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USDA-NRCS Conversion or Agency Transfer Employee

If you have any questions regarding the forms on this web page, please contact Doug Rose, (254) 742-9947 or Yerndi Mathurin, (254) 742-9927.

The documents on this page require Acrobat Reader.

Click each link below, fill out each form and promptly mail all required documents to our Human Resources office using the appropriate envelopes provided to you.

You will receive an email from our National Headquarters regarding your security investigation process. Your Human Resources office should have discussed this with you shortly after your were hired.

Below are printable documents that you will send to our Human Resources office. Each document must be placed in the appropriate self addressed envelope located in your packet and mailed to our Human Resources office. Read all of the instructions carefully to avoid delay in processing.

Note:  It is not necessary to print and/or mail the instruction page for these forms.

Form Title and Instruction
SF 144  (PDF; 214 Kb) Statement of Prior Federal Employment

Mail to Human Resources Office in the envelope immediately to avoid delay in processing.
SF 256  (PDF; 187 Kb) Self-Identification for Medical Disability 

Mail to Human Resources Office in the envelope immediately to avoid delay in processing.
SF 181  (PDF; 62 Kb) Ethnicity and Race Identification

Mail to Human Resources Office in the envelope immediately to avoid delay in processing.
SF 1199A  (PDF; 31 Kb) Direct Deposit - Take this to your financial institution and have them fill out and sign before mailing it back to Human Resources.  (Note: Return the Government Agency Copy to our H.R Office you may retain the other copies for your records)

Mail to Human Resources Office in the envelope immediately to avoid delay in processing.
AD 349  (PDF; 11 Kb) Employee Address Form  - Direct deposit only (blocks 8 - 12 do not apply)

Mail to Human Resources Office in the envelope immediately to avoid delay in processing.
Form W-4  (PDF; 237 Kb) Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate  (blocks 1-5 must be completed)

Mail to Human Resources Office in the envelope immediately to avoid delay in processing.
TSP-1  (PDF; 52 Kb)

 		 Thrift Savings Plan Election Form

Mail to Human Resources Office in the envelope immediately to avoid delay in processing.
TSP Participation Instructions (PDF; 1.47 Mb) Automatic Participation in TSP for a New Hire or Rehire (important please read)

Instructions for completing the Security Training and Awareness

This is an open book exam.  It is suggested that you do not print the course material in order to save paper. Print the exam and read the course material from your computer while completing your answers.

Note: You may email or fax your completed exam to Doug Rose at doug.rose@tx.usda.gov, Fax: (254)742-9929.  If you have any questions contact, Doug Rose at (254) 742-9947.

If you are a veteran:  A copy of your DD-214 documenting an Honorable Discharge must be provided. We must have a copy of this document to verify all periods of military service.

During your first week of duty

When you report for duty, you and your supervisor will work together to fill out the following forms.

  • SF 61 Appointment Affidavits
  • SF 2809 Health Benefits Registration Form
  • SF2822 Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program - Request for Insurance Form
  • Visa Application
  • I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification
  • Security Clearance forms IRM 2 and IRM 3

Below is a helpful link that will take you to a chart of enrollment codes and fees if you are applying for or changing your health benefits.

During Your First Month of duty

The above link is very important to have with you during your first month of duty.  Please print it from your office computer and have it available for instruction after you've received your first pay stub.  The EmpowHR Instruction Guide for New and Returning Employees will discuss requirements for updating your new business address and empowHR help. If you do not remember your EmpowHR User ID and/or password contact Yerndi Mathurin via email or phone at (254) 742-9927.

If you are having trouble logging into eAuthentication after receiving your first paycheck, contact the eAuthentication help desk at 1(800) 457-3642 or by email at eAuthHelpDesk@ftc.usda.gov.

If you are having troubles registering for your eAuthentication password refer to the help instructions in - EAuthentication Job Aid for New Employees (PDF; 591 Kb) (to be posted soon)

Remember these logins and passwords for future use.

Instructions for registration under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.

All eligible employees are required to register under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.

You must register even though you do not wish coverage. For information, read - The 2013 Guide to Federal Benefits for Federal Civilian Employees (PDF; 1.54 Mb)

The procedures for registration:

  1. Review General Manual, Title 360, Part 417, Health and Life Insurance, Subpart A - Health Insurance. A copy of the General Manual is available at each field headquarters and on line at eDirectives.
     
  2. Make a decision regarding coverage and complete Form SF-2809, "Health Benefits Registration Form", which has been sent to your supervisor. The form must be returned to Human Resources within 31 days after you report for duty.
     
  3. If you have included a dependent child 22 or over who is incapable of self-support, attach a "Certificate of Dependency", to substantiate their incapacity for self-support. This form may be obtained from Human Resources.
     
  4. If you have selected coverage, and the SF-2809 and necessary supporting statements have been completed properly, your enrollment will be effective on the first day of the first pay period, after your registration form has been received in the State Office. You will have an opportunity to enroll, to change your enrollment from one plan to another, or to change to a different option within a plan during the open season, which will be designated by the Office of Personnel Management.
     
  5. The Federal Employee Part-time Career Act of 1978 provides that employees on a part-time tour of duty will receive a government contribution toward the cost of their health benefits in direct proportion to the percentage of full-time service performed by Full-time employees. The employee will pay the balance. Contact Human Resources for more detailed information.

A Snapshot of Insurance Benefits (PDF; 36 KB) for New/Newly Eligible Federal Employees - Please read.

Please visit the U.S. Office of Personnel Management - Insurance Operations web site for information concerning Dental and Vision Insurance.

Instructions for registration under the Federal Employee Group Life Insurance Program

Basic Life Insurance, unless it is waived, is automatic from the date you enter on duty. You should retain the SF-2817A to keep with your copy of the certified Life Insurance Election form you will receive after you report for duty.

Thrift Saving Plan (TSP)

You will be eligible to contribute to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) following your appointment to a position subject to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Information on TSP is provided for your review.

TSP Forms and Publications

For additional information go to the TSP Fact Sheets.

To enroll in TSP, complete and return form TSP-1 (PDF; 220 Kb) or enroll through the Employees Personal Page (EPP) after receipt of your PIN Number.

Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) booklet- An Overview of Your Benefits (PDF;450 Kb)

TSP-19 - Thrift Savings Plan Election Form - Transfer of Information Between Agencies

If you are participating in TSP with your previous agency you must fill out sections A & C and return it to our Human Resources office.

Please read these important booklets and handouts in their entirety.

Employee Development

Your supervisor will be preparing your Employee Development Plan (EDP). You have responsibility for ensuring your training is completed and documented on your EDP.  A current EDP will be maintained throughout your career.

The Employee Personal Page (EPP)

An EPP Password from The National Finance Center (NFC) will be mailed to your home address approximately 4 weeks after you enter on duty.

What is EPP?

With the Employee Personal Page (EPP) you can view your payroll, leave, travel, health and life insurance, savings bond, and other personal information, read news items from your agency or NFC, and link to your favorite sites.

The Self-Service option is available for employees whose agency has elected to offer this option. You can change your Residence Address, Federal and State Tax withholding, Financial Allotments, and Direct Deposit information.

How Do I Get Started?

Step 1. Upon receiving your EPP password go to www.nfc.usda.gov.

Step 2. Enter your computer generated password received from NFC and your social security number as your user ID.

Step 3. Click the Submit button.

Step 4. Change your PIN to a number that only you will know.

More Information:

The Employee Personal Page has been modified to synchronize with your USDA eAuthentication (eAuth) credentials.  You may contact our human resources office or your supervisor for more information on this matter.

The Work Number for Everyone (PDF; 21 Kb) The Work Number for Everyone is an automated system that provides employment & salary verification to specific creditors and potential lenders. Through use of a touch-tone phone, employees can authorize potential creditors the access needed in order to obtain information required for apartment rental, reference checks, short-term, and major loans including mortgages through this automated system.

Military Reservists: Federal employees are required to advise their employing office at such time they become eligible for retired or retainer pay from the military reserves.

If you encounter any problems with the files provided on this page, please contact Webmaster at 254-742-9953.