Resources
Did You Know?
Myth: If I disagree with what my human resources told me about setting my pay, I can go directly to OPM to file a pay claim.
True or False?: FALSE
Why this is false: A Federal civilian employee may only file a pay or leave claim with OPM after receiving a denial from the agency. Many agencies have not delegated claims settlement authority below the headquarters or central office level. If (1) the employee is in a bargaining unit position, (2) the bargaining unit has a contract, and (3) the contract’s negotiated grievance procedure (NGP) does not specifically exclude pay and leave disputes from the scope of the NGP, then OPM cannot adjudicate the claim and the employee must use the NGP to challenge the agency’s denial administratively.
Myth: I have exchanged emails with my headquarters human resources office on my salary and am not satisfied with the answers, so I can file now a pay claim with OPM.
True or False?: FALSE
Why this is false: Federal civilian employee pay and leave claims must be filed in writing and signed by either the claimant or their duly appointed representative. Emails do not satisfy these requirements. Emails also do not preserve a claim. The date a claim is preserved establishes the look back period for purposes of back pay and interest.
Myth: I was hired to be a Federal civilian employee while I was already living in France. Therefore, I am entitled to a living quarters allowance (LQA).
True or False?: FALSE
Why this is false: LQA is intended to be a recruitment incentive. It is not an entitlement. LQA may be given to Federal civilian employees who meet LQA eligibility requirements. Although the U.S. Department of State establishes basic LQA eligibility requirements, Federal agencies may place further restrictions on the granting of LQA.