These are basic pay increases for all purposes. No more than one quality step increase can be granted within a 52-week period, and such an increase cannot cause the employee's pay to exceed the maximum rate of the grade. Agencies have discretionary authority to grant an employee a lump-sum cash award based on a Fully Successful or better rating of record or in recognition of accomplishments that contribute to the efficiency, economy, or other improvement of Government operations. Cash awards do not increase an employee's basic pay. Awards based on the rating of record can be up to 10 percent of salary, or up to 20 percent for exceptional performance.
Federal employees can receive additional paid leave to serve as bone-marrow or organ donors.
Many agencies offer referral and information assistance to community resources, provide lunch and learn seminars, and sponsor care giver fairs. Also, OPM's Handbook of Child and Elder Care Resources provides employees, managers, and employee assistance counselors with information about organizations and agencies across the country that can help employees locate quality child and elder care services. Many Federal agencies also provide on-site child development centers. These programs provide a variety of confidential services, including counseling and referrals, to employees who are experiencing personal problems such as work and family pressures, substance abuse, and financial problems which can adversely affect performance, reliability, and personal health.