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Compensatory Time Off Fact Sheet

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Follow these steps to determine whether an employee may receive compensatory time off in lieu of overtime pay.

Note:  This chart does not apply to attorneys or members of the Senior Executive Service, nor does it apply to compensatory time off for religious observances under 5 U.S.C. 5550a.  Also note that compensatory time off (other than compensatory time off for religious observances) is subject to the premium pay limitations in 5 U.S.C. 5547.


Step One

Is the employee on a flexible work schedule?

If YES, go to Step Three.

If NO, go to Step Two.


Step Two

Is the overtime work regularly scheduled--i.e., scheduled in advance of the workweek?

If YES, the employee may not receive compensatory time off.

If NO, go to Step Three.


Step Three

Is the employee exempt from the overtime pay provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended (FLSA)?

If YES, go to Step Four.

If NO, the employee may be granted compensatory time off upon request only.


Step Four

Does the employee's rate of pay (including locality pay and special pay adjustments for law enforcement officers) exceed the applicable rate for GS-10, step 10?

If YES, the employee may be required to be paid in the form of compensatory time off.

If NO, the employee may be granted compensatory time off upon request only.


References

Law  (exempt employees):  5 U.S.C. 5543    &     5 U.S.C. 6123(a)

Law  (non-exempt employees):  Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended

Regulations:  5 CFR 550.114 (exempt)    5 CFR 551.531  (non-exempt)

DOJ Order:  Part 2, Chapter 3 of DOJ Order 1200.1



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Last Updated September 21, 2000
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