Army Reserve Family Programs
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Virtual Events
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Blue Star Families' Military Family Lifestyle Survey


Virtual Vision Board Workshop: September 18 at 5 - 6 PM ET, 4 - 5 PM CT, 3 - 4 PM MT, or 2 - 3 PM PT. Register here

The Evolution of Healthcare for Veterans During the Pandemic: Thursday, July 30 | 3 - 4 p.m. ET Register here
Looking to jumpstart your career? Check out the Careers calendar for more upcoming events.

 

 

 
 

 

September 29, 2020, 4:00 PM MDT
Teachers and Child Counselors Assembly
Military Child Education Coalition
Register at: https://go.usa.gov/xGkfB

September 30, 2020, 4:00 PM MDT
Child Suicide Awareness Assembly
Strategic Behavioral Health
Register at: https://go.usa.gov/xGkfB

October 1, 2020, 4:00 PM MDT
Give an Hour for the Children Assembly
Give an Hour
Register at: https://go.usa.gov/xGkfB

October 2, 2020, 4:00 PM MDT
U.S. Army Reserve, Family Programs Resource Assembly
U.S. Army Reserve, Family Programs
Register at: https://go.usa.gov/xGkfB

Download Information Flyer

 

 

Virtual Safety Webinar
September 22, 2020 - 2PM – 3PM EDT

Safety remains our number one priority for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Learn safety tips for conducting a safe virtual learning experience:
        •Delivering a Safe Social Media Experience
        •Safety and Virtual Technology
        •Virtual Programming Parent Letter and Consent Form
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2740109829811953679
Webinar ID: 749-109-635

BGCA.net Overview
September 23, 2020 - 2PM – 3PM EDT

This webinar will provide a full overview of BGCA.net, a website created for Youth Development professionals connected to BGCA through Military partnerships. Learn about all of the BGCA.net tools, resources, grants and program materials available to Youth Development professionals.
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1883689227780759310
Webinar ID: 433-039-123

Virtual Programming
October 20, 2020 - 2PM – 3PM EDT

It is a time of extraordinary challenge yet through that challenge the young people we serve need us more than ever. Youth Center staff can continue serving youth – possibly even to expand the number of youths served – by developing, delivering, and supporting positive youth development at a distance. This webinar will help to set the foundation and provide ideas on how to provide virtual programming to Military-connected youth.
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1137589224495696396
Webinar ID: 663-152-547

Spillett Leadership University Overview
October 21, 2020 - 2PM – 3PM EDT

Spillett Leadership University (SLU) is a free comprehensive online training site dedicated to enabling Youth Centers to have the most impact as possible on youth by strengthening the leadership capabilities of staff at every level of the organization. Access and engage in meaningful, online, blended and face-to-face continuous learning opportunities.
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/166724855215873036
Webinar ID: 343-591-275

MyFuture.net Overview (Engaging Youth in Digital High-Yield Learning),
November 17, 2020 - 2PM – 3PM EDT

MyFuture.net is a web platform that enables Military-connected youth and Youth Development staff to engage with program content, learn new skills, earn recognition and share media with peers. By providing this tool Youth Development staff will have more opportunities and the ability to deliver a high-quality program experience to youth no matter where they are located in the world.
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1223627108880849932
Webinar ID: 909-933-555

MyFuture.net Overview (Engaging Youth in Digital High-Yield Learning),
November 18, 2020 - 2PM – 3PM EDT

MyFuture.net is a web platform that enables Military-connected youth and Youth Development staff to engage with program content, learn new skills, earn recognition and share media with peers. By providing this tool Youth Development staff will have more opportunities and the ability to deliver a high-quality program experience to youth no matter where they are located in the world.
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8314946043919864588
Webinar ID: 434-779-363

Quick Links
U.S. Army Reserve Assumption of Command
The U.S. Army Reserve hosted a promotion and assumption of command ceremony for Lt. Gen. Jody Daniels, who became the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Reserve Command and the Chief of the Army Reserve. The featured guests included: Gen. James C. McConville, U.S. Army Chief of Staff; Lt. Gen Leopoldo Quintas, deputy commander of U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM); Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Grinston; Maj. Gen A.C. Roper, deputy commanding general of the U.S. Army Reserve; Cmd. Sgt. Maj. Andrew Lombardo, command sergeant major, U.S. Army Reserve Command, and Maj. Gen (Ret.) Leslie Purser.
Value of Life
Maj. Gen. A.C. Roper, deputy commanding general U.S. Army Reserve, talks about the value of life of every U.S. Army Reserve Soldier and the importance of reflectively listening to the concerns and needs of others.
Maj. Gen. A.C. Roper SHARP message
Maj. Gen. A.C. Roper, deputy commanding general U.S. Army Reserve, speaks about SHARP and valuing Soldiers within our ranks.
The Binson Show - For Army Reserve Kids: The COVID Bug
In this episode, Binson attempt to find and squash the "Bug" that might get his grandma sick. Binson is an energetic and lovable character who teaches children important lessons about COVID-19 and other issues through his playful exploration. Through such play he finds the reasons for the guidelines that Army Reserve Families should follow. These short shows are intended for children of all ages.
The Binson Show - For Army Reserve Kids: Social Distancing
Episode 1: Binson attempts to figure out what social distancing is and why it's an important guideline for children to follow. Binson is an energetic and lovable character who teaches children important lessons about COVID-19 and other issues through his playful exploration. Through such play, he finds the reasons for the guidelines that Army Reserve Families should follow. These short shows are intended for children of all ages.
U.S. Army Reserve COVID-19 page

Military Payroll Tax Deferral FAQs

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In order to provide relief during the COVID-19 pandemic, a Presidential Memorandum was issued on August 8, 2020, and guidance followed by Internal Revenue Service on August 28, 2020, to temporarily defer Social Security (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI)), as seen on the Army, Air Force, and Navy Service Members Leave and Earnings Statement as “FICA-SOC SECURITY”) tax withholdings. The Social Security tax is labeled as “Social Security” on the LES for the Marine Corps.

Presidential Memorandum link: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/08/13/2020-17899/deferring-payroll-tax-obligations-in-light-of-the-ongoing-covid-19-disaster

 

 

Social Security tax is also called the Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) tax and is required by law.  The tax funds the Social Security program, which is administered by the Social Security Administration.

 

 

The Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) for the Air Force, Army and Navy member list the Social Security taxes as “FICA-SOC SECURITY” within the deductions section.  For the Marine Corps this deduction is listed as “Social Security” on the LES.

 

 

The Social Security tax is set by at law at 6.2%.  The tax is calculated as 6.2% of a military member’s basic pay. For example, an E5 with 8 years of service has a monthly basic pay rate of $3,306.30.  Assuming the E5 was paid for the whole month of duty, the monthly Social Security tax liability would be calculated at 6.2% of $3,306.30, which equals $204.99.  Members can use their August or prior Leave and Earnings Statements as a good reference for their typical Social Security tax withholding amount.

 

 

No. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directed all Executive Branch Agencies to implement the tax deferral.  As such, no Payroll Providers, Departments/Agencies, or service members will be able to opt-in/opt-out of the deferral. 

 

 

No. Pursuant to the Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service Guidance, this only affects your Social Security tax withholdings, which will be deferred from September 2020 through the end of the calendar year 2020.

Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service guidance link: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-20-65.pdf

 

 

If your monthly rate of basic pay is less than $8,666.66, your Social Security taxes will be deferred.  If your monthly rate of basic pay is at or above the threshold, your social security tax withholding will not be affected by this temporary deferral. 

The monthly rate of $8,666.66 is determined as:

The IRS rate of $4,000 is based on a bi-weekly pay schedule (26 pay periods), while your military pay is calculated on a monthly pay schedule (12 months).  To convert the bi-weekly rate of $4,000 to monthly, multiply $4,000 X 26 (pay periods) = $104,000 and divide by 12 (months), which will equal $8,666.66 for the monthly rate. 

 

 

  • Enlisted service members will have their Social Security taxes deferred.
  • Officers at the grade O1-O4, the grade of O5 with less than 16 years of service, and the grade of O6 with less than 14 years of service will have their Social Security taxes deferred.
  • All officers at the grade of 05 with 16 or more years of service, grade of O6 with 14 or more years of service, and all O7s through O10s will not have their Social Security taxes deferred.  
  • All warrant officers will have their Social Security taxes deferred except those at a grade of W5 with 24 or more years of service.
 

 

Yes.  Current IRS guidance indicates the payment of the deferred taxes is postponed until January 1, 2021.  The deferred Social Security taxes not withheld from wages during 2020 will be collected from your wages between January 1, 2021, and April 30, 2021.  Additional information on the collection process will be provided in the future.

 

 

As more information becomes available on the collection of the deferred Social Security taxes, it will be posted here.  

 

 

Only Congress has the authority to forgive taxes. Deferral of the Social Security tax only postpones when the taxes are due.

 

 

 

Pursuant to current Department of Treasury and Internal Revenue Service Guidance, total deferred Social Security taxes must be withheld evenly from wages beginning January 1, 2001, and ending on April 30, 2021. As more information becomes available on the collection of the deferred Social Security taxes, it will be posted here.  

 

 

 

As more information becomes available on the application of interest and penalties, it will be posted here. 

 

 

 

If you separate or retire in 2020 before the Social Security tax can be collected in 2021, you are still responsible for the Social Security tax repayment.  As more information becomes available on the collection of any deferred Social Security taxes, it will be posted here.  

 

 

 

As more information and guidance becomes available from the Internal Revenue Service on how the deferral and collections affect your 2020 and 2021 W-2s, it will be posted here.

 

 

 

The deferral of the withholding of the Social Security tax for service members will be effective for mid-month pay September.

 

 Military Payroll Tax Deferral PDF
 

ARFP logo and sloganArmy Reserve Family Programs (ARFP) is a comprehensive blend of quality of life programs in support of Department of Defense activities. Family Programs is a Commander's force multiplier for mission readiness. Family programs staff serve as the primary coordinating resource, who provide a multitude of unit and community-based services that foster the growth, development, and readiness of Soldiers and Families assigned to the Command.

Additionally, Army Reserve Family Programs provides a single gateway to responsive Family Crisis Assistance.  ARFP provides a unit and community based solution that connects people to people.  By pinpointing Families-in-need and local community resources, the Army Reserve can quickly connect the Soldier Family and resources thus providing installation-commensurate services in the geographic location of the crisis.  

SURVIVOR OUTREACH SERVICES (SOS)

  • The Army Reserve is a part of the continuity of long term support and services to Surviving Families members assigned to USAR under the “One Army Component” regardless of the deceased Soldier’s’ component.
  • The Readiness Divisions (99th, 81st, 88th and 63rd) and the 9th Mission Support Command will provide Survivor Outreach Services by government personnel assigned to each of the seventeen (17) assigned coverage areas starting on 31 August 2019. This includes service to surviving Family members of Active Duty, National Guard Man Day (M-Day), and USAR Troop Program Unit (TPU) Soldiers, and referral support to surviving Family members of veterans and retirees.  
  • Regional Family Programs government staff and outgoing contracted case managers are undergoing a deliberate case file review and with a proper hand-off through the end of August 2019. Once a case has been thoroughly reviewed, the new case manager will reach out directly to the Survivor Family per contact instructions and the preferred method chosen by each Family.  
  • Notifications of this change in how services are provided to Survivor Families and contact information for new case managers were sent in May 2019. If a Survivor isn’t sure how to contact their case manager, he/she can contact 1-844-663-3269 to be referred directly to that individual.  
  • Survivors continue to be valued members of America’s Army. Your patience and Understanding is appreciated while we transition your case to our Family Programs personnel within your local area.

YELLOW RIBBON REINTEGRATION PROGRAM (YRRP)

  • Yellow Ribbon program management has been distributed to each of the four Readiness Divisions and the 9th Mission Support Command in order to enhance delivery of services and training at the regional level.  
  • A team of dedicated government personnel at USARC Headquarters remains in place to provide YRRP oversight and support to the Readiness Divisions and 9th Mission Support Command as required.  
  • Additional government personnel are being placed within each Readiness Division and 9th Missions Support Command to manage additional responsibilities.

Military OneSource

24/7 connection to information, answers, and support. Dedicated to the greater military community. Helping service members, military spouses and families take full advantage of all the benefits and resources they have available.  For more information visit the website at www.MilitaryOneSource.mil or call 1-800-342-9647. 

 

 

 

Battle Buddy Smart Phone App 

The USARC Chaplain Directorate is taking this opportunity to re-introduce the Army Reserve Battle Buddy Application (APP) for the iPhone, iPad and Android Smartphones.  The APP provides detailed intervention, awareness and prevention information concerning the Army’s Suicide Prevention Program and Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program.  This user-friendly APP helps the Army Reserve Soldier be a better Battle Buddy by providing the tools and information needed to assist in suicide intervention and other situations before they reach crisis proportions. 

 

Download for Apple 
Download for Android 

 

 

 

 

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