Benefits Administration Letters
2024
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has Government wide responsibility and oversight for Federal benefits administration. These pages contain the Benefits Administration Letters (BALs) used for program administration. The BALs provide guidance to agencies on various aspects of Federal administration.
Benefits Administration Letters (BALs)
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 BALS in this series have not yet been issued. | ||
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 BALS in this series have not yet been issued. | ||
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 BALS in this series have not yet been issued. | ||
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 BALS in this series have not yet been issued. | ||
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 BALS in this series have not yet been issued. | ||
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 BALS in this series have not yet been issued. | ||
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 BALS in this series have not yet been issued. | ||
2023
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has Government wide responsibility and oversight for Federal benefits administration. These pages contain the Benefits Administration Letters (BALs) used for program administration. The BALs provide guidance to agencies on various aspects of Federal administration.
Benefits Administration Letters (BALs)
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 23-101 | 11/2022 | Annual Changes |
| 23-103 | 01/2023 | Additional Guidance on Sending Reemployed Annuitant Information to the Reemployed Annuitant Inbox |
| 23-105 | 09/2023 | Military Service Deposit Eligibility Notification Requirement |
| 23-106 | 10/2023 | Revised Retirement Coverage Determination Tables |
| Appendix A - Retirement Coverage Determination Tables |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 23-201 | 04/2023 | COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Transition |
| 23-202 | 07/2023 | Extension of FEDVIP Eligibility to Certain Employees on Temporary Appointments and Certain Employees on Seasonal and Intermittent Schedules; Enrollment Clarifications and Exceptions to Change Enrollment23-202 |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 23-301 | 12/2022 | Calendar Year 2023 Interest Rate |
| 23-302 | 12/2022 | Calendar Year 2023 Retired Federal Employees Health Benefits Premiums |
| 23-303 | 12/2022 | 2023 FEHB Withholdings and Contributions |
| 23-304 | 01/2023 | Fiscal Year 2023 Federal Employees Benefits Cost Factors for Calculating Imputed Costs |
| 23-305 | 03/2023 | March 2023 Headcount |
| 23-306 | 06/2023 | Changes to Agency Contributions for the Federal Employees Retirement System |
| 23-307 | 08/2023 | Instructions for Agencies’ Payments to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund for Voluntary Early Retirement Authority and Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments |
| Attachment 1A - Remittance Report for FY 2023 VERA | ||
| Attachment 1B - Remittance Report for FY 2023 VSIP | ||
| Attachment 1C - Remittance Report for FY 2023 VERA VSIP | ||
| 23-308 | 08/2023 | September 2023 Headcount |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 23-401 | 10/2023 | 2023 Federal Benefits Open Season: Significant Plan Changes |
| Attachment 1 - FEHB Significant Plan Changes | ||
| Attachment 2 - Federal Benefits Fast Facts |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 BALS in this series have not yet been issued. | ||
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 23-701 | 10/2023 | 2023 Federal Benefits Open Season: Significant Plan Changes |
| Attachment 1 - FEHB Significant Plan Changes | ||
| Attachment 2 - Federal Benefits Fast Facts |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 23-801 | 02/2023 | The Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS): 2023 Administrative Fees |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 23-901 | 02/2023 | New Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) Regulations |
| 23-902 | 09/2023 | Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) |
2022
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has Government wide responsibility and oversight for Federal benefits administration. These pages contain the Benefits Administration Letters (BALs) used for program administration. The BALs provide guidance to agencies on various aspects of Federal administration.
Benefits Administration Letters (BALs)
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 22-101 | 03/2022 | Changes to Acceptable Signature Requirements on Retirement Processing Forms |
| Appendix A - Acceptable Forms with Electronic Signatures from Agencies and Payroll Offices | ||
| Appendix B - Examples of Acceptable Electronic/ Digital Signatures | ||
| Common Questions Concerning Permanent Changes to Acceptable Signature Requirements on Retirement Processing Forms | ||
| 22-102 | 12/2021 | Annual Changes |
| 22-103 | 10/2022 | Updates to the Data Exchange Gateway (DEG) and DEG Data Set Starter Kit |
| Attachment 1 – DEG Data Set Starter Kit (revised September 2022) |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 22-201 | 01/2022 | FEHB Coverage of COVID-19 Over-the-Counter Tests, Vaccines, and Therapeutics |
| 22-202 | 02/2022 | Shutdown Furlough Guidance Updates |
| 22-203 | 03/2022 | Changes to Acceptable Signature Requirements for Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) forms |
| Attachment A: FEGLI Digital Signature Instructions | ||
| 22-204 | 11/2022 | Information to Fulfill Mandatory Reporting Requirements for Plan Year 2022 under Internal Revenue Code Sections 6056 and 4980H22-204 |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 22-301 | 12/2021 | Calendar Year 2022 Interest Rate |
| Composite Interest Rates for Post-1956 Military Service Credit Deposits for Interest Accrual Dates from January 1 through December 31, 2022 | ||
| 22-303 | 12/2021 | Federal Employee Benefits Cost Factors for Calculating Imputed Costs, Fiscal Year 2022 |
| 22-304 | 01/2022 | Shutdown Furlough Guidance Update |
| 22-305 | 03/2022 | March 2022 Headcount |
| 22-306 | 04/2022 | Instructions for Agencies’ Payments to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund for Voluntary Early Retirement Authority and Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments |
| 22-307 | 09/2022 | September 2022 Headcount |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 22-401 | 09/2022 | 2022 Federal Benefits Open Season: Announcement |
| Attachment 1 – Sample Email to Employees | ||
| Attachment 2 – Circle ‘Round Your Benefits | ||
| 22-402 | 10/2022 | 2022 Federal Benefits Open Season: Ordering and Distributing Materials and Conducting the Open Season |
| Attachment 1 – Provide Information about the Federal Benefits Open Season | ||
| Attachment 2 – Process Enrollment Actions | ||
| 22-403 | 10/2022 | 2022 Federal Benefits Open Season: Significant Plan Changes |
| Attachment 1 – FEHB Significant Events Changes | ||
| Attachment 2 – Federal Benefits Fast Facts |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 22-601 | 01/2022 | FEHB Coverage of COVID-19 Over-the-Counter Tests, Vaccines, and Therapeutics |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 22-701 | 09/2022 | 2022 FEHB Open Season for Tribal Employees Announcement |
| Attachment 1 – Helpful Resources | ||
| 22-702 | 10/2022 | 2022 FEHB Open Season for Tribal Employees: Ordering and Distributing Materials and Conducting the Open Season |
| Attachment 1 – Inform Employees and Provide Information | ||
| Attachment 2 – Tribal Fast Facts: What to Consider During Open Season | ||
| Attachment 3 – Process FEHB Enrollment Actions | ||
| 22-703 | 10/2022 | 2022 FEHB Open Season for Tribal Employees: FEHB Program Significant Plan Changes |
| Attachment 1 – FEHB Significant Events Changes | ||
| Attachment 2 – Federal Benefits Fast Facts |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 22-801 | 08/2022 | The Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS): 2022 Administrative Fees |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 22-901 | 11/2022 | New Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) Regulations and Announcement of Suspension Period for FLTCIP Applicants |
2021
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has Government wide responsibility and oversight for Federal benefits administration. These pages contain the Benefits Administration Letters (BALs) used for program administration. The BALs provide guidance to agencies on various aspects of Federal administration.
Benefits Administration Letters (BALs)
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 21-101 | 04/2021 | Payment of Interest on Post-56 Military Deposit or Peace Corp or VISTA Service Deposit with an Administrative Error |
| 21-102 | 04/2021 | The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 - Emergency Paid Leave Effect on Retirement |
| Attachment 1 - Emergency Paid Leave Tracking (Optional Form 5057) | ||
| 21-103 | 02/2021 | Annual Changes |
| 21-104 | 01/2021 | Additional Guidance Regarding Certification of Service Performed as a Law Enforcement Officer, Firefighter, Nuclear Materials Courier, Customs and Border Protection Officer (535 Service), or Air Traffic Controller |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 21-301 | 01/2021 | Fiscal Year 2021 Federal Employee Benefits Cost Factors for Calculating Imputed Costs |
| 21-302 | 03/2021 | March 2021 Headcount |
| 21-303 | 04/2021 | COVID-19 Emergency Paid Leave Reimbursement |
| Attachment 1 – Agency Request for COVID-19 Emergency Paid Leave Reimbursement (OPM Form 5058) | ||
| Attachment 2 – Accounting Scenarios for the Emergency Federal Employee Leave Fund | ||
| 21-304 | 04/2021 | Changes to Agencies’ Contributions to the Federal Employees Retirement System |
| 21-305 | 04/2021 | Instructions for Agencies’ Payments to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund for Voluntary Early Retirement Authority and Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments |
| 21-306 | 09/2021 | September 2021 Headcount |
| 21-307 | 09/2021 | Announcing New Federal Employee's Group Life Insurance Premium |
| Attachment 1 – Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Program (FEGLI) Premium Rates | ||
| 21-308 | 10/2021 | 2022 FEHB Withholdings and Contributions |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 21-401 | 09/2021 | 2021 Federal Benefits Open Season: Announcement |
| Attachment 1 – Sample Email to Employees | ||
| Attachment 2 – Circle ‘Round Your Benefits | ||
| 21-402 | 10/2021 | 2021 Federal Benefits Open Season: Ordering and Distributing Materials and Conducting the Open Season |
| Attachment 1 – Inform Employees and Provide Information | ||
| Attachment 2 – Process Enrollment Actions | ||
| 21-403 | 10/2021 | 2021 Federal Benefits Open Season: Significant Plan Changes |
| Attachment 1 – FEHB Significant Events Changes | ||
| Attachment 2 – Federal Benefits Fast Facts |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 21-701 | 09/2021 | 2021 FEHB Open Season for Tribal Employees: Announcement |
| Attachment 1 – Helpful Resources | ||
| 21-702 | 10/2021 | 2021 FEHB Open Season for Tribal Employees: Ordering and Distributing Materials and Conducting the Open Season |
| Attachment 1 – Inform Tribal Employees and Provide Information about the FEHB Open Season | ||
| Attachment 2 – Tribal FastFacts: What to Consider During the FEHB Open Season for Tribal Employees | ||
| Attachment 3 – Process FEHB Enrollment Actions | ||
| 21-703 | 10/2021 | 2021 FEHB Open Season for Tribal Employees: FEHB Program Significant Plan |
| Attachment 1 – FEHB Significant Events Changes | ||
| Attachment 2 – Federal Benefits Fast Facts |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 21-801 | 01/2021 | Announcing New Third-Party Administrator and Billing Requirements for The Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS) Effective January 1, 2021 |
| Attachment 1 – FSAFEDS MAC Ordering Guide | ||
| Attachment 2 – FSA Sample Take Order - Agency Fees | ||
| Attachment 3 – Sample Administrative Invoices | ||
| Attachment 4 – Federal Flexible Benefits Plan Administrative Costs | ||
| 21-802 | 05/2021 | Flexibilities Allowed for the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS) |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 BALS in this series have not yet been issued. | ||
2020
You have reached a collection of archived material.
The content available is no longer being updated and as a result you may encounter hyperlinks which no longer function. You should also bear in mind that this content may contain text and references which are no longer applicable as a result of changes in law, regulation and/or administration.
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has Government wide responsibility and oversight for Federal benefits administration. These pages contain the Benefits Administration Letters (BALs) used for program administration. The BALs provide guidance to agencies on various aspects of Federal administration.
Benefits Administration Letters (BALs)
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 20-101 | 11/2019 | Annual Changes |
| 20-102 | 07/2020 | Temporary Changes to Retirement Application Processing While Operating Under Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Telework Policies - REVISED |
| 20-103 | 02/2020 | Additional Problems Encountered in Documentation for Disability Retirements |
| 20-104 | 05/2020 | Revised Present Value Factors and Discount Factors Effective October 1, 2019 |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 20-301 | 01/2020 | Fiscal Year 2020 Federal Employee Benefits Cost Factors for Calculating Imputed Costs |
| 20-302 | 03/2020 | March 2020 Headcount |
| 20-303 | 03/2020 | Instructions Regarding Requirement for Agencies' Payments to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund (CSRDF) for VSIPs and VERAs FY 2020 Processing Costs Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 |
| Attachment 1 A-C - FY 2020 VSIP and VERA Form | ||
| Attachment 2 - FEDWIRE Instructions | ||
| Attachment 3 - ACH Credit Instruction | ||
| 20-304 | 05/2020 | Changes to Agency Contributions for FERS, FERS-RAE and FERS-FRAE Beginning in Fiscal Year 2021 |
| 20-305 | 09/2020 | September 2020 Headcount |
| 20-306 | 10/2020 | 2021 FEHB Withholdings and Contributions |
| 20-307 | 10/2020 | Calendar Year 2021 Interest Rate |
| Composite Interest Rates for Post-1956 Military Service Credit Deposits for Interest Accrual Dates from January 1 through December 31, 2021 |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 20-401 | 09/2020 | 2020 Federal Benefits Open Season: Announcement |
| Attachment 1 – Sample Email to Employees | ||
| Attachment 2 – Circle ‘Round Your Benefits | ||
| 20-402 | 10/2020 | 2020 Federal Benefits Open Season: Ordering and Distributing Materials and Conducting the Open Season |
| Attachment 1 – Inform Employees and Provide Information | ||
| Attachment 2 – Process Enrollment Actions | ||
| 20-403 | 11/2020 | 2020 Federal Benefits Open Season: FSAFEDS, FEDVIP and FEHB Program Significant Plan Changes |
| Attachment 1 – FEDVIP Significant Plan Changes | ||
| Attachment 2 – FEHB Significant Plan Changes | ||
| Attachment 3 – FastFact |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 20-702 | 10/2020 | 2020 Federal Benefits Open Season for Tribal Employees: Ordering and Distributing Materials and Conducting the Open Season |
| Attachment 1 – Inform Tribal Employees and Provide Information about the FEHB Open Season | ||
| Attachment 2 – Tribal Fast Facts: What to Consider During Open Season | ||
| Attachment 3 – Process FEHB Enrollment Actions | ||
| 20-703 | 11/2020 | 2020 FEHB Open Season for Tribal Employees: FEHB Program Significant Plan Changes |
| Attachment 1 – FEHB Significant Plan Changes | ||
| Attachment 2 – FastFact |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 20-801 | 04/2020 | The Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS): 2020 Administrative Fees |
| 20-802 | 05/2020 | Update on Qualified Medical Expenses under CARES Act and Reminder about DCFSA Qualifying Life Event |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 BALS in this series have not yet been issued. | ||
2019
You have reached a collection of archived material.
The content available is no longer being updated and as a result you may encounter hyperlinks which no longer function. You should also bear in mind that this content may contain text and references which are no longer applicable as a result of changes in law, regulation and/or administration.
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has Government wide responsibility and oversight for Federal benefits administration. These pages contain the Benefits Administration Letters (BALs) used for program administration. The BALs provide guidance to agencies on various aspects of Federal administration.
Benefits Administration Letters (BALs)
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 19-101 | 02/2019 | Annual Changes |
| 19-102 | 05/2019 | Additional Guidance of Phased Retirement |
| 19-104 | 06/2019 | Analysis of Agency Financial Education and Literacy Plans 2019 |
| 19-105 | 07/2019 | Information to Agencies to Improve Survivor Claim Processing upon the Death of a Federeal Employee |
| 19-106 | 05/2019 | Agency Checklist for Phased Retirement |
| 19-107 | 09/2019 | Process Change for Handling Reemployed Annuitants |
| Attachment 1 - Notification to OPM of Reemployment of Annuitant | ||
| Attachment 2 - Notification to OPM of Separation of a Reemployed Annuitant - No Benefits Payable |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 19-201 | 05/2019 | Implementing Daily Submission of FEHB Electronic Enrollment Transactions |
| 19-202 | 07/2019 | Information to Fulfill Mandatory Reporting Requirements for Plan Year 2019 under Internal Revenue Code Sections 6056 and 4980H |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 19-308 | 10/2019 | Calendar Year 2020 Interest Rate |
| Year 2020 Composite Interest Rates for Post-1956 Military Service Credit Deposits | ||
| 19-307 | 10/2019 | 2020 FEHB Withholdings and Contributions |
| 19-306 | 09/2019 | September 2019 Headcount |
| 19-305 | 06/2019 | Changes to Agency Contributions for FERS, FERS-RAE and FERS-FRAE Beginning in Fiscal Year 2020 |
| 19-304 | 02/2019 | Postal and Non-Postal Cost Factors for Calculating Imputed Cost |
| 19-303 | 03/2019 | March Headcount |
| 19-302 | 02/2018 | Instructions Regarding Requirement for Agencies’ Payments to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund (CSRDF) for VSIPs and VERAs FY 2019 Processing Costs Under the Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2019. |
| Attachment 1 - FY 2018 VSIP and VERA Form | ||
| Attachment 2 - Credit Gateway FEDWIRE Instructions | ||
| Attachment 3 - ACH Credit Instructions | ||
| 19-301 | 01/2019 | Retirement and Insurance Transfer System (RITS) during the Government Shutdown |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 19-401 | 08/2019 | 2019 Federal Benefits Open Season: Announcement |
| Attachment 1 - Sample Email to Employees | ||
| Attachment 2 - Circle ‘Round Your Benefits | ||
| 19-402 | 10/2019 | Federal Benefits Open Season: Ordering and Distributing Materials and Conducting the Open Season |
| Attachment 1: Inform Employees and Provide Information about the Federal Benefits Open Season | ||
| Attachment 2: Process Enrollment Actions | ||
| 19-403 | 10/2019 | 2019 Federal Benefits Open Season: FSAFEDS, FEDVIP and FEHB Program Significant Plan Changes |
| Attachment 1: FEHB Program | ||
| Attachment 2: Federal Benefits FastFacts |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 19-702 | 10/2019 | 2019 FEHB Open Season for Tribal Employees: Ordering and Distributing Materials and Conducting the Open Season |
| Attachment 1 - Inform Tribal Employees and Provide Information about the FEHB Open Season | ||
| Attachment 2 - Tribal FastFacts | ||
| Attachment 3 - Process FEHB Enrollment Actions | ||
| 19-703 | 10/2019 | 2019 Federal Benefits Open Season: FSAFEDS, FEDVIP and FEHB Program Significant Plan Changes |
| Attachment 1 - FEHB Program | ||
| Attachment 2 - Federal Benefits FastFacts |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 19-801 | 03/2019 | The Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS): 2019 Administrative Fees |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 19-901 | 10/2019 | Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) New Long Term Care Insurance Plan - FLTCIP 3.0 |
2018
You have reached a collection of archived material.
The content available is no longer being updated and as a result you may encounter hyperlinks which no longer function. You should also bear in mind that this content may contain text and references which are no longer applicable as a result of changes in law, regulation and/or administration.
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has Government wide responsibility and oversight for Federal benefits administration. These pages contain the Benefits Administration Letters (BALs) used for program administration. The BALs provide guidance to agencies on various aspects of Federal administration.
Benefits Administration Letters (BALs)
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 18-101 | 5/2018 | Annual Changes |
| 18-103 | 9/2018 | FERS Unused Sick Leave and the 1.1% Annuity Formula |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 18-306 | 11/2018 | Calendar Year 2019 Interest Rate |
| Attachment 1 - Composite Interest Rates for Post-1956 Military Service | ||
| 18-305 | 10/2018 | 2019 FEHB Withholdings and Contribution |
| 18-304 | 09/2018 | September 2018 Headcount |
| 18-303 | 08/2018 | Fiscal Year 2018 Cost Factors for Calculating Imputed Costs |
| 18-302 | 05/2018 | Instructions for Agencies’ Payments to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund (CSRDF) for VSIPs and VERAs Processing Costs |
| Attachment 1 - FY 2018 VSIP and VERA Form | ||
| Attachment 2 - Credit Gateway FEDWIRE Instructions | ||
| Attachment 3 - Credit Gateway ACH Instructions | ||
| 18-301 | 02/2018 | March 2018 Headcount |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 18-701 | 03/2018 | myRA |
| 18-703 | 10/2018 | FEHB Open Season for Tribal Employees: FEHB Program Significant Plan Changes |
| Attachment 1: Table 1: Plan Leaving the FEHB Program | ||
| Attachment 2: Federal Benefits FastFacts |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 18-801 | 02/2018 | The Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS): 2018 Administrative Fees |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 BALS in this series have not yet been issued. | ||
2017
You have reached a collection of archived material.
The content available is no longer being updated and as a result you may encounter hyperlinks which no longer function. You should also bear in mind that this content may contain text and references which are no longer applicable as a result of changes in law, regulation and/or administration.
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has Government wide responsibility and oversight for Federal benefits administration. These pages contain the Benefits Administration Letters (BALs) used for program administration. The BALs provide guidance to agencies on various aspects of Federal administration.
Benefits Administration Letters (BALs)
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 17-102 | 03/2017 | Annual Changes |
| 17-101 | 01/2016 | Additional Guidance on Military Deposits |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 17-202 | 08/2017 | Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance Program (FEGLI) Processing Reminder, Email Messages, and Additional Guidance for FEGLI Open Season Elections |
| Sample Email 1 - FEGLI Open Season Elections Becoming Effective | ||
| Sample Email 2 - Verify Your FEGLI Open Season Changes | ||
| 17-201 | 06/2017 | Information to Fulfill Mandatory Reporting Requirements for Plan Year 2017 under Internal Revenue Code Sections 6056 and 4980H |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 17-307 | 11/2017 | Federal Employees Benefits Cost Factors for Fiscal Year 2018 |
| 17-306 | 11/2017 | Calendar Year 2018 Interest Rate |
| Attachment 1 | ||
| 17-305 | 10/2017 | 2018 FEHB Withholdings and Contributions |
| 17-304 | 08/2017 | September 2017 Headcount |
| 17-303 | 07/2017 | Fiscal Year 2017 Cost Factors for Calculating Imputed Costs |
| 17-302 | 06/2017 | Instructions Regarding Requirement for Agencies’ Payments to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund (CSRDF) for VSIPs and VERAs Processing Costs for FY 2017 under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 |
| Attachment 1A-1C | ||
| Attachment 2 | ||
| Attachment 3 | ||
| 17-301 | 01/2017 | March 2017 Headcount |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 17-802 | 12/2017 | FSAFEDS Increasing Health Care Account Maximum by $50 to $2,650 |
| 17-801 | 02/2017 | The Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS): 2017 Administrative Fees |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 BALS in this series have not yet been issued. | ||
2016
You have reached a collection of archived material.
The content available is no longer being updated and as a result you may encounter hyperlinks which no longer function. You should also bear in mind that this content may contain text and references which are no longer applicable as a result of changes in law, regulation and/or administration.
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has Government wide responsibility and oversight for Federal benefits administration. These pages contain the Benefits Administration Letters (BALs) used for program administration. The BALs provide guidance to agencies on various aspects of Federal administration.
Benefits Administration Letters (BALs)
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 16-102 | 11/2016 | OPM No Longer Accepting Corrections on Certain Benefits Election Forms |
| 16-101 | 01/2016 | Annual Changes |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 16-308 | 11/2016 | Federal Employees Benefits Cost Factors for Fiscal Year 2017 |
| 16-307 | 10/2016 | Calendar Year 2017 Interest Rate |
| Attachment: Composite Interest Rates for Post-1956 Military Service Credit Deposits | ||
| 16-306 | 10/2016 | 2017 FEHB Withholdings and Contributions |
| 16-305 | 08/2016 | September 2016 Headcount |
| 16-304 | 07/2016 | Fiscal Year 2016 Cost Factors for Calculating Imputed Costs |
| 16-303 | 05/2016 | FSAFEDS Program: Announcing A New Third Party Administrator |
| Attachment: Federal Flexible Benefits Plan Administrative Costs | ||
| 16-302 | 02/2016 | March 2016 Headcount |
| 16-301 | 02/2016 | Instructions Regarding Requirement for Agencies’ Payments to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund (CSRDF) for VSIPs and VERAs Processing Costs for FY 2016 under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016. |
| Attachment 1: Remittance Report for FY 2016 VERAs | ||
| Attachment 2: ACH Credit Instructions | ||
| Attachment 3: Fedwire Instructions |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 16-601 | 03/03/2016 | Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program: Enrollment Options Following the Termination of a Plan or Plan Option Final Rule Published |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 16-802 | 11/2016 | FSAFEDS Increasing Health Care Account Maximum by $50 to $2,600 |
| 16-801 | 02/2016 | The Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS): 2016 Administrative Fees |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 16-901 | 07/2016 | Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) 2016 Enrollee Decision Period |
2015
You have reached a collection of archived material.
The content available is no longer being updated and as a result you may encounter hyperlinks which no longer function. You should also bear in mind that this content may contain text and references which are no longer applicable as a result of changes in law, regulation and/or administration.
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has Government wide responsibility and oversight for Federal benefits administration. These pages contain the Benefits Administration Letters (BALs) used for program administration. The BALs provide guidance to agencies on various aspects of Federal administration.
Benefits Administration Letters (BALs)
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 15-102 | 01/2015 | Additional Items to Report on Individual Retirement Records (IRRs) in Cases of Separation, Removal, or Resignation |
| 15-101 | 01/2015 | Annual Changes |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 15-701 | 01/2015 | myRA |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 15-801 | 02/2015 | The Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS): 2015 Administrative Fees |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 15-901 | 11/2015 | Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program Eligibility Changes |
| Attachment 1: Declaration of Domestic Partnership |
2014
You have reached a collection of archived material.
The content available is no longer being updated and as a result you may encounter hyperlinks which no longer function. You should also bear in mind that this content may contain text and references which are no longer applicable as a result of changes in law, regulation and/or administration.
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has Government wide responsibility and oversight for Federal benefits administration. These pages contain the Benefits Administration Letters (BALs) used for program administration. The BALs provide guidance to agencies on various aspects of Federal administration.
Benefits Administration Letters (BALs)
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 800 Series – Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Issues | ||
| 14-802 | 12/2014 | The Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS) Increasing Health Care Account Maximum by $50 to $2,550 |
| 14-801 | 08/2014 | The Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS) Changes: Adopting Carryover and Reducing Minimum Election for 2015 |
2013-1995
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You have reached a collection of archived material.
The content available is no longer being updated and as a result you may encounter hyperlinks which no longer function. You should also bear in mind that this content may contain text and references which are no longer applicable as a result of changes in law, regulation and/or administration.
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has Government wide responsibility and oversight for Federal benefits administration. These pages contain the Benefits Administration Letters (BALs) used for program administration. The BALs provide guidance to agencies on various aspects of Federal administration.
2013 Benefits Administration Letters (BALs)
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 13-103 | 06/2013 | Military Deposits |
| 13-102 | 06/2013 | FERS Revised Annuity |
| 13-101 | 02/2013 | Annual Changes |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 13-306 | 11/2013 | Federal Employees Benefits Cost Factors for Fiscal Year 2014 |
| 13-305 | 11/2013 | Calendar Year 2014 Interest Rate |
| Attachment 1: Composite Interest Rates | ||
| 13-304 | 10/2013 | 2014 FEHB Withholdings and Contribution Rates |
| 13-303 | 08/2013 | September 2013 Headcount |
| 13-302 | 07/2013 | Fiscal Year 2013 Cost Factors for Calculating Imputed Costs |
| 13-301 | 02/2013 | March 2013 Headcount |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 13-802 | 10/2013 | The Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS): 2014 Administrative Fees |
| 13-801 | 01/2013 | The Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS): 2013 Administrative Fees |
2012 Benefits Administration Letters (BALs)
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 12-104 | 10/2012 | Federal Employees Retirement System-Revised Annuity Employees (RAE) |
| 12-103 | 08/2012 | Submitting Healthy Retirement Application Packages |
| Submitting Healthy Retirement Application Packages - Revised | ||
| Attachment A: CSRS and FERS Development Checklist and Log | ||
| Attachment B: Annotated CSRS and FERS Development Checklist | ||
| Attachment C: CSA Document Order for Retirement Package Submissions | ||
| 12-102 | 05/2012 | Acceptance of Photocopies of Signed Documents in Retirement Application Packages and other Agency Submissions |
| 12-101 | 01/2012 | Annual Changes |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 12-206 | 10/2012 | Electronic SF 2810 in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program |
| 12-205 | 08/2012 | Medical Loss Ratio Rebates under the Affordable Care Act |
| Attachment: Frequently Asked Questions about the Medical Loss Ratio | ||
| 12-204 | 07/2012 | Federal Employees Health Benefits Program: Revision of Health Benefits Election Form, Standard Form 2809 |
| 12-203 | 07/2012 | Federal Employees Health Benefits Program Coverage for Certain Firefighters |
| 12-202 | 05/2012 | Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program: Revision of Standard Form (SF) 2817, "Life Insurance Election" |
| 12-201 | 04/2012 | Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program: End of Election Opportunity for Certain Contingency Operation Employees |
2011 Benefits Administration Letters (BALs)
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 11-112 | 12/2011 | Cost of Living Adjustment |
| 11-111 | 12/2011 | Revised Present Value Factors and Discount Factors |
| 11-109 | 10/2011 | Additional Guidance to BAL 10-102, Non-Foreign Area Retirement Equity Assurance |
| Attachment 4 | ||
| Attachment 5 | ||
| 11-107 | 08/2011 | Fact Sheets on Retirement Scams |
| Help Your Employees Achieve Their Retirement Dream | ||
| Early Retirement Seminars | ||
| 11-106 | 08/2011 | Temporarily Decrease in Social Security Employee Tax Rate |
| 11-104 | 02/2011 | Agency Retirement Financial Education Plans |
| 11-103 | 02/2011 | Authority to Redeposit Refunds under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) |
| 11-102 | 03/2011 | Guidance on National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 Provisions on Sick Leave for FERS Retirees |
| 11-101 | 03/2011 | Annual Changes |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 11-310 | 11/2011 | FEHBP Cost Factor for First Quarter of FY 2012 |
| 11-309 | 11/2011 | Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program: Announcing New FEGLI Premiums |
| Attachment: Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program: Announcing New FEGLI Premiums | ||
| 11-308 | 11/2011 | Calendar Year 2012 Interest Rate |
| Attachment 1: Composite Interest Rates | ||
| 11-307 | 10/2011 | 2012 FEHB Withholdings and Contribution Rates |
| 11-306 | 08/2011 | September 2011 Headcount |
| 11-305 | 08/2011 | Fiscal Year 2011 Factors for Calculating Imputed Costs |
| 11-304 | 06/2011 | Changes to FERS Contribution Rates for Fiscal Year 2012 |
| 11-303 | 03/2011 | FEHBP Cost Factor for Third Quarter of FY 2011 |
| 11-302 | 02/2011 | March 2011 Headcount |
| 11-301 | 01/2011 | FEHBP Cost Factor for Second Quarter of FY 2011 |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 11-802 | 11/2011 | The Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS): 2012 Administrative Fees |
| 11-801 | 02/2011 | The Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS): 2011 Administrative Fees |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 11-901 | 02/2011 | The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program - Open Season April 4 - June 24, 2011 |
2010 Benefits Administration Letters (BALs)
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 10-202 | 10/2010 | Resolving FEDVIP Dual Enrollments NEW PROCESS, and UPDATED QLE chart |
| 10-201 | 09/2010 | Changes for Federal Benefits Programs under the Affordable Care Act |
| Attachment: Health Reform Changes for Federal Benefits Programs Effective January 1, 2011 |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 10-309 | 11/2010 | FEHBP Cost Factor for First Quarter of FY 2011 |
| 10-308 | 11/2010 | Calendar Year 2011 Interest Rate |
| Attachment: Composite Interest Rates For Post-1956 Military Service Credit Deposits For Interest Accrual Dates From January 1 Through December 31, 2011 | ||
| 10-307 | 10/2010 | 2011 FEHB Withholdings and Contribution Rates |
| 10-306 | 08/2010 | Fiscal Year 2010 Factors for Calculating Imputed Costs |
| 10-305 | 08/2010 | September 2010 Headcount |
| 10-304 | 08/2010 | [Corrected] Changes to FERS Contribution Rates for Fiscal Year 2011 |
| 10-303 | 03/2010 | FEHBP Cost Factor for Third Quarter of FY 2010 |
| 10-302 | 02/2010 | March 2010 Headcount |
| 10-301 | 01/2010 | FEHBP Cost Factor for Second Quarter of FY 2010 |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 10-901 | 06/2010 | Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP): Qualified Relatives now include Same-Sex Domestic Partners |
| Attachment 1: Declaration of Domestic Partnership |
2009 Benefits Administration Letters (BALs)
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 09-102 | 01/2009 | Information to Agencies to Improve Survivor Claim Processing upon the Death of a Federal Employee |
| Attachment 1: General Instructions | ||
| Attachment 2: Summary of Benefits Checklist | ||
| Attachment 3: Preliminary Information to OFEGLI Regarding the Death of A Federal Employee | ||
| Attachment 4: Election Regarding Method of Payment for Unpaid Compensation | ||
| Attachment 5: CSRS Death-In-Service Quick Pay | ||
| Attachment 6: Employee Death Case Summary | ||
| 09-101 | 01/2009 | Annual Changes |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 09-308 | 12/2009 | Calendar Year 2010 Interest Rate |
| Attachment | ||
| 09-307 | 10/2009 | FEHBP Cost Factor for First Quarter of FY 2010 |
| 09-306 | 10/2009 | 2010 FEHB Withholdings and Contribution Rates |
| 09-305 | 08/2009 | September 2009 Headcount |
| 09-304 | 08/2009 | Fiscal Year 2009 Factors for Calculating Imputed Costs |
| 09-303 | 05/2009 | FEHB Cost Factor for Third Quarter of FY 2009 |
| 09-302 | 02/2009 | March 2009 Headcount |
| 09-301 | 02/2009 | FEHB Cost Factor for Second Quarter of FY 2009 |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 09-801 | 10/2009 | The Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS): 2010 Administrative Fees |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 09-901 UPDATED |
10/2009 | UPDATED Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program Changes |
| 09-901 | 09/2009 | Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program Changes |
| Attachment 1: General Notification Letter | ||
| Attachment 2: Important Notice of Change of Insurers |
2008 Benefits Administration Letters (BALs)
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 08-102 | 5/29/2008 | Annual Changes |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 08-308 | 11/14/2008 | Calendar Year 2009 Interest Rate |
| 08-307 | 11/2008 | FEHB Cost Factor for First Quarter of FY 2009 |
| 08-306 | 10/14/2008 | 2009 FEHB Withholdings and Contribution Rates |
| 08-305 | 08/25/2008 | September 2008 Headcount |
| 08-304 | 08/2008 | Fiscal Year 2008 Factors for Calculating Imputed Costs |
| 08-303 | 06/02/2008 | FEHBP Cost Factor for Third Quarter of FY 2008 |
| 08-302 | 03/26/2008 | FEHBP Cost Factor for Second Quarter of FY 2008 |
| 08-301 | 02/15/2008 | March 2008 Headcount |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 08-803 | 12/23/2008 | The Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS): Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act (HEART Act) |
| 08-802 | 12/16/2008 | The Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS): 2009 Administrative Fees |
| 08-801 | 01/17/2008 | The Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS): 2008 Administrative Fees |
2007 Benefits Administration Letters (BALs)
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 07-103 | 07/02/07 | Hatch v OPM: Allowing Full-Time Credit for Employees on Workers Compensation Who Work Part-Time but Have a Full-Time Appointment |
| 07-102 | 04/23/07 | Retirement Financial Education Plans |
| 07-101 | 04/25/06 | Annual Changes |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 07-206 | 12/13/07 | Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program: Requests for Information |
| 07-205 | 11/30/07 | Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) and Premium Pay |
| 07-204 | 10/24/07 | California wildfires and the FEHB, FEGLI, FEDVIP, FLTCIP and FSAFEDS Programs |
| 07-203 | 07/31/07 | Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Program: New and Redefined SF 50 Codes |
| 07-202 | 04/06/07 | Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program: Pre-Tax Health Savings Account Allotments for Federal Employees |
| 07-201 | 03/12/06 | Pre-tax treatment of FEHB and FLTCIP premiums for Retired Public Safety Officers under section 845 of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 07-310 | 12/07 | FEHBP Cost Factor for First Quarter of FY 2008 |
| 07-309 | 11/28/07 | Calendar Year 2008 Interest Rate |
| 07-308 | 10/09/07 | 2008 FEHB Withholdings and Contribution Rates |
| 07-307 | 09/28/07 | FSAFEDS Program: New Procedure for Paying Administrative Fees |
| Attachment - A | ||
| Attachment - B | ||
| Attachment - Section 1127 | ||
| 07-306 | 08/07 | September 2007 Headcount |
| 07-305 | 08/07 | Fiscal Year 2007 Factors for Calculating Imputed Costs |
| Attachment - 2007 Cost Factors for the CSRS FERS | ||
| 07-304 | 06/07 | Changes to FERS Contribution Rates for Fiscal Year 2008 |
| 07-303 | 06/07 | FEHBP Cost Factor for Third Quarter of FY 2007 |
| 07-302 | 03/27/06 | FEHBP Cost Factor for Second Quarter of FY 2007 |
| 07-301 | 02/28/06 | March 2007 Headcount |
2006 Benefits Administration Letters (BALs)
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 06-307 | 12/00/06 | FEHBP Cost Factor for First Quarter of FY 2007 |
| 06-306 | 10/26/06 | Calendar Year 2007 Interest Rate |
| Attachment: Composite Interest Rates for Post-1956 Military Service Credit Deposits for Interest Accrual Dates from January 1 through December 31, 2007 | ||
| 06-305 | 10/10/06 | 2007 FEHB Withholdings and Contribution Rates |
| 06-304 | 09/00/06 | Fiscal Year 2006 Factors for Calculating Imputed Costs |
| 06-303 | 06/00/06 | FEHBP Cost Factor for Third Quarter of FY 2006 |
| 06-302 | 03/00/06 | FEHBP Cost Factor for Second Quarter of FY 2006 |
| 06-301 | 02/24/06 | March 2006 Headcount |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 06-406 | 11/22/06 | 2006 Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program Open Season: Conducting the Open Season |
| 06-405 | 10/30/06 (Updated 11/14/06) |
2007 Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program Open Season: Significant Plan Changes |
| Attachment | ||
| 06-404 | 10/06/06 | 2006 Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program Open Season: Ordering and Distribution of Material |
| Attachment 1: Plan contacts for brochure orders | ||
| Attachment 2: Plan contacts for enrollment forms | ||
| 06-403 | 09/07/06 | 2006 Open Season: Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program |
| 06-402 | 08/07/06 | FEHB Open Season 2006 Rider Information |
| Attachment to: Benefits Administration Letter 06-402 FEHB Open Season 2006 Rider Information | ||
| 06-401 | 01/04/06 | Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program: Extended Coverage for Employees Called to Active Military Duty |
| Attachment: P.L. 108-375 Processing Table |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 06-603 | 10/26/06 | Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) 2006 Open Season: Distribution of Materials |
| Attachment I: The Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) List of Plan Contacts | ||
| 06-602 | 10/06/06 | The Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP): Program Overview and Agency Responsibilities |
| 06-601 | 03/27/06 (Originally Published as 06-203) | BENEFEDS Portal |
| Attachment 1: FEDVIP File Layouts and Associated Business Rules | ||
| Attachment 2: BENEFEDS Portal Security |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 06-801 | 09/14/06 | The Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS): Transfer of Funds between the Two Types of Flexible Spending Accounts |
| Attachment: Payroll Provider Questionnaire FSAFEDS Account Funds Transfers |
2005 Benefits Administration Letters (BALs)
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 05-203 | 8/31/05 | Hurricane Katrina and the FEGLI, FLTCIP, FSAFEDS and FEHB Programs |
| 05-202 | 08/08/05 | Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program: Processing Reminder, Email Messages, and Additional Guidance for FEGLI 04 Open Season Elections |
| Attachment 1: Email 1 -- FEGLI 2004 Open Season Changes Become Effective! | ||
| Attachment 2: Email 2 -- FINAL REMINDER FEGLI 2004 Open Season Changes Effective! | ||
| 05-201 | 01/31/05 | Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program: Special Procedures for Tsunami Events |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 05-307 | 12/2005 | FEHBP Cost Factor for First Quarter of FY 2006 |
| 05-306 | 10/20/05 | CSRS Withholdings for CSRS-Offset Employees |
| 05-305 | 10/17/05 | Calendar Year 2006 Interest Rate |
| Attachment: Interest Accrual Dates from January 1 through December 31, 2006 | ||
| 05-304 | 10/14/05 | 2006 FEHB Withholdings and Contribution Rates |
| 05-303 | 09/08/05 | Fiscal Year 2005 Factors for Calculating Imputed Costs |
| Attachment 1: 2005 Cost Factors For The CSRS and FERS | ||
| 05-302 | 06/09/05 | FEHBP Cost Factor for the Third Quarter of FY 2005 |
| 05-301 | 03/15/05 | FEHBP Cost Factor for the Second Quarter of FY 2005 |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 05-801 | 11/30/05 | FSAFEDS - Limited Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Option for 2006 |
| Attachment: FSAFEDS - Limited Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Option for 2006 |
2004 Benefits Administration Letters (BALs)
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 04-310 | 12/13/04 | FEHBP Cost Factor for First Quarter of FY 2005 |
| 04-309 | 11/02/04 | New Option B Premiums |
| 04-308 | 10/22/04 | Calendar Year 2005 Interest Rate |
| Attachment - Composite Interest Rates for Post-1956 Military Service Credit Deposits for Interest Accural Dates from January 1 through December 31, 2005M | ||
| 04-307 | 10/14/04 | 2005 FEHB Withholdings and Contribution Rates |
| 04-306 | 08/16/04 | Fiscal Year 2004 Factors for Calculating Imputed Costs |
| Attachment - 2004 Cost Factors for the CSRS and FERS | ||
| 04-305 | 06/29/04 | Changes to FERS Contribution Rates |
| 04-304 | 06/08/04 | Imputed cost factors for third quarter of FY 2004 |
| 04-303 | 03/22/04 | 2004 Retroactive Pay Raise - Effect on CSRS/FERS and FEGLI |
| 04-302 | 02/26/04 | March 2004 Headcount |
| 04-301 | 02/24/04 | Imputed Cost Factors for Second Quarter of FY 2004 |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 04-406 | 10/28/04 | 2004: Benefits Administration Letter 04-406 - 2004 Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program Open Season: Ordering and Distribution of Material |
| 04-405 | 10/15/04 | Federal Employees Health Benefits Program: Revision of Health Benefits Election Form, Standard Form 2809 |
| 04-404 Update | 10/04/04 | 2004 Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program Open Season: Significant Plan Changes (UPDATED) |
| 04-404 | 10/04/04 | 2004 Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program Open Season: Significant Plan Changes |
| 04-403 | 09/17/04 | 2004 Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program Open Season: Introduction |
| 04-402 | 08/13/04 | Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program: Opportunity for Enrollees of OmniCare Health Plan, Enrollment KA, to Change Enrollment |
| 04-401 | 07/16/04 | Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program Open Season: 2004 Rider Information |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 04-803 | 10/08/04 | FSAFEDS - Open Season for the 2005 Plan Year for the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program |
| 04-801 | 02/17/04 | The Federal Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Program: 2004 Administrative Fees |
2003 Benefits Administration Letters (BALs)
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 03-313 | 12/18/03 | Imputed Cost Factors for First Quarter of FY 2004 |
| 03-312 | 12/1/03 | New Option B Withholding Rates |
| 03-311 | 11/21/03 | Calendar Year 2004 Interest Rate |
| Attachment | ||
| 03-310 | 10/15/03 | 2004 FEHB Withholdings and Contribution Rates |
| 03-309 | 9/15/03 | Fiscal Year 2003 Factors for Calculating Imputed Costs |
| 03-308 | 06/17/03 | Imputed Cost Factor Related to the FEHB for the Third Quarter of FY 2003 |
| 03-307 | 06/13/03 | Disposition of Individual Retirement Records when Discontinuing Payroll Services |
| 03-306 | 03/31/03 | Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Program: Payroll Specifications |
| 03-305 | 03/26/03 | 2003 Retroactive Pay Raise - Effect on CSRS/FERS and FEGLI |
| 03-304 | 03/18/03 | FEHB Imputed Cost Factor for the Second Quarter of FY 2003 |
| 03-303 | 02/10/03 | March 2003 Headcount |
| 03-302 | 01/15/03 | Cost Factors for First Quarter of FY 2003 |
| 03-301 | 01/9/03 | Preliminary Information about Flexible Spending Accounts |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03-404 | 09/04/03 | 2003 Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program Open Season: Ordering and Distribution of Material | |
| 03-403 | 11/3/03 | 2003 Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program Open Season: Significant Plan Changes | |
| Attachment - Changes | |||
| 03-402 | 09/17/03 | 800 Series – Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Issues | |
| 03-805 | 06/19/03 | Billing Process for FSA Fees Paid By Agencies | |
| Attachment 1 - FAX Response Form | |||
| Attachment 2 - Invoicing Procedural Process | |||
| 03-804 | 06/16/03 | Enrollments Begin for the Federal FSA Program | |
| 03-803 | 06/03/03 | Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts and other Child Care Subsidies | |
| 03-802 | 05/19/03 | The Federal FSA Program Open Season | |
| 03-801 | 04/25/03 | Federal FSA Program: Information for Agency Human Resources Staff Corrected copy posted 5/20/03 |
|
| BAL Number | Date | Subject | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03-902 | 11/12/03 | Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program: Participation in Agency Retirement Seminars | |
| Attachment - Memorandum from Director James | |||
| 03-901 | 11/10/03 | Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program: Payroll/Annuity Deduction Information | |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 03-1001 | 06/13/03 | Federal Work Life Programs |
2002 Benefits Administration Letters (BALs)
2001 Benefits Administration Letters (BALs)
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 01-906 | 12/18/01 | OPM Selects Metropolitan Life and John Hancock To Provide Long Term Care Insurance for the "Federal Family" |
| Attachment | ||
| 01-905 | 11/8/01 | The Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Open Season for 2002 and the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) |
| 01-904 | 10/17/01 | Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP): Who's the Competition?? |
| 01-903 | 05/15/01 | Long Term Care Insurance Program: Letter from OPM's Acting Director |
| 01-902 | 04/10/01 | Proposed Long Term Care Insurance Product Design |
| 01-901 | 03/09/01 | The Long Term Care Insurance Program |
2000 Benefits Administration Letters (BALs)
Pre-Tax Payment of FEHB Insurance Premiums (Premium Conversion)
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 00-110 | 07/28/00 | Status on Retirement Coverage Error Corrections Legislation |
| Attachment | ||
| 00-108 | 06/02/00 | Change in Procedures for Retirement Coverage Errors Resulting from the Conner v. Office of Personnel Management Decision |
| 00-107 | 05/22/00 | Annual Changes |
| 00-106 | 05/01/00 | Annual Changes (00-107 replaces this BAL) |
| 00-105 | 05/10/00 | New procedures to expedite payments to spouses of Federal employees who have died. |
| Attachment |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 00-408 | 11/06/00 | 2000 Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program Open Season: Notice to Employees |
| 00-407 | 11/06/00 | 2000 Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program: Conducting the 2000 Open Season |
| 00-406 | 11/02/00 | 2000 Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program: Significant Plan Changes Part 2 |
| 00-405 | 10/16/00 | 2000 Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program Open Season: Carrier Contacts |
| 00-404 | 09/29/00 | 2000 Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program: Significant Plan Changes |
| 00-403 | 08/23/00 | 2000 Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Open Season: Ordering and Distribution of Material |
| 00-402 | 07/28/00 | 2000 Federal Employees' Health Benefits (FEHB) Program Open Season: Introduction |
| 00-401 | 03/29/00 | Federal Employees' Health Benefits (FEHB) Open Season: FEHB Guides |
| Attachment |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 00-703 | 09/12/00 | Modernizing Today- The Voice of the Retirement Systems Modernization Effort |
| 00-702 | 07/31/00 | Federal Employees Health Benefits Program: The FEHB Handbook on CD ROM |
| 00-701 | 02/09/00 | Benefits Administration Information Online Mailing List |
1999 Benefits Administration Letters (BALs)
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 99-110 | 12/15/99 | Court Orders Applying To FEGLI & CSRS/FERS Benefits |
| Attachment: |
||
| 99-108 | 08/19/99 | Educating Employees About Their Retirement Package |
| 99-107 | 01/27/99 | Retirement Benefits Booklet Handbook |
| 99-103 | 01/27/99 | Cost-of-Living Adjustments for Annuities; New Variable Interest Rate |
| 99-101 | 01/6/99 | Common Problems Encountered in Documentation for Retirements Under the Federal Employees Retirement Systems (FERS) |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 99-702 | 11/09/99 | Free Investors Town Meeting Albuquerque, NM |
| 99-701 | 09/09/99 | Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program: The New FEHB Handbook |
1998 Benefits Administration Letters (BALs)
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 98-114 | 11/5/98 | Notifying Employees Who May be Affected by the Decision of the Court in the Case of Conner v. OPM |
| 98-113 | 10/05/98 | Reporting Requirements for the FERS Open Season |
| 98-109 | 5/13/98 | FERS Open Season Implementation Instructions |
| 98-106 | 05/08/98 | Designations of Beneficiary to Trusts |
| 98-101 | 02/10/98 | North Dakota State Tax Deductions from Annuity Payments under the Civil Service and Federal Employees Retirement Systems |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 98-705 | 07/15/98 | Availability of the New FEGLI Handbook on CD ROM. |
| 98-704 | 03/16/98 | Availability of CSRS and FERS Handbook on disk. |
| 98-703 | 03/16/98 | Rider Information |
| 98-702 | 02/23/98 | New Area Code |
| 98-701 | 01/26/98 | Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance: Customer Feedback Survey |
1997 Benefits Administration Letters (BALs)
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 97-114 | 12/11/97 | Notice of Change to the Rules on Correction of Administrative Errors Affecting Thrift Savings Plan Accounts |
| 97-113 | 11/28/97 | New Federal Income Tax Rules for Annuities Commencing After December 31, 1997 |
| 97-112 | 10/20/97 | Line Item Veto of FERS Open Enrollment Period |
| 97-107 | 09/25/97 | Corrections of Automatic FERS Coverage for Employees With 5 Years of Civilian Service Before 1987 |
| 97-106 | 08/13/97 | Retirement Changes in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 |
| 97-105 | 06/18/97 | Certain FERS Employees with Previous NAFI Service Need to Make a Service Credit Election |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 97-602 | 07/29/97 | Retirement and Insurance Benefits When an Annuitant Is Missing -- Proposed Regulation. |
| 97-601 | 12/11/97 | Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program: Proposed Disenrollment Regulations |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 97-706 | 11/28/97 | Cost-of-Living Adjustments for Annuities; New Variable Interest Rate |
| 97-705 | 10/02/97 | Benefits Center is now available |
| 97-704 | 07/25/97 | Availability of a Computer Model to Help Employees Make Retirement Coverage Elections Under Public Law 104-106. |
| 97-703 | 07/10/97 | June 1997 Rider Information |
| 97-702 | 06/18/97 | Announcement of the new Benefits Administration Letter (BAL) format. |
| 97-701 | 01/14/97 | Revised Substitute Forms Policy |
1996 Benefits Administration Letters (BALs)
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 96-108 | 09/06/96 | Retirement Election Opportunities for Certain FERS Employees Appointed Before August 10, 1996, After Service in a Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentality of the Department of Defense or Coast Guard |
| 96-107 | 08/20/96 | Retirement Election Opportunity for Certain Employees Appointed to Civil Service Positions on or After August 10, 1996, Following Service in a Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentality of the Department of Defense or Coast Guard |
| 96-101 | 02/01/96 | Public Law 104-95: An Act "to limit State taxation of certain pension income |
1995 Benefits Administration Letters (BALs)
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 95-111 | 12/22/95 | Cost-of Living Adjustments of Annuities; New Variable Interest Rate |
| 95-110 | 12/13/95 | Expedited FERS employee death benefits processing |
| 95-105 | 10/20/95 | FERS and CSRS Offset Coverage During a Transfer to an International Organization |
| 95-101 | 01/27/99 | Public Law 103-353 the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights act of 1994 |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 95-412 | 11/06/95 | FEHB Open Season: Miscellaneous Events |
| 95-411 | 10/26/95 | FEHB Open Season: Notice of Plan Withdrawal |
| 95-410 | 10/23/95 | FEHB Open Season: Notice of Plan Withdrawal |
| 95-409 | 09/28/95 | FEHB Open Season: FEHB Guides Shipping Update |
| 95-408 | 09/25/95 | FEHB Open Season: Processing Open Season Changes |
| 95-407 | 09/25/95 | FEHB Open Season: Notice to Employees |
| 95-406 | 09/25/95 | FEHB Open Season: Conducting the 1995 Open Season |
| 95-405 | 09/22/95 | FEHB Open Season: Carrier Contacts |
| 95-404 | 09/15/99 | FEHB Open Season: Significant Plan Changes |
| 95-403 | 08/25/95 | FEHB Open Season: Ordering and Distribution |
| 95-402 | 06/13/95 | FEHB Open Season: Brochure Distribution |
| 95-401 | 2/8/95 | FEHB Open Season: Introduction |
| BAL Number | Date | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 95-712 | 11/22/95 | Availability of the CSRS and FERS Handbook on Disk |
| 95-711 | 11/22/95 | Upcoming Satellite Broadcast |
| 95-710 | 10/10/95 | October 1995 Rider Information |
| 95-709 | 08/15/95 | Experiencing Telephone Problems in Insurance Programs |
| 95-708 | 06/02/95 | Availability of Retirement Video "Benefits Gets Serious" |
| 95-707 | 05/30/95 | 1995 Rider Information |
| 95-706 | 04/21/95 | Insurance Misrepresentations |
| 95-705 | 04/20/95 | Benefits for Victims of the Oklahoma Bombing |
| 95-704 | 04/06/95 | Computer Virus on "Handbook for Attorneys" Diskette |
| 95-703 | 03/17/95 | Request for Assistance with FEHBP Telephone Survey |
| 95-702 | 02/03/95 | Updated FERS Transfer Model |
| 95-701 | 02/17/95 | Miscellaneous: Opportunity to Order Retirement and Insurance Publications |