Moving between a nonappropriated-fund employer and an appropriated-fund civil service position can involve more than one portability rule. Retirement coverage elections and nonretirement benefits such as pay and leave have separate conditions.
A move that preserves one benefit does not automatically preserve every benefit or convert all NAF service into FERS or CSRS service. Start with the actual employers, appointment dates, break in service and retirement plans.
Build a portability record
| Record | Question it should answer |
|---|---|
| Releasing appointment | Which employer and retirement plan covered the prior position? |
| Receiving appointment | Which coverage would ordinarily apply to the new position? |
| Last and first duty dates | What break is being evaluated under the applicable rule? |
| Election notice | Was a retirement coverage choice available, and what deadline applied? |
| Signed election and confirmation | What was selected and recorded by both employers? |
| Pay and leave determinations | Which separate nonretirement portability provisions applied? |
DCPAS's portability guidance distinguishes these benefit categories. OPM also maintains benefits-officer material for NAF service. Ask both offices to identify the provision used for your actual move rather than borrowing the deadline from a different benefit.
Reconcile the two employers' records
Keep the election notice, signed response and acknowledgment together. A new payroll deduction may show current coverage without explaining whether an earlier election was offered or correctly recorded.
If a record is missing, request a review through the responsible benefits office. Do not assume that a missed notice creates an unrestricted opportunity to choose a different retirement system. Ask for the formal correction process and any applicable response deadline.
A service computation date may also differ depending on whether the question concerns leave or retirement. Use a separate service-date crosswalk instead of replacing one date with another.
Questions for the releasing and receiving offices
- Which portability authority applies to this move?
- What dates and break-in-service facts were used?
- Is retirement coverage retention or an election available?
- What separate rules govern leave, pay and other benefits?
- Have both employers recorded the same election?
- What written determination resolves an inconsistent record?
Keep this review separate from a general civilian deposit request. The federal benefits overview can organize the wider discussion, but the employing offices must confirm coverage before any retirement estimate relies on the transferred service.
Browse federal benefits, retirement and insurance topics or read how we prepare and check our guides.
Sources
- DCPAS: NAF-to-APF Portability of Benefits, checked November 4, 2026
- OPM: Aids (Benefits Officers Center), checked November 4, 2026
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