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Extension of Transportation Benefit Statutory Limit

RECENT LEGISLATIVE ACTION TO EXTEND $230 MAX LIMIT

As part of H.R. 4853, the Middle Class Tax Relief Act, Congress voted on 12/16/2010to extend the $230 maximum monthly limit for transit benefits through December 2011.

QUARTERLY DISTRIBUTION HELD IN OCTOBER 2010

Benefits for the months November/December/January were issued at the Quarterly Distribution held in October 2010.  The maximum benefit amount issued for January was $120, based on the previous legislation that included the expiration of the $230 maximum effective December 31, 2010.

HOW WILL THE INCREASED AMOUNT BE ISSUED FOR JANUARY 2011?

Participants, who have certified that commuting expenses rexceed $120/month, may pick up any difference up to $110, for which they are eligible, at the January quarterly distributions. 

For Quarterly pick up location dates and times, please visit http://www.whs.mil/DFD/PSD%20Services/Pick-UpInformation.cfm  

Participants who ride modes of transportation such as the VRE, MARC, DILLON, and KELLER etc, in order to purchase their monthly pass for January, may pick up Smart Benefit vouchers at the Pentagon daily office through the end of December.   Office hours are from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.  The office will be closed on December 23rd, 24th, 30th and 31st.

Please note that this early pick-up is allowed ONLY for those individuals who require the use of a monthly pass.  Participants who ride metro rail, metro bus or any other modes of transportation that are compatible with a SmarTrip reader, as well as vanpool participants will be issued the increase at the regularly scheduled quarterly distribution in January 2011.  There will be NO exceptions.

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