Benefits Summary Chart
| Benefit |
Who Pays for It? |
When are you Eligible? |
What Do You Receive? |
Retirement Plan |
NIST and Employee |
First day of employment |
Upon retirement, lifetime monthly payments based on your total length of creditable service and your "high 3" average salary. Federal retirement systems also provide for death and long term disability benefits. For more information, visit:
|
Thrift Savings Plan |
NIST and Employee |
First full pay period after employment begins. New government hires must serve a waiting period before receiving matching contributions |
A portable tax deferred retirement savings account where you can contribute up to the IRS maximum allowable annual amount. For more information, call the Thriftline at 1-TSP-YOU-FRST (1-877-968-3778) or visit:
|
Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) |
NIST pays approximately 70% and employee pays the remainder |
First full pay period after employment begins |
A variety of health plans from which to choose including fee for service type plans, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and high deductible health plans with health savings accounts. For more information, click on one of the following links:
|
Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) |
NIST and Employee |
First day of employment |
Basic life insurance coverage is automatic and employee can elect additional optional coverage for himself and/or his family. For more information, visit:
|
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) |
Employee |
First full pay period after employment begins |
A tax-favored program allowing employees to pay for eligible out-of-pocket health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars. For more information, visit https://www.fsafeds.com or call 1-877-FSAFEDS (1-877-372-3337) |
Federal Long-Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) |
Employee |
Anytime within the first 60 days from first day of employment with abbreviated underwriting; however, employees may apply for coverage at any time |
Assistance and care if you are unable to perform everyday tasks due to chronic illness, injury, disability or the aging process. Terms of coverage and premium costs vary depending on program options elected, location where care is received, and age. Qualified relatives may also apply for coverage. For more information, call 1-800-LTCFEDS (1-800-582-3337) or visit:
|
| Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) |
Employee |
First full pay period after employment begins |
This Program allows dental and vision insurance to be purchased on a group basis which means competitive premiums and no pre-existing condition limitations. For more information, visit:
|
Flexible Work Hours |
NIST pays full salary |
First day of employment |
A variety of work schedules are available for NIST employees, subject to supervisory approval, and recognizes the need for some employees to adjust their hours during the workweek. |
Annual Leave |
NIST pays full salary |
First day of employment |
Paid time off for vacation and personal days. Amount of annual leave earned depends on length of Federal service. For the first three years of Federal employment, employees earn four hours of annual leave every two weeks. |
Sick Leave |
NIST pays full salary |
First day of employment |
Paid time off for illness, medical examinations, etc. All federal employees earn four hours of sick leave every two weeks. |
Holidays |
NIST pays full salary |
First day of employment |
Paid time off for Federal holidays (10 per year)
|
Other Benefits of NIST Employment
| Benefit |
What do you get? |
Awards |
The National Institute of Standards and Technology recognizes the importance of rewarding its employees for a job well-done. A number of different awards can be given for exemplary work. |
| Childcare Services |
On-site childcare for children of various ages. |
| Credit Union |
A full line of financial services is provided to members including personal, home equity, and auto loans as well as checking and savings accounts at competitive rates. |
| Employee Assistance Program (EAP) |
Free, confidential counseling and referral services for employees and their families. |
| Employee Associations |
NIST fitness centers and various welfare, recreation, and social activities sponsored by employee-operated organizations. |
| Employee Support Groups |
A variety of groups offering support to certain individuals. |
Family-Friendly Leave Policies |
Paid or unpaid time off under certain circumstances. |
| Part-Time Employment |
Part-time employment may be available with a modified benefits package, subject to supervisory approval. |
Telecommuting |
Ability to work either at home or a satellite work center, subject to supervisory approval. |
Transportation Services |
Transportation subsidies if commuting via mass transit; also a free shuttle for Gaithersburg employees that runs between NIST buildings and the Shady Grove Metro Station. |
