The U.S. Civil Service offers a full plate of benefits, competitive with most large private companies. Interns are full-time employees and receive the same benefits as their co-workers. These benefits include:
- 10 paid holidays
- Competitive salaries--Interns are paid a full salary.
- Vacation--Federal employees earn annual leave hours for each pay period they work. Initially, 13 days of annual leave are earned and over time, the accrual rate evolves to 26 days. The amount of annual leave earned is based on how long the employee has worked for the federal government. Annual leave may be used as it is earned.
- Sick Leave--Federal employees earn four hours of sick leave for each pay period they work. While there is a fixed rate of accrual, which does not change, there is no limit to the amount of sick leave that may be accumulated.
- Life Insurance - Low cost term life insurance is automatically provided to all permanent federal employees unless that employee waives coverage. Family coverage is optional.
- Health Insurance - Federal employees and their families are eligible for group health benefits where the government pays the majority of the costs. Health insurance plans are offered by a variety of major carriers and HMOs.
- Promotions - Interns are promoted annually, provided training requirements are met.
- Retirement - Federal employees are automatically covered under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). FERS is a three-tiered retirement plan that includes Social Security, a Basic Benefit Plan and an optional thrift savings plan.
