There is help available for federal employees adversely affected by the recent flooding in Louisiana, as well as opportunities to help colleagues in need.
The president today issued a memo establishing an emergency leave program for victims of the storms. Federal employees can also donate annual leave to colleagues. The Office of Personnel Management has issued implementation guidance and released a list of flexibilities for federal employees affected by severe weather.
Additionally, impacted federal employees may qualify for in-service financial hardship withdrawals from their Thrift Savings Plans (TSP) and will not be subject to a rule prohibiting employee contributions for six months after taking such a withdrawal. TSP participants can also withdraw money to help eligible family members recovering from the storms. There is one withdrawal per employee. Requests must be received by Jan. 10, 2017, with distributions occurring before Jan. 17, 2017. Learn more and get form TSP-76.
As a reminder, the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA) provides grants and loans to federal employees who fall behind on basic living expenses due to emergencies. Apply for disaster assistance or give now.
Employees impacted by flooding should follow up with the agency’s personnel offices.