The Foreign Service Journal, June 2014

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2014 47 AFSA receives many mes- sages from annuitants regarding the Department of State’s When Actually Employed program. We appreciate the feedback provided by our member- ship about their experiences with the WAE process, and especially suggestions for its improvement. Most responses concern the current system’s lack of clarity regarding pos- sible opportunities and confusion as to how to get on a bureau’s WAE registry. Annuitants who have com- municated with AFSA gener- ally appear to favor a less fragmented approach than the current system. Last August, the depart- ment’s Human Resources Service Center in Charleston launched a WAE central reg- istry. Annuitants interested in possible WAE assignments may provide HRSC with con- tact information. The sign-up process takes a phone call and a few minutes of time. What the process does not include is a searchable, keyword-driven resumé or profile system like those used in the HR divisions of corporations, multilateral institutions and nongov- ernmental organizations everywhere. Nor are bureaus under any obligation to utilize the HRSC list. As far as we can ascertain, the system does not create any efficiencies or reduce costs. Nor does the process do a better job of informing annuitants of bureau needs. For all these reasons, as presently designed, the central registry does not yet function as hoped. AFSA believes the WAE registry/hiring process ought to accomplish specific goals. For bureaus, it should ease the process of bringing on board the best available personnel from the wid- est population of potential WAE candidates in a timely fashion, while minimizing operational costs. For WAE annuitants, it should inform, provide flex- ibility and be as transparent and fair as possible. To achieve these goals, AFSA recommends that HR introduce an electroni- cally searchable, Internet- accessible CV and/or EP+ (Employee Profile Plus) database; maintain a list of available positions, including deadlines; and designate a senior officer to manage liai- son with bureaus and annui- tants. HR could also take on routine paperwork normally done by the bureaus. To take on new responsi- bilities, including an upgrade of its IT capabilities, HR may require additional resources. As it moves toward “shared services” and an improved central registry, other bureaus should utilize it, as well. We appreciate that bureaus may still identify and approve candidates for posi- tions through a process no different than that used for active-duty assignments. But in the interest of ration- alization, WAE appointment authority and paperwork pro- cessing, even payroll, could become an HR function. The department may also wish to consider central- izing the clearance process and modifying cap rules that frustrate both bureaus and annuitants. In addition, we encourage other foreign affairs agencies to introduce WAE-type programs. AFSA recommends that annuitants continue time- honored networking with bureau coordinators, utilize RNet services, contact the HR Service Center to show interest in a centralized regis- try, and keep their skills sharp and resumés current. n How Is “When Actually Employed”Working? Views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the AFSA Retiree VP. Contact: lawrencecohenassociates@hotmail.com or (703) 437-7881 RETIREE VP VOICE | BY LARRY COHEN AFSA NEWS retirement age. The earn- ings test is similar to the one applied to Social Security benefits and uses the same annual exempt amount, as required by 5 U.S.C. Section 8421a. The current exemp- tion amount for 2014 is $15,480 of earned income. Your annuity supplement will be reduced by $1 for every $2 by which your cal- endar year earnings exceed the exemption amount. The reduction, termination or reinstatement of benefits will become effective on Jan. 1 of the year following the year of income reported. At the end of each cal- endar year, the department asks FSPS annuitants who have reached their minimum retirement age to submit an FSPS Annuity Supplement Report (DS-5026). To show continuing eligibility for the annuity supplement, annui- tants declare their earned income for that year. The department then determines whether the annuity supplement should be reduced or terminated. To assure noninterrupted annuity supplement pay- ments, it is important that the DS-5026 be submitted promptly in January. The department attempts to assure that no overpay- ment is included in the February annuity payment. However, if an annuitant receives excess funds before a reduction or termination goes into effect the follow- ing year, the department will ask for repayment of this amount. This information, along with a detailed guide to determining your earned income, can also be found on the AFSA website on the Retiree Services page, and in the resource pages of the annual Retiree Directory . n –Matt Sumrak, Associate Retiree Coordinator