On this page:
Annual Leave | Holidays | Health Benefits | Dental and Vision Insurance
Life Insurance | Retirement | Workers' Compensation
Listed on this page are some of the benefits of being a federal employee.
Full-time employees earn:
Four (4) hours each pay period for less than three years of service (13 days a year)
Six (6) hours each pay period for between three and 15 years of service (20 days a year)
Eight (8) hours each pay period for more than 15 years of service (26 days a year)
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn four hours each pay period (13 days each year), and there is no limitation on the amount of sick leave that can be accumulated. Part-time employees accrue annual and sick leave hours on a pro-rated basis that is, in an amount based on the relationship of their tour of duty as it relates to a full-time tour of duty.
The Federal Government provides 10 paid holidays per year.
New Year's Day (January 1)
Martin Luther King, Jr's, Birthday (Third Monday in January)
President's Day (Third Monday in February)
Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19)
Independence Day (July 4)
Labor Day (First Monday in September)
Columbus Day (Second Monday in October)
Veterans Day (November 11)
Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)
Christmas Day (December 25)
You will be eligible for, but not obligated to enroll in the Federal Employees' Health Benefits (FEHB) program that offers a wide variety of health plans from which to choose, including some that offer Health Savings Accounts. Some plans may offer dental benefits. You have a choice of coverage for yourself or for yourself and your family members. In most instances the Federal Government pays approximately 60% of the cost of the plan and you pay the balance.
The Federal Employees' Dental and Vision Insurance Program provides optional supplemental dental and/or vision insurance coverage. You have a choice of coverage for yourself, yourself plus one, or yourself and all your family members. Although there is no Federal Government contribution towards the premium, the cost is competitive and on a pre-tax basis.
Unless you waive coverage, you will be automatically enrolled in basic coverage under the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance program. The basic benefit amount is approximately $2,000 more than your base salary. The Federal Government pays one-third of the cost for basic coverage. Optional insurance is also available to increase your benefit, as well as to provide coverage for your family. You pay the entire premium for any optional coverage you elect.
If this is your first appointment in the Federal Government, you will be covered by the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS) that combines Social Security, Civil Service Retirement, and an optional "thrift" investment plan called the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The system relies on both employee and Federal Government contributions.
The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a tax-deferred retirement savings account. Most new employees who began or rejoined federal service on or after Oct. 1, 2020, are automatically enrolled in the TSP, and 5% of their basic salary is deducted from their paycheck every pay period and deposited into the traditional balance of their TSP account. Employees can make a contribution election to stop or change TSP contributions at any time. The TSP is a critical component of building an adequate retirement income.
If you are injured on the job, you may be eligible for continuation of pay, payment of medical expenses and/or payment for lost wages based on a Department of Labor determination.
Flexible Spending Account
A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a tax-favored program that allows you to set aside pre-tax money from your salary to pay for a variety of eligible expenses.