In this section, you'll find information about how personnel actions — promotions, step increases, transfers, and separations — are processed and reflected in your records and pay.
When will my promotion appear in my pay?
Promotions are effective per your SF-50, typically the first day of a pay period, and appear one pay period after processing. Any delay is paid retroactively.
Resources: Processing ticket form; eOPF
When will my step increase take effect?
Your next WIGI due date is based on your last increase and the waiting period for your current step. Compute from Block 12 of your latest SF-50 or open a Processing ticket to confirm.
Resources: eOPF; Processing ticket form
My within-grade increase (WIGI) was due - why hasn't it processed?
WIGIs require completion of the waiting period (52/104/156 weeks) at acceptable performance; extended LWOP can push the date. If more than a pay period overdue, open a Processing ticket—delays are paid retroactively.
Resources: Within-Grade Increases; opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave; Processing ticket form
I'm transferring from another agency - will my leave balances transfer with me?
Yes—with no break in service, annual and sick leave balances transfer, your Service Computation Date (SCD) carries over, and FEHB/FEGLI continue uninterrupted. TSP is unaffected. Balances are certified via SF-1150.
Resources: Processing ticket form
I'm a new hire - what's the status of my onboarding paperwork?
Track pre-employment tasks in your agency's onboarding system. Common holds are fingerprint/background steps, transcripts, and the OF-306. Contact your staffing contact if a completed task hasn't been confirmed.
Resources: USA Staffing onboarding portal
My detail or temporary promotion is ending - what happens next?
You will be automatically reinstated to your permanent position and grade before the not-to-exceed (NTE) date specified on your SF-50. If an extension is needed, it must be approved prior to the NTE date.
Resources: eOPF; Processing ticket form
How do I update my personal information (address)?
Update mailing address and direct deposit in payroll self-service. No ticket is needed unless the system rejects the change.
Resources: MyEPP
My personnel action was processed incorrectly - how do I get it fixed?
Open a Processing ticket identifying the SF-50 and the specific error. HR issues a correction SF-50; if pay was affected, payroll processes a retroactive adjustment.
Resources: Processing ticket form
What are the standard processing times for personnel actions?
Most routine actions process within 1-2 pay periods of the effective date; actions requiring corrected history take longer. If an action is more than two pay periods overdue, open a ticket—pay-affecting corrections are retroactive.
Resources: Processing ticket form