Interactive benefits phone system deactivates Published Jan. 17, 2013 JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO - RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) -- The interactive voice response system that enabled civilian employees to accomplish some benefits-related actions will be deactivated Jan. 31, Air Force Personnel Center officials said. "Low usage and high maintenance costs resulted in the decision to deactivate the system, but the benefits team is still available to help Airmen," said Kathryn Iapichino, the AFPC benefits and entitlements counselor. Employees will still be able to conduct benefits-related transactions - including health insurance, life insurance, and Thrift Savings Plan elections - through the online Employee Benefits and Information System, she said. EBIS is available 24 hours a day and can be accessed from any government or home computer using a common access card. "It also provides a wealth of educational material including new employee and retirement planning seminars," Iapichino said. EBIS has calculators that enable employees to compute their own retirement estimates, as well as an eRetirement tool to help employees complete retirement applications. To access EBIS, go to the myPers site at https://mypers.af.mil, and follow the AFPC secure link. Employees who have trouble accessing EBIS should select the "contact us" link in myPers and follow directions to contact customer support representatives. (Courtesy of Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs)