|
2004 Program
|
Dates
|
Election Method
|
Comments
|
|
PostalEASE and
USPS PIN
|
Anytime. See
below for open
seasons.
|
It is easiest to use the PostalEASE
Employee Web, either at an Employee
Self-Service kiosk (available at some
facilities) or on the Intranet at
https://ewss.usps.gov/esymain.htm (from
blue page, choose Employee Self
Service, then PostalEASE). By phone, call
877-4PS-EASE (877-477-3273).
|
You must use your Employee ID, printed at the top of
your earnings statement - use all eight digits, even if the
first one is 0. Social Security number no longer used.
USPS PIN required - request reminder letter via Web
(follow instructions) or telephone (when asked to enter
PIN, wait, and then will hear reminder letter choice).
Usually mailed to address of record next business day.
|
|
Thrift Savings
Plan Open
Season
|
Opens: 10/15
Closes: 12/31
@ 5 p.m.
Central Time
(CT)
|
You may begin or change your TSP
paycheck contribution dollar or
percentage amount via PostalEASE.
|
For 2005, CSRS employees may elect up to 10% and
FERS employees up to 15% of their basic pay. The IRS
maximum for 2005 is $14,000. FERS employees with
salaries over $93,333 should consider making a whole
dollar contribution of $14,000/26=$539 per pay period to
avoid loss of USPS matching contributions. Effective in
December.
Coming to you in the mail: A TSP open season update
and PostalEASE TSP worksheet.
|
|
TSP 50+
Catch-Up
Contributions
|
Anytime
|
Via PostalEASE.
|
You may contribute up to an additional $4,000 if you are
age 50 or older during 2005. Catch-up contribution
elections for 2005 will be accepted beginning at 12:01
p.m. CT on December 21, 2004. You must certify that
regular TSP contributions are at TSP percentage
maximum or will reach IRS maximum.
Coming to you in the mail: PostalEASE TSP Catch-Up
worksheet.
|
TSP Investment
Choices
|
Anytime
|
You may make your investment fund
choice or interfund transfer of an existing
balance by:
• Accessing the TSP Web site at
www.tsp.gov.
• Calling ThriftLine toll-free at
877-968-3778.
• Mailing Form TSP-50 (available from
your local Personnel office) to TSP.
|
You must use your TSP PIN (not your USPS PIN). You
may request a new TSP PIN via www.tsp.gov or
ThriftLine.
TSP issues quarterly participant statements.
|
Federal
Employees
Health Benefits
|
Opens: 11/8
Closes: 12/14
@ 5 p.m. CT
|
Via PostalEASE. It is much simpler to
process your election by using the
PostalEASE Employee Web than by
calling PostalEASE.
|
OPM requires information about dependents - must
enter if electing new family plan. Mailing: FEHB guide
(plan summary) with PostalEASE FEHB worksheet.
Individual plan brochures available from your local
Personnel office.
|
|
Flexible
Spending
Accounts
|
Opens: 11/8
Closes: 12/31
@ 5 p.m. CT
|
Via PostalEASE.
|
Health Care FSA maximum is $5,000. Dependent Care
(day care) FSA maximum is $5,000. Over-the-counter
medicines and drugs eligible.
Coming to you in the mail: post cards, leaflet, brochure.
|
Annual Leave
Exchange
|
Opens: 11/15
Closes: 12/15
@ Midnight CT
|
Via PostalEASE.
|
Career nonbargaining employees from Rate Schedule
Codes (RSCs) E, F, S, and U may exchange from 8 to
128 hours in whole-hour increments, if annual leave
balance is at least 160 hours as of the close of business
on January 7, 2005.
Bargaining employees from RSCs C, K, M, N, P, T, and Y
may exchange from 8 to 40 hours in whole-hour
increments, if annual leave balance is at least 440 hours
and less than 75 hours of sick leave has been used for
the leave year as of the close of business on January 7,
2005.
The lump sum is calculated on salary as of January 8,
2005. It is included in the January 28, 2005, paycheck
and taxable in 2005.
Coming to you in the mail: letter about Annual Leave
Exchange.
|
|
Allotments/Net-
to-Bank
|
Anytime
|
Via PostalEASE.
|
You must provide your financial institution's routing
number and your account number.
|
