CS Bonus Payment Status Info: Message from the CS FORCE Master Chief

We have received many questions regarding the delay in bonus payments. Our findings have revealed that the primary issue is improper submission of forms to PPC. These forms are often returned with instructions for corrections or requests for a waiver from CG-1M1, but are not being acted upon and resubmitted.

There have been reports of bonuses going unpaid for over a year, particularly initial enlistment bonuses and Critical Skills Training Bonuses (A-school). Some reenlistment bonuses are also affected. Please know that PSC is aware of these issues and is actively working to resolve them. However, we need your assistance. The main problem delaying bonus payments is that PPC is receiving forms that are not completed in accordance with policy (e.g., backdated, falsified, or incorrectly completed). Additionally, PPC has noticed an increase in units not responding to notification emails. Often, detailed return notification emails are sent, explaining the required fixes, but there is no response, or the original incorrect documents are resubmitted, or falsified documentation is sent.

For example, here is an fleet wide snapshot of all CSTB bonus tickets:

• 156 tickets were submitted from 04/01/2024 to 05/14/2024.
• Only 4 tickets (2.56%) could be processed.

Further complicating the issue is that the number of bonus tickets submitted in the first half of this year is 65% higher than in the first half of 2023. Based on trends from the past three years, the second half of the year will likely be even busier.

From 01/01/2024 to 05/31/2024, PPC’s average bonus processing time was 18 calendar days for properly completed forms. They currently have a backlog of around 700 tickets, all within the 60-day window, indicating that the issues you’re hearing about stem from returned tickets not being followed up on by field admin staff.

This highlights a serious need for training for our admin staff to properly execute bonus paperwork. The YN RFMC is engaged in developing training, and PPC’s Performance and Development Department is working on clarifying guidance.

If you or your CS staff are experiencing bonus issues, please provide the following information (email James.e.swenson@uscg.mil or call 860-389-4470):

• Who has not received a bonus
• How long the member has been waiting
• The status through your respective P&A shops. If PPC sends forms back for corrections, the ticket is closed, and they won’t know to act on them until the units follow up and return the corrected forms (or send them to CG-1M1 for a waiver if necessary). Essentially, the member doesn’t exist in their system until local admins resubmit a ticket.

We cannot process these from the PPC/PSC side if individual units/admins do not follow through with the necessary corrections or communicate with PPC.

We are working to get this under control and ensure our CSs receive their well-earned bonuses. For now, this is the clear first step. Thanks you for all your hard work and any help you can provide.

CS Force Master Chief Swenson