The Federal government job really cares about its employees. That’s why it provides them with great job benefits such as life insurance, health insurance, Federal Employees Retirement System, Thrift Savings Plan (optional), public transit subsidies, sick leave and vacations. As we can see, there is large number of benefits which attracts more and more professionals all year round. Here we provide you a quick overview of some job benefits.
LIFE INSURANCE
Established on 1954, the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) provides basic life insurance coverage for more than 4 million workers with their respective relatives. This also applies to retirees. All federal employees have this PPSC jobs benefit; however, they can also access to optional insurance. While the basic insurance is partially subsidized by the government (1/3), optional insurance is fully covered by federal employees.
HEALTH INSURANCE
In regard to health insurance, the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program is aimed at federal employees and their family members. This also covers young adults (federal employees’ children) up to 26 years old. On the other hand, there is the Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) program created with the aim of expanding the health insurance provided by the FEHB Program.
FEDERAL EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM
SICK LEAVE / VACATION
In 1986, the Employees Retirement System (FERS) replaced the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). Federal civilian employees can access to this system if they have worked at federal agencies and they have reached the minimum retirement age (MRA). On the other hand, Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is only available for 62 year old retirees.
Sick leave allows federal workers to spend some time apart of their workplace in order to address their safety and health requirements. Some reasons to access to sick leave are bereavement, personal medical needs, adoption procedures, and care of a family member. However, there are certain limits: up to 13 days in bereavement and up to 12 weeks to care for a critically ill family member. On the other hand, federal employees have 13 days of vacation each year, besides their 10 days paid-holiday. However, workers who have gathered several years of service can be entitled to 26 paid vacation days.
THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN
Administered by the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) covers civil service employees as well as Navy and Army members. This contribution plan is part of the Federal Employees Retirement System. In this case, federal worker can have up to 10 funds to choose from, including Lifecycle Funds, and individual funds.
FAMILY FRIENDLY LEAVE FLEXIBILITIES
The government offers flexibilities such as sick leave for mothers who have given birth. Fathers can also use around 12 weeks of sick leave in order to accompany the mother to their usual doctor appointments along with other things. Annual leave and advance annual leave are also offered to mothers (it may be up to 30 days of sick leave.)
Donated leave under the voluntary leave transfer and leave bank programs are also offered. This can help mothers who have already completed their sick/annual leave. In order to make this effective, it is necessary that the employees donate their annual leave to other employees if they want to. It should only be used for a medical emergency.
Leave without pay is another benefit that allows employees to leave work to take care of their child. The government also offers flexible work schedules because they know that sometimes an individual cannot perform all their assignments during an established period of time. This allows employees to attend other responsibilities.
Teleworking is also an important option. Ideal for parents who want to work at home.
RELOCATION INVENTIVES/RECRUITMENT INCENTIVES
The government can offer incentives to employees who can relocate. These incentives are offered because sometimes the area is too far and the job position is difficult to fill. Of course, the incentives are only offered to employees who have successfully performed their jobs. Incentives are offered to people who can fill job positions in General Schedule, Senior-level, Senior Executive Service, FBI/DEA, Executive Schedule, etc. There are certain job positions where these kinds of incentives are not applicable.
The recruitment incentives are offered to new employees who may take a FPSC jobs position that it is usually not preferred by many people. A recruitment incentive plan is reviewed and approved before the recruitment incentive can take effect. The employees should sign a written agreement so then they can receive a recruitment incentive.
CHILD CARE SUBSIDY PROGRAM
Employees who earn a low salary may apply to programs that cover child care costs. The government knows that some employees have a hard time in taking care of their children because they are so immersed in work. A agency make the necessary arrangements in order to help employees to work effectively.
EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT
The government also offers training to those who want to reach a certain level of knowledge. Employees who show a specific potential to become successful may be prepared. It can even offer the completion of an academic degree if the agency considers it essential. Agencies can also prepare orientation programs in order to help employees understand the conditions of employment as well as the agency’s method of working.
MEDICARE
Those who are 65 years or older may apply to Medicare. It covers hospital insurance, medical insurance, Medicare advantage and Medicare prescription drug coverage. Hospital insurance is free, but medical insurance demands the payment of a monthly premium.