Paydays
All Federal employees are paid biweekly for a total of 26 paydays in the calendar year. Paydays are every other Friday, 1 week after the end of the pay period. Salary received is for the 2-week pay period ending the week before the Friday payday. All employees are required to participate in the Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer program. No salary checks will be issued; all employees must arrange for direct deposit of salary money to their designated financial institution.
Holidays
Employees are entitled to 10 paid holidays each year. Holiday pay is granted for nationally observed holidays whether they fall within the workweek or on a weekend. By Executive Order, some holidays are regularly observed on Monday. Sick leave and annual (vacation) leave policies are generous. Employees earn 13 days of sick leave each year. There is no ceiling on the amount of sick leave that may be carried over from year to year. Annual leave accrued in the first year (13 days) exceeds the standard of 2 weeks (10 days) in the private sector. Employees earn additional annual leave as their tenure increases, up to a maximum of 26 days per year, according to the following schedule:
0 to 3 years of service = 4 hours per pay period (13 days per year)
3 to 15 years of service = 6 hours per pay period (20 days per year)
Over 15 years of service = 8 hours per pay period (26 days per year)
Leave Sharing Program
Federal leave sharing programs allow employees to voluntarily transfer some of their annual (vacation) leave to specific coworkers to assist those coworkers in dealing with personal or family medical emergencies.
Family and Medical Leave Act
The Family and Medical Leave Act ensures that up to 12 weeks per year of unpaid family and medical leave are available on a gender-neutral basis, and mandates job security for employees who take such leave.
Paid Leave for Family Care and Related Purposes
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 can receive additional paid leave to serve as bone marrow or organ donors.
Education and Workforce Development
JWAC promotes full- or part-time academic work-study programs to support continuing education and professional development. Many employees are pursuing advanced degrees from prestigious institutions such as American University, Catholic University, George Washington University, Howard University, John Hopkins University, Mary Washington University, University of Maryland, Georgetown University, University of Virginia, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The Center encourages employees to keep up with rapidly changing technologies by participating in training through Center-paid courses, seminars, and conferences. These courses and on-the-job training can enhance careers in both the technical and managerial fields.
Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)
Established by an Executive Order in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, the CFC's tradition of commitment to the community through the selfless efforts of Federal employees has its roots under one umbrella. Federal employees created the CFC -- one campaign, once a year. By allowing employees to select from a single guide to make their contributions through payroll deductions, the CFC opened wide the door to more opportunities for generous giving to literally hundreds of worthy causes helping those in need across our community and throughout the world. The CFC is the only authorized solicitation of employees in the Federal workplace on behalf of charitable organizations. It continues to be the largest and most successful workplace fundraising model in the world. For more information, visit http://www.opm.gov/cfc/index.asp