Employee Benefits and Programs

A career with the OIG will provide you with responsible and meaningful work, with a chance to have a real impact on the Nation’s transportation system.  It also provides you with opportunities for professional growth in a work environment that provides interactions with a wide range of professionals from the public and private sector.  If you are unfamiliar with the Federal employment, you may want to compare our employee benefits and worklife programs that you may be eligible to participate in, with those found in the private sector.

• Professional Development:  On-the-job and formal training to assist you in developing your knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Starting Salary:  A good starting salary with regular increases.
• Group Health Insurance:  Several plans available including PPOs and HMOs.  Government pays up to 3/4 of the premium cost.
• Group Life Insurance:  Group rates for life insurance up to 6 times your annual salary.  Limited coverage for your spouse and children are also available.
• Retirement:  FERS is a retirement plan that provides benefits from three different sources:   a Basic Benefit Plan, Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).   Two of the three parts of FERS (Social Security and the TSP) can go with you to your next job if you leave the Federal Government before retirement.   After you retire, you receive annuity payments each month for the rest of your life.
• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP):  Similar to a 401(k), this plan allows you to contribute any portion of your basic pay and receive matches of your contributions up to 5% of your salary.  The IRS cap for contributions in calendar year 2010 is $16,500.
• Leave Programs:  Annual leave is earned at rates between 13 to 26 days per year, based on length of service.  Sick leave is earned at the rate of 13 days annually. (Service credit for prior non-federal service or active duty uniformed service may be creditable for the purpose of determining annual leave accrual rate.)
• Flexible Spending Accounts:  The Federal Flexible Spending Accounts Program (FSAFeds) allows you to pay for certain health and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Long Term Care Insurance:  The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) provides long term care insurance for Federal employees and their parents, parents-in-law, stepparents, spouses, and adult children.
• Alternating 3-Day Weekends:  In exchange for working a 9-hour day, employees may take alternating Fridays or Mondays off without charge to leave. (Alternate work schedules are subject to supervisory approval.)
• Transit Benefits:  The OIG subsidizes up to $230 each month toward mass transit commuting costs.
• Telecommuting:  Subject to supervisory approval, telecommuting allows employees to work from home or at telecommuting centers close to home.
• Employee Assistance:  Employees can take advantage of free, confidential counseling with a professional counselor as part of the Federal Employee Assistance Program.
• Fitness Center: Low-cost access to DOT’s Fitness Center located at the DOT’s Washington, D.C. headquarters building.
• Student Loan Repayment Program: OIG employees who meet program requirements may be eligible for student loan repayment benefits.

View Current OIG Job Openings at USAJobs.gov