Personnelist: Classification

Why are PD's submitted for coverage?

One of the many changes under FERS was the elimination of the individual claim process. Unlike CSRS where the individual submits documentation to support what they did in a position to receive credit for their service, under FERS, there is no individual claim process, there is only position or PD coverage.

Furthermore, if the PD is covered prior to the individual entering the position, there is no need for an individual claim.

Position Coverage

Coverage begins with the classification date and continues as long as the position is occupied, unless a starting coverage date is specified in the position approval. A change in the duties, position description number, classification date, title, series, or grade requires a new position approval.

Individual Coverage vs. Position Coverage

• Coverage applies only to the individual who made the claim for coverage, and while the individual occupied the position.
    
• The coverage of position based on an individual claim does not carry over to another incumbent of the same position.
    
• Some individual coverage approvals by OPM and DOI have specific coverage dates. If a person continues to occupy a position which has only individual coverage, the individual must reclaim coverage every year.

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Revised 05/03/2002