### Question
How does the law define covered employee?


### Answer
Under *5 U.S.C. § 5597*, **covered employee** is defined as:

> an employee who is subject to subchapter III of chapter 83 or chapter 84 and to whom a voluntary separation incentive has been paid under this section on the basis of a separation occurring on or after October 1, 1997

#### Citation:
  - *5 U.S.C. § 5597*
  - Heading: **PART III-EMPLOYEES > Subpart D-Pay and Allowances > CHAPTER 55-PAY ADMINISTRATION > SUBCHAPTER IX-SEVERANCE PAY AND BACK PAY**

