Most enrollees pay only one-fourth of the health benefit premium. Federal employees also earn 13 days of annual leave during each of their first three years of Federal employment. Employees earn additional annual leave as their tenure with the Federal Government increases, up to a maximum of 26 days per year after 15 years of service. Holidays - Employees are entitled to 10 paid holidays each year. The Government pays one-third of the cost of this group term insurance.
Employees can also purchase optional insurance at their own expense.
Optional coverage includes additional insurance on the employee's life as well as coverage for the employee's spouse and eligible children, if any. Those younger than 45 receive an additional amount of coverage at no greater cost. Innovative leave sharing programs allow employees to voluntarily transfer some of their annual leave to specific coworkers or to a leave bank to assist coworkers in dealing with a personal or family medical emergency.