Transfer Employee Benefits Information

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.

If your appointment conveys benefits eligibility for the first time, this checklist does not apply to you. Refer to New Employee Benefits Enrollment for guidance.


Virtual Benefits Orientation for Transfers

The Benefits staff provides the following live presentation twice a month. 

MANDATORY ATTENDANCE
Join using Zoom
Join by phone
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.
 

  • How to change plans: Complete election form SF-2809
  • Additional Information: Family member eligibility must be verified. Include family member eligibility document(s), if applicable. 
  • Effective Date: Coverage is not retroactive and is effective the first day of the pay period following receipt of your enrollment change.
  • Where to send the formNIH OHR Benefits Office. Emailing is preferred.
     

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.

  • How to contactCall BENEFEDS at 1-877-888-3337
  • Payroll Office Number (PON): 97-38-1500


If you are not enrolled, transferring agencies does not permit you to enroll.

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.


  • How to contact: Call FSAFEDS at 1-877-372-3337
  • Payroll Office Number (PON): 97-38-1500


If you are not enrolled, transferring agencies does not permit you to enroll.

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.

  • How to contact: Call LTC Partners at 1-877-372-3337
  • Payroll Office Number (PON): 97-38-1500


Important Notice: OPM has suspended new applications until approximately December 2024. Read more about the suspension of new applications.


Questions may be directed to Long Term Care Partners.

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.

  • How to change your TSP election: You may submit form TSP-1 to the Benefits OfficeAfter you receive your myPay login credentials, contribution changes should be made in myPay


TSP LOANS: Provide the Benefits Office with a copy of the loan agreement. This information ensures your loan repayment continues.

Beneficiary Forms

Navigate to the OHR beneficiary form page to learn more about beneficiary elections.


If you havean Unpaid Compensation (SF-1152) beneficiary form is on file, you must complete a new one. All other beneficiary forms with your former agency remain valid.
 

  • How to submit: You must print and submit original signed form to the Benefits Office. Forms may be submitted and updated at any time.
NIH Leave Bank Program

Navigate to the OHR Leave Bank page to learn more about the Leave Bank Program.
 

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.

  • Direct deposit
  • Federal tax withholding
  • State tax withholding
  • Voluntary allotments

Court Ordered Allotments

Child 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.