Formatting SF2801a OPM: Difference between revisions

== Annuity ==

{{:Document SF2801a OPM}}

=== Guaranteed Minimum Disability Annuity ===

An employee retiring before age 60 because of disability is guaranteed a minimum basic annuity which amounts to the lesser of (a) 40% of the “high-3” average pay, or (b) the sum obtained by using the basic formula, but increasing the length of actual service by the period between the date of the employee’s separation for retirement and the date age 60 is reached.</br>

If the “earned” annuity computed using the basic formula is greater than the guaranteed minimum, this “earned” annuity is the amount payable. Persons receiving military retired pay or pension or compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs in lieu of military retired pay are generally not eligible for the guaranteed minimum annuity computation.</br></br>

=== Beginning Date of Annuity ===

The beginning date of most annuities is the first day of the month after pay ceases and all other requirements for title to annuity are met. There are three exceptions to this: (1) disability annuities, (2) annuities based on involuntary separations, and (3) annuities based on voluntary retirement of employees who are in pay status for three days or less in the month of retirement. In these three instances, annuities begin no later than the day after pay ceases and all other requirements for title to annuity are met.</br></br>

All annuities are payable on the first business day of the month following the one for which the annuity has accrued. For example, your payment dated July 1 is for the month of June.</br></br>

The U.S. Department of the Treasury will pay all federal benefits electronically. Your payments should be made by Direct Deposit into your checking or savings account or you need to arrange for a Direct Express debit card provided by the Department of the Treasury. This does not apply to you if you live outside the United States where Direct Deposit/Direct Express is not available.</br></br>

To enroll in the Direct Deposit program, contact your agency or complete [https://fiscal.treasury.gov/files/forms/SF-1199A-2012.pdf Standard Form 1199A], Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form, which you can get at your financial institution. To obtain a Direct Express debit card, go to https://www.godirect.org. If your payments are not electronically deposited to your account and you do not have a Direct Express debit card, you must contact the Department of the Treasury at 1-800-333-1795 to discuss your options.</br></br>

Direct Deposit/Direct Express is a win-win situation all around. You avoid the bother of traveling to a bank or other financial institution to cash or deposit your check. Both you and the Office of Personnel Management are saved the worry that checks will be lost in the mail. It also assures that payments are available for your use, even when you are away from home.</br></br>

When you elect Direct Deposit or Direct Express, you will continue to receive other information at your mailing address. Complete Section H of SF 2801, Application for Immediate Retirement, to indicate your payment instructions. If you change accounts after your payments begin, you should call us at 1-888-767-6738. If you use TTY equipment, call 1-855-887-4957. It’s a good idea to leave your old account open until you have verified that a payment has been deposited in your new account or to your Direct Express card.