531 Administration and Eligibility

ELM 55 - Employee and Labor Relations Manual - Contents 531 Administration and Eligibility 531.1 General The OPM administers the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program. The FEGLI law, polic..." /> ELM 55 - Employee and Labor Relations Manual - Contents 531 Administration and Eligibility 531.1 General The OPM administers the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program. The FEGLI law, polic..." />

531 Administration and Eligibility

531.1 General

The OPM administers the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program. The FEGLI law, policies, and regulations issued by OPM, including those governing eligibility and benefits, are controlling in the event of conflict with these instructions.

531.2 Eligible Employees

All postal employees, except those specifically excluded in 531.3, or those who waive coverage, receive Basic Life Insurance coverage. Entitlement to basic life coverage qualifies them to elect optional life insurance coverage.

531.3 Exclusions

See Exhibit 531.3.

Exhibit 531.3

Excluded Individuals	Exceptions
Substitute Rural Carriers.	May retain coverage acquired in former position to which they are expected to return on a full–time basis provided: (a) There is no break in service or (b) The break in service is for 3 days or less.
Casual Employees or Temporary Employees (including rural carrier relief, rural carrier associate, and “off the street” Officers–in–Charge) appointed for a definite period of 1 year or less. Note: Casual and temporary employees who previously served in positions covered by the FEGLI program maintain coverage if the casual or temporary appointment is made with less than a 4–day break in service.	None.
Noncitizen employees with permanent duty stations outside postal installations in either the United States or the Panama Canal Zone.	American Nationals employed at American Samoa, Micronesia, and Guam.
Employees who are members of the Uniformed Services as defined in section 102 of the Servicemen’s and Veterans’ Survivor Benefits Act.	None.
Individuals employed for brief periods at intervals and expected to work less than 6 months in each year.	Are eligible for coverage if they are student trainees serving under a formal work study program, provided the program requires that they are in a pay status for at least 1/3 of the total period of time required to complete the program.
Employees with annual base pay of $12.00 or less.	None.
Job Cleaners.	None.
Special Delivery Messengers at Post Offices in CAG H and J.	None.
Clerks–in–Charge of Rural Stations.	None.
Mail Messengers.	None.
Star Route Carriers.	None.
Clerks or leave replacements at post offices in CAG L. Note: Postmaster leave replacements in CAG L offices who previously served in positions covered by the FEGLI program maintain coverage if the leave replacement appointment is made with less than a 4–day break in service.	None.
Individuals paid on contract or fee basis.	Contract executives or certain other contract employees are covered, provided: The contract requires personal services and covers a period greater than 1 year. Individuals are under the supervision and direction of the Postal Service. Work is performed on a full–time or specified part-time basis.
Employees paid on a piecework basis.	May acquire coverage if their work schedule provides for full–time service or part-time service with a regular tour of duty.