FLOODS PROMPT EARLY RELEASE OF FEDERAL RETIREMENT CHECKS

Washington, D.C. -- In response to the upheaval in the lives of federal retirees in the flood-stricken Midwest, the Office of Personnel Management has authorized the early release of their August annuity checks. Checks being issued for August 2 delivery include all of Iowa (2,556 checks), Missouri (2,164 checks), and parts of Illinois (11,662 checks), will be released to the Postal Service on July 26, two days ahead of schedule.

Because continued flooding could cause mail delivery problems, OPM is working with the Department of the Treasury to insure timely delivery of the monthly checks to those areas hardest hit by the flood. Annuity checks will be released early for all of Iowa and zip codes 61OXX through 658XX in Missouri and Illinois.

OPM is also cutting red tape by immediately reissuing lost checks reported by retirees in those areas, Normally, a lost check is traced to see if it has been negotiated and only when it has been confirmed as uncashed is a replacement check issued.

"During this severe hardship, OPM wants to do everything we can to ensure our federal retirees do not suffer the additional burden of financial troubles because of late checks," said OPM Director Jim King. "We will continue to monitor the situation and do whatever is necessary to get those monthly checks to our retirees."

While some mail delivery service delays are being experienced where the flooding is extreme, the Postal Service advises there is no embargo on mail to the flood zone, and mail has not backed up, Alternative distribution points have been established for post offices unable to use their normal facilities.

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Web page created 2 December 1997