HHS Federal Benefits

HHS recognizes that many people are interested in the benefits available to permanent Federal employees. Each Federal agency has a unique mission and requirements, and they each offer unique benefit packages. Below is a sampling of the benefits that may be available to you as a permanent Federal employee.

Flexible Spending Accounts (www.fsafeds.com)

An employee benefit which allows money to be set aside for certain health and dependent care expenses.

Employee Express (http://www.employeeexpress.gov/emain.htm)

An automated system which allows direct access to review, change or cancel certain payroll and personnel transactions.

Retirement (http://www.opm.gov/retire/index.asp):

Benefits based on amount of service and salary History.
FERS is a three-tiered retirement plan for new and certain rehired Federal employees.
CSRS is a retirement plan available to employees hired before 1/1/84.

Thrift Savings Plan (www.tsp.gov):

Multiple investment options similar to a 401(k) plan.

Social Security (www.ssa.gov):

Credit earned while working with the Government. Retirement benefits, disability protection, and survivor protection.

US Savings Bonds:

A convenient and reliable way to save money.

Medicare Part A (www.medicare.gov):

This is available to you at no cost at age 65.

Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB):

No waiting periods, required medical exam, or age/physical condition restrictions for new enrollees.

Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI):

Group term life insurance - Basic life insurance and three options (Standard, Additional, and Family), no medical exam required to enroll.

Leave and Holidays:

Annual leave (13, 20 or 26 days of vacation leave each year) depending on years of service
Sick leave (13 days)
Family Medical Leave Program
10 paid holiday each year.
Voluntary Leave Transfer Program
Court Leave.

Family Friendly and Employee Development Policies and Programs:

Part Time; Flexible Work Schedules; Telecommuting; Family Friendly Leave Policies; Employee Assistance Program (EAP); Child & Elder Care Resources Adoption; Information/Incentives; Child Care and Elder Care Support Services; Career Resource Centers; Training Opportunities; Nursing Mothers Program (available at some HHS buildings); On-site/near-site Day Care; Day Care Tuition Assistance; Transportation Subsidy; Career Counseling Center; Employee Awards Programs; Compensatory Time and Credit hours.

Recruitment Bonus:

Lump-sum bonus to newly appointed employees for difficult-to-fill positions. Up to 25% of basic pay may be paid prior to employee entering on duty. Service agreement with repayment plan if service time not fulfilled.

Relocation Bonus:

Lump-sum bonuses are available and maybe applicable per the job announcement.

Retention Allowance:

Continuing payment to retain departing employees; up to 25% of basic pay.

Incentive Awards:

Monetary; Time off; Honorary; Non-monetary.

Annual Combined Federal Campaign:

A Nationwide fundraising drive available to provide support to local and national charities.

Inter-agency Transfers:

Transfer from one Federal agency/position to another without a break in service.

Student Loan Repayment:

Permits agencies to repay the student loans of Federal employees; used at the discretion of the agency.

Long Term Care Insurance Program (www.ltcfeds.com):

Brand new program available to HHS employees.

Other Amenities depending upon your Agency location:

Banking, ATM and Federal Credit Unions
Close to transportation (Subway/Metro, Local Rail Systems, Amtrak, Public Buses)
Handicap parking available
Close to college and universities to further your education
Local restaurants, fast foods, shopping, post offices
Close to museums, historical sites, tourist’s attractions
Health & Fitness facilities
Health Units

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