VOE

Verification of Eligibility (VOE) Overview

By law, FPPA is required to complete an annual audit of our disability and survivor benefit recipients. This process, called Verification of Eligibility (VOE), helps verify that payees remain eligible for their benefit. Typically, participants are required to submit information regarding their employment, finances, and applicable life changes in the previous year. Certain supporting documents, like tax returns, may also be required.

Beginning in 2025, Members may now complete the survey and submit any required documentation through the Member Account Portal (MAP). It is crucial that participants submit their VOE information and any required documentation by the deadline to avoid suspension of benefits.

If these documents are not completed and returned to FPPA by the deadline, then disability benefits will be suspended.

Did you move in the past year? Keep your contact information up to date

  • Go to MAP to update your address, email, and phone number
    • Be sure to verify contact information for your emergency contact. Your emergency contact will be the first point of contact if we cannot reach you regarding missing VOE information
  • Download the Change of Address Form (this form can be used to update both your mailing address and email address)
Change of Address form

The annual VOE process begins in May

VOE Process 

Key Dates

  • Early May: VOE materials will go out. Instructions will arrive by email or US mail depending on Members' communication preference (you may adjust this preference in the Member Account Portal)
  • May 31: If you haven’t received instructions by this time, please contact us
  • October 31: Final deadline to submit all required documentation

Important notes

  • Paper VOE forms require an original signature or a certified digital signature through Adobe
  • FPPA conducts a random selection of people who are required to provide their tax return documentation. If you are randomly selected, this documentation is required in order for your VOE information to be considered complete. You may complete the IRS Form 4506-T if the IRS does not require you to file a tax return. 

VOE Forms

IRS Request for Transcript of Tax Return 

IRS Form 4506-T

You may be asked to provide additional tax documentation to verify the information in your VOE survey. If tax return information is requested and if the IRS did not require you to file taxes for last year, complete boxes 1-4 as applicable, sign and date the form and return it to the IRS. Once you receive the tax transcript or Letter of Non Filing from the IRS, send a copy to FPPA.

Verification of Eligibility Forms 

Below you'll find links to current Verification of Eligibility forms. Please only complete the form referenced in your notice letter. If you are unsure which form to complete, contact FPPA at the phone number or email below.

Form 1Form 2Form 3Form 4Form 5Form 6Form 7Form 8Form 9Form 10Form 11

 

Frequently Asked Questions About the VOE Process:

Nothing has changed from last year; I’m still working the same job, earning the same amount. Do I still have to complete the form and return a copy of my tax returns? 

Yes. Even if no information has changed, the VOE survey must be completed. If your VOE notification indicates that you are required to provide a copy of your tax return, you will need to upload it to MAP or send it to FPPA along with the survey.

Do I have to answer all questions on the survey? 

Yes. All questions should be answered completely and accurately.

What if a question does not apply to me? 

This applies to paper forms only:  Insert Not Applicable (NA) in that field. An FPPA employee may contact you by phone or in writing to verify or expand on your information. You will not be considered in compliance until FPPA receives all information being requested.

Does FPPA have the authority to request my tax information and my spouse’s tax information? 

Yes. FPPA conducts audits of the information you provide. FPPA has legal authority to request tax documents in order to help make this eligibility determination. In addition, if a disability retiree has filed a joint tax return, we are legally able to request the W-2s and 1099s from the disability retiree’s spouse. This is necessary to verify that all  the income listed on the Federal Tax Return is accounted for and that there is no unaccounted income that could possibly be tied to a Member’s employment not disclosed to FPPA.

For what purpose is the IRS 4506-T used? 

If your VOE notification indicates that you are required to provide a copy of your Federal Income tax documentation and you did not file taxes last year, you should complete IRS form 4506-T to obtain a Letter of Non Filing or a copy of a tax transcript from the IRS. This should be provided to FPPA. It will be used to confirm detail such as marital status, employment, and income/wages earned (as applicable) as reported on the VOE survey.

 

Need Additional Information?

Questions? Email annualVOE@fppaco.org, or call the dedicated VOE voicemail at (303) 770-3772, extension 5300.