Guidance Needed on Reservist Benefit

The recently enacted continuing funding bill for the rest of this fiscal year (P.L. 111-8) contains a provision that requires agencies to make up the difference between regular pay for their employees and the military pay they receive when called to active military duty, which typically is lower. The measure states that the benefit is effective starting the first pay period after enactment, which was March 11, but it could be some time until policies are finalized on issues including exactly what types of pay are to be counted, exactly what type of military service is affected, and the effect on benefits. In addition, it will take time to synchronize the civilian and military payroll systems, which operate on different cycles. The measure calls on OPM to issue implementing regulations.