Are part time employees eligible for FEHB?
Andrew Ramirez
Published Mar 24, 2026
As a Federal employee, you are eligible to elect FEHB coverage, unless your position is excluded by law or regulation. However, there are numerous special provisions for people in part-time or intermittent employment, temporary appointments, and specifically named positions.
Can federal employees work part time?
As an employer, the Federal Government has long recognized the value of part-time employment. Legislation encouraging part-time employment for Federal employees has been in place since 1978. Part-time employees are represented across occupational fields, pay plans, grade levels, and agencies.
What is federal part time?
Part-time employment is considered to be regularly scheduled work from 16 to 32 hours per week (or between 32 and 64 hours per pay period in the case of a flexible or compressed work schedule).
Do part time federal employees earn leave?
Employees new to the government earn 4 hours of annual leave per 80 hours worked. After 3 years to federal service employees earn 6 hours per pay period or 19.5 days per year. After 15 years of full time federal service employees earn 8 hours of paid personal leave per pay period which is equal to 26 days off per year.
Are federal term appointments eligible for benefits?
Term employees are eligible to participate in most of the benefit programs available to permanent federal employees, e.g., the FEHB, FEGLI, Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).” Page 7 HRM 9316.1 7 (3) Competitive Term Appointment.
How much leave do federal employees earn per pay period?
Annual Leave
| Number of Years of Service | Accrued Hours | Accrued Days |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 3 years of service | 4 hours per pay period | 13 workdays per year |
| 3 but less than 15 years of service | 6 hours per pay period | 20 workdays per year |
| 15 years of service and over | 8 hours per pay period | 26 workdays per year |
