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Employee Benefits

Permanent status employees of the U.S. Attorney’s Office are eligible for many benefits, including the following:

   Retirement Benefits. The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) is a three-tiered plan to provide retirement, disability, and survivor benefits for employees and their dependents. In addition to Social Security benefits as a base, FERS offers an annuity that grows with length of service and a tax deferred savings plan. Employees pay eight-tenths of one percent of salary to qualify for the annuity and are fully vested after five years of service, and for disability benefits, after 18 months. The savings plan allows employees to save up to a certain percentage of their bi-weekly salary (taking into consideration the IRS annual limits for the given year) for retirement. The government contributes one percent of the bi-weekly salary to employees who do not contribute and will match up to another four percent of savings for employees who do contribute The savingsplan allows employees to save up to a certain percentage of their bi-weekly salary (taking intoconsideration the IRS annual limits for the given year) for retirement. The government contributesone percent of the bi-weekly salary to employees who do not contribute and will match up to anotherfour percent of savings  for employees who do contribute.

     Health Insurance. Employees can enroll in health insurance coverage for themselves and their families. Employees can choose between several managed fee-for-service plans and health maintenance organization plans. There is an annual open season when employees can change their enrollment. Federal employees can continue their health insurance coverage into retirement with a full government contribution. The employee's share of the health insurance premium is made on a pretax basis.

     Life Insurance. Most full-time and part-time employees are automatically enrolled in basic life insurance equal to their salary, rounded to the next $1,000, plus $2,000. The government pays one-third of the cost of this group term insurance. Employees do not have to prove insurability. Basic coverage includes double benefits for accidental death and benefits for loss of limb(s) or eyesight. Employees can also purchase optional insurance at their own expense. Optional coverage includes additional insurance on the employee's life as well as coverage for the employee's spouse and eligible children, if any. Those younger than 45 receive an additional amount of coverage at no greater cost

     Leave. Employees earn 13 days of sick leave each year. Sick leave can be used to care for family members, to arrange for or attend funeral services of family members, and for absences relating to adopting a child. Federal employees also earn 13 days of annual leave during each of their first three years of federal employment. Employees earn additional annual leave as their tenure with the federal government increases, up to a maximum of 26 days per year after 15 years of service.

     Holidays.  Employees are entitled to ten paid holidays each year.

     Liability Insurance.  Attorneys and supervisors are eligible to receive reimbursement for up
to one-half the cost of professional liability insurance.

     Training. Through the Department of Justice's Office of Legal Education, we are able to offer a comprehensive range of courses to assist attorneys, paralegals, legal assistants, and other professional support personnel in professional learning and development. Courses are generally conducted at the National Advocacy Center, a training facility located in Columbia, South Carolina.

     Long-Term Care Insurance. The government's long-term care insurance program includes benefits for all levels of care, custodial to skilled, including home care, assisted living facilities, and nursing home care. Although employees electing this benefit pay all costs, the premiums are competitive and the coverage is among the most comprehensive and flexible available.

Although employees serving on temporary appointments are generally not eligible for retirement, life insurance, and health insurance, they can receive annual and sick leave.

Additional information on federal benefits is available at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s website located at http://www.opm.gov/.  Questions may also be directed to the U.S. Attorney’s Office human resources staff at (205) 244-2001.

Updated July 8, 2021