1. Presentation to The Virginia Federation of Chapters April 15, 2014

2. Federal Benefits Services Department • There to assist members and chapters and federations • Respond to letters, emails and phone calls • Advise National Officers and Departments on federal benefits • Update manuals • Write the Q and As section of the magazine • Contact Us at FEDBENFITS@NARFE..ORG

3. What’s NEW at OPM • 1099Rs will continue to be mailed • Should sign up for Services on-line • Get your 1099R on line • Can change address, get a verification of life insurance, change tax withholding, sign up for direct deposit and have allotments withheld from you annuity.

4. Whats new • Self Plus One Option under the FEHBP • Retirement case backlog – as of April 1 – 18,573 new cases. • Other Work Loads Are Affected • OPM Director will be Keynote Speaker • Meeting with the Director

5. Representative Payees • Individuals are living longerbut the quality of life may diminish. • If mentally or physically incapacitated, someone needs to handle federal benefits. • OPM requires 1) court appointed guardian or fiduciary; or 2) Representative Payee

6. Application • RI-20-7 Representative Payee Application • Includes what documentation is required if no court appointed guardian. • There is a certification that must be signed by the applicant. • Applicant must provide information on how they intend to discharge their duties

7. OPM’s Process • After receipt of the application and medical documentation, OPM’s office that handles disability retirements for review and approval. • After review they send their decision to the appropriate operating office in retirement to respond back to the applicant. If there are deficiencies in the application they will note them.

8. OPM’s Decision • Prefers someone who has care and custody of the individual. • May deny if evidence does not support the individual is mentally or physically incapable of handling his/her own affairs. • May deny if the applicant did not complete the forms or documentation was insufficient.

9. If Approved • Payments will be in the name of the Rep Payee for the annuitant or survivor annuitant. • The rep payee can make changes to health benefits, income tax withholding, both mailing and payment addresses. Annual mailings by OPM will go to the Rep Payee’s address – for instance Open Season notices, and 1099Rs.

10. That’s All I wanted to Say • I want to quote the late comedian George Carlin who advised: • In retirement keep active, keep busy. Develop a hobby – go to NARFE Chapter meetings – take classes, or anything else to keep your mind active. Because an Idle mind is the Devil’s workshop and the DEVIL my friends is…. Alzheimers.