Word to the Wise

Personnel and payroll officials commonly advise that at about this time of year, federal employees should make a special effort to examine their leave and earnings statements to make sure that any payroll withholding-related changes they elected for the new year have taken effect, and are correct. For those who made a new FEHB election during last year’s open season, for example, that means verifying the plan’s enrollment code and premium amount. Some health insurance plans sponsored by unions or other associations require the payment of dues or a membership fee; that also should be checked, because non-payment could risk loss of health coverage. Similarly, employees should check that their gross pay reflects pay raises effective since the start of the year, their desired TSP contributions and their desired participation in other payroll deduction programs such FEGLI, FEDVIP or FLTCIP insurance, flexible spending accounts, union dues and any others.