Military Duty Absence and Retirement Benefits Frequently Asked Questions

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1 Military Duty Absence and Retirement Benefits Frequently Asked Questions Answers to your frequently asked questions (FAQ s) about absences for military duty. 1 Published May 30, 2014

2 FAQ s - Military Documentation Why does the HR Service Center need documentation to support my military absence? To determine eligibility for commonwealth provided benefits, such as paid military leave and stipends To ensure you receive all benefits to which you are entitled To determine whether your duty counts towards the 5-year cumulative maximum military leave entitlement 2

3 FAQ s - Military Documentation (continued) What if I don t provide documentation to support my absence for military duty? Paid military leave is changed to unpaid. Eligibility for stipends cannot be determined. Days will be counted towards your 5-year cumulative maximum entitlement. Note: Paid military leave and stipends are commonwealth-provided benefits which are more generous than what the federal law requires. Therefore, documentation is required to receive these benefits. 3

4 FAQ s - Military Documentation (continued) If I am unable to obtain a copy of my orders, or if orders were not issued, what other forms of documentation are acceptable? 4 Drill schedules Verification of attendance Memo which includes dates of service and commanding officer s contact information Other type(s) of documentation may be acceptable; submit any documentation you receive for review If you cannot obtain documentation, you may be asked to provide your commanding officer s contact information to verify your duty date(s).

5 FAQ s - Military Documentation (continued) Why must I provide end of orders release documentation at the end of my military duty of more than 30 days? To verify the actual begin and end dates of your orders For proof of an honorable discharge from duty To determine the number of days that you may delay returning to work, if you choose to delay your return 5

6 FAQ s - Military Documentation (continued) What are acceptable forms of documentation to show your release from military duty? DD-214 Form Official release order Memo from your unit specifying dates of service and honorable discharge Certification of Completion (schools) Orders which have been signed/certified Other type(s) of documentation may be acceptable; submit any documentation you receive for review 6

7 FAQ s - Forms Why is a Request for Military Leave of Absence needed for each absence for military duty? To serve as a written record of your leave request and identify the type(s) of leave you choose to use Note: The HR Service Center does not have access to leave slips To elect your health benefits coverage options, when applicable To provide alternate contact information for you, or to designate someone to act on your behalf during your absence 7

8 FAQ s - Forms (continued) Why is the Application for Reemployment after Military Leave of Absence needed for absences greater than 30 days? To serve as a record of your intent to choose to return to work, delay returning to work or resign from your position 8

9 FAQ s SERS Contributions If I am absent one or two days for a drill, or two weeks for annual training, for example, are SERS contributions withheld? No. SERS contributions will not be withheld from any absence for military duty, regardless of length. When determining whether or not you want to purchase service, refer to the Should I Purchase My Military Service? section in the Notice to Employees Military Leave of Absence, or contact a SERS retirement counselor at

10 FAQ s - Health Benefits Will health benefits continue during military duty? 10 Health benefits continue, unless you are enlisted full-time in the Armed Forces or serving in the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service or the National Disaster Medical System. If the latter, benefits continue for only 30 days. What if I do not want to continue health benefits? You must decline them; otherwise, you will be billed for the coverage. Decline coverage by checking the box in the Health Benefits section of the Request for Military Leave of Absence.

11 FAQ s - Health Benefits (continued) If I declined health benefits during military duty, do I need to do anything to reinstate health benefits when I return? Yes. Contact the HR Service Center as soon as possible to discuss your options. Benefits will not be automatically reinstated. 11

12 Additional Information Questions concerning military absences or health benefits should be directed to the HR Service Center* at or > AskHR. Questions concerning your retirement benefits should be directed to the State Employees Retirement System at *Employees of the Office of the Attorney General, Liquor Control Board, Gaming Control Board and Public Utility Commission, as well as employees not under the Governor s jurisdiction, are not supported by the HR Service Center. Please submit forms and documentation to your local HR office.