5 CFR Part 837 · GlobalLawDB

Contents

Subpart A · Subpart A—General Provisions

837.101Applicability.#

(a)This part prescribes rules governing—

(1)Reemployment of an annuitant by the Federal Government;

(2)Reemployment of an annuitant by the government of the District of Columbia when the annuitant—

(i)Had been employed subject to CSRS by the District of Columbia prior to October 1, 1987;

(ii)Is an employee of the government of the District of Columbia not excluded from CSRS under § 831.201(g) or § 831.201(i); or

(iii)Is an employee of the District of Columbia who is deemed to be a Federal employee for FERS purposes under § 842.107 or § 842.108 of this chapter; and

(3)The payment of retirement and death benefits based on reemployment covered by this part.

(b)This part is not applicable to reemployment, in the Executive Branch, under 5 U.S.C. 8344(i) or 8468(f) (see part 553 of this chapter), relating to reemployment of retirees to meet exceptional employment needs, or to employment under 5 U.S.C. 8344 (j) or (k) or 5 U.S.C. 8468 (g) or (h) in the Judicial or Legislative Branches.

837.102Definitions.#

Actual service means the period of time during which an annuitant is reemployed, excluding periods of separation and non-pay status. Annuitant means a former employee or Member who is receiving, or meets the legal requirements and has filed claim for, annuity under either CSRS or FERS based on his or her service. Another retirement system or “other retirement system” means a program created by Federal or District of Columbia statute or regulation and administered by an agency of the Federal Government or District of Columbia that provides retirement and/or death benefits to Federal or District of Columbia employees whose employment would otherwise be subject to the provisions of CSRS or FERS, or that credits service in the computation of benefits that would otherwise be credited in the computation of a CSRS or FERS benefit, or that provides a death benefit when a death benefit is payable from CSRS or FERS. CSRS means the Civil Service Retirement System, as described in subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code. CSRS annuitant means an annuitant retired under CSRS. CSRS-Offset service means service by a reemployed CSRS annuitant that is subject to the OASDI tax by operation of section 101 of Public Law 98-21. It does not include any service performed before January 1, 1984. CSRS-Offset wages means basic pay, as defined under 5 U.S.C. 8331(3), of an employee or Member performing CSRS-Offset service, but not to exceed the contribution and benefit base for the calendar year involved. Continuous service means reemployment without a period of separation from service, or conversion to intermittent status, of more than 3 days. Contribution and benefit base means the contribution and benefit base in effect with respect to the period involved, as determined under section 230 of the Social Security Act. FEC means Federal Employees Compensation, that is, benefits paid on the basis of a work-related disease or injury under the provisions of chapter 81 of title 5, United States Code, but does not include a scheduled award under the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8107, or medical services under 5 U.S.C. 8103. FERS means the Federal Employees Retirement System, as described in chapter 84 of title 5, United States Code. FERS annuitant means an annuitant who retired under FERS, or a reemployed CSRS annuitant whose election of FERS coverage under part 846 of this chapter is effective on or after January 8, 1988. Full-time equivalent to part-time service means the amount of actual service that would result if the total hours worked on a part-time basis had been performed on a full-time basis, and the remaining portion of the period of reemployment was in a non-pay status. Full-time service means actual service in which the reemployed annuitant is scheduled to work the number of hours and days required by the administrative workweek for his or her grade or class (normally 40 hours). Fund means the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund as described at 5 U.S.C. 8348. Intermittent service means any actual service performed on a less than full-time basis with no prescheduled regular tour of duty. Lump-sum credit has the same meaning as the term is defined at section 8401(19) or section 8331(8) of title 5, United States Code, as may be applicable under the circumstances. OASDI tax means, with respect to Federal wages, the Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance tax imposed under section 3101(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Part-time service means actual service performed on a less than full-time basis under a pre-scheduled regular tour of duty. Pay means the basic pay of the position to which the reemployed annuitant is appointed, prior to reduction for retirement contributions and annuity offset, and excludes any other benefits or compensation the reemployed annuitant receives, such as benefits authorized under the provisions of chapter 81 of title 5, United States Code. Reemployed means reemployed in an appointive or elective position with the Federal Government, or reemployed in an appointive or elective position with the District of Columbia (when the annuitant was first employed subject to CSRS by the District of Columbia before October 1, 1987, or is an employee of the government of the District of Columbia not excluded from CSRS under § 831.201(g) or § 831.201(i) of this chapter, or is an employee of the government of the District of Columbia who is deemed to be a Federal employee for FERS purposes under § 842.107 or § 842.108 of this chapter), whether the position is subject to CSRS, FERS, or another retirement system, but does not include appointment as a Governor of the Board of Governors of the United States Postal Service, or reemployment under the provisions of law that exclude offset of pay by annuity, that is, sections 8344(i), (j), or (k), or 8468(f), (g), or (h) of title 5, United States Code. Retired Member means a former Member of Congress, as defined by 5 U.S.C. 2106, who has met the requirements for Member retirement as specified at sections 8336(g), 8337(a), 8338(b), 8412, 8413, and 8451(b) of title 5, United States Code, and who has filed claim therefor. Suspension, in regard to payment of annuity, means that payment of annuity stops but annuitant status continues. Termination in regard to payment of annuity, means that both payment of annuity and annuitant status cease.

837.103Notice.#

(a)To OPM. On or before the date a reemployed annuitant is appointed, the appointing agency must notify OPM in writing of the appointment, and provide OPM with the following information—

(1)The annuitant's name, date of birth, social security number (if applicable), and retirement claim number;

(2)A description of the kind of appointment;

(3)Whether the amount of annuity allocable to the period of reemployment is, or will be, withheld from the reemployed annuitant's pay, in accordance with § 837.303 of this part; and

(4)When the appointment is an interim appointment under § 772.102 of this chapter, an explicit statement that the appointment is required by the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989.

(b)To annuitant. The agency should advise the annuitant in writing, generally, of the effect reemployment has on annuitant status and/or the continued receipt of annuity, the possible, future retirement benefits that may be payable to an annuitant on the basis of reemployment, and, for CSRS annuitants, whether the annuitant may elect to have retirement deductions withheld from his or her basic pay.

(c)Obligation of annuitant to provide information. Before appointment, and as a condition of reemployment, the annuitant must provide the employing agency with the following information—

(1)Whether the annuitant is then in receipt of annuity;

(2)The gross monthly amount of annuity the annuitant is then receiving;

(3)Whether the annuitant is a disability annuitant, and if so, whether OPM has found the annuitant recovered from his or her disability, or restored to earning capacity; and.

(4)If the annuitant is a CSRS annuitant, whether the annuitant's retirement was based on an involuntary separation, not for charges of misconduct or delinquency.

837.104Reemployment of former employees of nonappropriated fund instrumentalities.#

A former employee of a nonappropriated fund instrumentality who has made an election of retirement coverage under part 847 of this chapter will continue to be covered under the elected retirement system for all periods of service as a reemployed annuitant.

Subpart B · Subpart B—Annuitant and Employee Status

837.201Annuitant status.#

Unless his or her annuity is terminated under the provisions of § 837.202 or § 837.403 of this part, an annuitant continues to be an annuitant throughout the period of reemployment, whether or not he or she continues to receive annuity payments during the period of reemployment.

837.202Annuities that terminate on reemployment.#

(a)FERS annuitants. (1) The annuity of a FERS annuitant who is a disability annuitant whom OPM has found recovered or restored to earning capacity prior to reemployment terminates on reemployment.

(2)The annuity of a FERS annuitant who is a former military reserve technician awarded a disability retirement annuity under 5 U.S.C. 8456, in addition to being subject to paragraph (a)(1) of this section, shall terminate on the date the annuitant declines an offer of employment with a department or agency, where the employment is in the same commuting area and of the same grade as, or a level equivalent to, the position from which the annuitant retired.

(b)CSRS annuitants. (1) The annuity of a CSRS annuitant terminates on reemployment if—

(i)The annuitant is a disability annuitant whom OPM has found recovered or restored to earning capacity prior to reemployment, or whose disability annuity was awarded under the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) because the annuitant was a National Guard Technician who was medically disqualified for continued membership in the National Guard;

(ii)The annuitant is not a retired Member and the annuity is based on an involuntary separation (other than a separation that was mandated by statute based on the annuitant's age and length of service, or a separation for cause on charges of misconduct or delinquency) where the reemployment would, if the individual were not an annuitant, be covered by CSRS;

(iii)The annuitant is not a retired Member and is appointed by the President to a position that would, if the individual were not an annuitant, be covered by CSRS; or

(iv)The annuitant is not a retired Member and is elected as a Member.

(2)A disability annuity awarded a former National Guard Technician under the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) shall terminate on the date the annuitant declines an offer of employment with a department or agency, where the employment is in the same commuting area and of the same grade as, or a level equivalent to, the position from which the annuitant retired.

837.203Annuities that are suspended during reemployment.#

(a)All annuitants. Payment of annuity is suspended when—

(1)The annuitant is appointed as a justice or judge of the United States, as defined by section 451 of title 28, United States Code; or

(2)The annuitant receives an interim appointment under § 772.102 of this chapter.

(b)CSRS annuitants only. Payment of annuity is suspended when the annuitant is a retired Member and becomes employed in an elective position, or is appointed to a position that is not intermittent or without pay.

Subpart C · Subpart C—Coverage and Contributions

837.301Coverage.#

(a)When annuity terminates on, or is suspended during, reemployment. Retirement coverage under either CSRS or FERS is governed by subpart B of part 831 or subpart A of part 842 of this chapter, as is appropriate.

(b)When annuity continues. (1) Unless a reemployed FERS annuitant's employment is on an intermittent basis, as an employee subject to another retirement system, or as President, deductions for the Fund shall be made under 5 U.S.C. 8422(a).

(2)A CSRS annuitant is not subject to deductions, unless he or she is serving in an other-than-intermittent status (except as President), is not covered by another retirement system, and elects to have retirement deductions made from his or her pay. Generally, deductions are made no later than the beginning of the first pay period immediately following the date the reemployed annuitant files the election with the employing agency. When the annuitant elects to have deductions made, he or she may not change the election during continuous service with that agency.

(3)The amount of basic pay prior to offset of annuity under § 837.303 of this part is used in computing the amount of deductions. The rate of retirement deductions is that which attaches to the position under the provisions of sections 8334(a), 8334(k), or 8422(a) of title 5, United States Code, as is applicable.

837.302Agency contributions.#

(a)FERS annuitants. An agency that reemploys a FERS annuitant subject to retirement deductions under § 837.301(b)(1) of this part shall make contributions, as specified in 5 U.S.C. 8423, to the Fund, based on the reemployed annuitant's pay prior to offset of annuity under the provisions of § 837.303 of this part.

(b)CSRS annuitants. An agency that reemploys a CSRS annuitant is required to make an agency contribution when—

(1)The annuity is suspended or terminated under the provisions of subpart B of this part; and

(2)The appointment is subject to CSRS deductions under the provisions of subpart B of part 831 of this chapter.

837.303Annuity offset.#

(a)Applicability. When the right to receive annuity continues during reemployment (even though actual receipt of annuity may have been waived under 5 U.S.C. 8345(d) or 8465(a)), the pay of the reemployed annuitant shall be offset by the amount of annuity allocable to the period of reemployment, except that—

(1)No amount shall be offset from pay in accordance with this section for a period for which the annuitant has elected to receive FEC benefits in lieu of annuity; and

(2)No amount shall be offset from a lump-sum payment of annual leave, made on or after termination of the reemployment period.

(b)Payment. The employing agency shall pay to the Fund the full amount required to be offset from a reemployed annuitant's salary under this section in accordance with instructions issued by OPM. Payment in full to the Fund is not contingent on actual offset from the reemployed annuitant's salary.

(c)Computation. To compute the amount of the annuity offset for any particular pay period, divide the amount of annuity for the calendar days included in the pay period by the number of hours that would constitute a full-time tour of duty for that pay period, then multiply the result by the number of hours actually paid for the pay period, not to exceed the number of hours that constitutes a full-time tour of duty.

837.304Agency liability for payments.#

(a)The agency will remit funds properly withheld from the pay of a reemployed annuitant in accordance with this subpart to OPM in the manner prescribed for the transmission of withholdings and contributions as soon as possible, but not later than provided by standards established by OPM.

(b)When the employing agency fails to withhold from the pay of the reemployed annuitant some or all of the amounts required to be withheld from that pay by this subpart, the employee has received an overpayment of pay. The employing agency must collect the overpayment of pay (unless it is waived under 5 U.S.C. 5584 or some other applicable statute) and remit the proper funds to OPM in the manner prescribed for the transmission of withholdings and contributions as soon as possible, but not later than provided by standards established by OPM.

(c)If the employing agency waives the annuitant's repayment of the salary overpayment, it must submit—on behalf of the reemployed annuitant—an amount equal to the correct deduction from pay (or the balance due in the case of a partial deduction) to OPM in the manner prescribed for the transmission of withholdings and contributions as soon as possible, but not later than provided by standards established by OPM.

837.305Lump-sum credit not reduced.#

When annuity continues during the period of reemployment, and the reemployment is subject to annuity offset under the provisions of § 837.303 of this subpart, or any similar provision of law or regulation, the amount of an annuitant's lump-sum credit to the Fund shall not be reduced by the amount of annuity allocable to the period of reemployment.

837.306Refund of lump-sum credit.#

An annuitant serving as a justice or judge of the United States, as defined by section 451 of title 28, United States Code, may apply for and receive payment of the annuitant's lumpsum credit, less the amount of annuity or other benefits previously paid on that account. Receipt of a refund under this section will irrevocably terminate the right to annuity, and the annuitant status, of the recipient, based on any prior separations from employment covered by CSRS or FERS.

Subpart D · Subpart D—Reemployment of Disability Annuitants

837.401Generally.#

A disability annuitant may be reemployed in any position for which he or she is qualified.

837.402Special notice.#

(a)To annuitant. In addition to the advice described in paragraph 837.103(b) of this part, the agency should generally also advise a disability annuitant, in writing, prior to reemployment, that—

(1)Reemployment on a permanent basis in a position equivalent in grade and pay to the position from which the annuitant retired may constitute the basis for an OPM finding of recovery from disability;

(2)Reemployment subject to medical and physical qualification standards equivalent to those of the position from which the annuitant retired may constitute the basis for an OPM finding of recovery from disability;

(3)The pay of the position in which the annuitant is reemployed, prior to the offset of annuity, or the pay of an interim appointment under § 772.102 of this chapter, as may be applicable, will be included as earnings in determining whether the disability annuity will be terminated due to restoration to earning capacity;

(4)Receipt of, or continued entitlement to receive, full or partial FEC benefits during reemployment, when those benefits are based on the same injury or medical condition that is the basis for OPM's award of disability retirement, is conclusive evidence (unless there is contravening medical evidence) that the annuitant has not recovered from the disability; and

(5)A disability annuitant age 60 or over cannot be found by OPM to be restored to earning capacity, and can only be found recovered at the annuitant's request.

(b)To OPM. On reemployment of a disability annuitant, the employing agency shall, in addition to the notice required by § 837.103(a) of this part, notify OPM in writing of—

(1)The physical and medical requirements of the position (providing a copy of the employee's position description);

(2)The position's grade level and/or rate of pay;

(3)Whether the employment is full-time, part-time, or intermittent;

(4)Whether, to the best of the agency's knowledge, the reemployed annuitant is receiving, or entitled to receive, FEC benefits; and

(5)Whether any medical evidence was used in making the employment decision, and if so, provide OPM with a copy of the medical information.

837.403Termination of annuity during reemployment.#

(a)Agency action. When a reemployed disability annuitant is found recovered from disability or restored to earning capacity by OPM, OPM shall terminate the annuity as of the date of the finding, and the employing agency shall cease reducing pay by the amount of annuity allocable to the period of reemployment effective that same date. If the appointment is subject to retirement deductions, retirement deductions will begin or continue, as the case may be.

(b)Subsequent benefits—(1) CSRS. If, on separation from a period of reemployment during which the disability annuity was terminated because of recovery or restoration to earning capacity, the former disability annuitant is entitled to either an immediate or deferred annuity based on the most recent separation, any right to an annuity based on a prior separation is permanently extinguished. If no such right to immediate or deferred annuity accrues based on this most recent separation, however, any right to immediate or deferred annuity will be determined on the basis of the next prior separation.

(2)FERS. If a disability annuity is terminated during a period of reemployment because of recovery or restoration to earning capacity, any right to an annuity based on a prior separation is permanently extinguished, except as otherwise provided by § 844.405(b)(2) of this chapter.

837.404Reinstatement of annuity during a period of employment not subject to CSRS or FERS.#

When OPM reinstates the disability annuity of an individual employed in a position not subject to CSRS or FERS, the employing agency shall withhold retirement deductions and offset pay subject to the provisions of subpart C of this part, as of the date of OPM's administrative determination of reinstatement. OPM shall offset from any retroactive payment of annuity for a period that is also a period of employment an amount equal to the amount of annuity, or the pay for the period of employment, whichever is the lesser.

Subpart E · Subpart E—Retirement Benefits on Separation

837.501Refund of retirement deductions.#

A reemployed annuitant who separates from reemployment without title to either a supplemental annuity or a redetermined annuity under this subpart is entitled to have any retirement deductions withheld from pay during the period of reemployment refunded without interest.

837.502Reinstatement of annuity.#

(a)When appropriate. (1) When an annuity was terminated because of reemployment under the provisions of § 837.202 of this part, or any similar provision of statute or regulation in effect prior to the promulgation of this part, the annuity that was terminated will be reinstated effective the date immediately following the date the reemployed annuitant separated from reemployment, if—

(b)Amount of reinstated annuity. The amount of an annuity reinstated under the provisions of paragraph (a)(2) of this section will be the amount of the annuity at the effective date of termination, adjusted by such adjustments as would have occurred had the annuity remained payable during the period of reemployment.

(i)The reemployed annuitant's right to annuity has not been terminated under any other provision of regulation or statute; and

(ii)The reemployed annuitant is not entitled to either an immediate or deferred CSRS or FERS annuity based on the separation from reemployment.

(2)When an annuity was suspended because of reemployment under the provisions of § 837.203 of this part, the annuity that was suspended will be reinstated effective the date immediately following the date the reemployed annuitant separated from reemployment.

837.503Supplemental annuity.#

(a)Title requirements. A reemployed annuitant is entitled, on separation, or conversion to intermittent service, to a supplemental annuity if—

(1)The annuitant performed—

(i)At least 1 year of actual, continuous, full-time service;

(ii)Actual, continuous part-time service equivalent to 1 year of actual full-time service; or

(iii)A combination of part-time and full-time actual, continuous service that is equivalent to 1 year of actual full-time service; and

(2)(i) The annuity is not terminated or suspended on reemployment; and

(b)Computation of supplemental annuity—(1) CSRS. (i) That portion of a supplemental annuity that is based on the total years and full months of creditable reemployment service performed while covered under CSRS, is computed under the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8339(a), (b), (d), (e), (h), (i), (n) and (q). Unused sick leave to the reemployed annuitant's credit immediately prior to separation from reemployed annuitant service will be credited under the rules prescribed in § 831.302 of this chapter, and 5 U.S.C. 8339(m), not to exceed the amount of unused sick leave available immediately before the effective date of an election of FERS coverage, and not including any unused sick leave included in the computation of an annuity or supplemental annuity the annuitant is receiving at the time of separation from the most recent period of reemployment.

(c)Creditable service. (1) All actual reemployment service performed after the date of retirement on a full-time or part-time basis may be credited in the computation of a supplemental annuity provided—

(i)When the reemployment service was performed on or after October 1, 1982, retirement deductions were withheld or, for CSRS annuitants, a deposit has been paid under the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8334;

(ii)The reemployment service was not performed subject to another retirement system, except when the deductions under the other retirement system have been refunded and a deposit paid to OPM, where the law so permits, or benefits under the other retirement system have been waived in favor of CSRS or FERS benefits; and

(2)FERS. That portion of a supplemental annuity that is based on the total years and full months of creditable reemployment service performed on and after the effective date of FERS coverage is computed under the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8415 (a) through (f).

(3)Average pay. The average pay used in the computation of a supplemental annuity is the average basic pay for the entire period of actual continuous reemployment service, excluding intermittent service.

(4)Survivor reduction. If the reemployed annuitant's annuity, at the time he or she applies for supplemental annuity, is reduced to provide a survivor benefit for a spouse, (or, for FERS annuitants only, a former spouse), the supplemental annuity will be reduced by 10 percent, and the survivor annuities increased, if the annuitant was retired under CSRS, by 55 percent of the supplemental annuity, and if the annuitant was retired under FERS, by 50 percent of the supplemental annuity, unless the reemployed annuitant notifies OPM at the time of application that he or she does not wish to have such reductions and increases effected.

(d)Commencing date. (1) Except as provided in clause (2) of this subparagraph, the supplemental annuity commences on the earlier of the first day of the month following—

(i)Involuntarily separated from the reemployment service (except by removal for cause on charges of misconduct or delinquency);

(ii)Involuntarily converted to an intermittent status, or;

(2)The supplemental annuity of a FERS annuitant, and the supplemental annuity of a CSRS reemployed annuitant who has not elected FERS coverage and who was—

(iii)Separated from reemployment service, or converted to intermittent status, after serving 3 days or less in the month of such separation or conversion—shall commence on the earlier of the day after separation from reemployment service, the effective date of conversion to intermittent status, or the day after the date pay ceases.

(iii)The reemployment service has not been used in the computation of another supplemental or redetermined annuity.

(2)A period of reemployment service during which annuitant status continues and annuity is paid, and which is excluded from the normal annuity offset from pay by special statutory provision, cannot be credited in the computation of a supplemental annuity or any subsequent annuity entitlement.

837.504Redetermined annuity.#

(a)Title requirements. (1) A reemployed annuitant is entitled, on separation, or conversion to intermittent service, to a redetermined annuity if—

(b)Computation. (1) A redetermined annuity is computed using all the reemployed annuitant's creditable service, under the provisions of law in effect governing the payment of CSRS and/or FERS annuities, as may be applicable, at the time of separation from reemployment service, or conversion to intermittent status.

(2)The amount of the redetermined annuity of an individual whose previous annuity was terminated under the provisions of § 837.202(b)(1)(iii) of this part will at least equal the amount of the terminated annuity plus any increases under section 8340 of title 5, United States Code, occurring after the termination of the previous annuity and before the commencement of the redetermined annuity, adjusted by any annuity increase or reduction resulting from additional or different elections made by the reemployed annuitant.

(c)Commencing date. The commencing date of the redetermined annuity is the same as the law and/or regulations would provide in the case of a retiring employee.

(i)The annuitant performed—

(A)At least 5 years of actual, continuous, full-time service;

(B)Actual, continuous part-time service equivalent to 5 years of actual full-time service, or;

(C)A combination of part-time and full-time actual, continuous service that is equivalent to 5 years of actual full-time service.

(ii)(A) The annuity was not terminated or suspended during reemployment; and

(B)The pay during reemployment was subject to offset by the amount of annuity allocable to the period of reemployment; or

(C)The reemployed annuitant separated from an interim appointment made under the provisions of § 772.102 of this chapter.

(iii)Retirement deductions are withheld, or a deposit is paid, for the entire period of continuous reemployment service immediately preceding the most recent separation from reemployment service; and

(iv)The reemployed annuitant elects the redetermined annuity in lieu of his or her prior annuity and the supplemental annuity that would be payable under § 837.503 of this subpart.

(2)An employee whose annuity was terminated under the provisions of § 837.202(b)(1)(iii) of this part, and who has not elected FERS coverage, is entitled to a redetermined annuity on separation.

837.505Cost-of-living adjustments on Member annuities.#

(a)Applying cost-of-living adjustments to recomputed Member annuities under CSRS. A member annuity benefit that is recomputed under section 8344(d)(1) of title 5, United States Code, which applies to certain former Members who become employed in an appointive position subject to CSRS, will include the cost-of-living adjustments under section 8340 of title 5, United States Code, that are effective after the commencing date of the benefit computed under section 8344(d)(1).

(b)Limitations on cost-of-living adjustments on recomputed Member annuities under CSRS. For purposes of determining limitations on cost-of-living adjustments under section 8340(g) of title 5, United States Code, the final (or average) salary of a Member whose benefit has been recomputed under section 8344(d)(1) of title 5, United States Code, which applies to certain former Members who become employed in an appointive position subject to CSRS, will be increased by adjustments in the rates of the General Schedule under subpart I of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, that are effective after the commencing date of the benefit computed under section 8344(d)(1).

837.506Computation of redetermined annuity for former employees of nonappropriated fund instrumentalities.#

(a)The redetermined annuity of a former employee of a nonappropriated fund instrumentality who elected CSRS or FERS coverage under 5 CFR part 847, subpart D, is recomputed under 5 CFR part 847, subpart F.

(b)The redetermined annuity of a former employee of a nonappropriated fund instrumentality who elected CSRS or FERS retirement credit under 5 CFR part 847, subpart H, is recomputed under 5 CFR part 847, subpart I.

Subpart F · Subpart F—Death Benefits

837.601Generally.#

Except as otherwise provided by this subpart, when an annuitant who is reemployed under circumstances that provide for continuation of annuitant status during reemployment dies, death benefits are payable under CSRS or FERS as if the individual died as an annuitant, and not as employee.

837.602Lump-sum payment of retirement deductions.#

If an annuitant reemployed subject to the provisions of this part dies while so reemployed, and the annuitant would not have been entitled to a supplemental annuity, had the separation been for reasons other than death, or if there is no supplemental spousal survivor annuity payable (including a survivor annuity payable to a former spouse, if the annuitant retired under FERS) the amount of retirement deductions withheld during the period of reemployment will be paid in a lump sum to the person entitled under the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8342(c) or 8424(d), as appropriate.

837.603Increased survivor benefits.#

(a)Supplemental survivor annuity. (1) If an annuitant reemployed subject to the provisions of this part dies while so reemployed, and the annuitant would have been entitled to a supplemental annuity, had the separation been for reasons other than death, and there is a spousal survivor annuity payable (including a survivor annuity payable to a former spouse, if the annuitant retired under FERS) the amount of the spousal survivor annuity will, if any necessary deposit for service credit is made, be increased by 55 percent of the supplemental annuity, if the reemployed annuitant was retired under CSRS, or 50 percent of the supplemental annuity, if the reemployed annuitant was retired under FERS.

(2)Supplemental survivor annuity benefits payable under this paragraph, computed in whole or in part under the provisions of § 837.503(b)(1)(i) of this part, using CSRS-Offset service, are subject to reduction under subpart G of this part.

(b)Redetermined survivor annuity. If an annuitant reemployed subject to the provisions of this part dies while so reemployed, and the annuitant would have been entitled to elect a redetermined annuity, had the separation been for reasons other than death, and if there is a spousal survivor annuity payable (including a survivor annuity payable to a former spouse, if the annuitant retired under FERS), a person entitled to a spousal survivor annuity may elect to have his or her survivor annuity computed as if the annuitant had elected a redetermined annuity, provided any necessary deposit for service credit is made.

Subpart G · Subpart G—CSRS Offset

837.701Offset from supplemental annuity.#

(a)OPM will reduce the supplemental annuity of an individual who has performed CSRS-Offset service, if the individual is entitled, or on proper application would be entitled, to old-age benefits under title II of the Social Security Act.

(b)The reduction required under paragraph (a) of this section is effective on the first day of the month during which the reemployed annuitant—

(1)Is entitled to a supplemental annuity under this part; and

(2)Is entitled, or on proper application would be entitled, to old-age benefits under title II of the Social Security Act.

(c)Subject to paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section, the amount of the reduction required under paragraph (a) of this section is the lesser of—

(1)The difference between—

(i)The social security old-age benefit for the month referred to in paragraph (b) of this section; and

(ii)The old-age benefit that would be payable to the individual for the month referred to in paragraph (b) of this section, excluding all CSRS-Offset wages as a reemployed annuitant, and assuming the annuitant was fully insured (as defined by section 214(a) of the Social Security Act); or

(2)The product of—

(i)The old-age benefit to which the individual is entitled or would, on proper application, be entitled; and

(ii)A fraction—

(A)The numerator of which is the annuitant's total CSRS-Offset service as a reemployed annuitant, rounded to the nearest whole number of years not exceeding 40 years; and

(B)The denominator of which is 40.

(d)Cost-of-living adjustments under 5 U.S.C. 8340 occurring after the effective date of the reduction required under paragraph (a) of this section will be based on only the supplemental annuity remaining after reduction under this subpart.

(e)The amounts for paragraphs (c)(1)(i), (c)(1)(ii), and (c)(2)(i) of this section are computed without regard to subsections (b) through (1) of section 203 of the Social Security Act (relating to reductions in social security benefits), and without applying the provisions of the second sentence of section 215(a)(7)(B)(i) or section 215(d)(5)(ii) of the Social Security Act (relating to part of the computation of the social security windfall elimination provisions).

(f)OPM will accept the determination of the Social Security Administration, submitted in a form prescribed by OPM, concerning entitlement to social security benefits and the beginning and ending dates thereof.

837.702Offset from supplemental survivor annuity.#

(a)OPM will reduce a supplemental survivor annuity (an annuity under 5 U.S.C. 8341) based on the service of an individual who performed CSRS-Offset service, if the survivor annuitant is entitled, or on proper application would be entitled, to survivor benefits under section 202(d), (e), or (f) (relating to children's, widows', and widowers' benefits, respectively) of the Social Security Act.

(b)The reduction required under paragraph (a) of this section begins (or is reinstated) on the first day of the month during which the survivor annuitant—

(1)Is entitled to a disability or survivor annuity under CSRS; and

(2)Is entitled, or on proper application would be entitled, to survivor benefits under the Social Security Act provisions mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (c) of this section, respectively.

(c)The reduction under paragraphs (a) of this section will be computed and adjusted in a manner consistent with the provisions of § 837.701 (c) through (e) of this part.

(d)A reduction under paragraph (a) of this section stops on the date entitlement to the disability or survivor benefits under title II of the Social Security Act terminates. In the case of a survivor annuitant who has not made proper application for the social security benefit, the reduction under paragraph (a) of this section stops on the date entitlement to such survivor benefits would otherwise terminate. If a social security benefit is reduced under any provision of the Social Security Act, even if reduced to zero, entitlement to that benefit is not considered to have terminated.

(e)OPM will accept the determination or certification of the Social Security Administration, submitted in a form prescribed by OPM, concerning entitlement to social security survivor benefits and the beginning and ending dates thereof.

Subpart H · Subpart H—Alternative Entitlements and Canceled Retirements

837.801Unperfected entitlement to CSRS benefits based on a prior separation.#

(a)An employee who meets the age and service requirements for title to a non-disability annuity under CSRS on the basis of a prior separation, but did not apply for that annuity before a subsequent separation from service to which a different annuity entitlement attaches, may elect, on application, to receive either—

(1)The annuity based on the later separation; or

(2)The annuity based on the prior separation, with payment of annuity suspended during the period(s) of employment subsequent to the commencing date of annuity, and such benefits as would be payable had the subsequent period(s) of employment been performed under the provisions of this part.

(b)When an individual who has applied for a deferred annuity under CSRS is reemployed under CSRS before the commencing date of that annuity, the application is deemed to have not been made.

837.802Benefits under another retirement system for Federal employees based on the most recent separation.#

(a)Generally. An annuitant who has performed reemployment service after the commencing date of annuity under the provisions of another retirement system, and who is entitled to an annuity benefit from the other retirement system during a period in which he or she is also entitled to an annuity benefit under CSRS or FERS, may receive both benefits simultaneously, or for the same period, except that the annuitant may not receive both benefits simultaneously, or for the same period, if—

(1)The provisions of law or regulation governing the other retirement system do not permit the annuitant to receive both benefits simultaneously, or for the same period of time; or

(2)Entitlement to the annuity from the other retirement system is based on service credited in the computation of the CSRS or FERS annuity, or service credited in the computation of the annuity from the other retirement system was used in the computation of the CSRS or FERS annuity.

(b)Election of alternative benefits. (1) Where simultaneous receipt of, or entitlement to, both annuities is barred under the provisions of paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the annuitant must elect to receive either the annuity under the other retirement system, or the CSRS annuity.

(2)Where the annuitant, under the provisions of paragraph (b)(1) of this section, elects to receive annuity from the other retirement system in lieu of the CSRS or FERS annuity, the CSRS or FERS annuity terminates as of the commencing date of the other annuity, and any overpayment of CSRS annuity will be offset from the other annuity and paid to OPM.

(c)Recomputation. Where simultaneous receipt of annuities from more than one retirement system is barred by paragraph (a)(2), but not by paragraph (a)(1), of this section, the CSRS or FERS annuity may be recomputed to exclude credit for service credited in determining entitlement to, or the amount of, the annuity from the other retirement system, effective as of the commencing date of the annuity from the other retirement system for Federal employees, and the recomputed CSRS or FERS annuity may be paid simultaneous with, or for the same period as, the annuity from the other retirement system for Federal employees.

(d)Forfeiture. Where an annuitant's coverage as an employee under another retirement system, whether by election or by operation of law or regulation, results in forfeiture of annuity rights under CSRS or FERS, the CSRS or FERS annuity will terminate as of the effective date of coverage.

(e)Survivors. The rules detailed in this section in regard to dual entitlement to annuity benefits under CSRS or FERS and another retirement system also apply to dual entitlement to survivor benefits under CSRS or FERS and another retirement system, unless the particular circumstance is otherwise governed by specific provision of statute or regulation.

(f)Agency responsibilities. The agency responsible for administering another retirement system must—

(1)Promptly notify OPM of an election of coverage under that retirement system by a reemployed CSRS or FERS annuitant, or the coverage of a reemployed CSRS annuitant under that retirement system by election or operation of law or regulation, when such coverage affects the annuitant's entitlement to CSRS annuity;

(2)Promptly notify OPM when a reemployed annuitant separates with entitlement to an annuity under the other retirement system that cannot, under the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section, be paid simultaneous with, or during the same period as, the CSRS annuity; and

(3)Reimburse OPM for overpayments of annuity resulting from a failure to comply with paragraphs (b) (1) and (2) of this section.

837.803Cancellation of retirement by judicial or administrative authority.#

(a)Cancellation of retirement action. A separation from employment on which an application for retirement is based may only be canceled by the former employing agency in response to a direct and final order of a judicial or administrative body charged with the responsibility of reviewing the legality of the separation, and authorized to make such order, or by agreement between the annuitant and the former employing agency in resolution of a grievance, complaint, dispute, appeal or other action, involving an allegedly erroneous separation, before such authority.

(b)Agency notification to OPM. Upon receiving a final order requiring cancellation of the annuitant's separation or after the annuitant and the agency agree to cancel the separation, the employing agency must notify OPM and request the amount of the erroneous payment to be recovered under § 550.805(e) of this chapter from any back pay adjustment to which the employee may be entitled.

(c)Collection of erroneously paid retirement benefits. (1) If OPM determines that an overpayment of annuity or lump-sum credit has occurred and the employee is entitled to receive back pay because of the canceled separation, the overpaid retirement benefits must be deducted to the extent they can be recovered from the back pay adjustment as required by § 550,805(e) of this chapter.

(2)Amounts recovered from back pay will not be subject to waiver consideration under the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8346(b) or 8470(b). If there is no back pay or the back pay is insufficient to recover the entire payment, the employee may request that OPM waive the uncollected portion of the overpayment. If waiver is not granted, the employee must repay the erroneous payment.

837.804Finality of elections under this subpart.#

Except as otherwise provided by this subpart, an election of coverage under, or annuity from, another retirement system, in lieu of CSRS or FERS coverage or annuity, or the election between simultaneous entitlements under CSRS or FERS, is final and conclusive for the period of simultaneous entitlement to coverage or annuity.

United States Government work; public domain under 17 U.S.C. § 105.

837.101Applicability.#

837.102Definitions.#

837.103Notice.#

837.104Reemployment of former employees of nonappropriated fund instrumentalities.#

837.201Annuitant status.#

837.202Annuities that terminate on reemployment.#

837.203Annuities that are suspended during reemployment.#

837.301Coverage.#

837.302Agency contributions.#

837.303Annuity offset.#

837.304Agency liability for payments.#

837.305Lump-sum credit not reduced.#

837.306Refund of lump-sum credit.#

837.401Generally.#

837.402Special notice.#

837.403Termination of annuity during reemployment.#

837.404Reinstatement of annuity during a period of employment not subject to CSRS or FERS.#

837.501Refund of retirement deductions.#

837.502Reinstatement of annuity.#

837.503Supplemental annuity.#

837.504Redetermined annuity.#

837.505Cost-of-living adjustments on Member annuities.#

837.506Computation of redetermined annuity for former employees of nonappropriated fund instrumentalities.#

837.601Generally.#

837.602Lump-sum payment of retirement deductions.#

837.603Increased survivor benefits.#

837.701Offset from supplemental annuity.#

837.702Offset from supplemental survivor annuity.#

837.801Unperfected entitlement to CSRS benefits based on a prior separation.#

837.802Benefits under another retirement system for Federal employees based on the most recent separation.#

837.803Cancellation of retirement by judicial or administrative authority.#

837.804Finality of elections under this subpart.#

Defined terms · 1

History · 1 version

837.101Applicability.#

837.102Definitions.#

837.103Notice.#

837.104Reemployment of former employees of nonappropriated fund instrumentalities.#

837.201Annuitant status.#

837.202Annuities that terminate on reemployment.#

837.203Annuities that are suspended during reemployment.#

837.301Coverage.#

837.302Agency contributions.#

837.303Annuity offset.#

837.304Agency liability for payments.#

837.305Lump-sum credit not reduced.#

837.306Refund of lump-sum credit.#

837.401Generally.#

837.402Special notice.#

837.403Termination of annuity during reemployment.#

837.404Reinstatement of annuity during a period of employment not subject to CSRS or FERS.#

837.501Refund of retirement deductions.#

837.502Reinstatement of annuity.#

837.503Supplemental annuity.#

837.504Redetermined annuity.#

837.505Cost-of-living adjustments on Member annuities.#

837.506Computation of redetermined annuity for former employees of nonappropriated fund instrumentalities.#

837.601Generally.#

837.602Lump-sum payment of retirement deductions.#

837.603Increased survivor benefits.#

837.701Offset from supplemental annuity.#

837.702Offset from supplemental survivor annuity.#

837.801Unperfected entitlement to CSRS benefits based on a prior separation.#

837.802Benefits under another retirement system for Federal employees based on the most recent separation.#

837.803Cancellation of retirement by judicial or administrative authority.#

837.804Finality of elections under this subpart.#

Key facts