Source: https://regulations.vlex.com/vid/balanced-budget-district-columbia-benefit-23348310
Timestamp: 2020-08-12 07:10:11
Document Index: 369466239

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 581', 'art 581', 'art 28', 'art 28', 'ART 28', 'art 581', 'art 581']

Balanced Budget Act of 1997; implementation: District of Columbia retirement plans; Federal benefit payments, - December 13, 1999 - Regulations - VLEX 23348310
[Federal Register: December 13, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 238)]
[Page 69432-69446]
[DOCID:fr13de99-25]
SUMMARY: The Department of the Treasury, Departmental Offices, is issuing proposed regulations to implement the provisions of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, as amended (Act). The Act assigns the
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Secretary of the Treasury responsibility for payment of benefits under the District of Columbia (District) retirement plans for police and firefighters, and teachers for benefits based on credit for service accrued as of June 30, 1997, and under the District retirement plan for judges. The proposed regulations would establish the general rules for the Department of the Treasury's administration of its program responsibilities and the methodology for determining the amount of Federal Benefit Payments.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before February 11, 2000.
ADDRESSES: Send comments to Ronald A. Glaser, Director, Office of Personnel Policy, Department of the Treasury, Annex Building, Room 4161, Pennsylvania Avenue and Madison Place, NW, Washington, DC 20220. Comments may also be submitted by electronic mail to dcpensions@do.treas.gov.
Harold L. Siegelman, (202) 622-1540, Department of the Treasury, Annex Building, Room 4005, Pennsylvania Avenue and Madison Place, NW, Washington, DC 20220.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title XI of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, Pub. L. 105-33, 111 Stat. 251, 712-731, 756-759, enacted August 5, 1997, as amended by the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 1999, Pub. L. 105-277, 112 Stat. 2681, 2681-530 through 538, 2681-552, transferred certain unfunded pension liabilities from the District of Columbia government to the Federal Government. The Act requires the Federal Government to assume responsibility for payment of certain benefits that accrued on or before June 30, 1997, under the retirement plans for District of Columbia teachers (Teachers Plan), police and firefighters (Police and Firefighters Plan), and for past and future benefits under the retirement plan for judges (Judges Plan). The Act also required the District of Columbia government to establish replacement retirement plans that will provide retirement benefits for service after June 30, 1997, for current and future teachers, police, and firefighters.
The Department of the Treasury has determined that its function, with respect to the payment of benefits under District retirement plans, is to calculate and fund the gross amount of Federal Benefit Payments. The Department will not allocate amounts attributable to withholdings and disbursements from individual gross benefit amounts for Federal and other taxes, health and life insurance premiums and other purposes between the Federal Benefit Payment and amounts payable under a District replacement plan. The Department will provide oversight of continuing deductions to assure proper withholdings and disbursements. It will not compute a gross-to-net spread for each Federal Benefit Payment. To do otherwise would produce an accounting anomaly that is inefficient and expensive.
Approximately 13,000 people were on the annuity rolls of the Police and Firefighters Plan and the Teachers Plan at the time the Department of the Treasury assumed liability for payments under these plans (June 30, 1997). In each of these cases, the total annuity payable is a Federal Benefit Payment. Subsequent retirements (i.e., during the interim administration period under section 11041 of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, as amended) have to date produced about 1300 additional cases for which nearly all of each total benefit will be a Federal Benefit Payment.
The Department of the Treasury does not plan to review the accuracy of the annuity computation made initially by the District of Columbia in each of the initial 13,000 cases for which the entire benefit is a Federal Benefit Payment. If the Department examines any of the cases because of a future event, such as an administrative or other review, and in that examination discovers an error, it will take appropriate steps to correct the error. Procedures for such correction will be established in a later issuance, as will procedures for collection and waiver of overpayments. In each of the cases in which the employee retired after June 30, 1997, the Department has determined that it must determine the amount of Federal Benefit Payments.
The Department of the Treasury is issuing proposed regulations necessary for the administration of Federal Benefit Payments under the Balanced Budget of 1997, as amended. The Department plans future issuances relating to specific aspects of the program, such as financial management issues. Subpart A contains provisions that are applicable throughout the regulations.
Section 28.102 provides information on related regulations affecting recipients' Federal Benefit Payments. This is a reference tool for readers. Paragraph (a) lists the subparts that make up this part to help readers narrow their search for specific information. Paragraphs (b) through (e) provide cross references to the regulations applicable to related programs not administered by the Department of the Treasury.
Section 28.103 defines terms for use throughout the part. This establishes uniform definitions for frequently used terms that will appear in multiple subparts.
Section 28.104 establishes a uniform payment schedule for Federal Benefit Payments. Federal Benefit Payments are payable on the first business day of the month after they accrue. This rule is statutory for the Police and Firefighters Plan under section 4-629(a) of the D.C. Code (1997). It is consistent with current practice of the Teachers Plan and the Judges Plan. It also conforms to the statutory rule established for other Federal retirement plans, such as the Civil Service Retirement System under section 8345(a) of title 5, United States Code, and the Federal Employees Retirement System under section 8463 of title 5, United States Code.
Section 28.105 establishes general rules for computing periods of time throughout the part. Paragraph (a) establishes the rule applicable to filing documents. We have adopted the regulatory language for filings under the Civil Service Retirement System under section 831.107 of Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, and the Federal Employees Retirement System under section 841.109 of Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations.
Paragraph (b) establishes the methodology for computing benefit accruals. The methodology is adopted from section 831.701(f) of Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, applicable to the Civil Service Retirement System, and is consistent with the past practices of the Plans.
Paragraph (c) establishes the methodology for counting the amount of service credit attributable to unused sick leave creditable in retirement computations under the Police and Firefighters Plan and the Teachers Plan. Since firefighters work a 42-hour workweek, their sick leave usage is based on a non-8-hour schedule. See examples 2 and 3B in appendix A to subpart C of the proposed regulations. Judges are not under a formal leave system and do not receive sick leave credit. Current practice under each plan is continued.
Paragraph (d) states the statutory rules for the amount of leave without pay that is creditable toward retirement. Up to 6 months credit is permitted in a year in each plan, but the plans differ in the measurement of a year. The Police and Firefighters Plan uses calendar years,
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but the Teachers Plan uses fiscal years. Paragraph (d)(2)(ii) addresses a one-time problem created when the starting date of the fiscal years was changed in 1976 from July 1 to October 1.
Section 28.106 authorizes payment of Federal Benefit Payments to representative payees to the same extent that the District government had been authorized to make similar payments under each plan. For example, section 4-629(b) of the D.C. Code (1997) authorizes such payments for benefits under the Police and Firefighters Plan for benefit ``due a minor, or an individual mentally incompetent or other legal disability.'' The regulation is intended to clarify that the representative payee rules and procedures under each plan are not changed as a result of the benefit changing from a District payment to a Federal Benefit Payment.
At this time, the Department of the Treasury is proposing to issue subpart B solely to designate the District government's agent for receipt of legal process (court and administrative documents that may affect payments) as the Department's agent for receipt of legal process affecting Federal Benefit Payments in three specific situations. For service of garnishment orders for alimony or child support under part 581 of Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, legal process affecting Federal Benefit Payments under these regulations should be served on the agent listed in appendix A to part 581 for the District of Columbia, not the agent for the Department of the Treasury, Departmental Offices. For service of domestic relations orders or similar court orders that award a portion of Federal Benefit Payments under these regulations (including survivor annuity awards), service should be made upon the District government's agent for the appropriate plan. Documents served must include any documentation required by the plan. Similarly, to request a representative payee for Federal Benefit Payments of payees who are incompetent or under a legal disability, application or legal process should be served upon the District government's agent for the Judges Plan, the Police and Firefighters Plan, or the Teachers Plan, as appropriate. In all other situations, that is, litigation arising under Title XI, subtitle A, chapter 8 of the Balanced Budget Act, as amended, service of process affecting Federal Benefit Payments must be made upon the United States and the Department of the Treasury in the usual manner for litigation originating in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
The Department of the Treasury is proposing to issue subpart C to address the issues arising under section 11012(a) and (b) of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, as amended, under which each Federal Benefit Payment will be ``in such amount and under such terms and conditions as may apply under [the retirement program applicable to the employee on June 29, 1997],'' but without credit for service performed after June 30, 1997. The statute creates a situation in which some retirees under the Police and Firefighters Retirement Plan and the Teachers Retirement Plan will receive Federal Benefit Payments as a portion of their total retirement benefit as well as additional payments from the District of Columbia for their service after June 30, 1997. Benefits partially paid by the Department of the Treasury and partially paid by the District of Columbia are designated as ``split benefits.'' Subpart C describes how the Department of the Treasury determines Federal Benefit Payments, that is, the proportionate share of liability that the law requires the Federal Government to assume in order to defray costs for an individual benefit.
Subpart C also covers the Federal payment for disability benefits and for certain death benefits as provided under section 11012(c) and (d) of the Act and certain other special service credit situations not addressed in the Act. These special situations include: Federal Benefit Payments for early voluntary retirement; credit for sick leave; military service; service for which a deposit or redeposit must be paid in order for the service to be creditable under the provisions of the retirement plan; the method for applying cost-of-living adjustments to Federal Benefit Payments; and the method for applying reductions for survivor benefits to Federal Benefit Payments.
To these ends, the proposed regulations establish three general principles that are applied to determine the amount of service creditable for Federal Benefit Payments. These general rules are stated in sections 28.311 through 28.313 of the proposed regulations. The remainder of subpart C illustrates the application of the general principles to a variety of issues that affect the computation of Federal Benefit Payments.
Principle 1 addresses service performed after June 30, 1997. Such service is never credited toward Federal Benefit Payments. As a general rule, the amount of Federal Benefit Payments is computed based on retirement eligibility and average pay as of the separation date, and service creditable as of June 30, 1997. This follows directly from section 11012(a) and (b) of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, as amended. Section 11012 (a) defines a ``Federal Benefit Payment'' as ``any benefit payment to which an individual is entitled under a District Retirement Plan in such amount and under such terms and conditions as may apply under the Program.'' In general, the Balanced Budget Act, as amended, assigns the Federal Government responsibility for paying the proportionate amount of a total benefit that is based on service accrued through the freeze date, which the law states is June 30, 1997. Further, section 11012 (b) expressly excludes service after the freeze date for purposes of determining Federal Benefit Payments. Accordingly, the Federal Government is responsible for paying benefits based on both the service credit earned up to and including the freeze date, and average pay provisions of the plans, and is not authorized to pay for service that is credited after June 30, 1997.
This general principle must be applied to individual service histories in order to determine the amount of Federal Benefit Payments. If a participant's total entitlement is based on service credited prior to July 1, 1997, the total benefit payment for that individual is the responsibility of the Federal Government. If a participant's entitlement is based on service through the June 30, 1997, freeze date and later, only that portion of the benefit that is calculated using service credited through June 30, 1997, will be paid by the Federal Government. In the case of a participant whose total benefit is based on service that is credited after June 30, 1997, no amount of the benefit is payable by the Federal Government.
In addition, length of service for a Federal Benefit Payment is calculated using whole 30-day months and dropping odd days as provided in section 28.105(b) of these regulations. This has been a standard practice in annuity calculations performed by the District of Columbia government. The Department of the Treasury proposes to continue that practice in the computation of Federal Benefit Payments.
Principle 2 addresses how the Department of the Treasury determines whether any particular period of service is creditable as of June 30, 1997. Service is counted toward Federal Benefit Payments (that is, as occurring as of June 30, 1997) only if all requirements for the service to be creditable are satisfied as of June 30, 1997. In determining whether service occurred after June 30, 1997, and thus is excluded from the computation of Federal Benefit
Payments, the controlling factor is whether all requirements for the service to be creditable were satisfied as of June 30, 1997. If any requirement was not satisfied as of June 30, 1997, the service is not used in the computation of the employee's Federal Benefit Payment. Service does not become creditable service until all of the statutory requirements for it to become creditable are satisfied. This principle resolves several questionable situations in a manner consistent with the Memorandums of Understanding Concerning Interim Administration of Retirement Programs dated September 29, 1997, and April 2, 1999, between the Department of the Treasury and the District of Columbia.
Section 28.332 of these proposed regulations addresses application of this principle to determine the extent that credit for sick leave may be allowed in computing Federal Benefit Payments. Unused sick leave is not creditable for any retirement purpose until the employee separates from service. Consequently, though sick leave may have been accrued prior to the freeze date, unless the participant also separated prior to that date, the accrued sick leave cannot be included in a Federal Benefit Payment. Thus, in cases of retirements through June 30, 1997, creditable sick leave is calculated in Federal Benefit Payments. However, for retirements after June 30, 1997, sick leave will not be included in Federal Benefit Payments, even though a portion of it may have been earned before that date.
Section 28.333 of these proposed regulations addresses application of this principle to determine the extent that credit for military service may be allowed in computing Federal Benefit Payments. Prior military service generally becomes creditable at the time of entry on duty in a covered position. Accordingly, for persons whose entry on duty occurred prior to June 30, 1997, and whose military service was performed prior to that date, credit for military service is included in Federal Benefit Payments. For persons whose entry on duty occurs after June 30, 1997, military service is not creditable toward Federal Benefit Payments, even if performed before June 30, 1997. Finally, for persons whose entry on duty occurred prior to June 30, 1997, but whose military service is performed after that date, credit for the military service is not included in Federal Benefit Payments.
Section 28.334 of these proposed regulations addresses application of this principle to determine the extent that credit for deposit and refunded service may be allowed in computing Federal Benefit Payments. Under the retirement plans, in order to receive credit at the time of retirement, a period of service for which no contributions were paid (deposit service) or a period of service for which contributions were paid, but later refunded, must be fully paid or repaid, with interest. Consequently, Federal Benefit Payments will include credit for any period of deposit or refunded service performed and paid (or repaid), and thus credited, as of June 30, 1997. However, no Federal Benefit Payment will be made for a period of deposit or refunded service that is not paid as of June 30, 1997, even though it may have been performed as of that date.
Service paid by installment payments is not creditable under the plans until the full amount of interest and principal has been paid. Thus, service paid by installment payments is not considered to be creditable for purposes of Federal Benefit Payments until the entire amount of principal and interest has been paid. Accordingly, if payment in a series of installments has not been completed as of the freeze date, no Federal Benefit Payment may be paid for the service, even though it may have been performed before the freeze date.
Paragraph (b) implements the requirement under section 4-607(15) of the D.C. Code (1997) that ``governmental service'' for the Police and Firefighter Plan includes only United States Government and certain other service ``for which retirement deductions, other than social security deductions, were made.'' This provision does not preclude credit for periods of service that should have been subject to retirement deductions, but for which due to agency error deductions were not withheld. If the service is in a position covered by the Civil Service Retirement System, the Federal Employees Retirement System, or another contributory retirement system (other than social security) for employees of the United States Government, Gallaudet College or the municipal government of the District of Columbia, the service may be credited as governmental service. However, service that is excluded from coverage under such systems, such as service under a temporary appointment, which is excluded from coverage under Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employees Retirement System, does not qualify as governmental service upon payment of a deposit.
Principle 3 provides that the separation date is controlling for issues other than the amount of service credit allowable, such as commencing date of Federal Benefit Payments based on eligibility for immediate or deferred annuity and the average salary to be used in the computation. The proposed regulations at sections 28.341 and following provide the methodology for computing the amount of Federal Benefit Payments based on retirement eligibility as of the separation date and service creditable as of June 30, 1997.
Section 28.341 states the general rule for the calculation of Federal Benefit Payments. Two special statutory exceptions apply. One exception is disability retirements after June 30, 1997, as discussed, infra, in connection with section 28.342. The other exception is for certain death benefits based on deaths after June 30, 1997. The statutory rule for these benefits is discussed, infra, in connection with section 28.343. In all other cases in which some service becomes creditable on or before June 30, 1997, and some service becomes creditable after June 30, 1997, Federal Benefit Payments are computed under the rules of the applicable plan as though: (1) The employee were eligible to retire as of June 30, 1997, under the same conditions as the actual retirement (that is, using the annuity computation formula that applies under the plan in effect on June 29, 1997, and the actual retirement age, including any applicable age reduction, based on the age at actual retirement); (2) The service that became creditable after June 30, 1997, did not exist; and (3) The average salary is the average salary at separation.
Section 28.342 states the special rule applicable to the computation of Federal Benefit Payments if the employee retires for disability. Section 11012(c) of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, as amended, mandates a special rule for benefits paid as the result of a determination of disability made after the freeze date. In such cases, the law provides that Federal Benefit Payments are in the amount equal to the deferred retirement benefit, or the optional retirement benefit the individual would receive if he or she left service on the day before commencement of the disability retirement. When an individual is eligible for optional retirement at the time of separation, Federal Benefit Payments are payable immediately and are calculated based on the general rule discussed above. That is, Federal Benefit Payments consist of the service credited under the plan rules as of June 30, 1997, and average pay at the time of separation on retirement. However, if the individual is not eligible for optional retirement at the time of separation for disability retirement, Federal Benefit Payments
become payable only when the individual reaches the age at which he or she would be eligible for a deferred benefit. Then, Federal Benefit Payments are calculated as if the individual retired on a deferred annuity, with service credited through June 30, 1997, and the average pay at the time of separation for retirement.
Section 28.343 states the special rule applicable to computing Federal Benefit Payments for certain death benefits. Section 11012(d) of the Balanced Budget Act, as amended, contains a special rule regarding death benefits for survivors, when the benefits are not paid based on length of service. The special rule provides a formula for computing Federal Benefit Payments as a pro rata amount of the total benefits. In such cases, Federal Benefit Payments are equal to the number of months of the employees' (or former employees') service through the freeze date, divided by the total number of months of service. To determine the dollar amount of the Federal Benefit Payment in any case, multiply the fraction described in the previous sentence by the total benefit to which the survivor is entitled. This proration formula applies to lump-sum benefits as well as survivor annuities based on a guaranteed minimum rate or a base designated at retirement.
Section 28.344 establishes that cost-of-living increases are applied directly to Federal Benefit Payments, rather than computed on the total benefit and then prorated. Example 14 in appendix A to subpart C illustrates this calculation.
Section 28.345 establishes the methodology for applying reductions to provide survivor annuities to Federal Benefit Payments. If a retiree designates a base for a survivor annuity that is greater than or equal to the unreduced Federal Benefit Payment, the applicable plan's annuity reduction formula is applied to the unreduced Federal Benefit Payment to determine the reduced Federal Benefit Payment. This is illustrated in example 10 in appendix A to subpart C.
The only practical alternative to the proposed approach in sections 28.344 and 28.345 would be to calculate the total benefit and then prorate it. However, proration is not an acceptable option. The examples formulated during the drafting of the statute clearly show that independent application of each plan's benefits calculation formula as of June 30, 1997, rather than proration, was intended.
The examples in appendix A to subpart C illustrate the methodology application in a few additional situations that are not separately addressed in the regulatory text. In each of these situations the three general principles control the outcome.
Example 11 illustrates the special Federal Benefit Payments calculation when an individual retires early based on an involuntary separation from service, or retires early based an administrative decision by the District of Columbia to permit early retirement. In the case of an involuntary separation as the result of which an individual would be eligible for benefit payments under his or her retirement plan, Federal Benefit Payments are calculated as if the individual had retired on optional retirement on the date of separation. However, when an individual retires early based on an administrative decision by the District of Columbia to permit early voluntary retirement, no Federal Benefit Payments are payable until the individual reaches eligibility for a deferred benefit. Thus, an early voluntary retirement is treated similarly to a disability retirement that occurs prior to eligibility for regular optional retirement because the District's administrative determination creates eligibility for a voluntary retirement.
Both situations also are treated differently with respect to reduction of benefits for age. In cases of involuntary retirement, the age reduction formula prescribed by the retirement plan (if applicable) is applied to Federal Benefit Payments. However, in cases of early voluntary retirement, no age reduction is applied to Federal Benefit Payments because they are calculated under the plans' deferred benefit provisions.
Because this proposed rule is not a significant regulatory action for purposes E.O. 12866 a regulatory assessment is not required.
List of Subjects in 31 CFR Part 28
Administrative practice and procedure, Claims, Disability benefits, Firefighters, Government employees, Intergovernmental relations, Law enforcement officers, Pensions, Retirement.
Department of the Treasury. Nancy Killefer, Assistant Secretary of the Treasury.
Accordingly, the Department of the Treasury, is amending Title 31 of the Code of Federal Regulations to add part 28 to read as follows:
PART 28--FEDERAL BENEFIT PAYMENTS UNDER CERTAIN DISTRICT RETIREMENT PROGRAMS
Sec. 28.101 Purpose and scope. 28.102 Related regulations. 28.103 Definitions. 28.104 Schedule for Federal Benefit Payments. 28.105 Computation of time. 28.106 Representative payees.
Subpart B--Coordination With the District Government
28.201 Purpose and scope. 28.202 Definitions. [Reserved] 28.203 Service of Process.
Subpart C--Split Benefits
28.301 Purpose and scope. 28.302 Definitions.
28.311 Credit only for service performed on or before June 30, 1997. 28.312 All requirements for credit must be satisfied by June 30, 1997. 28.313 Federal Benefit Payments are computed based on retirement eligibility as of the separation date and service creditable as of June 30, 1997.
28.321 General principle. 28.322 Disability benefits.
28.331 General principle. 28.332 Unused sick leave. 28.333 Military service. 28.334 Deposit service. 28.335 Refunded service.
28.341 General principle. 28.342 Computed annuity exceeds the statutory maximum. 28.343 Disability benefits. 28.344 Survivor benefits. 28.345 Cost-of-living adjustments. 28.346 Reduction for survivor benefits.
Appendix A to Subpart C--Examples
Authority: Sections 11083 and 11251(a) of Pub. L. 105-33, 111 Stat. 730 and 756, as amended by Pub. L. 105-277, 112 Stat. 2681-530 through 538.
Sec. 28.101 Purpose and scope.
(a) This part contains the Department's regulations implementing Title XI of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, Pub. L. 105-33, 111 Stat. 251, enacted August 5, 1997, as amended.
(b) This subpart contains general information to assist in the use of this part including--
(1) Information about related regulations,
(2) Definitions of terms used in more than one subpart of this part, and
(3) The Department's general rules and procedures, which usually apply to all three plans, that concern to the general administration of Federal Benefit Payments (other than claims processing, debt collection, and financial management).
Sec. 28.102 Related regulations.
(2) Coordination With the District Government (Subpart B); and
(3) Split Benefits (Subpart C).
Sec. 28.103 Definitions.
Federal Benefit Payment means a payment for which the Department is responsible under Title XI of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (Pub. L. 105-33, 111 Stat. 251), as amended, to which an individual is entitled under the Judges Plan, Police and Firefighters Plan, or the Teachers Plan, in such amount and under such terms and conditions as may apply under such plan.
Judges Plan means the retirement program (under subchapter III of chapter 15 of title 11 of the D.C. Code) for judges of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals or Superior Court or with prior judicial service with the former Juvenile Court of the District of Columbia, District of Columbia Tax Court, police court, municipal court, Municipal Court of Appeals, or District of Columbia Court of General Sessions.
(b) In this subpart--
Legal process means--
(1) Any document that qualifies as legal process as defined in Sec. 581.103 of Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, or
Sec. 28.104 Schedule for Federal Benefit Payments.
Federal Benefit Payments are payable on the first business day of the month following the month in which the benefit accrues. (See Sec. 28.105(b).)
Sec. 28.105 Computation of time.
(a) For filing documents. In computing the number of days allowed for filing a document, the first day counted is the day after the action or event from which the period begins to run. If the date that ordinarily would be the last day for filing falls on a Saturday, a Sunday or a Federal holiday, the period runs until the end of the next day that is not a Saturday, a Sunday or a Federal holiday.
(b) For benefit accrual. (1) Annuity accrues on a daily basis; one- thirtieth of the monthly rate constitutes the daily rate.
(c) For counting unused sick leave. (1) For annuity computation purposes, the service of a participant under the Police and Firefighters Plan or the Teachers Plan who retires on an immediate annuity or dies leaving a survivor entitled to an annuity is increased by the number of days of unused sick leave to the participant's credit under a formal leave system.
(2)(i) Under the Teachers Plan credit is allowed for no more than 6 months of LWOP in each fiscal year.
(B) Fiscal year 1976 started on July 1, 1975 and ended on September 30, 1976.
Sec. 28.106 Representative payees.
For Federal Benefit Payments, representative payees will be authorized to the same extent and under the same circumstances as each plan permits for non-Federal Benefit Payments under the plan. (See e.g., section 4-629(b) of the D.C. Code (1997).)
Sec. 28.201 Purpose and scope.
This subpart contains information concerning the relationship between the
Department and the District government in the administration of Title XI of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, as amended, and the functions of each in the administration of that Act.
Sec. 28.202 Definitions. [Reserved]
Sec. 28.203 Service of Process.
To affect Federal Benefits Payments--
(a) Service of legal process under part 581 of Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, must be made upon the District Government under appendix A to part 581 of Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations.
(b) Any qualifying court order under chapter 30 of title 1 of the D.C. Code (1997) must be served on the District Government in accordance with the rules of the plan.
(c) Any request for or notice of appointment of a custodian, guardian, or other fiduciary to receive Federal Benefits Payments as representative payees under Sec. 28.106 must be served on the District government in accordance with the rules of the plan.
Sec. 28.301 Purpose and scope.
(a) The purpose of this subpart is to address the policy issues that affect the calculation of the Federal and District of Columbia portions of benefits under subtitle A of Title XI of the Balanced Budget Act of 1977, Pub. L. 105-33, 111 Stat. 251, 712-731, enacted August 5, 1997, as amended.
(1) This subpart states general principles for the calculation of Federal Benefit Payments in cases in which the Department and the District government are both responsible for paying a portion of the employees' total retirement benefits under the Police and Firefighters Plan or the Teachers Plan.
(b)(1) This subpart applies only to benefits under the Police and Firefighters Plan or the Teachers Plan for individuals who have performed service creditable under these programs prior to July 1, 1997.
Sec. 28.302 Definitions.
In this subpart (including appendix A)--
Disability retirement means retirement under section 4-615 or section 4-616 of the D.C. Code (1997) (under the Police and Firefighters Plan) or section 31-1204 of the D.C. Code (1997) (under the Teachers Plan), regardless of whether the disability was incurred in the line of duty.
Excess leave without pay or excess LWOP means periods of time in a non-pay status that in any year is greater than the amount creditable as service under Sec. 28.105(d).
Military service means--
(a) For the Police and Firefighters Plan, military service as defined in section 4-607 of the D.C. Code (1997) that is creditable as other service under section 4-602 or section 4-610 of the D.C. Code (1997); and
(b) For the Teachers Plan, military service as described in section 31-1230(a)(4) of the D.C. Code (1997) for which any required deposit has been paid as of June 30, 1997.
Other service means any period of creditable service other than departmental service or unused sick leave. Other service includes service that becomes creditable upon payment of a deposit, such as service in another school system under the Teachers Plan (under 31-1208 of the D.C. Code (1997)); and service that is creditable without payment of a deposit, such as military service occurring prior to employment under the Police and Firefighters Plan.
Sick leave means unused sick leave, which is creditable in a retirement computation, as calculated under Sec. 28.105(c).
Sec. 28.311 Credit only for service performed on or before June 30, 1997.
Sec. 28.312 All requirements for credit must be satisfied by June 30, 1997.
Sec. 28.313 Federal Benefit Payments are computed based on retirement eligibility as of the separation date and service creditable as of June 30, 1997.
Sec. 28.321 General principle.
Sec. 28.322 Disability benefits.
If an employee separates for disability retirement after June 30, 1997, and, on the date of separation, the employee--
(a) Satisfies the age and service requirements for optional retirement, the Federal Benefit Payment commences immediately. The Federal Benefit Payment is calculated as though the employee retired under optional retirement rules using only service through June 30, 1997. (See examples 7A and 7B of appendix A of this subpart).
(b) Does not satisfy the age and service requirements for optional
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retirement, the Federal Benefit Payment begins when the disability retiree reaches deferred retirement age. (See Sec. 28.342.)
Sec. 28.331 General principle.
Sec. 28.332 Unused sick leave.
Sec. 28.333 Military service.
Sec. 28.334 Deposit service.
(2) No credit is allowed for Federal Benefit Payments under the Teachers Plan for any period of civilian service that was not subject to retirement deductions at the time it was performed if the deposit for the service is not paid in full as of June 30, 1997.
(b) Police and Firefighters Plan. No credit is allowed for Federal Benefit Payments under the Police and Firefighters Plan for any period of civilian service that was not subject to retirement deductions at the time that the service was performed. (See definition of ``governmental service'' at D.C. Code Sec. 4-607(15) (1997).)
Sec. 28.335 Refunded service.
Sec. 28.341 General principle.
Except for disability retirements after June 30, 1997, and certain death benefits based on deaths after June 30, 1997, for cases in which some service becomes creditable on or before June 30, 1997, and some service becomes creditable after June 30, 1997, Federal Benefit Payments are computed under the rules of the applicable plan as though--
(c) The average salary is the average salary at separation. (See examples 7B, 9, and 13 of appendix A of this subpart.)
Sec. 28.342 Computed annuity exceeds the statutory maximum.
(a) In cases in which the computed annuity exceeds the statutory maximum:
Sec. 28.343 Disability benefits.
(a) The general rule that Federal Benefit Payments are calculated under the applicable retirement plan as though the employees were eligible for optional retirement and separated on June 30, 1997, does not apply to disability benefits prior to optional retirement age.
(b) In cases involving disability benefits prior to optional retirement age, no Federal Benefit Payment is payable until the retiree reaches the age of eligibility to receive a deferred annuity (age 55 under the Police and Firefighters Plan and age 62 under the Teachers Plan). When the age for deferred annuity is reached, the Federal Benefit Payment is paid using creditable service accrued as of June 30, 1997 and average salary (computed under the rules for the applicable plan) as of the date of separation. (See examples 6 and 7 of appendix A of this subpart.)
Sec. 28.344 Survivor benefits.
(a) The general rule that Federal Benefit Payments are calculated under the applicable retirement plan as though the employees were eligible for optional retirement and separated on June 30, 1997, does not apply to death benefits that are not determined by length of service.
(b) In cases in which the amount of death benefits is not determined by length of service, the amount of Federal Benefit Payments is calculated by multiplying the amount of the total benefit payable by the number of full months of service through June 30, 1997, and then dividing by the number of months of total service at retirement (for elected survivor benefits) or death (for guaranteed-minimum death-in- service survivor benefits). (See example 13 of appendix A of this subpart.)
Sec. 28.345 Cost-of-living adjustments.
Sec. 28.346 Reduction for survivor benefits.
(a) If a retiree designates a base for a survivor annuity that is greater than or
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equal to the unreduced Federal Benefit Payment, the applicable plan's annuity reduction formula is applied to the unreduced Federal Benefit Payment to determine the reduced Federal Benefit Payment. (See example 10 of appendix A of this subpart.)
In this example, an individual covered by the Police and Firefighters Plan hired before 1980 retires in October 1997. At retirement, he is age 51 with 20 years and 3 days of departmental service plus 3 years, 4 months, and 21 days of military service that preceded the departmental service. The Federal Benefit Payment begins at retirement. It is based on the 19 years, 8 months, and 22 days of departmental service and 3 years, 4 months, and 21 days of military service performed as of June 30, 1997. Thus, the Federal Benefit Payment is based on 23 years and 1 month of service, all at the 2.5 percent accrual rate. The total annuity is based on 23 years and 4 months of service, all at the 2.5 percent accrual rate.
Example 1A.--Police Optional [Pre-80 hire]
Birth date: 09/10/46 Hire date: 10/09/77 Separation date: 10/11/97 Department service: 20/00/03 Other service: 03/04/21 Sick leave: .025 service: 23.333333 .03 service: Average salary: $45,680.80 Total: $26,647.13 Total/month: $2,221.00
Birth date: 09/10/46 Hire date: 10/09/77 Separation date: 06/30/97 Department service: 19/08/22 Other service: 03/04/21 Sick leave: .025 service: 23.083333 .03 service: Average salary: $45,680.80 Total: $26,361.63 Total/month: $2,197.00
In this example, the individual covered by the Police and Firefighters Plan was hired earlier than in example 1A and thus performed more service as of both June 30, 1997, and retirement in October 1997. At retirement, he is age 51 with 21 years, 11 months and 29 days of departmental service plus 3 years, 4 months, and 21 days of military service that preceded the departmental service. The Federal Benefit Payment begins at retirement. It is based on the 21 years, 8 months, and 18 days of departmental service and 3 years, 4 months, and 21 days of military service performed as of June 30, 1997. Thus, the Federal Benefit Payment is based on 25 years and 1 month of service, 1 year and 8 months at the 3.0 percent accrual rate and 23 years and 5 months at the 2.5 percent accrual rate (including 1 month consisting of 18 days of departmental service and 21 days of other service). The total annuity is based on 25 years and 4 months of service, 1 year and 11 months at the 3.0 percent accrual rate and 23 years and 5 months at the 2.5 percent accrual rate (including 1 month consisting of 29 days of departmental service and 21 days of other service).
Example 1B.--Police Optional [Pre-80 hire]
Birth date: 09/10/46 Hire date: 10/13/75 Separation date: 10/11/97 Department service: 21/11/29 Other service: 03/04/21 Sick leave: .025 service: 23.416667 .03 service: 1.916667 Average salary: $45,680.80 Total: $29,368.95 Total/month: $2,447.00
Birth date: 09/10/46 Hire date: 10/13/75 Separation date: 06/30/97 Department service: 21/08/18 Other service: 03/04/21 Sick leave: .025 service: 23.416667 .03 service: 1.666667 Average salary: $45,680.80 Total: $29,026.34 Total/month: $2,419.00
Example 2.--Police Optional [Pre-80 hire]
Birth date: 05/01/49 Hire date: 07/08/73 Separation date: 03/13/98 Department service: 24/08/06 Other service: 00/06/04 Sick leave: 00/11/11 .025 service: 20.5 .03 service: 5.583333 Average salary: $61,264.24 Total: $41,659.68 Total/month: $3,472.00
Birth date: 05/01/49 Hire date: 07/08/73 Separation date: 06/30/97 Department service: 23/11/23 Other service: 00/06/04 Sick leave: .025 service: 20.5 .03 service: 3.916667 Average salary: $61,264.24 Total: $38,596.47 Total/month: $3,216.00
In this example, an individual covered by the Police and Firefighters Plan hired before 1980 retires in March 1998. At retirement, he is age 55 with 32 years and 17 days of departmental service. The Federal Benefit Payment begins at retirement. It is based on the 31 years, 3 months, and 17 days of departmental service performed as of June 30, 1997. Thus, the Federal Benefit Payment is based on 20 years of service at the 2.5 percent accrual rate and 11 years and 3 months of service at the 3.0 percent accrual rate. However, the annuity is limited to 80 percent of the basic salary at time of retirement. (This limitation does not apply to the unused sick leave credit.) The annuity computed as of June 30, 1997, equals the full benefit payable; therefore, the Federal Benefit Payment is the total benefit.
Example 3A.--Police Optional [Pre-80 hire]
Birth date: 06/12/42 Hire date: 03/14/66 Separation date: 03/30/98
Department service: 32/00/17 Other service: Sick leave: .025 service: 20 .03 service: 12 Average salary: $75,328.30 Final salary: $77,180.00 Total: $64,782.34 Total/month: $5,399.00 Maximum: $61,744.00 $5,145.00
Birth date: 06/12/42 Hire date: 03/14/66 Separation date: 06/30/97 Department service: 31/03/17 Other service: Sick leave: .025 service: 20 .03 service: 11.25 Average salary: $75,328.30 Final salary: $77,180.00 Total: $63,087.45 Total/month: $5,257.00 Maximum: $61,744.00 $5,145.00
In this example, the individual in example 3B also has 6 months of unused sick leave at retirement. The sick leave credit is not subject to the 80% limitation and does not become creditable service until the date of separation. For a police officer (or a non-firefighting division firefighter) such an amount of sick leave would be 1040 hours (130 days, based on a 260-day year, times 8 hours per day). For a firefighting division firefighter, such an amount would be 1092 hours (180 days divided by 360 days per year times 2184 hours per year). Six months of unused sick leave increases the annual total benefit by 1.5 percent of the average salary, or in the example by $94 per month. The District is responsible for the portion of the annuity attributable to the unused sick leave because it became creditable at retirement, that is, after June 30, 1997.
Example 3B.--Police Optional [Pre-80 hire]
Birth date: 06/12/42 Hire date: 03/14/66 Separation date: 03/30/98 Department service: 32/00/17 Other service: Sick leave: 00/06/00 .025 service: 20 .03 service: 12 Average salary: $75,328.30 Final salary: $77,180.00 Total wo/sl credit: $64,782.34 Total/month: $5,399.00 Max wo/sl credit: $61,744.00 Max w/sl credit: $62,873.92 Monthly benefit: $5,239.00
Birth date: 06/12/42 Hire date: 03/14/66 Freeze date: 06/30/97 Department service: 31/03/17 Other service: Sick leave: none .025 service: 20 .03 service: 11.25 Average salary: $75,328.30 Final Salary: $77,180.00 Total: $63,087.45 Total/month: $5,257.00 Maximum: $61,744.00 Monthly benefit: $5,145.00
Example 4.--Teachers Optional [Pre-96 hire]
Birth date: 11/04/33 Hire date: 03/01/71 Separation date: 02/28/98 Department service: 27/00/00 Other service: 06/07/28 Excess LWOP: 00/03/18 .015 service: 5 .0175 service: 5 .02 service: 23.333333 Average salary: $53,121.00 Total: $33,421.96 Total/month: $2,785.00
Birth date: 11/04/33 Hire date: 03/01/71 Freeze date: 06/30/97 Department service: 26/04/00 Other service: 06/07/28 Excess LWOP: 00/03/18 .015 service: 5 .0175 service: 5 .02 service: 26.666667 Average salary: $53,121.00 Total: $32,713.68 Total/month: $2,726.00
An individual covered by the Teachers Plan hired before 1996 retires in October 1997. At retirement, he is age 61 with 30 years and 3 days of departmental service plus 3 years, 4 months, and 21 days of other service that preceded the departmental service for which the deposit was fully paid on or before June 30, 1997. The Federal Benefit Payment begins at retirement. It is based on the 29 years, 8 months, and 22 days of departmental service and 3 years, 4 months, and 21 days of service performed as of June 30, 1997. Thus, the Federal Benefit Payment is based on 33 years and 1 month of service; 5 years of service at the 1.5 percent accrual rate, 5 years of service at the 1.75 percent accrual rate, and 23 years and 1 month of service at the 2 percent accrual rate. The total annuity is based on 33 years and 4 months of service; 5 years of service at the 1.5 percent accrual rate, 5 years of service at the 1.75 percent accrual rate and 23 years and 4 months of service at the 2 percent accrual rate.
Example 5A.--Teachers Optional [Pre-96 hire]
Birth date: 09/10/36 Hire date: 10/09/67 Separation date: 10/11/97 Department service: 30/00/03 Other service: 03/04/21 Deposit paid before freeze date Other service credit allowed Sick leave .015 service: 5 .0175 service: 5 .02 service: 23.333333 Average salary: $45,680.80 Total: $28,740.84 Total/month: $2,395.00
Birth date: 09/10/36 Hire date: 10/09/67
Freeze date: 06/30/97 Department service: 29/30/22 Other service: 03/04/21 Deposit paid before freeze date Other service credit allowed Sick leave .015 service: 5 .0175 service: 5 .02 service: 23.083333; 13 days dropped Average salary: $45,680.80 Total: $28,512.43 Total/month: $2,376.00
In this example, the employee in example 5A did not pay any of the deposit to obtain credit for the 3 years, 4 months, and 21 days of other service as of June 30, 1997.Thus, none of the other service is used in the computation of the Federal Benefit Payment.
An individual covered by the Teachers Plan hired before 1996 retires in October 1997. At retirement, he is age 61 with 30 years and 3 days of departmental service plus 3 years, 4 months, and 21 days of other service that preceded the departmental service for which the deposit was paid in full in October 1997 (at retirement). The Federal Benefit Payment begins at retirement. It is based on only the 29 years, 8 months, and 22 days of departmental service performed as of June 30, 1997; 5 years of service at the 1.5 percent accrual rate, 5 years of service at the 1.75 percent accrual rate, and 19 years and 8 months of service at the 2 percent accrual rate. The total annuity is based on 33 years and 4 months of service; 5 years of service at the 1.5 percent accrual rate, 5 years of service at the 1.75 percent accrual rate and 23 years and 4 months of service at the 2 percent accrual rate.
Example 5B.--Teachers Optional [Pre-96 hire]
Birth date: 09/10/36 Hire date: 10/09/67 Separation date: 10/11/97 Department service: 30/00/03 Other service: 03/04/21 Total deposit paid after: 6/30/97 Sick leave .015 service: 5 .0175 service: 5 .02 service: 23.333333 Average salary:: $45,680.80 Total: $28,740.84 Total/month: $2,395.00
Birth date: 09/10/36 Hire date: 10/09/67 Freeze date: 06/30/97 Department service: 29/08/22 Other service: none Total deposit paid after: 6/30/97 Sick leave: .015 service: 5 .0175 service: 5 .02 service: 19.666667; 22 days dropped Average salary:: $45,680.80 Total: $25,390.91 Total/month: $2,116.00
In this example, the employee in examples 5A and B began installment payments on the deposit to obtain credit for the 3 years, 4 months, and 21 days of other service as of June 30, 1997, but did not complete the deposit until October 1997 (at retirement). The other service is not used in the computation of the Federal Benefit Payment because the payment was not completed as of June 30, 1997. Thus, the result is the same as in example 5B.
Example 5C.--Teachers Optional [Pre-96 hire]
Birth date: 09/10/36 Hire date: 10/09/67 Separation date: 10/11/97 Department service: 30/00/03 Other service: 03/04/21 Partial deposit paid as of: 6/30/97 Deposit completed after 6/30/97 Sick leave .015 service: 5 .0175 service: 5 .02 service: 23.333333 Average salary:: $45,680.80 Total: $28,740.84 Total/month: $2,395.00
Birth date: 09/10/36 Hire date: 10/09/67 Freeze date: 06/30/97 Department service: 29/08/22 Other service: none Partial deposit as of 6/30/97 Deposit completed after 6/30/97 Sick leave .015 service: 5 .0175 service: 5 .02 service: 19.666667; 22 days dropped Average salary:: $45,680.80 Total: $25,390.91 Total/month: $2,116.00
In this example, an individual covered by the Police and Firefighters Plan hired before 1980 retires based on a disability in the line of duty in October 1997. At retirement, he is age 45 with 18 years, 5 months, and 11 days of departmental service. Since he had performed less than 20 years of service and had not reached the age of eligibility for an optional retirement, the Federal Benefit Payment does not begin at retirement.
When the disability annuitant reaches age 55, he satisfies the age and service requirements for deferred retirement. At that time (August 20, 2007), the Federal Benefit Payment begins. It is based on the 18 years, 1 month, and 17 days of departmental service performed as of June 30, 1997, all at the 2.5 percent accrual rate.
Example 6A.--Police Disability in Line of Duty Age 45 [Pre-80 hire]
Birth date: 08/20/52 Hire date: 05/14/79 Separation date: 10/24/97 Department service: 18/05/11 Other service Sick leave .025 service: 18.416667 .03 service: Average salary:: $47,788.64 Final salary: $50,938.00 Total: $22,002.69 Total/month: $1,834.00 2/3 of average pay: $31,859.09 Monthly: $2,655.00
Birth date: 08/20/52 Hire date: 05/14/79 Separation date: 06/30/97 Department service: 18/01/17 Other service Sick leave .025 service: 18.083333 .03 service: Average salary:: $47,788.64 Final salary: $50,938.00 Total: $21,604.45 Total/month: $1,800.00; deferred
In this example, an individual covered by the Teachers Plan hired before 1996 retires based on a disability in December 1997. At retirement, she is age 49 with 27 years and 4 months of departmental service which includes 3 years, 3 months and 14 days of excess leave without pay (prior to June 30, 1997). Since she does not qualify for optional retirement at separation, the Federal Benefit Payment does not begin at separation.
When the disability annuitant reaches age 62, she will satisfy the age and service requirements for deferred retirement. At that time (March 9, 2010), the Federal Benefit Payment begins. The time attributable to the excess leave without pay is subtracted from the service used to compute the Federal Benefit Payment. Since the excess leave without pay occurred before June 30, 1997, the deferred Federal Benefit Payment is based on the 23 years and 6 months of service; 5 years of service at the 1.5 percent accrual rate, 5 years of service at the 1.75 percent accrual rate, and 13 years and 6
Example 68.--Teachers Disability Age 49 [Pre-96 hire]
Birth date: 03/09/48 Hire date: 09/01/70 Separation date: 12/31/97 Department service: 27/04/00 Other service: Excess LWOP: 03/03/14 .015 service: 5 .0175 service: 5 .02 service: 14 Average salary:: $53,121.00 Total: $23,506.04 Total/month: $1,959.00
Birth date: 03/09/48 Hire date: 09/01/70 Freeze date: 06/30/97 Department service: 26/10/00 Other service: Excess LWOP: 03/03/14 .015 service: 5 .0175 service: 5 .02 service: 13.5 Average salary:: $53,121.00 Total: $22,974.83 Total/month: $1,915.00; deferred
In this example, an individual covered by the Police and Firefighters Plan hired before 1980 retires based on a disability in the line of duty in October 1997. At retirement, she is age 55 with 24 years, 5 months, and 11 days of departmental service. Since she was also eligible for optional retirement at the time of separation, the Federal Benefit Payment commences at retirement. It is based on the 24 years, 1 months, and 17 days of departmental service performed as of June 30, 1997. Thus, the Federal Benefit Payment is based on 20 years of service at the 2.5 percent accrual rate and 4 years and 1 month of service at the 3 percent accrual rate. The total annuity is base don the disability formula and is equal to two-thirds of a average pay because that amount is higher than the 63.25 percent payable based on total service.
Example 7A.--Police Disability in Line of Duty Age 55 [pre-80 hire]
Birth date: 10/01/42 Hire date: 05/14/73 Separation date:10/24/97 Deparment service: 24/05/11 Other service Sick leave .025 services: 20 .03 service: 4.416667 Average salary: $47,788.64 Final salary: $50,938.00 Total: $30,226.31 Total/month: $2,519.00 2/3 of average pay: $31,859.09 Monthly: $2,655.00
Birth date: 10/01/42 Hire date: 05/14/73 Freeze date: 06/30/97 Department service: 24/01/17 Other service Sick leave .025 service: 20 .03 service: 4.083333 Average salary: $47,788.64 Final salary: $50,938.00 Total: $29,748.43 Total/month: $2,479.00
In this example, an individual covered by the Teachers Plan hired before 1996 retires based on a disability in December 1997. At retirement, he is age 60 with 27 years and 4 months of departmental service which includes 3 years, 3 months and 14 days of excess leave without pay (prior to June 30, 1997). Since he qualifies for optional retirement at separation, the Federal Benefit Payment begins at retirement. Since the excess leave without pay occurred before June 30, 1997, and the total annuity is based on actual service (that is, exceeds the guaranteed disability minimum), the time attributable to the excess leave without pay is subtracted from the service used to compute the Federal Benefit Payment and total benefit. The Federal Benefit Payment is based on 23 years and 6 months of service; 5 years of service at the 1.5 percent accrual rate, 5 years of service at the 1.75 percent accrual rate, and 13 years and 6 months of service at the 2 percent accrual rate. The total annuity payable is based on 24 years of service; 5 years of service at the 1.5 percent accrual rate, 5 years of service at the 1.75 percent accrual rate, and 14 years of service at the 2 percent accrual rate.
Example 7B.--Teachers Disability Age 60 [Pre-96 hire]
Birth date: 03/09/37 Hire date: 09/01/70 Separation date: 12/31/97 Department service: 27/04/00 Other service Excess LWOP03/03/14 .015 service: 5 .0175 service: 5 .02 service: 14 Average salary: $53,121.00 Total: $23,506.04 Total/month: $1,959.00
Birth date: 03/09/37 Hire date: 09/01/70 Freeze date: 06/30/97 Department service: 26/10/00 Other service Excess LWOP03/03/14 .015 service: 5 .0175 service: 5 .02 service: 13.5 Average salary: $53,121.00 Total: $22,974.83 Total/month: $1,915.00
Example 8.--Police Deferred [Pre-80 hire]
Birth date: 11/20/42 Hire date: 06/01/70 Separation date: 03/08/86 Department service: 15/09/08 Other service Sick leave .025 service: 15.75 .03 service: 0 Average salary: $30,427.14 Final salary: $45,415.00 Total: $11,980.69 Total/month: $998.00
Birth date: 11/20/42 Hire date: 06/01/70 Freeze date: 03/08/86 Department service: 15/09/08 Other service Sick leave .025 service: 15.75 .03 service: 0 Average salary: $30,427.14 Final salary: $45,415.00 Total: $11,980.69 Total/month: $998.00
Example 9.--Police Deferred [Pre-80 hire]
Birth date: 11/20/52 Hire date: 06/01/79 Separation date: 12/08/97 Department service: 18/06/08 Other service Sick leave .025 service: 18.5 .03 service: 0 Average salary: $30,427.14 Final salary: $45,415.00 Total: $14,072.55 Total/month: $1,173.00
Birth date: 11/20/52 Hire date: 06/01/79 Freeze date: 06/30/97 Department service: 18/01/00 other service: Sick leave: .025 service: 18.083333 .03 service: 0 Average salary: $30,427.14 Final Salary: $45,415.00 Total: $13,755.60 Total/month $1,146.00; deferred
Both of the following examples involve a former teacher who elected a reduced annuity to provide a survivor benefit.
In this example, the employee elected full survivor benefits. The Federal Benefit Payment is reduced by 2\1/2\ percent of the first $3600 and 10 percent of the balance. The total annuity is also reduced by 2\1/2\ percent of the first $3600 and 10 percent of the balance.
Example 10A.--Teachers Optional w/Survivor Reduction [Pre-96 hire]
Birth date: 11/01/42 Hire date: 11/01/68 Separation date: 12/31/97 Department service: 29/02/00 Other service: 03/09/18 Military: 00/09/11 .015 service: 5 .0175 service: 5 .02 service: 23.666667 Average salary: $66,785.00 Total unreduced: $42,464.13 Reduction: $3,976.41 Total reduced: $38,487.72 Total/month: $3,207.00
Birth date: 11/01/42 Hire date: 11/01/68 Freeze date: 06/30/97 Department service: 28/08/00 Other service: 03/09/18 Military: 00/09/11 .015 service: 5 .0175 service: 5 .02 service: 23.166667 Average salary: $66,785.00 Total unreduced: $41,796.28 Reduction: $3,909.63 Total reduced: $37,886.65 Total/month: $3,157.00
In this example, the employee elects to provide a partial survivor annuity based on $3600 per year. The Federal Benefit Payment is reduced by $90 per year. The total benefit is reduced by $90 per year.
Example 10B.--Teachers Optional w/Survivor Reduction [Pre-96 hire]
Birth date: 11/01/42 Hire date: 11/01/68 Separation date: 12/31/97 Department service: 29/02/00 Other service: 03/09/18 Military: 00/09/11 .015 service: 5 .0175 service: 5 .02 service: 23.666667 Average salary: $66,785.00 Total unreduced: $42,464.13 Reduction: $90.00 Total reduced: $43,374.13 Total/month: $3,531.00
Birth date: 11/01/42 Hire date: 11/01/68 Freeze date: 06/30/97 Department service: 28/08/00 Other service: 03/09/18 Military: 00/09/11 .015 service: 5 .0175 service: 5 .02 service: 23.166667 Average salary: $66,785.00 Total unreduced: $41,796.28 Reduction: $90.00 Total reduced: $41,706.28 Total/month: $3,476.00
In this example, an individual covered by the Teachers Plan hired before 1996 retires voluntarily in February 1998, under a special program that allows early retirement with at least 20 years of service at age 50 older, or at least 25 years of service at any age. At retirement, she is 6 full months short of age 55. She has 25 years and 5 months of departmental service; 6 years, 2 months, and 19 days of other service (creditable before June 30, 1997); and 2 months and 9 days of unused sick leave. Since she is not eligible for optional retirement and she is eligible to retire voluntarily only because of the District-approved special program, the Federal Benefit Payment is calculated similar to a disability retirement. It does not begin until she becomes eligible for a deferred annuity at age 62.
When it commences the Federal Benefit Payment will be based on the service creditable as of June 30, 1997: 30 years and 11 months of service; 5 years of service at the 1.5 percent accrual rate, 5 years of service at the 1.75 percent accrual rate, and 20 years and 11 months of service at the 2 percent accrual rate. The total annuity is based on 5 years of service at the 1.5 percent accrual rate, 5 years of service at the 1.75 percent accrual rate and 21 years and 9 months of service at the 2 percent accrual rate (including the unused sick leave). Because the Federal Benefit Payment is based on the deferred annuity, rather than the early voluntary retirement, it is not reduced by the age reduction factor used to compute the total benefit.
Example 11.--Teachers Early out W/Age Reduction [Pre-96 hire]
Birth date: 09/20/43 Hire date: 10/01/72 Separation date: 02/28/98 Department service: 25/05/00 Other service: 06/02/19 Sick leave: 00/02/09 .015 service: 5 .0175 service: 5 .02 service: 21.75 Average salary: $69,281.14 Total unreduced: $41,395.48 Reduction factor: 0.990000 Total reduced: $40,981.53 Total month: $3,415.00
Birth date: 09/20/43 Hire date: 10/01/72 Freeze date: 06/30/97 Department service: 24/09/00 Other service: 06/02/19 .015 service: 5 .0175 service: 5 .02 service: 20.916667 Average salary: $69,281.14 Total unreduced: $40,240.80 Reduction factor: 1.000000; no reduction Total reduced: $40,240.80 Total/month: $3,353.00; deferred
Example 12.--Teachers Involuntary W/Age Reduction [Pre-96 hire]
Birth date: 09/20/43 Hire date: 10/01/72 Separation date: 02/28/98 Department service: 25/05/00 Other service: 06/02/19 Sick leave: 00/02/09 .015 service: 5 .0175 service: 5 .02 service: 21.75 Average salary: $69,281.14 Total unreduced: $41,395.48 Age reduction factor: 0.990000 Total reduced: $40,981.53 Total month: $3,415.00
Birth date: 09/20/43 Hire date: 10/01/72 Freeze date: 06/30/97 Department service: 24/09/00 Other service: 06/02/19 .015 service: 5 .0175 service: 5 .02 service: 20.916667 Average salary: $69,281.14 Total unreduced: $40,240.80 Age reduction factor: 0.990000 Total reduced: $39,838.39 Total/month: $3,320.00
Regardless of whether death occurs in service or after retirement, if the death benefit is not based on the length of service, the portion of a death benefit that is a Federal Benefit Payment is based on the ratio of the number of months of the deceased employee's service as of June 30, 1997, to the number of months of the deceased employee's total service. This proration will always apply to cases of death after retirement in which the survivor annuity is based on the reduction in the employee's annuity to provide the benefit. It also applies to lump-sum benefits and benefits computed under a guaranteed-minimum or a percentage-of- disability-at-retirement formula.
In this example, an individual covered by the Teachers Plan retires in April 1998 with 30 years of service and elects to provide a full survivor annuity. He dies in June 1998. The Federal Benefit Payment is 97\1/2\ percent (351 months/360 months) of the total survivor benefit.
Example 13A.--Teachers Death Benefits [Pre-96 hire]
Birth date: 04/01/46 Hire date: 04/01/68 Separation date: 04/01/98 Death date: 06/24/98 Department service: 30/00/00 Other service: Sick leave: Months: 360 Annual Benefit: $12,000.00 Monthly Benefit: $1,000.00
Birth date: 04/01/46 Hire date: 04/01/68 Freeze date: 06/30/97 Death date: 06/24/98 Department service: 29/03/00 Other service: Months: 351 $11,700.00 $975.00
In this example, a teacher dies in service on June 30, 1998 after 31 years of departmental service. Since the survivor annuity is based on actual service, the Federal Benefit Payment is based on the 30 years of service as of June 30, 1997. The total benefit is based on the 31 years of total service. No proration is appropriate.
Example 13B.--Teachers Death Benefits [Pre-96 hire]
Birth date: 07/01/39 Hire date: 07/01/67 Separation date: 06/30/98 Death date: 06/30/98
Department service: 31/00/00 Other service: Sick leave:
Average sal: $38,787.88 Annual Benefit: $12,426.67
Birth date: 07/01/39 Hire date: 07/01/67 Freeze date: 06/30/97 Death date: 06/30/98
Department service: 30/00/00 Other service:
Average sal: $38,787/88 Annual Benefit: $12,000.00 Monthly Benefit: $1,000.00
In this example, a teacher dies in service on April 1,1998 after 15 years of departmental service. Since the survivor annuity is based on the guaranteed minimum, the Federal Benefit Payment is a prorated portion of the total benefit. Since the teacher had 171 months of service as of the freeze date and 180 months of service at death, the Federal Benefit Payment equals 171/180ths of the total benefit.
Example 13C.--Teachers Death Benefits [Pre-96 hire]
Birth date: 04/01/61 Hire date: 04/01/83 Separation date: 04/01/98 Death date: 04/01/98
Months: 180 Annual Benefit: $7,920.00 Monthly Benefit: $660.00
Birth date: 04/01/61 Hire date: 04/01/83 Freeze date: 06/30/97 Death date: 04/01/98
Months: 171 Ratio (171/180): 0.950000 Annual Benefit: $7,524.00 Monthly Benefit: $627.00
In this example, the cost of living adjustment is the same for the Federal Benefit Payment and the non-Federal Benefit Payment portion of the total benefit. Effectively, the total cost of living adjustment is proportionally split between the Federal Benefit Payment and the non-Federal Benefit Payment.
Example 14A.--Teachers Cost of Living Adjustment [Pre-96 hire]
Total annuity computation: Birth date: 11/04/48 Hire date: 03/01/86 Separation date: 02/28/2013
Department service: 27/00/00 Other service: 06/07/28 Paid in 1995: Excess LWOP in 1990: 00/03/18
.015 service: 5 .0175 service: 5 .02 service: 23.333333
Total: $33,421.96 Total/month: $2,785.00
Federal Benefit Payment Computation: Birth date: 11/04/48 Hire date: 03/01/86 Freeze date: 06/30/1997
Department service: 11/04/00 Other service: 06/07/28 Paid in 1995: Excess LWOP in 1990: 00/03/18
.015 service: 5 .0175 service: 5 .02 service: 7.666667
Total: $16,777.38 Total/month: $1,398.00
DC COLA rate 4% Total COLA: 111 New rate: 2896 Federal COLA rate: 4% Federal COLA: 56 New rate: 1454
In this example, a new District plan applies a different cost of living adjustment than is provided for the Federal Benefit Payment. The Federal Benefit Payment will be unaffected by the new District plan. In such a case, the total cost of living adjustment is no longer proportionally split between the Federal Benefit Payment and the non-Federal Benefit Payment.
Example 14B.--Teachers Cost of Living Adjustment [Pre-96 hire]
Total annuity computation: Birth date: 11/04/48 Hire date: 03/01/86 Separation date: 02/28/2013 Department service: 27/00/00 Other service: 06/07/28 Paid in 1995: Excess LWOP in 1990: 00/03/18 .015 service: 5 .0175 service: 5 .02 service: 23.333333 Average salary: $53,121.00 Total: $33,421.96 Total/month: $2,785.00 Federal Benefit Payment computation: Birth date: 11/04/48 Hire date: 03/01/86 Freeze date: 06/30/1997 Department service: 11/04/00 Other service: 06/07/28 Paid In 1995: Excess LWOP in 1990: 00/03/18 .015 service: 5 .0175 service: 5 .02 service: 7.666667 Average salary: $53,121.00 Total: $16,777.38 Total/month: $1,398.00
DC Cola rate 5% of total benefit Total COLA: $139.00 New rate: $2,924.00 Federal COLA rate 4% of Federal Benefit Payment Federal COLA: $56.00 New rate: $1,454.00
DC COLA rate 5% of DC Payment Total COLA: $125.00 New rate: $2,910.00 Federal COLA rate 4% of Federal Benefit Payment Federal COLA: $56.00 New rate: $1,454.00
The Federal Benefit Payment begins to accrue on the annuity commencing date, regardless of whether the employee is added to the annuity roll in time for the regular payment cycle. If the employee is due a retroactive payment of accrued annuity, the portion of the retroactive payment that would have been Federal Benefit Payment (if it were made in the regular payment cycle) is still Federal Benefit Payment.
In this example, a teacher retired effective September 11, 1998. She was added to the retirement rolls on the pay date November 1, 1998 (October 1 to October 31 accrual cycle). Her Federal Benefit Payment is $3000 per month and her total benefit payment is $3120 per month. Her initial check is $5200 because it includes a prorated payment for 20 days (September 11 to September 30). The Federal Benefit Payment is $5000 of the initial check ($3000 for the October cycle and $2000 for the September cycle).
Example 15.--Teachers Accrued Benefit [Pre-96 hire]
Birth date: 11/01/42 Hire date: 09/01/66 Separation date: 09/10/98 Department service: 32/00/10 .015 service: 5 .0175 service: 5 .02 service: 22 Average salary: $62,150.00 Total: $37,445.38 Total/month: $3,120.00
Sept 11-30: $2,080.00 Oct 1-31: $3,120.00 Nov 1-30: $3,120.00
Birth date: 11/01/42 Hire date: 09/01/66 Freeze date: 06/30/97 Department service: 30/10/00 .015 service: 5 .0175 service: 5 .02 service: 20.833333 Average salary: $62,150.00 Total: $35,995.21 Total/month: $3,000.00 Sept 11-30: $2,000.00 Oct 1-31: $3,000.00 Nov 1-30: $3,000.00
[FR Doc. 99-32168Filed12-10-99; 8:45 am]
Food for human consumption: Beverages Fruit and vegetable juices and juice products; HACCP procedures for safe and sanitary processing and importing,