There are many benefit entitlements for Federal employees and their families. Some new employees and employees converting from a temporary position to a permanent may be able to enroll in health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, flexible spending account, life insurance, and/or apply for long term care insurance.  Your appointment type determines your eligibility for enrollment. There are specific timeframes designated for enrollment under each program. Failure to make an election within the prescribed time period forfeits your opportunity to enroll in that program for the plan year.

Listed below are a few appointment types to help you better understand and determine benefits eligibility.

Temporary Appointment:  Means that you are in an appointment with a not to exceed (NTE) date, normally this date will be for 1 year. Temporary appointments cannot be longer than 1 year at a time, but the appointment can be extended.  If you are serving under a temporary appointment NTE one year or less you are not eligible for federal benefits.

Term Appointment: Is a time-limited appointment for a specific period that exceeds one year and last no more than four years. Term appointments are covered under the applicable retirement plan (based on the date of hire) and also provide eligibility opportunity for enrollment in any of the insurance programs.

Permanent Appointment:  Means the appointment is without a time constraint. Employees are automatically covered under the applicable retirement plan and are eligible to enroll in any of the benefit programs. There are several types of permanent appointments but as a new employee, your appointment is a Career-Conditional Appointment

You can also learn more about your Federal employment benefits, including information on Federal, Departmental and Headquarters programs and services, such as:

  • The Department’s telework program, known as DOE-Flex
  • Health, fitness, reasonable accommodations, disability services, and wellness, including:
  • Employee satisfaction surveys and action plans
  • Benefits for employees on active military duty
  • Headquarters child development centers
  • Headquarters parking services
  • Retirement/pre-retirement
  • Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
  • Workers' Compensation Program (OWCP)
  • Insurance (FEHB, FEGLI, FEDVIP, FLTCIP, & FSAFEDS)
  • Transit subsidy, known as SEET in Headquarters

Financial Literacy: Financial education strategy is designed to provide employees with the framework and decision-making to help plan and achieve their retirement goals. Workplace financial education benefits provides onsite useful and helpful information to employees resulting in better financial decisions and overall financial well-being.

Additional Resources