DIRECTIVE	:	UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE PROGRAM LETTER NO. 23-92
TO	:	ALL STATE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY AGENCIES
FROM	:	DONALD J. KULICK Administrator for Regional Management
SUBJECT	:	Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE)--Coverage Ruling for Employees and Members of Agricultural Promotion Boards and Marketing Agreement and Order Administrative Committees

1. Purpose. To inform State Employment Security Agencies (SESAs) of a recent UCFE program coverage ruling relating to employees and members of Agricultural Promotion Boards and Marketing Agreement and Order Administrative Committees.

2. References. 5 U.S.C. 8501(1); ET Handbook No. 391; and ETO No. 2-92, dated March 20, 1992.

3. Background. Several inquiries have been made to the National Office concerning whether employees and members of Agricultural Promotion Boards and Marketing Agreement and Order Administrative Committees perform "Federal service" for CFE program purposes. This recent coverage ruling updates a 1957 coverage ruling concerning boards and committees established under the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, as amended. The Secretary of Labor is responsible for interpreting whether claimants perform "Federal service" (civilian) as defined in 5 U.S.C. 8501(1) for UCFE program purposes. ETO No. 2-92 delegates this authority and assignment of responsibility for making rulings of "Federal service" to the Director, Unemployment Insurance Service (UIS). SESAs are required to follow the UCFE coverage rulings issued by the Department.

4. Ruling. On March 24, 1992, the Director, Unemployment Insurance Service, determined that employees of the Agricultural Promotion Boards and Marketing Agreement and Order Administrative Committees perform "Federal service" within the meaning of 5 U.S.C. 8501(1). However, members of these boards and committees are excluded from UCFE coverage by 5 U.S.C. 8501(1)(K).

5. Action Required. SESAs should:

   1. Distribute the attached UCFE program coverage ruling to all staff responsible for UCFE claims processing.

   2. Follow the attached ruling in all cases involving claims filed by employees and members of Agricultural Promotion Boards and Marketing Agreement and Order Administrative Committees.

6. Inquiries. Direct questions to the appropriate Regional Office.

7. Attachment. UCFE Program Coverage Ruling No. 92-1 for Agricultural Promotion Boards and Marketing Agreement and Order Administrative Committees.