Benefits of Working Here

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) offers a broad array of benefits programs and family friendly flexibilities to meet the needs of you and your family. We've listed some highlights below.

Salaries, Incentives, & Awards

• Periodic Performance-Based Pay Adjustments (within grade/step increases)
• Cost of Living Allowances — scheduled annual pay increases
• Special Salary Rates for IT Professionals — higher rates of pay for IT staff
• Recruitment and Relocation Bonuses — up to 25% of basic pay for hard-to-fill positions
• Retention Allowances — up to 25% of basic pay to retain departing employees
• Participation in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, administered through the Department of Education
• Employee Recognition through our Incentive Awards Program
• The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) provides additional details
  about Salaries and Wages

Leave & Holidays

• Ten Paid Holidays per year
• Thirteen Days of Sick Leave per year - accrued at a rate of 4 hours per pay period
• Up to 26 Vacation Days per year based on your years of employment:
  • 13 days per year for less than 3 years of Federal service - accrued at a rate of 4 hours per pay period
  • 20 days per year after 3 years of Federal service but less than 15 years - accrued at a rate of 6 hours per pay period
  • 26 days per year after 15 years of Federal service - accrued at a rate of 8 hours per pay period
• Family Friendly Leave Policies — provide flexibility for events such as military leave, birth or adoption of a child, care of a sick family member, or care of yourself in response to a serious health condition or emergency.
• Voluntary Leave Transfer Program — a Federal program that enables one Federal employee to transfer leave to another Federal employee who faces a personal medical emergency or a medical emergency of a family member.
• OPM provides additional details about Leave and Holidays

Flexible Work Arrangements

• Flexible Work Schedules — numerous options are available, some of which will allow you to adjust your work hours in order to take a day off each pay period.
• Telecommuting — allows you to work from home in certain circumstances.
• Credit Time — allows you to earn time off in exchange for extra hours worked.

Health Insurance Benefits

• Choose from an extensive array of health plans with costs shared by the Government.
• No waiting period — coverage is immediate.
• Medical examination is not required to obtain coverage.
• No restrictions due to age, current health, or pre-existing medical condition.
• Premiums as well as out-of-pocket costs can be paid with pre-tax dollars.
• Eligible for Medicare Part A at no cost beginning at age 65.
• Long Term Care Insurance Program.
• OPM provides additional details about the
  Federal Employees Health Benefits Program

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

• Health Care FSA — allows you to set aside up to $4,000 in pre-tax dollars for out-of-pocket medical expenses and other benefits not covered by your health plan.
• Dependent Care FSA — allows you to set aside up to $5,000 in pre-tax dollars to cover daycare or other expenses related to the care of a child or qualifying dependent adult
• OPM provides additional details about Flexible Spending Accounts

Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)

• Three-part program that includes a social security benefit, a 401(k) type plan with choice of five investment funds and Government matching contributions up to 5%, and a defined benefit component based on years of employment and salary history.
• OPM provides additional details about Federal Retirement Benefits

Life Insurance

• Group term life insurance program that offers basic as well as additional optional benefits.
• OPM provides additional details about the Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Program

Commuter Subsidy Programs

• Public Transit Subsidy Program — offers up to $270 per month in checks or transit passes to encourage the use of public mass transportation
• Qualified Transportation Fringe Benefits — allows you to set aside up to $250 in pre-tax dollars to offset costs associated with using public mass transportation and parking at public mass transportation facilities.

Wellness, Fitness & Other Benefits

• Fitness Centers, Daycare Facilities, and Health Services Offices at select NARA locations/
• Eligible for membership in the GSA Federal Credit Union
• Employee Assistance and Federal Occupational Health Programs
• NARA Recreation Association — provides recreational, social, charitable, and educational opportunities and support to fellow NARA employees