Transfer Federal Employees
Welcome to the National Institutes of Health (NIH)! If you've recently joined us from another Federal agency outside of theDepartment of Health and Human Services (DHHS) without a break in service, this page has information that may apply to you.
New or Newly Eligible Federal Employees
If you're new to the Federal government or your appointment conveys benefits eligibility for the first time, please visit the New Employee Benefits Information page for an overview of benefits available to you and details on your benefits presentation.
Virtual Benefits Orientation for TransfersThe Benefits staff provides the following live presentation twice a month. |
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MANDATORY ATTENDANCE
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Join using Zoom
Join by phone
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For ASL Interpreting Services contact nih@ainterpreting.com or visit the Interpreting Services webpage for more information. |
Benefits Elections
Your benefits will transfer with you to your new appointment, but you may need to take action on some of those benefits.
Leave and earnings STATEMENT (LES) |
One week after your arrival, send a copy of your final leave and earnings statement (LES) from your prior agency to AskBenefits@nih.gov or by fax to 301-402-5506. This is required to transfer year-to-date information and ensure all benefit elections have been accurately transferred. Review your first NIH LES to ensure all your benefit elections and deductions are reflected. If you have any issues, email AskBenefits@nih.gov. |
Health Insurance (FEHB) |
Navigate to the OHR FEHB page for additional resources on health insurance. You can find virtual presentations that provide an opportunity to meet with health plan providers and ask questions, if applicable. If you are enrolled in an HMO and have moved outside of the service area, you must change plans. If you are enrolled in a fee-for-service (nationwide) plan, your coverage will automatically continue, and you are not permitted to make an election change.
If you are not enrolled, transferring agencies does not permit you to enroll. |
Dental and Vision Insurance (FEDVIP) |
Navigate to the OHR FEDVIP page for more information about dental and vision programs. If you are enrolled in a dental or vision plan, notify BENEFEDS of your change in payroll offices.
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Life Insurance (FEGLI) |
Navigate to the OHR FEGLI page to learn more about life insurance. If you had FEGLI coverage at your prior agency, the same amount automatically transfers. You do not have the opportunity to elect additional coverage. |
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) |
Navigate to the OHR FSA page to learn more about FSAs.
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Long Term Care (LTC) Insurance |
If you are enrolled and premiums were deducted from your LES, notify LTC Partners of your change in payroll office.
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Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) |
Navigate to the OHR TSP page to learn more about TSP. The amount you were contributing to TSP at your prior agency will continue. You have the option to change your TSP contribution at any time.
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Beneficiary Forms |
Navigate to the OHR beneficiary form page to learn more about beneficiary elections.
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NIH Leave Bank Program |
Navigate to the OHR Leave Bank page to learn more about the Leave Bank Program.
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Additional Benefits Information
Leave Balances | Payroll Documents | Military Deposits | Retirement
Leave Balances |
Monitor your LES. Your prior leave balances will be transferred within two to three pay periods. After your hours are added, provide your timekeeper with a copy to adjust your leave balances in ITAS (time and attendance system). For additional questions, visit the Leave Guide page or email WorkFlex@mail.nih.gov. |
Payroll Documents |
The following payroll documents must be submitted through USA Staffing Onboarding.
Court Ordered AllotmentsChild support, tax levy or garnishments do not continue automatically. Contact DFAS at 1-888-332-7411. The address is Garnishment Operations-HGA, P.O. Box 998002, Cleveland OH 44199-8002. Documents may also be faxed to 216-522-6960. |
Military Service |
Navigate to the OHR military service page to learn more about how your military service could apply toward your civil service retirement. If you were already making a military deposit at your prior agency, provide the Benefits Office with a copy of form 1514. You can obtain this from your prior agency. |
Retirement Information | Navigate to the OHR retirement page to learn more about your retirement program. |
FAQs & Contact Information
Find answers to some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) by reviewing the FAQ – Transfer Benefits Summary document. If you have additional questions, contact the Benefits Office at AskBenefits@nih.gov.