Federal Employee Benefits Summary

*On average, the Federal Government’s contribution to employee benefits equates to approximately 38

percent of your annual salary.

Salary Regular pay increases, time and a half for overtime worked, pay differentials (i.e., 

night differential and Sunday pay). 

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Service credit may be granted for 

related work experience, 

assumes full-time work schedule

0-3 years

3-15 years

15+ years

Earn 4 hours per pay period/ 13 days per year

Earn 6 hours per pay period/ 20 days per year

Earn 8 hours per pay period/ 26 days per year

Sick Leave

Earn 4 hours per pay period/13 days per year. Unlike many employers, the 

Federal Government allows employees to carry over unlimited sick leave from 

year to year. Unused sick leave is credited in the retirement annuity.

Federal Holidays There are 11 paid Federal holidays per year. Receive holiday pay for work 

performed on designated Federal holidays.

Retirement Funds (FERS)

The Federal Employees Retirement System is a defined benefit pension plan that 

is guaranteed upon retirement, receives cost-of-living adjustments, and is not 

based on your individual investment return.

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) 

Similar to 401k

Agency automatically contributes 1% of your yearly base salary and will match 

up to an additional 4% (for a total of 5%). 

Health, Dental & Vision 

Insurance Options

Many affordable plans to choose from. Most employers offer only one or two 

options. Choose the plan that works for you, not the company. Government pays 

~ 70% of premiums and allows employees to carry medical coverage into 

retirement. Dental/vision plans are at reduced rates.

Life & Long-Term Care* 

Insurance Options

Automatic life insurance coverage with options to increase coverage. Long-Term 

Care Insurance provides financial assistance for care due to chronic illness, 

injury, disability, or aging. *OPM has suspended new enrollments into the Federal 

Long-Term Care Insurance Program until 11/2024. There is no suspension on the 

Federal Employee Group Life Insurance Program. 

Flexible Spending 

Accounts (FSA)

Use pre-tax dollars to cover out-of-pocket health care and dependent care 

expenses. Save an average of 30 percent on qualifying health care expenses.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. February 2024

Employee Assistance 

Program (EAP)

An Agency-paid benefit that provides employees and their families 24/7, free 

confidential counseling and referral services related to personal or work-related 

concerns, family and relationship matters, legal or financial issues, and more.

WorkLife4You Program

An Agency-paid work/life balance benefit that provides employees and their 

families resources/tools to manage life’s milestones, transitions and 

responsibilities at work and home. Work/Life specialists provide personalized 

guidance and pre-screened referrals to meet each employee’s specific needs, 

e.g., child development, gerontology, education, finance, and law.

Incentives

FSIS offers up to $5000.00 per year tuition reimbursement for full-time 

permanent employees after one year of service. Student loan repayment and 

additional incentives are available for Public Health Veterinarian positions.

LifeMart© Employee 

Discount Center

An on-line discount center, featuring a wide variety of products and services, 

such as delivery and streaming services, grocery coupons, entertainment, travel, 

fitness centers and products, learning resources and more.

Leave Share Programs

Leave Bank Program requires membership each year and then application as a

recipient to receive a portion of needed leave as a lump donation from the bank

and the option to receive direct donations from coworkers.

The Voluntary Leave Transfer Program does not require membership and relies

on direct donations from other employees if eligible.

Paid Parental Leave Twelve weeks of paid leave for a qualifying birth or adoption or foster care child. 

Parental Bereavement

Leave 

Two weeks of paid leave for the purpose of bereavement in connection with the 

death of a child. 

Other Leave Flexibilities

Weather and Safety Leave, Military Leave, Disabled Veterans Leave, 

Administrative Leave for Voting and Poll Worker Activities, Family and Medical 

Leave Act (FMLA), Family Friendly Sick Leave (FFSL), Bone Marrow and Organ 

Donor Leave, Court Leave, Home Leave.