Welcome to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). As part of the New Hire Orientation process you will have the opportunity to review various resources, including those listed below.
1. Welcome Video with Commissioner
4. Points of Risk Disclosure Video
5. Knowledge Management at the IRS (PDF)
6. NTEU 2020
7. New Hire Orientation Training Resources (PDF)
Payroll and Benefits Information:
8. Payroll and Personnel Systems (PPTX)
9. Fast Facts Personal Tools (PDF)
10. EPP – New User Instructions (PDF)
11. FEHB and FEGLI Quick Reference (PDF)
12. Thrift Savings Plan (PDF)
13. Employee Self-Help Tools (PDF)
14. My Employee Personal Page (PDF)
15. New Hire Benefits Calendar (PDF)
Videos:
16. New Hire Orientation - Pay
17. New Hire Orientation - Leave Benefits
18. New Hire Orientation - Insurance
19. New Hire Orientation - Retirement & TSP
20. New Hire Orientation - Cybersecurity
21. New Hire Orientation - Physical Security
22. New Hire Orientation - Learning Resources
23. New Hire Orientation - Knowledge Management
24. New Hire Orientation - Active Shooter Awareness
Covid-19 Forms:
25. Form 15346 – Request for Medical Exception (PDF)
26. Form 15347 – Request for Religious Exception (PDF)
New Hire Orientation | Frequently Asked Questions
Leave
Q: If I have prior federal government service and was accruing 6/8 hours per pay period how long before my accruals are updated to that again?
A: Once your personnel folder (OPF) is received, all prior service will be calculated and your Service Computation Date (SCD) verified. This process can take in excess of 60 days. If you do not receive an update within 60 days, open a service request through OS GetServices (Slide 61)
Q: You said as new hires we accrue 4 hours of annual leave per pay period. Does this amount increase?
A: Once you have completed 3 years of federal service your annual leave increases to 6 hours per pay period and once you have completed 15 years of service it increases to 8 hours per pay period. Further information on annual leave and accrual rates can be found here: Annual Leave (Slide 16)
Q: Does the sick leave accrual increase as well?
A: No.
Q: Who approves our time off requests? How do we request time off?
A: All leave requests and approvals go through your manager.
Q: I had leave when I left my prior agency. How do I make sure that those get transferred with me?
A: The leave is transferred with your OPF. Once the information is verified the leave balances will first show in SETR, then your Statement of Earnings and Leave (SEL). This process can be expedited by submitting your last SEL from your prior agency to our Data Integrity Office via fax to 855-875-6605 or email to opf.con.site@irs.gov
Q: What happens to our leave if we leave the agency or retire?
A: When you separate from federal service, regardless of the type of separation a lump-sum payment for unused annual, compensatory and/or credit leave is dispersed. There is no payment for unused sick leave.
Q: Does the agency offer Short-term disability insurance?
A: No, but we do have the benefit of Paid Parental Leave (PPL). For more information and qualifications please refer to: https://irssource.web.irs.gov/Lists/Timekeeping/DispItemForm.aspx?ID=99 (Slide 17)
Pay
Q: When are we going to be paid?
A: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly basis. The date you receive your first paycheck depends on the day you stated with the agency. You are paid in arrears. The pay period timeframes and pay dates are located on the 2021 Pay Calendar. (Slide 15)
Q: Are we able to receive paper checks?
A: No.
Q: I sent in a direct deposit form during onboarding. If I want to ensure you have my correct information before pay day can I access the Employee Personal Page to verify?
A: The Employee Personal Page will not be available to you until after your first paycheck. Contact payroll via an OS GetServices ticket and our representatives can confirm your direct deposit information.
Q: If I am a current IRS employee who is just starting a new position, do I need to submit new direct deposit information?
A: No.
Q: Is it possible to have my pay adjusted based on my prior government time?
A: Pay is set by the Employment office. You can contact the hiring official who did your onboarding, however, adjustments in pay are generally made once your OPF is received. If, after 60 days, your pay has not been adjusted for prior federal experience, please open an OS GetServices ticket.
Q: Where can I find my hourly rate? I was only told my annual salary.
A: Annual pay and hourly rates are located on the Office of Personnel Management website.
Q: Can I set up portions of my paycheck to go to a separate account?
A: Yes. You can set up financial or discretionary allotments through the Employee Personal Page. A financial allotment is deposited each pay period just like your paycheck. A discretionary allotment is split into 2 payments, one half being deducted and held the first pay period of the month, the second half deducted the second pay period of the month, then the full payment is sent to the third party. Further clarification is available on EPP.
Employee Personal Page (EPP)
Q: When can I set up my Employee Personal Page (EPP)? I tried to do it and it told me my information is not in the system.
A: EPP is not available until you have completed and been paid for your first pay period with the agency. At that time your information is submitted to the National Finance Center and your account will be established. (Slide 25)
Q: I am transferring from another agency that also used EPP. Will I need to do anything to have my account updated?
A: Yes. Open an OS GetServices ticket and request that a Doc 444 be submitted to update your account with IRS information. (Slide 26)
Health Insurance
Q: If I am covered under my spouse’s health insurance already. Do I need to send in any documentation?
A: No, you do not. Not sending in any documentation during the initial 60-day opportunity implies your intent to waive coverage.
Q: I am a current employee starting a new position. Am I able to enroll because of this?
A: If your new position makes you eligible and you were not previously, yes. If you were previously eligible and elected not to enroll, no. If you did not enroll during your initial opportunity you must wait until open season or experience a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) allowing you to enroll.
Q: How do I know what health insurance plan to enroll in?
A: All the plans available in your area, as well as costs and coverages, can be viewed on the Office of Personnel Management Website using the FEHB Plan Comparison Tool.
Q: I am a transfer from another agency and I already had health insurance. Do I need to send in a form SF 2809 again?
A: No. Your SF 75 information includes the information necessary for transferring your coverage. You can also submit your last statement of earnings and leave, from your priory agency, listing your carrier and premium by fax to 855-816-9805 or email to ogden.benefits.section@irs.gov to expedite the process. (Slide 16)
Q: Where do I get the form SF 2809?
A: You should have received it in your onboarding forms, if not the form SF 2809 can be located on the Office of Personnel Management website at https://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf2809.pdf (Slide 35)
Q: When will my health insurance coverage begin?
A: Coverage begins the first day of the pay period after your complete and correct form is received. Be aware, it can take up to 60 days from the effective date for your selected provider to send you your welcome package and insurance cards. (Slide 36)
Q: If I chose not to enroll during the initial 60 days am I able to enroll in health insurance later?
A: Yes, during Open Season or when you experience a QLE. Open Season is an annual event that goes from the second Monday in November to the second Monday in December. A list of QLEs is on pages 6-9 on the instructions for form SF 2809.
Q: I want to enroll in an insurance plan that has a Health Savings Account (HSA). How do I know which plans are eligible for that?
A: When using the FEHB Plan Comparison Tool there is a section that indicates if a plan is eligible for Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) or Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). The HSA/HRA is established by the provider you select so you can contact providers directly to request information on which account type you would be eligible for.
Q: How will I know if my SF 2809 has been processed?
A: Once your SF-2809 is processed, a Confirmation of Enrollment Letter will be mailed to your address of record and can be used as confirmation of coverage. If there are any issues with your form 2809, you will be contacted by a Benefits Specialist, directly, to request corrections.
Q: I have heard we can sign up for health insurance through EPP. Is this true?
A: EPP is used to make changes to current coverage and cannot be used for your initial enrollment.
Q: Are there age limits for my children on the health insurance?
A: Yes, eligible dependents are covered by FEHB until they are 26, unless they are incapable of self-support. If you have a child over the age of 26 incapable of self-support, you need to submit a medical certification form with your SF 2809.
Q: If I have questions on specific plans and their coverages can I contact Payroll?
A: Our staff is prohibited from advising employees regarding carriers and coverage. Specific questions on plans and coverages should be directed to the provider. The customer service numbers for each plan are located within the FEHB Plan Comparison Tool and brochure.
Q: If I am not married, am I allowed to add my partner to the health insurance?
A: The Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Guide states a spouse from a valid common law marriage is an eligible family member for FEHB coverage. As an employee, it is your responsibility to be informed on your state’s regulations regarding common law marriages.
Q: You stated we can carry our insurance into retirement if eligible. What are the requirements to carry the insurance into retirement?
A: Requirements for continuing health benefits into retirement are:
(1) you must have retired on an immediate annuity (that is, an annuity which begins to accrue no later than one month after the date of your final separation)
(2) have been continuously enrolled, or covered as a family member, in any FEHB Program plan (not necessarily the same plan) for the five years of service immediately preceding retirement, or if less than five years, for all service since your first opportunity to enroll.
If you have specific questions on your situation you will need to open an OS GetServices ticket.
BENEFEDS / Supplemental Insurance
Q: If I had supplemental vision and dental insurance with BENEFEDS from my prior agency will those transfer with me?
A: Yes, but it requires you to contact BENEFEDS at www.benefeds.com or 877-888-3337 to inform them you have transferred agencies and request they transfer responsibility to the new agency.
Q: If the health insurance plan that I select has dental and vision coverage is that the same as the BENEFEDS coverage?
A: No. Some FEHB plans include limited dental and vision coverage, but the coverage offered through BENEFEDS is supplemental coverage and requires an additional premium. BENEFEDS enrollment is not associated with your health insurance enrollment and is done via the BENEFEDS website. (Slide 39)
Q: Is there an age limit for children on the dental and vision insurance?
A: Yes. Eligible dependents include unmarried children under age 22 (including recognized natural children, adopted children, stepchildren and foster children, if living with an employee or annuitant in a regular parent-child relationship) or children, any age, incapable of self-support due to mental or physical disability existing before age 22.
Q: Where can I find the plans and costs for the Dental and Vision insurance?
A: Supplemental plans and premiums are on the Office of Personnel Management website via the FEDVIP Plan Comparison tool or on the BENEFEDS website.
Q: What is the Long Term Care Insurance?
A: The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) provides long term care insurance to cover costs of care when enrollees need help with activities they perform every day, or you have a severe cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer's disease. For more information about the FLTCIP, please contact Long Term Care Partners at 1 800-582-3337, or visit www.ltcfeds.com
Life Insurance
Q: If I only want basic life insurance coverage, do I need to do anything?
A: No. You will be enrolled automatically once you are certified and no form is required. (Slide 42)
Q: If I choose not to keep the basic coverage or not enroll in the optional life insurance coverages can this be done later?
A: If you choose to waive coverage now, you will have to complete a physical at your cost, experience a QLE or wait for an open season (which is rare) to enroll or increase. (Slide 42)
Q: Can you tell me exactly what the life insurance will cost me per pay period?
A: The life insurance premiums vary based on your age, salary, and multiples you elect. You can access the FEGLI calculator to determine the costs. (Slide 41)
Q: Does the cost for the Option C Family Coverage go up for the number of covered family members?
A: No, the cost of Option C Coverage is based on your age, as well as the number of multiples you elect, not the number of eligible dependents.
Q: Is there an age limit for children covered under Option C?
A: Yes, the FEGLI law defines eligible family members for Option C coverage as your spouse and your unmarried dependent children under age 22.
Q: Do I have to submit beneficiary forms?
A: No, you are not required to submit beneficiary forms. If forms are not submitted the Federal Order of Precedence applies. Information on the Federal Order of Precedence is available on the OPM website; however, if at any time the Order of Precedence does not fit your circumstance, it is highly recommended you submit beneficiary forms.
Q: Am I only able to waive the life insurance during the initial 60 days?
A: No, you can waive or reduce your life insurance coverage at any time.
Thrift Savings Plan
Q: I am a transfer employee and have a TSP account already. Will a new account be created for me?
A: No, your account will transfer with you. Your prior agency will complete a TSP 19 and submit it to your new agency transferring your account.
Q: If I had a prior 401K and want to roll that over to TSP can I do that?
A: Yes, with restrictions; contact TSP directly via their website www.tsp.gov or at 877-968-3778.
Q: How do I find information on the TSP funds?
A: Information on the different investment funds can be located on the www.tsp.gov website or they can be discussed with a TSP representative at 877-968-3778.
Q: If I want to cancel/increase/decrease TSP deductions before I get access to my EPP account how do I do that?
A: Complete form TSP 1 and submit to Payroll via fax to 855-207-0459 or email to hco.ppsp.phi.payroll@irs.gov (Slide 46)
Q: Can we only change our TSP contribution amount at certain times?
A: No, you can update your TSP contributions at any time through EPP. (Slide 46)
Q: Do I get agency matching regardless of if my contributions are traditional or ROTH?
A: Yes, you will still receive matching. Agency contributions are made based on your election.
Q: How does the TSP agency matching work?
A: The Agency contributes 1% automatically, without your election. The first 3% of pay you contribute will be matched dollar-for-dollar; the next 2% will be matched at 50 cents on the dollar. Contributions above 5% of your pay will not be matched. If you stop making regular employee contributions, your matching contributions will also stop, except the automatic 1%. (Slide 47)
Q: When will I be able to create/access my TSP account?
A: The TSP Service Office will send your account information through the mail. You will log into www.tsp.gov and create a user ID. (Slide 47)
Retirement
Q: Can I change the amount deducted for my retirement?
A: No. These deduction amounts are based on a percentage of your income and set by law. (Slide 49)
Q: I tried to create my GRB Platform account, but it is not allowing me to.
A: Your GRB account will be accessible after you receive your first salary check. You must use your work computer to establish your GRB account the first time, then you will be able to access your account from your home devices.
Q: What happens to the money deducted for retirement if I leave the agency before retiring?
A: You have options; one would be to leave it there to withdraw later, the other would be to withdraw it shortly after your separation. Employees receive information, and instructions, regarding these options when they separate.
Q: What happens if I am no longer able to work due to a disability?
A: You may qualify for a disability retirement. Information on disability retirements can be found at Types of Retirement or you can open an OS GetServices ticket to speak with a retirement specialist.
Military
Q: If I have prior military time and want to know if the deposit process will benefit me how can I find that information:
A: Submit an OS GetServices ticket for a Retirement Specialist to contact you. They will discuss the military deposit process and how it may benefit you. (Slide 62)
Q: How does my Veteran’s Preference get updated?
A: Forward a copy of your Statement of Disability from the VA (if applicable) and a copy of your DD-214 member copy 4 to the OPF Con Site via fax to 855-875-6605 or email to opf.con.site@irs.gov.