One More Time on Special Rate Eligibility

Even though the special rate back pay case has been pending so long-or possibly because of that delay-there remains much confusion regarding who is eligible for payouts. That confusion is again arising, following the recent mailing of distribution packages for filing claims, or for appealing the calculated amounts, under the settlement. For example, many current special rate employees-white-collar federal employees who get higher pay for being in in-demand occupations-believe they are eligible even though they were not employed by the government during the pertinent time period of October 1, 1981 through September 30, 1988. About 212,000 individuals were in special rate pay during that period, but payments are due only to those who had their basic annual pay raises either capped or totally denied during a policy in effect at that time, a policy the courts have overturned. Thus, about 129,000 people, or their survivors, are due to get payments.