Working for the Federal Government - Benefits
Federal government employees enjoy a wide range of "family-friendly" benefits that go far beyond insurance and retirement. Each agency is free to offer its own benefits package. The following is a sample of the benefits available to permanent Federal employee.
- Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS):
Benefits based on amount of service and salary history.
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP):
Multiple investment options similar to a 401(k) plan.
- Social Security:
Credit earned while working with the Government. Retirement benefits, disability protection, and survivor protection.
- Medicare - Part A:
Available to you at no cost at age 65.
- Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB):
No waiting periods, required medical exam, or age/physical condition restrictions.
- Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI):
Group term life insurance - Basic life insurance and three options (Standard, Additional, and Family).
- Leave and Holidays:
13 days sick leave each year; 13, 20, or 26 days of vacation leave each year, depending on years of service; 10 days paid holiday each year.
- Family Friendly Leave Flexibilities:
Flexible Work Schedules; Telecommuting; Family Friendly Leave Policies; Employee Assistance Program (EAP); Part-Time & Job Sharing Positions; Child & Elder Care Resources Adoption Information/Incentives; Child Support Services. - Work/Life Programs:
Every Federal agency has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which has a goal to restore employees to full productivity. More specifically, the EAP provides free, confidential short term counseling to identify the employee's problem and, when appropriate, make a referral to an outside organization, facility, or program that can assist the employee in resolving his or her problem.
- Recruitment Bonus:
Lump-sum bonus to newly appointed employees for difficult-to-fill positions. Up to 25% of basic pay may be paid prior to employee entering on duty. Service agreement with repayment plan if service time not fulfilled.
- Relocation Bonus:
Lump-sum bonus for difficult-to-fill position in a different commuting area; up to 25% of basic pay. Service agreement with repayment plan if service time not fulfilled.
- Retention Allowance:
Continuing payment to retain departing employees; up to 25% of basic pay.
- Employee Development:
Career Resource Centers; Training Opportunities
- Student Loan Repayment:
Permits agencies to repay the student loans of Federal employees; used at the discretion of the agency.
- Long Term Care Insurance Program:
John Hancock and MetLife formed Long Term Care Partners, a jointly owned new company exclusively dedicated to serving the long term care insurance needs of the Federal Family.
- Child Care Subsidy Program:
Federal agencies, at their own discretion, can use appropriated funds, including revolving funds otherwise available for salaries, to assist lower income federal employees with the costs of child care.
