Change in Work Schedule from Full-time to Part-time
Impact on Benefits for Permanent, Term Employees, and most Pathways Career Interns
This information sheet discusses the impact your work schedule has on your Federal benefits.
Health Benefits (FEHB)
Your coverage will continue if you change your work schedule to part-time if you are currently enrolled in a plan under the FEHB program. The Federal Government pays a percentage of the total cost of health insurance and you pay the remainder. The Government’s contributions are prorated base on the official tour of duty for most part-time employees. This will result in you paying a higher premium than a full-time employee.
A change in work schedule allows you to change your health plan or options within 60 days.
Life Insurance (FEGLI)
FEGLI coverage includes Basic Life, Option A – Standard, Option B- Additional, and Option C- Family.
- Basic Life coverage is determined by your annual basic (including locality) pay, rounded up to the next $1,000, plus $2,000. Your cost for the Basic is $0.15 bi-weekly for each $1,000 of your annual basic insurance amount.
- Option A—Standard is equal to $10,000 coverage. The cost for Option A is based on your age.
- Option B—Additional coverage is based on your annual basic (including locality) pay rounded up to the next $1,000. You may elect coverage at 1 to 5 times your pay. The cost for Option B is determined by the amount of coverage and your age.
- Option C—Family covers eligible family members including your spouse and all unmarried, dependent children under age 22. You may elect 1 to 5 multiples of coverage. Each multiple is equal to $5,000 for your spouse and $2,500 for each eligible, dependent child. The cost for Option C is based on your age.
Your coverage under Basic Life and Option B will be less because both are based on your annual basic (including locality) pay when you change from full-time to part-time. The cost will also decrease proportionately. Coverage and costs under Option A or C will not change since they are based on set dollar amounts.
Dental and Vision Insurance (FEDVIP)
Deductions will continue. No deduction will occur if your premiums exceed your net pay. You must make direct, post-tax payments to BENEFEDS. Please contact them for additional information at 877-888-3337.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAFEDS)
Deductions will continue. No deductions will be withheld and your account will be terminated if your contributions exceed your net pay. Any expenses incurred before that will still be reimbursed. Your account can be re-opened if your pay increases during the same claim year.
Long Term Care (FLTCIP)
Deductions will continue. No deduction will occur if your premiums exceed your net pay. You must make direct, post-tax payments to BENEFEDS. Please contact them for additional information at 877-888-3337.
FERS and CSRS Retirement
Contributions: Your coverage will continue. Your percentage contribution to the retirement system will remain the same (0.8%, 3.1%, or 4.4% for FERS and 7% for CSRS) of your bi-weekly basic (including locality) pay.
Eligibility: Part-time service is credited the same as full-time service in determining eligibility for retirement.
Computing retirement benefits: The FERS and CSRS retirement calculation is based on your total years and months of creditable Federal (civilian and/or military) service and your “high 3” average salary. A pro-ration factor is determined by the hours you worked divided by the hours would have worked if full-time. Your benefit is calculated initially as if you worked full-time during your career. It is then multiplied by the pro-ration factor. This is a simplified explanation. Please contact your Benefits Specialist if you have questions.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
You may continue to elect to contribute the maximum allotted to your TSP Account. You will want to be sure any dollar amount you elect will not exceed your net pay. Your contribution will be based on your basic (including locality) bi-weekly pay if your contributions are based on a percentage. You may make any adjustments in Employee Express. The Government’s contribution, the automatic 1% and up to 4% matching, are based on your bi-weekly basic (including locality) pay.
Leave and Holidays
Sick and Annual Leave accrual will be pro-rated based on your part-time work schedule.
You will be paid for the holiday if it falls on day you would otherwise work.
Social Security
Contributions: You will continue to contribute 6.2% up to the IRS maximum taxable rate of your basic (including locality) pay if you are covered under Social Security.
Eligibility: Part time is credited the same of full-time for eligibility purposes.
Computing benefit: The calculation is based on a percentage of your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME). The AIME is based on all your earnings subject to Social Security deductions. Your AIME will be reduced if you work part-time.
Other Personnel Related Issues
The Office of Personnel Management provides additional information on their website.
Questions?
Contact your Benefits Specialist if you have any questions regarding this information.