Source: https://www.scribd.com/document/1707315/Department-of-Labor-bct-fy04
Timestamp: 2018-08-20 02:19:28
Document Index: 160468153

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 5', '§ 1588', '§ 1588', 'art 5', '§10', 'art 5', 'art 2', 'ART 6', 'ART 2', 'art 5', 'art 1', 'ART 2', 'art 2', 'ART 6', 'art 6', '§ 8129', 'art 10', 'ART 2', 'ART 5', 'art 5', 'ART 1']

Department of Labor: bct-fy04 | General Schedule (Us Civil Service Pay Scale) | Payroll
BCT-FY04
This infobase contains a numerical index of all FECA and OWCP Bulletins, Circulars and Transmittals issued in FY 2004, as well as the text of these issuances. The BCTINDEX infobase contains a subject index of all FECA and OWCP Bulletins, Circulars and Transmittals issued since FY 1986.
FB 04-01 FB 04-02 FB 04-03 FB 04-04 Case File Management/Jurisdiction-Special Act Cases ADP - Automated Compensation Payment System (ACPS) Schedule for 2004. Employee – Authorized Providers of Military Honors Funeral Support BPS - Revision in the reimbursement Rates Payable for the Use of Privately Owned Autombiles Necessary to Secure Medical Examination and Treatment Adjudication of Claims - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Disaster Assistance Employees (DAE) FB 04-06 FB 04-07 BPS-OWCP-915 - Medical Reimbursement Form and Instructions Compensation Pay: Compensation Rate Changes Effective January 2004.
FB 04-02 FB 04-04 FB 04-06 FB 04-06 Automated Compensation System (ACPS) - 2004 Instructions for Submitting Form OWCP-957 Exhibit1 - Medical Reimbursement Form - BPS-OWCP-915 Exhibit2 - Medical Reimbursement Instructions
Issue Date: November 28, 2003 ___________________________________________________________ Expiration Date: November 28, 2004 ___________________________________________________________ Subject: Case File Management/Jurisdiction-Special Act Cases Background: Current procedures require that all claims for benefits under the War Claims Act (WC), War Hazards Compensation Act (WH), and those filed by members of the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) be adjudicated and managed in the National Operations Office (NOO). In addition, current procedures require that all claims filed by returned Peace Corps volunteers be processed and serviced in the NOO until they have been adjudicated, after which they may be transferred to the district office that has general jurisdiction. Reference: Federal (FECA) Procedure Manual, Chapter 1-200-2 and Chapter 1-200-3. Purpose: To transfer jurisdiction for all claims filed under the War Claims Act and War Hazards Compensation Act or filed by ROTC cadets (TC) or returned Peace Corps volunteers from the NOO (District 25) to the Cleveland District Office (District 9) Applicability: Regional Directors, District Directors, Claims Examiners, All Supervisors, Systems Managers, Technical Assistants, Rehabilitations Specialists, and Staff Nurses. BCT-FY04.nfo
Action: 1. Effective immediately, all claims filed by returned Peace Corps volunteers and ROTC cadets, as well as those filed under the War Claims Act and the War Hazards Compensation Act, fall under the jurisdiction of, and should be filed in District 9. All TC, WC and WH claims will be adjudicated and maintained in District 9. New claims for returned Peace Corps volunteers will be adjudicated in District 9. Accepted Peace Corps cases will be transferred to the district office having general jurisdiction. 2. The NOO will forward all existing case files involving War Claims, War Hazards, and ROTC cadets to District 9. Previously accepted Peace Corps cases will be transferred to the district office having general jurisdiction. 3. All mail should continue to be sent to our central mailroom in London, Kentucky. All questions concerning medical bill payment or pre-authorization for medical services should continue to be routed to our central bill processor through either the internet at http://owcp.dol.acs-inc.com, or by telephone at (866) 335-8319. 4. The Cleveland district office address is: U.S. Department of Labor Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs 1240 East 9th Street, Room 851 Cleveland, Ohio 44199 Disposition: This Bulletin should be retained until incorporated into the Federal (FECA) Procedure Manual, or otherwise superseded.
Issue Date: December 5, 2003 _____________________________________________________________ Expiration Date: December 5, 2004 _____________________________________________________________ Subject: ADP - Automated Compensation Payment System (ACPS) Schedule for 2004. Purpose: To provide the 2004 schedule for processing the periodic disability and death payrolls under the ACPS for calendar year 2004. Applicability: Appropriate National Office and District Office personnel that need to be aware of both the periods and "cut-off" dates for the ACPS periodic disability, death, and weekly payrolls. Disposition: This Bulletin should be retained in front of Part 5, Benefit Payments, Federal (FECA) Procedure Manual, until the indicated expiration date.
Distribution: List No. 2 -- Folioviews Groups A and D Claims Examiners, All Supervisors, Systems Managers, District Medical Advisors, Technical Assistants, Rehabilitation Specialists, and Fiscal/Bill Pay Personnel) Attachment AUTOMATED COMPENSATION SYSTEM (ACPS) - 2004
FECA DISABILITY PAYROLL - EACH 28 DAYS FECA DEATH PAYROLL - EACH 28 DAYS
PERIOD OF ENTITLEMENT FROM TO
BI-WEEKLY PAY PERIODS FOR HEALTH AND LIFE INSURANCE PURPOSES
N.O. TRANSMISSIO TO TREASUR
12/28/03 – 01/10/04 01/11/04 – 01/24/04
01/25/04 – 02/07/04 02/08/04 – 02/21/04
02/22/04 – 03/06/04 03/07/04 – 03/20/04
03/21/04 – 04/03/04 04/04/04 – 04/17/04
04/18/04 – 05/01/04 05/02/04 – 05/15/04
05/16/04 – 05/29/04 05/30/04 – 06/12/04
06/13/04 – 06/26/04 06/27/04 – 07/10/04
07/11/04 – 07/24/04 07/25/04 – 08/07/04
08/08/04 – 08/21/04 08/22/04 – 09/04/04
09/05/04 – 09/18/04 09/19/04 – 10/02/04
10/03/04 – 10/16/04 10/17/04 – 10/30/04
10/31/04 – 11/13/04 11/14/04 – 11/27/04
11/28/04 – 12/11/04 12/12/04 - 12/25/04
12/26/04 – 01/08/05 01/09/05 - 01/22/05
*ENDING PERIOD IS THE CHECK DATE FOR EFT PAYMENTS, THE CHECK DATE WILL BE FRIDAY ********FECA DAILY ROLL SCHEDULE (WEEKLY)********
DISTRICT OFFICE CUT-OFF DATE TO ENTER DATA INTO ACPS
Issue Date: January 5, 2004 ___________________________________________________________ Expiration Date: January 5, 2005 ___________________________________________________________ Subject: Employee "Authorized Providers" of Military Honors Funeral Support Background: On January 11, 2001, the Department of Defense (DOD) issued Directive 1300.15 setting forth a list of "authorized providers" who could serve as part of an honor guard for the purpose of rendering military funeral support to eligible beneficiaries, upon request. Further, the military services are encouraged to provide elements of honors and use additional uniformed members or other "authorized providers" to augment the funeral honors detail for this purpose. Included among the "authorized providers" are Veterans Service Organizations (VSO), members of the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and other appropriate individuals and organizations that support the rendering of Military Funeral Honors. Purpose: To provide guidance regarding the handling of claims of individuals rendering military funeral support as authorized providers. Reference: FECA Procedure Manual Chapters 4-0600 and 2-0802; Title 5 U.S.C. 8140(a) and 8101(1)(B); 10 U.S.C. § 1588(e)(4) of the Fair Labor Standards Act; and DOD Directive 1300.15. Applicability: All claims personnel in the National Office and the district offices. Actions: 1. FECA coverage is afforded to members of ROTC, VSO, and other appropriate individuals and organizations ("authorized providers") which support the rendering of Military Funeral Honors. Authorized providers may complement a Military Funeral Honors detail by rendering additional elements of honors such as a firing party, pallbearers, bugler, or color guard, and the ceremonial folding and presentation of the American flag.
2. It is important for claims staff to note the distinction between coverage under 8101(1)(B) of the FECA as an "authorized provider" and "line of duty" coverage for ROTC members under 8140(a). "Authorized providers" are considered to be civil employees of the United States within the meaning of 5 U.S.C. 8101 (1)(B) when augmenting an Armed Forces Military Funeral Honors detail in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 1588(e). Section 8101(1)(B) refers to persons rendering service to the United States without pay or for nominal pay. As such, the pay rate of authorized providers of funeral honors support, including ROTC members, is determined in accordance with the provisions of 10 U.S.C. 1588(d)(4). 3. All claims for benefits by "authorized providers," including ROTC, VSO members and other appropriate individuals and organizations, which support the rendering of military funeral honors, are to be jacketed, adjudicated and maintained in the district office that is local to the employee’s duty station. After adjudication, the claimant's home address determines where further processing will occur. The only exception to this policy is where the claimant lives much closer to the DO serving the area of the duty station than to the DO serving the area of residence. 4. If OWCP receives a claim in which the claimant’s status as an "authorized provider" is unclear, the CE should contact the appropriate military department, in writing, to ascertain the particular facts prior to the adjudication of the claim. The Secretary of a military department maintains the documentation supporting that an individual is recognized as an "authorized provider." 5. If the CE determines that further development is necessary, he or she must obtain documentation (for the case in the form of a certificate or other appropriate record) which recognizes the claimant as an "authorized provider" of military funeral honors support. 6. The pay rate for all "authorized providers" rendering military funeral honors support is the average monthly number of hours of services provided, times the then prevailing minimum wage under Section 6(a)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, 10 U.S.C. § 1588(d)(4).
DEBORAH B. SANFORD Director for Federal Employees’ Compensation Distribution: List No. 1-Folioviews Groups A and D(Claims Examiners, All Supervisors, District Medical Advisors, Systems Managers, Technical Assistants, Rehabilitation Specialist and Staff Nurses)
Issue Date: January 16, 2004 ________________________________________________________________ ______ Expiration Date: December 31, 2005 ______________________________________________________________________ Subject: BPS - Revision in the Reimbursement Rates Payable for the Use of Privately Owned Automobiles Necessary to Secure Medical Examination and Treatment. Background: Effective January 1, 2004, the mileage rate for reimbursement to Federal employees traveling by privately-owned automobile increased to 37.5 cents per mile by GSA. No restriction is made as to the number of miles that can be traveled. As in the past, determination has been made to apply the applicable rate to disabled FECA beneficiaries traveling to secure necessary medical examination and treatment. Applicability: Appropriate National Office and District Office personnel. Reference: Chapter 5-0204, Principles of Bill Adjudication, Part 5, Benefit Payments, Federal (FECA) Procedure Manual; Instructions for Submitting Form OWCP-957, Medical Travel Refund Request (For reimbursement of travel and related expenses under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act); and 5 USC 8103. BCT-FY04.nfo
Action: Instructions for Submitting Form OWCP-957, Medical Travel Refund Request (For reimbursement of travel and related expenses under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act), has been revised to reflect the indicated rate change. A copy of the revised instructions is attached to this bulletin and may be reproduced at local levels. Vouchers being processed for travel periods after January 1, 2004 may be adjusted to reflect this increase. Disposition: This Bulletin should be retained in Chapter 5 - 0404, Principles of Bill Adjudication, Federal (FECA) Procedure Manual.
DEBORAH B. SANFORD Director for Federal Employees' Compensation Distribution: List No. 2 --- Folioviews Groups A and D (Claims Examiners, All Supervisors, Systems Managers, District Medical Advisors, Technical Assistants, Rehabilitation Specialists, and Fiscal/Bill Pay Personnel) Attachment Instruction for Submitting Form OWCP-957 Instructions for Submitting Form U.S. Department of Labor OWCP-957, Medical Travel Refund Request Employment Standards Administration (For reimbursement of travel and related expenses Office of Workers' Compensation Programs under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Note: Any item not in conformity with the following instructions and not legible will be deducted from the voucher. Form OWCP-957 MUST be submitted with a valid case file number. 1. Claim for necessary and reasonable expense incident to travel authorized in accordance with provisions of the Federal Employees Compensation Act may be submitted for consideration on Form OWCP-957. Travel must be by shortest route and, if practicable, by public conveyance (streetcar, bus, boat, or train). Generally, 25 miles from the place of injury, the work site, or the employee’s home, is considered a reasonable distance to travel. 2. The Office will promptly reimburse all bills received on the approved form and submitted in a timely manner. However, no bill will be paid for expenses incurred if the bill is submitted more than one year beyond the calendar year in which the expense was incurred or the BCT-FY04.nfo
service/supply was provided, or more than one year beyond the calendar year in which the claim was first accepted by the Office, whichever is later (20 CFR §10.803) 3. Payment will be made for taxicab fare or the hire of special conveyance where streetcars, buses, or other public and regular means of transportation are not available, except where these cannot be used because of the injured employee’s disability. If claim is made for payment of expenses for taxicabs in excess of $75 or hire of special conveyances, prior authorization is required. 4. Reimbursement for transportation by automobile owned by an employee or a member of his/her immediate family or another Government employee may be claimed when no public conveyance is available or where the physical condition of the injured employee requires the use of special conveyance. Mileage expenses will be reimbursed at the GSA rate in effect on the date of travel. Mileage expenses will be reimbursed at the following rates for travel during the following periods: January 1, 1995 to June 6, 1996 June 7, 1996 to September 7, 1998 September 8, 1998 to March 31, 1999 April 1, 1999 to January 13, 2000 January 14, 2000 to January 21, 2001 January 22, 2001 to January 20, 2002 January 21, 2002 to December 31, 2002 January 1, 2003 and after 30.0 cents per mile 31.0 cents per mile 32.5 cents per mile 31.0 cents per mile 32.5 cents per mile 34.5 cents per mile 36.5 cents per mile 36.0 cents per mile
If mileage expense is claimed prior to January 1, 1995, contact your OWCP district office for rates. 5.Claim may be made for parking fees. If travel must be over a toll route, toll charges may be claimed. The form must show the locations where travel began and ended and mode of travel. List each item of expense separately, showing the date incurred, place and cost of the travel. 6.There will be no reimbursement for meals or lodging when travel is for less than 12 hours in total or fewer than 500 miles round trip. If the authorized travel was for longer than 12 hours or greater than 500 miles, and a claim for meals or lodging is made, the dates and hours must be shown on the form. Lodging must receive prior authorization. All charges must be reasonable, and will be reimbursed at the per diem rate for the locality of travel. Any stopover or delay en route must receive prior authorization. 7.If several trips are covered by the same form, list each separately in the spaces provided on the form. Original itemized receipts for amounts in excess of $75 claimed in 5f, 6f and 7f must be furnished. BCT-FY04.nfo
8.After a Form OWCP-957 has been completed, it must be signed in ink or indelible pencil in the space provided for the payee. 9.The completed form should be mailed to: U.S. Department of Labor, DFEC Central Mailroom, PO Box 8300, London, KY 40742-8300. 10.The form should not be submitted if there is no expense claimed.
Issue Date: May 16, 2004 ___________________________________________________________ Expiration Date: May 16, 2005 ___________________________________________________________ Subject: Adjudication of Claims - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Assistance Employees (DAE). Background: The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Act, P.L. 93-288, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 5121, et. seq. authorizes the FEMA to hire DAEs, by appointment affidavit (contract), to respond to disasters. DAEs have been defined as civil employees under the FECA (FECA PM 2-802). The duration of appointments range from 120 days to 24 months. There are two types of DAEs: (1) reservists, who are hired on an on-call basis for a two month period, but who must be in a non-pay status for a minimum cumulative period of six months; and (2) local hires, who are hired for a period of 120 days. Both sets of employees are available for work during their respective appointment periods, but are only paid when called for active duty, e.g. travel assignments. As such, DAEs would be classified by OPM as temporary on call employees and would likely be afforded only limited qualified work in a year before a covered injury. Purpose: To provide guidance on determining COP eligibility, the calculation of pay rates, and determining whether an election of benefits is needed (in the cases of re-employed annuitants) for FEMA DAE employees. Reference: FECA Procedure Manual 2-807, 2-900, 2-1000-4(a), 20 C.F.R. 10.222(a) (5) and Title 5 U.S.C.8114 (d).
Applicability: All National Office staff and district office claims personnel. Actions: 1. COP is available to DAEs throughout the course of their appointment period regardless of their “on call” status. Specifically, DAE reservists are on call for a two year period. Although they may not be in a pay status for the full on call period, FEMA instructions state that the reservist is “carried on FEMA personnel rolls for a 24 month period expiring September 30, of every even numbered year.” Accordingly, since reservists are considered employees of FEMA throughout the two year period, COP eligibility ends upon the expiration of that two year term, and not at the end of any period where the reservists might have been called up to active duty. Similarly, the 120 day local hires, though not necessarily in pay status during the 120 day period, are carried on FEMA personnel rolls for that entire period. Therefore, they are eligible for COP during the entire period of their temporary employment. 2. Due to the temporary nature of a DAE’s work and the presumably limited, non guaranteed work opportunities available, the pay rate for most DAEs should be determined pursuant to 5 U.S.C 8114(d)(3) and the Federal (FECA) Procedure Manual 2-900-4(c). The claims examiner must establish the pay rate for compensation purposes through the calculation and comparison of (1) the worker’s actual earnings throughout the year, including similar non-Federal employment; (2) the yearly earnings of similarly situated employees, using earnings information from such similarly situated employees working the greatest number of hours during the year prior to the injury, in the same or neighboring locality; and (3) the average daily rate of the DAE’s regular daily pay schedule or the local prevailing wage rate for the local hires) multiplied by 150 (“150 times” formula). The highest of the three pay rate calculations is selected as the annual rate of pay (2-900-4(c) and is divided by 365 to compute the daily pay rate. 3. A DAE who qualifies as a re-employed annuitant must make an election of benefits between FECA and Office of Personnel Management (OPM) benefits. Section 8116(a) of the FECA requires a claimant who is entitled to FECA disability benefits and retirement benefits from OPM to make an election or choice of benefits. This includes OPM annuitants that have been re-employed while still receiving retirement benefits from OPM. Disposition: Retain until the indicated expiration date or until incorporated in the FECA Procedure Manual.
DEBORAH B. SANFORD Director for Federal Employees’ Compensation BCT-FY04.nfo
Issue Date: May 16, 2004 __________________________________________________________ Expiration Date: May 16, 2005 __________________________________________________________ Subject: BPS-OWCP-915 - Medical Reimbursement Form and Instructions
Background: Effective March 31, 2004, new Form OWCP-915 should be submitted by all FECA recipients to claim medical reimbursement. Reference: Federal (FECA) Procedure Manual Chapter 5-0200 Purpose: To notify all FEC staff of the new form to be used by FECA claimants for all reimbursements of medical expenses. Applicability: Appropriate National Office and District Office personnel. Action: 1. Effective March 31, 2004, in all cases where a request for the form used to make a claim for medical reimbursement is received; the requestor should be provided with Form OWCP-915, Claim for Medical Reimbursement. Form OWCP-915 is needed for processing requests for reimbursement of out of pocket work-related medical expenses including medical treatment, prescription medication and medical supplies. A copy of Form OWCP-915 is attached to this bulletin and may be reproduced at local levels. When a request for medical reimbursement is made on Form CA-915, the requestor should be advised that Form OWCP-915 is needed for all future medical reimbursement requests. Form OWCP-915 should be provided to the requestor when practical. 2. The instructions for using Form OWCP-915 are included on the reverse of the form and provide guidance for its completion by FECA recipients. 3. Form OWCP-915 should not be used to claim travel reimbursement. Claims for travel
reimbursement should be submitted on Form OWCP-957. 4. The National Office will arrange for an initial supply of Form OWCP-915 to be provided to each District Office. The form and instructions will also be available on the DFEC website at http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/compliance/owcp/forms.htm. Disposition: This bulletin should be retained until incorporated in the Federal (FECA) Procedure Manual.
DEBORAH B. SANFORD Director for Federal Employees’ Compensation Distribution: List No.3-Folioviews Groups A, B, C and D (All FECA Employees)
FECA BULLETIN NO 04-07
Issue Date: July 23, 2004 ________________________________________________________ Expiration Date: January 1, 2005 ________________________________________________________ Subject: Compensation Pay: Compensation Rate Changes Effective January 2004. Background: On March 4, 2004, the President signed a retroactive Executive Order implementing a salary increase of 2.70 percent in the basic pay for the General Schedule. The aplicability under 5 U.S.C. 8112 only includes the 2.70 percent increase in the basic General Schedule. Any additional increase for locality-based pay is excluded. The adjustment was made retroactive to an effective date of the first pay period after January 1, 2004. Purpose: To inform the appropriate personnel of the increased minimum/maximum compensation rates, and the adjustment procedures for affected cases on the periodic death payrolls. The new rates were effective with the first compensation payroll period beginning on or after January 1, 2004. The new maximum compensation rate payable is based on the scheduled salary of a GS-15, Step 10, which is now $113,674 per annum. The basis for the minimum compensation rate is the salary of $17,568 per annum (GS-2, Step 1). BCT-FY04.nfo
The minimum increase specified in this Bulletin is applicable to Postal employees. The effect on 5 U.S.C.8112 is to increase the payment of compensation for disability claims to: Infobases built before v3.1 have unreliable record IDs. Effective January 12, 2004 Minimum Maximum Infobases built before v3.1 have unreliable record IDs. Monthly $1,098.00 $7,104.63 Weekly 1,639.53 Daily (5-day week) 327.91 The effect on 5 U.S.C. 8133(e) is to increase the monthly pay on which compensation for death is computed to: 50.68 253.38
Effective January 12, 2004 Maximum Monthly $7,104.63 Applicability: Appropriate National and District Office personnel
Reference: Memorandum for Directors of Personnel dated December 2003; and the attachment for the 2004 General Schedule. Action: ACPS will update the periodic disability and death payrolls. Any cass with gross overrides will not have a supplemental record created. Thus, the cases with gross overrides must be reviewed to determine if adjustments are necessary. If adjustment is necessary, a manual calculation will be required. 1. Adjustments Dates. a. As the effective date of the adjustment was January 11, 2004, and the new minimum,/maximum compensation rates were not established until March 4, 2004, a suplemental payment will be necessary for the periodic disability and death payrolls. For claims entitled to additional compensation BCT-FY04.nfo
Infobases Infobases Infobases Infobases Infobases Infobases
due to the increased minimum/maximum rates, the supplemental payment will be dated May 28, 2004. built before v3.1 have unreliable record IDs. b. The new minimum/maximum compensation rates are available in ACPS. built before v3.1 have unreliable record IDs. built before v3.1 have unreliable record IDs. built before v3.1 have unreliable record IDs. built before v3.1 have unreliable record IDs. built before v3.1 have unreliable record IDs. 3. Minimum and Maximum Adjustment Listings. Form CA-842, Minimum Compensation Pay Rates, and Form CA-893, Maximum Compensation Rates, should be annotated with the new rate information as follows:
CA-842 - 01/02/03 50.68-76.02 50.68-67.57 253.38-380.10 50.68 253.38-337.85 253.38(1,013.52) 1,464.00
CA-843 - 01/02/03 327.91 1,639.53 (6,558.12) 7,104.63 Infobases built before v3.1 have unreliable record IDs. 4. Forms. CP-150, Minimum/Maximum Compensation, were generated for each case adjusted. It should be noted that this adjustment process re-calculates EVERY ACPS record from very beginning to current date, thus, it may be that minor changes in the gross compensation are noted; this is not necessarily incorrect. Notices to all payees receiving periodic compensation payments were generated, informing them of potential changes to their compensation benefits. Infobases built before v3.1 have unreliable record IDs. Infobases built before v3.1 have unreliable record IDs. Infobases built before v3.1 have unreliable record IDs. Infobases built before v3.1 have unreliable record IDs. Disposition: This bulletin is to be retained in Part 5, Benefit Payments Federal (FECA) Procedure Manual, until the indicated expiration date. NANCY JENSON Acting Director for Federal Employees' Compensation
Infobases built before v3.1 have unreliable record IDs. Distribution: List No. 2- - Folioviews Groups A and D (Claims Examiners, All Supervisors, Systems Managers, District Medical Advisors, Technical Assistants, Rehabilitation Specialists, and Fiscal and Bill Pay Personnel) BCT-FY04.nfo
Attachment FB 04-06
Medical Reimbursment Form - BPS-OWCP-915
FC 04-01 FC 04-02 FC 04-03 Forms - Electronic Submission Current Interest Rates for Prompt Payment Bills and Debt Collection DUAL BENEFITS - FERS COLA
FC 04-02 Prompt Payment Interest Rates
FECA CIRCULAR NO. 04-01
Forms - Electronic Submission
The 2003 Government Paperwork Elimination Act (GPEA) requires that federal government agencies make submissions of information from members of the public electronically-interactive where practical. The Division of Federal Employees Compensation (DFEC) has developed a process for electronic submission of certain forms from members of the public to DFEC. At this time, the only forms that can be electronically submitted are those that are submitted directly to the office by the initiator, and require only one signature. The forms that have been identified for electronic submission to DFEC include the CA-20, Attending Physicians Report; OWCP-5a, Work Capacity Evaluation Psychiatric/Psychological Conditions; OWCP-5b, Work Capacity Evaluation Cardiovascular/Pulmonary Conditions; OWCP-5c, Work Capacity Evaluation for Musculoskeletal Conditions; and OWCP-44, Rehabilitation Action Report. Effective immediately, when an initiator accesses one of the forms identified above on the DFEC web site they will be asked whether they want to submit the form electronically. The initiator will be advised that a digital signature is required for electronic submission. The initiator will be provided the opportunity to apply for a digital signature at no cost if they do not already have a signature registered to their PC. The initiator will be directed to the digital signature trust (DST) site to register for a digital signature certificate. Obtaining a digital signature certificate will take 5-10 business days. Once the certificate is received, the user can go back to the forms page, fill in the form on-line and BCT-FY04.nfo
submit it electronically to DFEC.
After passing a validation process, the form will be forwarded to a shared email address monitored by National Office staff. It will be received by DITMS, copied to an archive database, and forwarded to the central mailroom facility for imaging. Forms submitted electronically will contain the submitter's name with small text annotating DST validation. District office staff should treat the electronic signature as a valid signature.
DEBORAH B. SANFORD Director for Federal Employees' Compensation Distribution: List No. 3 - Folioviews Groups A, B, C and D All FECA Employees)
FECA CIRCULAR NO. 04-02
The interest rate to be assessed for the prompt payment bills is 4.0 percent for the period of January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004. The rate for assessing interest charges on debts due the government has also changed. The interest rate for assessing interest charges on debts due the government is 1.0 percent for the period of January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004. Ordinarily, the rate of interest charged on debts due the government is only changed in January, and is effective for the entire year. However, the rate may be changed in July if there is a difference in the Current Value of Funds (CVF) interest rate of 2.0 percent or more. The rates are reviewed each June, and if the rate has changed another Circular will be published to advise all appropriate personnel of the new rate. Attached to this Circular is an updated listing of both the prompt payment and DMS interest rates from January 1, 1985 through the current date.
DEBORAH B. SANFORD Director for BCT-FY04.nfo
Attachments PROMPT PAYMENT INTEREST RATES
1/1/04 – 12/31/04 7/1/03 – 12/31/03 1/1/03 – 6/30/03 7/1/02 – 12/31/02 1/1/02 - 6/30/02 7/1/01 – 12/31/01 1/1/01 - 6/30/01 7/1/00 - 12/31/00 1/1/00 - 6/30/00 7/1/99 - 12/31/99 1/1/99 - 6/30/99 7/1/98 - 12/31/98 1/1/98 - 6/30/98 7/1/97 - 12/31/97 1/1/97 - 6/30/97 7/1/96 - 12/31/96 1/1/96 - 6/30/96 7/1/95 - 12/31/95 1/1/95 - 6/30/95 7/1/94 - 12/31/94 1/1/94 - 6/30/94 7/1/93 - 12/31/93 1/1/93 - 6/30/93 7/1/92 - 12/31/92 1/1/92 - 6/30/92 BCT-FY04.nfo
4.0% 3 1/8% 4 1/4% 5 1/4% 5 1/2% 5 7/8% 6 3/8% 7 1/4% 6 3/4% 6 1/2% 5.0% 6.0% 6 1/4% 6 3/4% 6 3/8% 7.0% 5 7/8% 6 3/8% 8 1/8% 7.0% 5 1/2% 5 5/8% 6 1/2% 7.0% 6 7/8%
7/1/91 - 12/31/91 1/1/91 - 6/30/91 7/1/90 - 12/31/90 1/1/90 - 6/30/90 7/1/89 - 12/31/89 1/1/89 - 6/30/89 7/1/88 - 12/31/88 1/1/88 - 6/30/88 7/1/87 - 12/31/87 1/1/87 - 6/30/87 7/1/86 - 12/31/86 1/1/86 - 6/30/86 7/1/85 - 12/31/85 1/1/85 - 6/30/85
8 1/2% 8 3/8% 9.0% 8 1/2% 9 1/8% 9 3/4% 9 1/4% 9 3/8% 8 7/8% 7 5/8% 8 1/2% 9 3/4% 10 3/8% 12 1/8%
1/1/04 – 12/31/04 1/1/03 – 12/31/03 7/1/02 – 12/31/02 1/1/02 – 6/30/02 1/1/01 - 12/31/01 1/1/00 - 12/31/00 1/1/99 - 12/31/99 1/1/98 - 12/31/98 1/1/97 - 12/31/97 1/1/96 - 12/31/96 7/1/95 - 12/31/95 1/1/95 - 6/30/95 1/1/94 - 12/31/94 1/1/93 - 12/31/93 1/1/92 - 12/31/92 1/1/91 - 12/31/91 1/1/90 - 12/31/90 1/1/89 - 12/31/89 BCT-FY04.nfo
1% 2% 3% 5% 6% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 5% 3% 3% 4% 6% 8% 9% 7%
1/1/88 - 12/31/88 1/1/87 - 12/31/87 1/1/86 - 12/31/86 1/1/85 - 12/31/85
FECA CIRCULAR NO. 04-03
DUAL BENEFITS - FERS COLA
Effective December 1, 2003, Social Security Benefits were increased by 2.1%. That required the amount of the FERS Dual Benefits Deduction to be increased by the same amount. This adjustment was made from the National Office for all cases that were correctly entered into the ACPS Program. The adjustment was made effective with the periodic roll cycle beginning January 25, 2004. There will be no adjustment or overpayment declared for the period December 1, 2003 through January 24, 2004. The National Office provided a notice to each beneficiary affected. A copy was provided for each case file.
SSA COLA's are as follows:
Effective December 1, 2003 Effective December 1, 2002 Effective December 1, 2001 Effective December 1, 2000 Effective December 1, 1999 Effective December 1, 1998 BCT-FY04.nfo
2.1% 1.4% 2.6% 3.5% 2.4% 1.3%
Effective December 1, 1997 Effective December 1, 1996
Effective December 1, 1995 Effective December 1, 1994
DEBORAH B. SANFORD Director for Federal Employees' Compensation Distribution: List No. 1, Folioviews Groups A and D (Claims Examiners, All Supervisors, District Medical Advisors, Systems Managers, Technical Assistants, Rehabilitation Specialists, and Staff Nurses)
FT 04-01 Revision to Chapter 2-0800, Development of Claims, Part 2 - Claims, Federal (FECA) Procedure Manual FT 04-02 Revision to Chapter 2-1602, Reconsiderations FT 04-03 Revision to Chapter 6-0100, Overpayment Overview, 6-0200, Initial Overpayment Actions, and 6-0300, Debt Liquidation, PART 6 – Debt Management, Federal (FECA) Procedure Manual FT 04-04 Revision to Chapter 2-807, Continuation of Pay and Intial Payments FT 04-05 Revision to Chapters 2-0100, Introduction, and 2-0200, General Provisions of the FECA, PART 2 – Claims, Federal (FECA) Procedure Manual FT 04-06 Revision to Chapter 5-0400, Health Benefits Insurance, and Creation of Chapter 5-0401, Life Insurance Part 5 - Benefit Payments, Federal(FECA) Procedure Manual FT 04-07 Revision to Chapter 1-0200, Jurisdiction, Part 1 - Mail and Files, Federal(FECA) Procedure Manual
FECA TRANSMITTAL NO. 04-01
___________________________________________________________ BCT-FY04.nfo
RELEASE - REVISION TO CHAPTER 2-0800, DEVELOPMENT OF CLAIMS, PART 2 - CLAIMS, FEDERAL (FECA) PROCEDURE MANUAL EXPLANATION OF MATERIAL TRANSMITTED: Chapter 2-0800 is revised to incorporate the information contained in FECA Bulletin 99-15 issued March 17, 1999. Specific changes appear in paragraph 5.d. and subparagraphs (1) thru (7). This update makes the claims examiner (CE) aware that the claimant or survivor has the ability to withdraw a claim for benefits prior to the adjudication of a claim. This update also provides instructions on how the CE should handle a written request for withdrawal of a claim. Exhibit 1 has been added to provide a sample letter that should be used to notify the claimant or survivor when a request to withdraw a claim is approved. Other specific changes made in Chapter 2-0800 are discussed below. In paragraph 5.b.(4) the requirement for placing a call-up on a case file that requires further development is removed. Paragraph 6.e. was updated to include the street address for the Department of Commerce, National Climatic Center. In paragraph 8.a. the reference to Form CA-18 was removed. Paragraphs 8.b.(1) and 8.c.(2) were updated to remove the reference to obsolete Form CA-1006. (See FECA Circular 03-08). Paragraph 9.b. was updated to clarify the use of leading questions when requesting an impartial medical opinion. Paragraph 11.a. has been revised to include additional guidance for cases where the factual evidence involving disputes may require conferencing. In paragraph 11.c. the reference to Form CA-110a was removed.
Minor changes were made in Paragraphs 14.a. and 14.b. regarding reopened short form closure cases. Other than the changes stated above, pages were repaginated with no change in the contents.
___________________________________________________________ FILING INSTRUCTIONS: Remove Old Pages Part Pages 2 7-16 Exhibit 1 File this transmittal sheet behind the checklist in front of the FEDERAL (FECA) Procedure Manual. Distribution: List No. 1 –Folioviews Groups A and D (Claims Examiners, All Supervisors, District Medical Advisors, Systems Managers, Technical Assistants and Rehabilitation Specialist) 2-0800 i, 7-15 2 2-0800 i, Chapter Pages Part Insert New Pages Chapter
FECA TRANSMITTAL NO. 04-02
_______________________________________________________ RELEASE - REVISION TO CHAPTER 2-1602, RECONSIDERATIONS BCT-FY04.nfo
EXPLANATION OF MATERIAL TRANSMITTED: Chapter 2-1602 is revised to reflect the fact that revised letters and form decisions, designed to assist the claims examiner in issuing reconsideration decisions, are available in the National Letter Generator, and will be incorporated in the National Correspondence Library. A note has been added to section c. of paragraph 3 discussing the “clear evidence of error” standard. In paragraph 4, a. and b. have been revised and c. has been added to further elaborate on the issue of Evidence or Argument Required. Also, a note has been added to paragraph 5.b. distinguishing a reconsideration request which disputes the percentage of the impairment awarded from one that is claiming increased impairment due to further work-related exposure. There is also a revision to paragraph 8 of this chapter at c.(2) to clarify that an acceptance letter with the attachment "Now That Your Claim Has Been Accepted" should be issued whenever a reconsideration decision results in an initial acceptance of the claim. References to "Notice of Decision” or a “Memorandum to the Director and Compensation Order" are replaced with "Decision" to reflect that either of these types of decisions or a letter decision may be acceptable methods of issuing reconsideration decisions, depending upon the circumstances. The important feature of the decision is that it contains all of the elements required by the circumstances of the case. Finally, paragraph 10 has been added to further elaborate on the topic of Review on the Director’s Own Motion in accordance with Section 8128(a) of the FECA.
DEBORAH B. SANFORD Director for Federal Employees' Compensation ___________________________________________________________ FILING INSTRUCTIONS: Remove Old Pages Part 2 2 Chapter Pages 2-1602 i-10 Insert New Pages Part Chapter Pages 2 2-1602 i-10
2-1602 exh. 1-6
File this transmittal sheet behind the checklist in front of the Federal (FECA) Procedure Manual. BCT-FY04.nfo
Distribution: List No. 1 -- Folioviews Groups A and D (Claims Examiners, All Supervisors, District Medical Advisors, Systems Managers, Technical Assistants, and Rehabilitation Specialists)
FECA TRANSMITTAL NO. 04-03
___________________________________________________________ RELEASE - REVISION TO CHAPTERS 6-0100, OVERPAYMENT OVERVIEW, 6-0200, INITIAL OVERPAYMENT ACTIONS, AND 6-0300, DEBT LIQUIDATION, PART 6 – DEBT MANAGEMENT, FEDERAL (FECA) PROCEDURE MANUAL EXPLANATION OF MATERIAL TRANSMITTED: Part 6 of the FECA Procedure Manual has been updated to clarify the instructions provided for the processing of overpayments of compensation (including allowing due process under § 8129 of the FECA), and the procedures for the liquidation of debts to OWCP. The revisions have been tailored to be reflective of the current regulations at 20 CFR Part 10, sections 10.430 through 10.441. The material presented incorporates the current parameters for handling debts at various dollar levels, and includes actions to be taken when a fraud conviction has occurred.
DEBORAH B. SANFORD Director for Federal Employees' Compensation ___________________________________________________________ FILING INSTRUCTIONS: Remove Old Pages Part Chapter Pages 6 6 6-0100 i-4 6-0200 i – 35 i-4 i - 32 Exhibits 1 – 5 Exhibits 1 - 5 6 BCT-FY04.nfo 6-0300 i-4 6 6-0100 6 6 6-0100 6-0100 Chapter Pages Insert New Pages Part
i - 28 Exhibits 1 – 7 Exhibits 1 – 7 File this transmittal sheet behind the checklist in front of the Federal (FECA) Procedure Manual. Distribution: List No. 2 – Folioviews Groups A, B, and D (Claims Examiners, All Supervisors, Systems Managers, District Medical Advisers, Technical Assistants, Rehabilitation Specialists, Fiscal Personnel, and Staff Nurses)
FECA TRANSMITTAL NO. 04-04
_______________________________________________________ RELEASE -REVISION TO CHAPTER 2-807, CONTINUATION OF PAY AND INITIAL PAYMENTS EXPLANATION OF MATERIAL TRANSMITTED: Chapter 2-807 is revised to incorporate several revisions to procedures. In paragraph 2 the reference to Form CA-1 is replaced with "an OWCP claim form" to make it clear that a claimant's right to COP should not be jeopardized because they completed the wrong form, such as a CA-2 or CA-2a, when a CA-1 would have been appropriate. Form CA-2a is added to paragraph 7.a to include a CA-2a in the forms that contain words of claim sufficient to satisfy timely filing requirements. The requirement that the form show whether the employee wishes to use leave or request COP is deleted from this paragraph as that is not a requirement for timely filing. Paragraph 7.a (1), regarding the submission of a sick leave slip is deleted as not relevant. Paragraph 8.c is revised to make clear that the agency is to notify the employee of their right to elect COP. Reference to Form CA-3 is deleted from paragraph 8.i. Paragraph 10 is revised in several places to reflect the fact that revised letters and form decisions, designed to assist the claims examiner in developing and issuing COP decisions, are available in the DFEC Letter Generation System, and will be incorporated into the Correspondence Library. References to Form CA-800 and CA-3 are deleted from this paragraph also. Paragraph 11.f. is revised to include the fact that military field and training pay earned by members of the National Guard and Military Reserve is only included in COP in the limited circumstances where there is an actual loss of military pay. BCT-FY04.nfo
The example provided in paragraph 13 illustrating COP for a recurrence is updated to provide dates that coincide with the requirement that any balance of COP commence within 45 days of the first return to duty. Reference to medical matrices, short-term roll and Form CA-8 are removed from Paragraph 17.d. There are a few other minor edits for clarity.
DEBORAH B. SANFORD Director for Federal Employees' Compensation ___________________________________________________________ FILING INSTRUCTIONS: Remove Old Pages Part Chapter Pages 2 2-807 i - 24 Insert New Pages Part Chapter Pages 2 2-807 i - 24
File this transmittal sheet behind the checklist in front of the Federal (FECA) Procedure Manual. Distribution: List No. 1 -- Folioviews Groups A and D (Claims Examiners, All Supervisors, District Medical Advisors, Systems Managers, Technical Assistants, and Rehabilitation Specialists)
FECA TRANSMITTAL NO. 04-05
___________________________________________________________ RELEASE - REVISION TO CHAPTERS 2-0100, INTRODUCTION, AND 2-0200, GENERAL PROVISIONS OF THE FECA, PART 2 - CLAIMS, FEDERAL (FECA) PROCEDURE MANUAL EXPLANATION OF MATERIAL TRANSMITTED: Chapters 2-0100 and 2-0200 have been revised to remove references to out dated procedures and obsolete materials that are no longer in use. In Chapter 2-0100, the changes that were made involved rewording to provide emphasis or greater clarity of the language. The changes in BCT-FY04.nfo
Chapter 2-0200 largely involve rewording for clarity with some reorganization. Paragraph 4, which is entitled Reference Materials for Claims Examiners, has been divided into References Available in FolioViews and On-line and District Office Reference Library.
NANCY JENSON Acting Director for Federal Employees' Compensation ___________________________________________________________ FILING INSTRUCTIONS: Remove Old Pages Pages Part Chapter Chapter Pages 2 2 2-0100 i-2 2-0200 i-6 Pages Part Insert New
i-2 i-6
2-0100 2-0200
FECA TRANSMITTAL NO. 04-06
___________________________________________________________ RELEASE - REVISION TO CHAPTER 5-0400, HEALTH BENEFITS INSURANCE, AND CREATION OF CHAPTER 5-0401, LIFE INSURANCE PART 5 – BENEFIT PAYMENTS, FEDERAL (FECA) PROCEDURE MANUAL EXPLANATION OF MATERIAL TRANSMITTED: Previous Chapter 5-0400 (Health Benefits and Life Insurance) has been revised and split into BCT-FY04.nfo
two distinct chapters. The revised Chapter 5-0400 now deals exclusively with health benefits insurance issues. The newly created Chapter 5-0401 is dedicated solely to life insurance issues. Both chapters have been updated to include all current regulations regarding health benefits and life insurance, as well as current rates and coding. References to out dated procedures and obsolete materials have been removed.
NANCY JENSON Acting Director for Federal Employees' Compensation ___________________________________________________________ FILING INSTRUCTIONS: Remove Old Pages Part 5 5 Chapter 5-0400 5-0401 Pages i-4 N/A Insert New Pages Part Chapter Pages 5 5 5-0400 i - 27 5-0401 i – 20
List No. 2 – Folioviews Groups A, B, and D (Claims Examiners, All Supervisors, Systems Managers, District Medical Advisers, Technical Assistants, Rehabilitation Specialists, Fiscal Personnel, and Staff Nurses)
FECA TRANSMITTAL NO. 04-07
___________________________________________________________ RELEASE - REVISION TO CHAPTER 1-0200, JURISDICTION, PART 1 – MAIL AND FILES, FEDERAL (FECA) PROCEDURE MANUAL EXPLANATION OF MATERIAL TRANSMITTED: Chapter 1-0200 has been revised to reflect the changes that have taken place with regard to BCT-FY04.nfo
reorganization of responsibility between FEC district offices, and between OWCP regions. Specifically, the revisions in this chapter incorporate the changes in jurisdiction described in FECA Bulletin 04-01, which identifies which of the special jurisdiction cases are to remain in the National Operations Office and which ones are to be handled in District Office 9 in Cleveland, OH. Additionally, this chapter incorporates the change in jurisdiction that took effect on February 1, 2003, causing all cases in Maryland in which the claimant’s zip code is 21xxx to be transferred to the jurisdiction of District 3 in Philadelphia, PA.
SHARON M. TYLER Acting Director for Federal Employees' Compensation ___________________________________________________________ FILING INSTRUCTIONS: Remove Old Pages Pages Part Pages 1 i-2 File this transmittal sheet behind the checklist in front of the Federal (FECA) Procedure Manual. Distribution: List No. 2 - Folioviews Groups A, B, and D (Claims Examiners, All Supervisors, Systems Managers, District Medical Advisers, Technical Assistants, Rehabilitation Specialists, Fiscal Personnel, and Staff Nurses) Chapter Pages Part Insert New
OW 04-01 Case-specific email transactions
Expiration Date: May 17, 2005
Background: With the increase in the use of email as a means of communication from our customers, it is critical that the office maintain policies that guard against any possible privacy violation and that ensure response to inquiries. Purpose: To establish clear guidance on when and how email is to be used for communication regarding a specific case file. Applicability: All OWCP staff, District Medical Advisers, Telephonic and Field Nurses, Rehabilitation Counselors, contractor staff, Second Opinion Examination Contractors. Action: Email within the DOL network 1. Email sent from one OWCP employee to another OWCP employee through the ESA wide-area network (WAN) is considered secure. Email to and from on-site contractors who use the ESA network is also considered secure. (ESA owned and properly configured equipment, including dial-up laptops, that accesses the ESA WAN.) As such, reference to the employee’s name and case number may be used in the message. No reference to the employee’s name and case number should be made in the subject portion of the email. 2. Email sent from an OWCP employee to another DOL employee through the DOL network is also considered secure. As such, reference to the employee’s name and case number may be used in the message. No reference to the employee’s name and case number should be made in the subject portion of the email. 3. It is important to note that once an email is forwarded to anyone outside the DOL BCT-FY04.nfo
network, the message is no longer secure. The person forwarding the message is responsible for ensuring that all parts of the forwarded message including the subject line meet the guidelines stated below under the heading Email with non-DOL government agencies and OWCP contractors. Email with non-DOL government agencies an/or OWCP contractors 1. Email between OWCP and non-DOL government agencies and/or most OWCP contractors, occurs outside the ESA network and therefore security is not guaranteed. As such, any reference to a specific case file must include the case number only. No reference to the claimant’s name or SSN should be made in any part of the email message. (This policy does not apply to ACS “threads” which are maintained by ACS through a secured website maintained by ACS). 2. Attachments and email message chains must also be altered to remove reference to the claimant’s name or SSN if that email trail is being forwarded outside of DOL. If it is not possible to alter or redact the document or email or it is important that the attachment or email include both the claimant’s name and case number or SSN, the information must be password protected (see item 3 below) before it is forwarded outside DOL. Alternatively, it may be mailed or faxed to the appropriate party. Email with outside parties who are not OWCP contractors 1. Email between OWCP employees and outside parties is outside the ESA network, and therefore does not guarantee security. As such, substantive email responses to outside parties who are not OWCP contractors are prohibited. An acknowledgement email may be sent but reference to any personal identifiers must be removed. 2. If a case-specific email message is received from an outside party, the message should be printed or bronzed for inclusion in the case file. OWCP's response should be made via letter or telephone call. The response should include a statement encouraging the party to write or call with future requests. This will allow the office to better track receipt and response and will ensure the security of the claimant. 3. If an email response is required using claimant’s name and case number or SSN, the response must made in an attached document, not in the body of the transmitting email, and must be password protected before it is sent outside DOL. If this attachment is returned with the original email, the email must be altered to delete all references to all personal identifiers. This email policy addresses case specific email only. Email may be used to answer general questions without restriction as long as the claimant’s personal identifiers are not referenced. Any information sent via email continues to be subject to the provisions of the Privacy Act and BCT-FY04.nfo
should be released only if appropriate to do so. Disposition: Retain until the indicated expiration date.
Cecily A. Rayburn CECILY A. RAYBURN Director, Division of Planning, Policy and Standards Distribution: List No. 1 – All Employees
Creating Password Protected documents in WORD and EXCEL
Once your document has been completed/saved, select Tools on the toolbar. Select Options. Click on the Security Tab. You will see the following: “File encryption options for this document” “Password to open: _____________” Type the password you have created. Click OK. A dialogue box will appear as follows: “Reenter password to open: _______________” Retype your password. Click OK. Your document is now password protected. If you are sending this document as an attachment, contact the receiving party and provide the password. Caution – Once you’ve password protected the document, it is password protected for everyone, including you! It is recommended that you do one of the following: keep a separate list of the passwords you have chosen; keep a second document with the same information and a different file name; or remove the password on your copy once the document has been sent. To remove a password, open the document, using the password. Select Tools on the toolbar. Select Options. BCT-FY04.nfo
Click on Security Tab. You will see the following: “File encryption options for this document” “Password to open: *******” Block and delete the password. (The asterisks are the password.) When you hit delete, the asterisks should disappear. Click OK. The password has been removed.
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