Tools and Aids for Federal Benefits Officers
Coverage Determination Application
The purpose of the Coverage Determination Application (CDA) is to help agency HR staff determine retirement coverage and validate prior coverage determinations. OPM website provides a site that allows authorized agency users to access the application. The CDA allows users to enter data for an employee and make an accurate coverage determination.
FACES Estimator
Federal Annuity Claims Expert System (FACES) is a secure system designed for retirement counselors to calculate estimates for employees subject to the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS). This system is used to compute annuity and death benefits. Only authorized users may access this system. If you need access to FACES, please contact your agency retirement counselor.
Federal Ballpark E$timate®
OPM developed the Federal Ballpark Estimate: a savings goal worksheet. You can use the Federal Ballpark Estimate to automatically calculate estimates of future Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) retirement benefits and Thrift Savings Plan account balances. It will also let you know how well you are doing in meeting your savings goal.
FEDMER Nationwide Program
Under the Federal Employee's Retirement System (FERS) law, entitlement to Social Security disability benefits affects an individual's eligibility to the OPM-administered disability program. Under FEDMER, both OPM and SSA will receive the same medical records at the time of application. Once a decision is made by either OPM or SSA, they will contact the other with the determination. See BAL 07-104 for details.
Federal Erroneous Retirement Coverage Corrections Act
Federal Erroneous Retirement Coverage Corrections Act (FERCCA) Homepage provides you with everything you need to know about FERCCA and it's implementation. Also see the FERCCA FAQ's.
FERS Elections
Employees who return to Federal service under CSRS or CSRS Offset, or convert to an appointment that offers FERS coverage, have a 6-month opportunity to elect FERS. TheFERS Election Opportunities section has all of the information needed to make a a decision.
General Schedule (GS) Salary Calculator
Look up a GS salary rate for locality, grade, and step.
Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentality
The Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentality (NAFI) Program is a computer-based system that provides benefits specialists a tool to assist eligible employees with retirement coverage elections under Public law 104-106, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996.
Windfall Elimination Provision Chart
The Social Security Administration has developed a chart showing the maximum monthly amount that social security benefits can be reduced because of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) if a person has less than 30 years of substantial earnings.