Fill Out Your R0717G Form

What is the R0717G form used for?

The R0717G form is an application for military leave of absence credit specifically for participants in the state of Michigan’s Defined Contribution Retirement Plan. If you were on active duty military service while a Michigan state employee, this form allows you to request service credit and employer contributions during your time in uniformed service.

Who is eligible to apply using the R0717G form?

If you were a participant in the Michigan 401(k) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan and were called to active duty, you may be eligible to apply. Eligibility also hinges on compliance with the criteria outlined by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA). This includes having left state employment to serve in one of the uniformed services and returning to work within the permitted decompression time.

What kind of service credit can I receive?

If your application is approved, you will receive service credit for the time spent on your military leave. This credit can help you meet the vesting requirements needed for employer contributions and retiree health insurance. The state will also contribute an amount equal to 4% of what your state pay would have been had you not been on duty.

What documents do I need to submit with my application?

You should include a photocopy of your military discharge papers, commonly known as DD Form 214. This document verifies your entry and separation dates and is essential for processing your application.

Can I make elective contributions while on military leave?

Yes, you have the option to make up elective contributions that you might have missed during your military service. If you select this option on the form, the Office of Retirement Services will provide guidance on your payment choices. The state will match your contributions, helping you fully benefit from the employer match program.

What is the timeframe for making up missed contributions?

You must make up any missed elective contributions within a period equal to three times your length of military service, but this must not exceed five years. For example, if you returned to work after one year of service, you have three years to make up the contributions needed.

What happens if my military service exceeds five years?

Cumulative absences for military service generally cannot exceed five years unless you meet specific exceptions laid out in Civil Service Regulation 2.04. It's important to consult these regulations if you believe your situation might qualify as an exception.

How can I get a copy of my military discharge papers?

You can obtain copies of your military papers from the National Personnel Records Center. They can be reached at 9700 Page Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63132-5100. Additionally, you have the option to request your discharge papers online by visiting the National Archives website at www.archives.gov.

Filling out the R0717G form can be a straightforward process, but many individuals make mistakes that can delay their requests for military leave of absence credit. One common error is failing to provide accurate personal information. Ensuring that your name, HRMN identification number, and contact details are correct is essential. Inaccuracies could lead to confusion and processing delays.

Another frequent mistake is not including the required military discharge papers, specifically the DD Form 214. This document serves as proof of military service and is mandatory for the application. Without it, your request may be denied. Always remember to make a photocopy of your discharge papers before submission to avoid losing the original document.

People often forget to sign the application. A missing signature can result in rejection of the form. Ensure your signature is present at the bottom of the page, alongside the date. A reviewed application can’t proceed without this key requirement.

Providing incomplete dates of service can also lead to complications. Applicants must clearly state their date of entry and date of separation. Failure to complete this section leaves ambiguity in your application. Be precise with the timeline of your military service to avoid unnecessary back-and-forth communication.

Some individuals neglect to review the eligibility conditions outlined on the form, causing a mismatch in expectations. Understanding the criteria set forth by the Department of Civil Service is crucial for qualifying for service credit. Take the time to read these conditions thoroughly to avoid applying when you are not eligible.

Another common error pertains to contributing to the retirement plan. Applicants must check all relevant boxes concerning their wishes for contributions. Failing to indicate an intention to make elective contributions may lead to loss of potential employer matches that can significantly benefit your retirement savings.

Often, individuals misinterpret the decompression time requirements after returning from service. It’s important to be aware of the timeline for returning to employment and submitting the application. Missing the deadline can jeopardize your eligibility for credit.

Lastly, people may overlook instructions for submission of the form. Ensuring that you send your completed application and required documents to the correct address is vital. Double-check the mailing details to avoid processing delays. Adhering to these guidelines can ensure your application is handled smoothly and efficiently.

The R0717G form is an essential document for state employees in Michigan who are looking to receive credit for military service during a leave of absence. It allows them to apply for service credit and employer contributions to their Defined Contribution Retirement Plan. Additional forms and documents often accompany this application to facilitate the process and ensure compliance with regulations. Below are other commonly utilized documents.

• DD Form 214: This military discharge document serves as proof of service, detailing the dates of entry and separation from military duty. It is required for applying for service credits.
• Form W-4: This is a withholding certificate used to determine the correct amount of federal income tax to withhold from an employee’s paychecks. If elective contributions are made, adjustments might be necessary.
• State Employee Transmittal Form: Used to notify appropriate state departments about a change in employment status, such as transitioning to military leave or returning after service.
• Health Insurance Portability Form: This document allows service members to maintain health insurance benefits during and after military service. It may be necessary for ensuring continued healthcare coverage.
• Retirement Plan Election Form: Essential for participants to choose how their defined contribution retirement benefits will be managed or withdrawn upon retirement or separation from service.
• Verification of Employment Form: Sometimes needed to confirm current employment status and service history for retirement and military credit processing.
• Elective Contributions Payment Agreement: If voluntary contributions to the 401(k) plan are chosen, this agreement outlines payment arrangements for the contributions missed during military service.
• USERRA Information Sheet: This educational document provides details about the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), outlining rights and obligations related to military service and employment protections.

These additional forms and documents work together with the R0717G to ensure that military service members receive the benefits and credits due to them. Proper completion and submission help streamline the process and maintain compliance with state regulations.

• DD Form 214: Like the R0717G form, this document confirms military service details, including entry and separation dates. It is crucial for veterans applying for various benefits, including retirement credits.

• USERRA Rights Notification: This document outlines the rights provided under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. Similar to the R0717G form, it ensures individuals know their entitlements related to military service.

• Application for Military Service Credit: This application allows service members to request credit for military service in retirement accounts, much like the R0717G form does for the Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.

• Retirement System Election Form: Participants can select between different retirement plans. This form bears similarities to the R0717G in that it facilitates choices directly related to military service credit.

• Employer Contribution Matching Request: This document can help recipients request matching employer contributions during military leave, akin to the contributions stipulated in the R0717G form.

• Request for Contributions Recalculation: This form allows individuals to adjust or recalculate contributions made during periods of military leave, paralleling the intent of the R0717G form to ensure proper retirement account management.

• Military Leave of Absence Application: This form requests an official leave due to military service. Like the R0717G, it documents the reason for absence and the intent to return to work.

• Post-Military Transition Form: This form assists transitioning service members seeking to re-enter the civilian workforce. It shares a similar goal with the R0717G of ensuring a smooth re-employment process after military service.

When filling out the R0717G form, it’s important to pay attention to certain guidelines to ensure a smooth process. Here are some things you should and shouldn’t do:

• Do carefully review all instructions provided on the form.
• Do include a photocopy of your military discharge papers (DD Form 214).
• Do double-check that your contact information is accurate, including your mailing address and phone number.
• Do sign and date the application to confirm your eligibility.
• Don’t leave any required fields blank, as incomplete forms may delay processing.
• Don’t forget to send the completed form and required documents to the specified address.

There are several common misconceptions about the R0717G form. Understanding the facts can help clarify its purpose and the benefits it offers.

• It can be used by anyone. The R0717G form is specifically for state employees who have served in the military. Non-state employees do not qualify.
• Service credit is automatic. Service credit is not granted automatically. You must submit the form and provide necessary documentation for review.
• All military service counts. Only certain military services count for credit. You must have left state employment to serve in the specified uniformed services.
• Credit can be claimed even if employed elsewhere. If you receive credit for your military service under another retirement system, you cannot claim it with the R0717G form.
• There is no time limit for making contributions. Contributions must be made within a time window that does not exceed five years from the end of your military service.
• All military leaves are treated the same. The criteria for qualifying can vary based on the duration of service and specific eligibility conditions.
• Military service has no impact on retirement benefits. Military service does affect the vesting requirements for both employer contributions and retiree health insurance.
• Submitting the form is the only step. You must also provide your military discharge papers (DD Form 214) along with the application.
• The process is quick and straightforward. The review process can take time, and applicants should be prepared for possible follow-ups and additional information requests.
• Elective contributions are optional. While you can choose to make elective contributions, doing so can maximize your benefits and employer match.

1. This form, R0717G, is used by state of Michigan employees to request service credit and contributions to their Defined Contribution Retirement Plan for active duty military service.

2. Applicants must provide personal information, including their name, HRMN identification number, mailing address, daytime telephone number, and email address.

3. A photocopy of military discharge papers (DD Form 214) is required to confirm the entry and separation dates for military service.

4. Filling out the form accurately is crucial. Service credit is granted only if the applicant has not received credit for the same service under another retirement system.

5. After submitting the form, it will be reviewed by the Office of Retirement Services (ORS) to determine eligibility for service credit.

6. If eligible, applicants can receive a contribution equivalent to 4% of the state pay they would have earned if they had not been called to military duty.

7. There are specific time frames for returning to work after military service, and applicants must adhere to the allowed decompression time set by the Department of Civil Service.

8. Making elective contributions to the 401(k) plan can qualify the participant for enhanced employer matching contributions.

9. The completed form should be sent to the Michigan Office of Retirement Services at the address specified, ensuring all requirements and proofs are included for a smoother processing experience.