U.S. Office of Personnel Management
FERS Election Opportunities

For Personnelists

Elections of FERS Coverage
(Chapter 11 of CSRS and FERS Handbook for Personnel and Payroll Offices)

Table of Contents

Subchapter 11A FERS

Part 11A1 General Information
Section 11A1.1-1 Overview

A. Introduction
B. Topics Covered
C. Organization of Subchapter
D. Statement of Authority

Part 11A2 Employee Eligibility to Elect FERS
Section 11A2.1-1 Elections of FERS

A. Employees Who May Elect FERS
B. Employees Who May Not Elect FERS
C. Election Period
D. Effective Date of FERS Election
E. Withdrawing a FERS Election

Part 11A3 Election Procedures
Section 11A3.1-1 Employing Office Responsibilities

A. Providing Election Opportunity
B. Processing the Election of Coverage SF 3109
C. Showing the FERS Election on the SF 50
D. Irrevocability of a FERS Election
E. Advising Employees of Effect of FERS Elections

Section 11A3.1-2 Employee Responsibilities

A. Forms(s) Needed to Elect FERS
B. Time Limits

Part 11A4 Court Orders Affecting an Election of FERS Coverage
Section 11A4.1-1 Court Orders Affecting an Election of FERS Coverage

A. General Requirement
B. When a Former Spouse's Consent is Not Required
C. Requirements if a Court Order Awarding Benefits is on File with OPM
D. Extension of the Election Period to Obtain Modification of the Court Order
E. Waiver of the Former Spouse's Consent Requirement
F. Requesting a Search for a Court Order Acceptable for Processing
G. OPM's Decision Regarding the Request for Waiver, Extension, or Search

Part 11A5 Belated Elections
Section 11A5.1-1 Eligibility Requirements

A. Agency Authority
B. OPM Authority
C. Effective Date of a Belated Election
D. Belated Elections that Are Not Permitted

Part 11A6 Deemed Elections of FERS Coverage
Section 11A6.1-1 Deemed Elections of FERS Coverage

A. Background
B. Eligibility
C. Notice Requirement
D. Documentation Requirement
E. Death of Employee During the 60-Day Period
F. Time Limits
G. Waiver of Time Limits
H. Effective Date of Deemed FERS Election
I. Correction of Records

Part 11A7 Due Process Procedures
Section 11A7.1-1 Due Process Procedures

A. General
B. Types of Decisions
C. Agency Decision--Requirements
D. Request for Reconsideration
E. Time Limit
F. OPM's Reconsideration Decision
G. Appeals to MSPB

Part 11A8 Effect of an Election of FERS Coverage
Section 11A8.1-1 Result of Making a FERS Election

A. Cancellation of Designation of Beneficiary Upon Election of FERS
B. Return of Excess Retirement Contributions
D. Application for Refund

Section 11A8.1-2 Credit for Service Upon Election of FERS

A. General Rules
B. Service Subject to Both CSRS and Social Security
C. Service Subject to CSRS or Social Security Only
D. Military Service
E. Unused Sick Leave

Part 11A9 FERS Open Season
Section 11A8.1-1 History of the FERS Open Season

A. Introduction
B. Employees Eligible to Transfer to FERS


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Updated 14 May 1998