A Counselor in the Office of Members' Services Members, Caroline Klemp or Juanita Conkling, will be scheduling appointments with Members who are leaving at the end of the 104th Congress regarding their payroll and benefits. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Caroline Klemp or Juanita Conkling, at 225-3644, HB-1, The Capitol.
* Paychecks and W-2 Forms: In order to forward your 1996 and 1997 W-2s and final paycheck, it is important that the Office of Members' Services has a correct forwarding address for you. You will need to complete a change of address form if Members' Services does not have your correct forwarding address.
* Health Insurance: Members continue to receive their health benefits through the last day of the month in which termination occurs. Coverage continues temporarily for 31 days after enrollment ends. To continue coverage for up to 18 months after termination, Members must pay both the employee and government shares of the premium, and a 2% administrative charge.
* Life Insurance: Enrollment under the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) ends on the date of termination. Coverage will continue temporarily for 31 days after enrollment ends. Members and staff may elect to convert existing policies into individual policies.
* Retirement Benefits: Members who do not qualify for an immediate annuity (see below) may choose to leave Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) contributions in the retirement fund, or may request a refund of those contributions. If contributions are left in the fund, they will continue to accrue interest. If the contributions are withdrawn, all credit for prior service will be forfeited. Members who contribute to the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) may either leave contributions in the fund or request a refund. If the contributions are withdrawn, any future annuity that has been established based on Federal service will be forfeited.
* Immediate Annuity: Members leaving with an immediate annuity should speak to a counselor in the Office of Members' Services for details of the benefits that can be continued into retirement.
* Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Members with less than a $3,500 balance will receive an automatic refund of contributions and earnings, unless the TSP Service Office is notified of another preference. The contributions and earnings of Members with more than a $3,500 balance will remain on deposit, unless the TSP Service Office is notified of another preference. Funds may be left on deposit, where they will continue to accrue earnings, transferred to an I.R.A., or used to purchase an annuity. TSP withdrawal information will be mailed directly to Members by the Office of Members' Services. You may call the TSP ThriftLine at 504-255-8777 to find out the amount in your account. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You will need your PIN number and Social Security number. If you do not remember your PIN, you can call the ThriftLine to request to have a new PIN mailed to you.
If you have questions or need assistance in completing these forms, please contact your Members' Services Counselor.
*American Express Government Cards: Members holding an American Express Government Card are able to use the card for official business related expenses up until midnight January 2, 1997. As of January 3, 1997, your card will be automatically canceled. Please remember, American Express will bill the individual cardholder. It is the responsibility of the cardholder to pay American Express on a timely basis. The Office of Finance cannot pay your credit card bills for you. It is important that you notify American Express of any change in your address by calling Cathy Young, at 1-800-492-4922, ext. 3816 or 1-602-492-3816, or by calling the House Program Coordinator for American Express, Carol Kresge, at 225-6587. Remember: American Express will send cardholders a suspension notice at 60 days and suspend cardholders accounts at 75 days. Accounts that are 120 days past due, have a balance over $100.00, and are in a canceled status, will be referred to a credit bureau.