Washington, D.C. -- In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced today it has established a toll-free assistance hotline number (1-800-307-8298) for current and retired federal employees and annuitants who have been impacted by the hurricane in the Gulf Coast area. 

The toll-free number, which goes live today, will be open seven days a week during the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., Central Time.

"During this critical time, OPM's priority is to offer assistance and open communication lines with our employees, annuitants and their families in the impacted region," said OPM Director Linda M. Springer. "We are publicizing this number (1-800-307-8298) in media markets nationwide, and soliciting the assistance of agencies and other organizations to spread the word to our federal employees about this number and the people available to offer assistance."

Federal employees with access to the internet can receive updated and important information on benefits, flexibilities and payroll at http://www.opm.gov/katrina/. The site provides links to assist in contacting local Federal Executive Boards, other resources and announcements, and is continually updated with breaking news and information. 

OPM has also encouraged employees to participate in short term and immediate relief efforts by making cash contributions directly to relief organizations such as the American Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org) and the Salvation Army (http://www.salvationarmyusa.org). 

To provide long term assistance to hurricane evacuees, the 2005 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) has provided a list of national charitable organizations focused on providing disaster relief. Employees can contribute cash or authorize payroll deductions to CFC charities.

Our mission is to ensure the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce. OPM supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.