.ncpcu.org/links.htm

Combined Federal Campaign http://www.opm.gov/cfc

Flexible Spending Account (FSA) https://www.myuhc.com

OPM Voluntary Contributions http://www.opm.gov/fers_election/facts/ri83-10.htm

Retirement Plan http://www.opm.gov/retire

Allotments/Payroll NTB PostalEASE

Federal W4 PostalEASE

eTravel Net to Bank PostalEASE

Savings Bonds PostalEASE

Beneficiary Forms LiteBlue

Employee Labor Relations Manual (ELM) http://www.usps.com

Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) LiteBlue

FEHB PostalEASE PostalEASE

Federal Insurance Programs http://www.opm.gov/insure

Life Insurance (FEGLI) http://www.opm.gov/insure/life/booklet/2004/postal

OPM Retirement Guidelines http://www.opm.gov/retire

Retirement Seminar Online

Uniform Program LiteBlue

Account Access http://www.tsp.gov/account/index.html

Check Rates of Return http://www.tsp.gov/rates/index.html

Calculators http://www.tsp.gov/calc/index.html

TSP Forms and Publications http://www.tsp.gov/forms/index.html

TSP Information http://www.tsp.gov

TSP Catch-up Contributions PostalEASE

Employee Assistance Program http://www.eap4you.com

Postal Employee Relief Fund http://www.postalrelief.com

Shared Services Newsletter

Compare Health Plans http://www.opm.gov/insure/08/spmt/plansearch.aspx

Link to plans by state

Postal FEGLI Life Insurance

Postal Resources

WHO YA GONNA CALL (WITH PERSONNEL QUESTIONS?)

PERSONNEL TEAMS AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

PLACEMENTS TEAM

LEAD – CAROLINE ROMORE (515) 251-2217

ADRIAN BOWLEY (515) 251-2211

Caroline & Adrian – APWU issues & bidding; MVS and Maintenance bidding; Maximizations; Complement ratios; PTF to FT Conversions; Limited duty placements; Mail Handler issues & bidding; probationary evaluations; NALC & Rural Carrier issues & bidding; career placements.

EAS VACANCIES TEAM

LEAD – CYNTHIA SMITH (515) 251-2224

150s, SWCs and WSCs, PS 8020s and OIC breaks, EAS vacancy announcements

BENEFITS, COMPENSATION, RETIREMENTS & SEPARATIONS – CALL HUMAN RESOURCES SHARED SERVICE CENTER – 1-877-477-3273 OPTION 5

Benefits; Compensation; Retirements; Separations & EAS placement 50s; Uniforms

HIRING & TESTING TEAM

NON-CAREER LEAD

Val McElvain (515) 251-2217

GREG CHAMBERLIN (515) 251-2212

DRENA MORRIS (515) 251-2213

MARY JO KASPER (515) 251-2178

SANDRA ELLIS (515) 251-2430

SALLY LEONARD (515) 251-2138

CAREER LEAD

BECKY STREETER (515) 251-2223

KELLY HUTCHINSON (515) 251-2214

MARY BERARDI (515) 251-2218

THERESA EDWARDS (515) 251-2247

Val - supervise & coordinate non-career actions

Greg and Drena - TRCs and RCAs

Mary Jo – district casuals

Sandy – Des Moines & Cedar Rapids Casuals

Sally – Fingerprints & PMRs

Becky - supervise & coordinate career actions

Kelly - career hiring, eReassign

Mary - career Hiring, eReassign

Theresa – examinations & MSS

PERSONNEL FAX: (515) 251-2239 DISTRICT: (800) 877-7364

HR OFFICE GENERAL: (515) 251-2200 PostalEASE: (877) 477-3273

EMPLOYMENT VERIF: (800) 276-9850 IVR JOB BIDDING: (800) 222-2415

TSP TOLL-FREE (877) 968-3778 IT Support - RALEIGH: (800) 877-7435

TSP THRIFTLINE (504) 255-8777 HUMAN RESOURCES SHARED SERVICES

JOB LINE: (515) 251-2061 or (800) 877-7364 ext 2061 (877) 477-3273 OPTION 5

UNIFORMS: (800) 790-7206 (Option 4, ext. 69888)

GovBenefits

LiteBlue
You can visit LiteBlue 24/7 on any computer with internet connections. LiteBlue is the next generation in employee communications. Helping you to communicate faster and stay connected.

It's packed with the information you want about career development, revenue and service performance, products, recognition — you name it. There's even a place where you can give feedback. Did you know you may now view your OPF (Official Personnel Folder) online, request unscheduled leave online, and soon view your pay statements online? You also can access PostalEASE through LiteBlue and change your benefits selections during open season.
You can access information about your benefits, beneficiary forms, Uniform Program information, money management information, and a retirement seminar, all on-line. Also available is e:reassign, the method used to request reassignment to another office or craft. Current employee deals can be found, as well as postal publications such as the Postal Bulletin and NewsLink.

You will want to view LiteBlue often because it will continue to evolve — to transform — and deliver results that serve you better. It's the postal way!

How do you log onto LiteBlue?
You'll need your Employee ID and USPS PIN to log on to LiteBlue.
Your Employee ID is easy to find — just look at the top of your earnings statement. It's the 8-digit number printed just above the words "Employee ID."
Your USPS PIN number is the same one you use to access PostalEASE. If you've forgotten it, there is a Self Service Pin Reset feature on LiteBlue. Just click on "forget your Pin?" after entering your Employee ID.

Please Post
Services Avail Through
PostalEASE and
Lightblue

Telephone 1-877-477-3273
Talk to an operator - option 5
TDD/TTY 1-866-620-7507
Hours of operation 6 AM - 7:30 PM (Central Standard Time)
Monday through Friday

Internet www.liteblue.usps.gov
Human Resources Shared Service Center
Greensboror, NC

Lite Blue
Lite Blue is a collection of external websites and internal postal links. Listed below are the different links on Lite Blue and their web address or postal link.
Financial Education
Employee Benefits Research Institute
Long Term Care Insurance
MyMoney.gov
OPM Employment and Benefits
OPM Health & Life Insurance
Social Security
Money Management
Commuter Program
Credit Union
Combined Federal Campaign
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
OPM Voluntary Contributions
Retirement Plan
Payroll
Allotments/Payroll NTB PostalEASE
Federal W4 PostalEASE
eTravel Net to Bank PostalEASE
Savings Bonds PostalEASE
Benefits Management
Beneficiary Forms LiteBlue
Employee Labor Relations Manual (ELM)
Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) LiteBlue
FEHB PostalEASE PostalEASE
Federal Insurance Programs
Life Insurance (FEGLI)
OPM Retirement Guidelines
Retirement Seminar Online
Uniform Program LiteBlue
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
Account Access
Check Rates of Return
Calculators
TSP Forms and Publications
TSP Information
Sign Up/Change TSP PostalEASE
TSP Catch-up Contributions PostalEASE
Employee Resources
Employee Assistance Program
Postal Employee Relief Fund
Postal People Shared Services Newsletter
Health Care Providers
Compare Health Plans Link to plans by state

To access PostalEASE you need your Employee Identification Number (it can be found on your earning statement) and you USPS Personal Identification Number (PIN)

The Following benefits are accessible through Liteblue and PostalEASE:
Benefits and Compensation
* Health Benefits (FHEBA)
* Life Insurance (FEGLI)
* Beneficiary Forms
* Death Benefits
* Leave Policies
* Annual Leave Exchange
* Savings Bonds
* Uniform Allowance
* Civilian/Military Buybacks
* Donated Leave
* Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA)
* Thrift Savings Accounts (TSP) Enrollment and catch-up
* Allotments/Net to Bank
* Federal W4 Forms
* W2 forms Reprints

Retirement/Separations
* General Information on Retirement
* Requests to File Retirement Applications (Options and Disability)
* Individual Retirement Counseling
* Annuity Estimates
* Creditable Service History
* All Separation Requests
* Hard-copy informational material mailed to your home.
Retirement Seminar information will soon be available to all Postal Service employees through LiteBlue. The retirement presentation includes various segments representing the A to Z information you need to know for retirement planning - whether you are covered by CSRS, CSRS offsett or FERS retirement. All this will be available 24 hours a day 7 days a week via LiteBlue. This information will also be available in a DVD format in the near future.

Important Phone Numbers

Flexible Spending Account
1-800-842-2026

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
1-800-EAP4YOU

Thrift Savings Plan
1-877-968-3778

Equal Employment Opportunity
1-888-EEOUSPS

Uniform Allowance
1-800-287-5003

National Emergency Hotline
1-888-363-7462

Telephone Job Bidding*
1-800-222-2415
TDD/TTY 1-800-520-0625
*Computer and Telephone Job Bidding Hours are: Monday-Friday, 3AM to Midnight, Central Time, including holidays. Saturday 3 AM to 6 PM Central Time, including holidays
No bidding on Sundays!

LiteBlue Service Talk

Health Care Providers

Postal People

Employee Resources

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

Benefits Management

Payroll

Money Management

Financial Education