Civil Service FAQ Federal Employee Benefits Questions and Answers

Question 1

The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) provides benefits from three distinct sources. Which of the following correctly lists these three components?

Accepted Answer

Basic Benefit Plan, Social Security, and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

Answer

Basic Benefit Pension, 401(k) Plan, and Medicare

Answer

Civil Service Pension, Social Security, and Individual Retirement Account (IRA)

Answer

Agency Annuity, Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA), and Long-Term Care Insurance

Question 2

A newly hired federal employee is eligible for the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program but does not enroll immediately upon starting their job. According to OPM guidelines, what is the standard timeframe the employee has from their entry on duty date to elect FEHB coverage?

Accepted Answer

60 days

Answer

30 days

Answer

90 days

Answer

Until the next annual Open Season

Question 3

Unless an eligible new employee actively waives coverage, they are automatically enrolled in which Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) option?

Accepted Answer

Basic Life Insurance

Answer

Option A (Standard)

Answer

Option C (Family)

Answer

A multiple of five times their salary under Option B

Question 4

A FERS employee wants to maximize the government's contributions to their Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) account. What is the minimum percentage of their basic pay they must contribute each pay period to receive the full government match?

Accepted Answer

5%

Answer

3%

Answer

10%

Answer

1%

Question 5

Which of the following statements is true regarding the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)?

Accepted Answer

Employees pay the full premium for their chosen FEDVIP plan.

Answer

Enrollment in an FEHB plan is required to be eligible for FEDVIP.

Answer

The federal government pays for approximately 72% of the premium costs, similar to FEHB.

Answer

Coverage is automatic for all new permanent federal employees.

Question 6

A federal employee needs to take time off to care for a parent with a newly diagnosed serious health condition. Under the federal leave program, what is the maximum amount of accrued sick leave the employee can typically use for this purpose in a leave year?

Accepted Answer

Up to 480 hours (12 weeks)

Answer

Up to 40 hours (5 days)

Answer

Up to 104 hours (13 days)

Answer

An unlimited amount, as long as it is medically justified