U.S. Office of Personnel Management - Ensuring the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce

Coverage Determination Application

Online Tool for HR Specialists and Benefits Counselors

OPM developed the Coverage Determination Application (CDA), for use by Human Resource/Benefits staff who make retirement coverage determinations. The CDA accurately determines the correct retirement coverage for Federal employees when they first enter into duty, transfer agencies, convert from one type of appointment to another, or re-enter Federal employment after a period of separation.

The CDA is designed to:

• Assist Agency HR staff to determine the correct retirement coverage at the point they are bringing an employee on board
• Capture and access employee data
• Improve the accuracy of coverage determinations by automating complex coverage rules
• Validate prior coverage determinations

Determining the appropriate retirement plan is dependent on having precise and complete information. The agency user who has been approved to access the CDA enters data such as the employee's service history and retirement plan of record. The automated process applies complex rules to the appointment information and determines the correct retirement coverage for that employee. Note: The CDA is not meant to replace existing processes an agency uses for making retirement coverage determinations. Rather, it is another tool agency staff can use to help them do their jobs.

The benefits of the CDA include:

• Online access readily available to HR staff
• Easy to use, intuitive navigation
• Interactive, web-based training
• No cost to agencies to use this tool

How to Apply for CDA Access

Instructions:

To apply for access to the CDA, select the CDA User Profile Form link in the right navigation area and follow the instructions. You can fill in the form on your computer in PDF and print it, or print the form and complete it by hand. For security purposes, we only accept CDA User Profile forms via fax, and will not accept email attachments. The fax number is: (202) 606-1108.

Apply for CDA access if you are responsible for making retirement coverage determinations.

1. Select the CDA User Profile Form link in the right navigation area. This will launch the CDA User Profile Form (OPM 1676) in PDF format.
2. Fill in Section I (Applicant Information) of the CDA User Profile Form. Be sure to provide all necessary information.
3. Please read and comply with the Rules of Behavior (OPM Computer User Responsibilities) as shown on page 3, and fill in the bottom portion.
4. Your supervisor fills in Section II and provides signature as indicated.
5. Print the form and ensure that all information is complete.
6. Fax the completed 3-page CDA User Profile Form to: (202) 606-1108.

Upon approval of your completed application, OPM will email you a Welcome Letter which provides important information on how to obtain your Username and password as well as instructions on accessing the CDA.

If you have questions about applying for access to the CDA, please call 1-800-239-2492 or TDD 1-888-880-0412, or email us at CDAHelp@opm.gov.