Information for New Employees

Welcome to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). As a new employee of BLS working in Washington, DC, you recently received a letter that provided you with an Entry on Duty date, including the time and place where you will report. In order to make your first day at BLS a productive one, we are providing, via the web link above, the forms that you will need to complete and bring to orientation.

Some of the forms can be filled out on-line and printed, or they may be printed and completed manually. All of the forms on this site are in Adobe Acrobat format. Be aware that data entered on the electronic forms will not be saved and your input will be deleted when you exit the form. Please review each form for accuracy and print it before continuing on to the next form. As you work through the pre-appointment package, use the checklist of payroll documents as your guide. We also recommend that you keep copies of the completed forms for your records.

Please follow the instructions in this package carefully to ensure successful completion of the forms. If you are unsure about a form or question on a form, leave it blank and bring it to the orientation where a Human Resource Specialist (HRS) can answer your question. Do not sign or date the forms – this will be done at orientation.

As a federal employee, you are entitled to certain benefits, including retirement, health and life insurance and the Thrift Savings program. Links to the official web sites that explain these programs are included in the list of forms. However, if you have questions about the programs we encourage you to call the providers directly or you may save your questions until the orientation where a HRS will either be able to answer your questions or direct you to the appropriate source.

 

If You Will be Working in Washington, DC
Facts for Your First Day at Work

Reporting for Work

On the date provided in your offer letter, you will report at 8:15 a.m. to BLS at the main entrance which is on First Street NE between Massachusetts Avenue NE and G Street NE, Washington, D.C. You will need to sign in at the Guard Station and will be issued a temporary badge that will allow you entry into the building. Your orientation will begin at 8:15 that morning and will last half a day before you are escorted to your office site. Your supervisor will be present at the start of the orientation to greet you.

Transportation

BLS is located directly across the street from the Union Station Metro stop, where you can catch a subway train (the stop is on Metrorail’s Red Line), or you can catch a local commuter train (VRE or MARC). BLS is also accessible by numerous bus routes. Parking is available in a number of commercial parking lots within a 1-4 block radius of BLS.

Work Schedule

The official work hours for BLS are 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., though a flexitime program with expanded hours is available with supervisory approval. You will be able to discuss your hours of work with your supervisor on your first day.

Pay Schedule

The official payday for BLS employees is every other Monday. You must arrange to have your salary sent to a financial institution by direct deposit which ensures a safe and prompt transfer of funds to your account.

 

Forms and Checklist

Checklist of Payroll Documents

Form Number	Form Description
I-9	Employment Eligibility Verification
SF-144	Statement of Prior Federal Service
DL1-65	Emergency Information
W-4	Federal Withholding Form
	* State Tax Withholding Forms
FMS-2231	* Fast Start Direct Deposit
SF-1152	Designation of Beneficiary – Unpaid Compensation of Deceased Federal Employee
SF-2809	Employee Health Benefits Form
FEHB PC Waiver	* Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB) Premium Conversion Waiver/Election Form
RI 70-1	Guide to Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Program
SF-2817	Life Insurance Election – Automatic Basic Coverage unless waived
RI-76-21	Guide to Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Program
	Long Term Care Insurance Flyer OPM Long Term Care website Abbreviated Underwriting Application Full Underwriting Application
SF-3102	Designation of Beneficiary – Federal Employees Retirement System
SF-2823	Designation of Beneficiary – Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Program
TSP-1	* Thrift Savings Program Election Form TSP Plan Summary
TSP-3	* TSP-Designation of Beneficiary
SF-3102	FERS Election Form FERS Transfer Handbook
	Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)
* These forms can not be auto-filled. You must print them out and fill-out manually.

 

 

Last Modified Date: July 19, 2008