How is the term back pay explained in CPPA contexts?

• A. Pay due for prior periods due to corrections or retroactive changes, paid when processed.
• B. A one-time bonus payable at the end of the year.
• C. Extra pay for serving in a hardship location.
• D. Pay withheld temporarily for audits.

Answer: (A)

Back pay in CPPA contexts means pay that is due for earlier pay periods because of corrections or retroactive changes to pay, entitlements, or payroll calculations. It’s issued once those corrections or retroactive adjustments are processed, in a later payroll, to satisfy what was owed for the prior periods. It’s not a bonus, not extra pay for serving in a hardship location, and not money withheld for audits.