Introduction
Welcome to the Separations (SEP) Branch page!
We hope you find the new format easier to navigate and the information better assembled for all your research needs. On this SEP OVERVIEW tab, you will find basic information about SEP and each topic tab the instruction required to assist you.
About the Separations Branch
Annually we process nearly 3,000 separations and distribute 130,000 W-2 forms. PPC SEP provides the following:
Reminder for Soon-to-be-Retirees: Please submit your DD-2656 to PPC-DG-CustomerCare@uscg.mil at least 90 days prior to your date of retirement. Failure to provide this form - with a signature dated prior to your retirement date - will result in your enrollment in the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) for at least 24 months.
Transition Training
Be prepared: Take your mandatory transition training!!!
All members are required to take pre-separation counseling or a transition seminar. Members are authorized to begin their transition one year out from separation or two years out from retiring. Contact your local transition manager or visit the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) website at https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/CG1/Health-Safety-and-Work-Life-CG-11/Office-of-Work-Life-CG-111/Transition-Assistance-Program/. Visit the Transition/Relocation Manager Contact List page for the name and email address of the Transition/Relocation Manager for your location.
ALCOAST 256/24 - MANDATED TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TAP)
This ALCOAST is a reiteration of the mandatory requirements of REF (A), to include conducting the TAP Initial counseling and Pre-separation counseling with a service member 365 days prior to separation/retirement and the service member attending a TAP seminar in person whenever possible.
Forms:
Information About Your Final Separation Pay
The Separations Branch (PPC-SEP) works with Servicing Personnel Offices (SPOs) to ensure that separating members receive correct final pay. Once the separation transaction as been approved by the SPO in Direct Access (DA), the Separations System Review Team (SRT) validates computed final pay and makes manual adjustments to account for any additional funds due and/or debts owed to the government.
SPOs must approve the separation transaction before the SPO cutoff date for the pay period in which the separation falls to ensure payment of final pay on the last regular pay period. Late approval of the separations transaction will result in delayed delivery of final pay.
SPOs must update the member's final mailing address in DA to ensure accurate delivery of the W2 following separation and provide accurate contact information for the PPC-SEP.
Precedence of Collections from Final Pay
When the amounts due are not enough to cover authorized deductions or collections, amounts are collected in the following sequence in accordance with Coast Guard Pay Manual, COMDTINST M7220.29 (series), Figure 11-7.
This is a quick reference for most common debts at time of separation:
1. Forfeitures and MGIB
2. Federal Income Tax Withholding (FITW), Social Security/Medicare (FICA), Dental, Service members Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
3. State Income Tax Withholding (SITW)
4. Government debt to the U. S. Coast Guard (ie. Bad checks to CG, travel, household goods, damage to quarters)
5. Government debt - Department of Defense, VA
6. Garnishments for child support and alimony
7. CG Exchange, NEX, AAFES, and various MWR debts
8. CG Mutual Assistance
9. Involuntary Commercial Debts
10. Tax Levies
11. Court Martial Fines
Out of Service Debt Collection
When the amounts owed exceed the amount due, PPC-SEP Accounts Resolution Team (ART) will process an out of service debt. For members who are discharged, RELAD to the IRR or transferred to a RET-2 status, the amount to be collected will be forwarded to the Coast Guard Finance Center for collection action and a debt letter with a summary of overpayment will be sent to the mailing address in DA. For members who are retired with pay, the amount to be collected will be forwarded to PPC-RAS for collection from retired pay. PPC-RAS will issue the debt letter with summary of overpayment.
Questions?
Please contact PPC Customer Care PPC-DG-CustomerCare@uscg.mil or by calling (866)-772-8724.
Wage and Tax Statement Procedures
IRS Form W-2 and 1095-C - The required IRS tax forms W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement) and 1095-C (Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage) will be mailed no later than 31 JAN each year to each members mailing address listed in Direct Access. Members who have selected to opt out of receiving the paper forms will be able to download their tax forms from Direct Access and will not receive a paper copy in the mail.
Mailing of Wage and Tax Statements
1. IRS Form W-2 for 2025 will be mailed no later than 31 January 2026. W-2s are mailed to the member’s mailing address in Direct Access.
2. In addition to W-2 forms, PPC will also be mailing IRS 1095-C, Health Coverage forms. The IRS 1095 series forms include information already provided to the Internal Revenue Service. These forms contain information members need to complete their individual federal income tax return.
3. In order for PPC to furnish the IRS Forms in a timely fashion, all members must ensure their correct and current mailing address is entered in Direct Access no later than 2 January 2026. To view and update your mailing address using Direct Access Self-Service (https://hcm.direct-access.uscg.mil/), go to the Main Menu and select Self Service, Employee, Tasks, Home and Mailing Address. Refer to the note below, for address format examples for single members living in barracks or shipboard berthing. Members must ensure forwarding of mail through the U.S. Postal Service if there has been a recent change in mailing address.
Note: The postal database does not recognize that numerous Coast Guard units may reside at a given address. For instance, in Portsmouth, there are several units located at 4000 Coast Guard Blvd.
- For single members living in barracks or shipboard berthing, the unit’s name may be part of the address.
- To ensure proper delivery, the unit’s name must be entered at the BEGINNING of the street information on the Tax Mailing Address transaction and the accurate 9-digit zip code must also be entered.
- If the unit’s name is at the end of the street information or as part of the city/town information or the 9-digit zip code was not entered, the unit’s name will be deleted by the monthly postal address conversion program.
Example of Good Address:
BASE (BEQ) 4000 CG Blvd
Portsmouth, VA 23703-2199
Example of Bad Address:
4000 CG Blvd BASE (BEQ)
Portsmouth, VA 23703-2199
4. A printable 2025 IRS Form W-2 or IRS Form 1099R (for retirees) will be available in Direct Access self-service no later than 31 January 2026. See How to View and Print Your W-2 Form.
Requesting a Duplicate Wage and Tax Statement
For 2015 and later W-2 and 1095 Forms, active duty and Reserve members will access forms via Direct Access Self Service. Do not submit a request for a replacement 2015 or later tax form, they will be available via Direct Access.
For 2014 and prior year W-2 forms, active duty and reserve members shall complete form CG-2016, W-2 Request Form (/ppc/forms/) and forward it to their SPO via their unit administrative support. The SPO will attach the completed form to a PPC Customer Care trouble ticket or send it via e-mail to ppc-dg-customercare@uscg.mil. If submitting via CG Workstation, a digital signature is preferred.
Separated or retired members shall complete form CG-2016, W-2 Request Form (/ppc/forms/) to request replacement or duplicate W-2 forms. Attach the completed form to an e-mail to ppc-dg-customercare@uscg.mil.
Replacement W-2 forms will not be available until 15 February. This will allow time for the original mailed form to arrive at its destination or to be returned as undeliverable. CG-2016 forms received via fax are no longer accepted and will not be processed.