DHS employees may be eligible to enroll in Federal benefits programs available to Federal employees, including healthcare, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, retirement savings accounts, long term care and flexible health savings accounts.
Most DHS employees are eligible to enroll in the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program. Employees can choose from a wide variety of healthcare plans and enrollment options to cover the following eligible family members:
- Spouse, including a common-law spouse if your marriage was initiated within a state that recognizes such a marriage,
- Children under age 26, including adopted children and foster children, and
- Children incapable of self-support (age 26 or older).
For more information on FEHB, visit the OPM Healthcare and Insurance webpage.
To contact your Component’s benefits office, visit the OPM directory of benefits officers and search for “Homeland” to limit the list to DHS Component offices.
DHS employees who are eligible for FEHB healthcare coverage are eligible to enroll in the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). The FEDVIP enrollment options allow an employee to cover the following eligible family members:
- Spouse, including a common-law spouse if your marriage was initiated within a state that recognizes such a marriage,
- Children under age 22, including adopted children and foster children, and
- Children incapable of self-support (age 22 or older).
For more information on FEDVIP visit the BENEFEDS webpage or call 1-877-888-3337.
To contact your Component’s benefits office, visit the OPM directory of benefits officers and search for “Homeland” to limit the list to DHS Component offices.
DHS employees who are eligible for Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) health care coverage can enroll in a Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS) account to set aside money on a pre-tax basis. The money is to be used for eligible health care expenses.
- A Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA) is used to pay for eligible medical, dental, and vision care expenses that are not covered by your healthcare plan.
- A Limited Health Care Flexible Spending Account (LEX HCFSA) is used to pay for eligible out-of-pocket dental and vision expenses for employees who are enrolled in an HSA-qualified high-deductible health plan and have a Health Savings Account (HSA).
- A Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA) is used to pay for eligible dependent care services, such as preschool, summer day camp, before or after school programs, and child or adult daycare.
For more information on FSAFEDS, visit the FSAFEDS website or call 877-372-3337.
To contact your Component’s benefits office, visit the OPM directory of benefits officers and search for “Homeland” to limit the list to DHS Component offices.
The Federal Employees Group Life Insurance program (FEGLI) provides group term life insurance coverage. Most federal employees are eligible for FEGLI coverage and automatically enrolled in the Basic insurance coverage as a new employee. In addition to the Basic insurance, employees can elect three forms of optional FEGLI coverage. Unless assigned, employees can waive or reduce FEGLI coverage at any time.
There are several ways to find out how much FEGLI coverage has been elected:
- Employee Personal Page (MyEPP) – FEGLI coverage and costs are reflected on an employee’s Earnings and Leave Statement in the Personal Information section. The coverage amount is also listed in the Life Insurance section.
- Electronic Official Personnel Folder (eOPF) – FEGLI elections and beneficiary forms are filed in the eOPF. On the Standard Form 50, Notification of Personnel Action, Block 27 shows a 2-charcter FEGLI code. Look up the FEGLI code and use the FEGLI Calculator to determine the value and cost of the coverage elected.
The FEGLI Calculator can be used to determine the face value of various combinations of FEGLI coverage; calculate premiums; and show how the cost and coverage can change over time based on age and retirement status.
To designate or change your FEGLI life insurance beneficiaries, complete the SF 2823 form and submit it to your human resources office.
For more information on FEGLI, watch the FEGLI Overview video or visit the OPM Life Insurance webpage.
To contact your Component’s benefits office, visit the OPM directory of benefits officers and search for “Homeland” to limit the list to DHS Component offices.
Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) Alert: The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) suspended applications for coverage under the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) effective December 19, 2022. As of December 19, 2022, individuals not currently enrolled may not apply for coverage, and current enrollees may not apply to increase their coverage. The suspension will remain in effect for 24 months, unless OPM issues a subsequent notice to end or extend the suspension period.
The FLTCIP is available to eligible employees and certain qualified family members (including spouses, domestic partners, children over age 18, parents, parents-in-law and stepparents). Long term care insurance helps pay for costs of care when enrollees need help performing everyday activities or have a severe cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer's disease.
For more information on FLTCIP, visit the FLTCIP website or call 1-800-582-3337.
To contact your Component’s benefits office, visit the OPM directory of benefits officers and search for “Homeland” to limit the list to DHS Component offices.
Most DHS employees are automatically covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and are eligible to participate in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
FERS is a retirement plan that provides benefits from three different sources: a Basic Benefit Plan, Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Two of the three parts of FERS (Social Security and the TSP) can go with you to your next job if you leave the Federal Government before retirement.
For more information, visit the OPM FERS Information website, the Social Security Administration (SSA) website, and the TSP website.
To contact your Component’s benefits office, visit the OPM directory of benefits officers and search for “Homeland” to limit the list to DHS Component offices.
The Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) administers the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) program that provides wage replacement benefits, medical treatment, vocational rehabilitation and other benefits to federal employees or their dependents who experience work-related injury or occupational disease.
To learn what steps to take, who to contact, and what forms you need if you've been injured on the job, visit the OWCP pages below:
To contact your Component’s benefits office, visit the OPM directory of benefits officers and search for “Homeland” to limit the list to DHS Component offices.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) provide DHS employees and their family members a variety of free resources, such as financial consultation, legal aid, elder care and child care support, and more. Visit the Employee Assistance Programs page to learn more.