When you think of government workers, you might think of slower salary growth and fewer benefits than the private sector.
However, government employees receive a lot of special perks other workers don’t get.
In this blog post, we’ll focus on seven lesser-known perks that are available to government employees.
We’ll also discuss special insurance rates for government employees that auto insurance companies offer.
So if you’re looking for a job in the government, or are already employed by the government, be sure to keep reading.
Perk #1 – Special Insurance Rates
As a government employee, you’re eligible for special insurance rates from auto insurance companies. These rates are usually lower than what private-sector employees pay.
When it comes to car insurance, government employees usually enjoy some pretty hefty discounts.
In fact, many auto insurance companies offer special rates to those who work for the government – rates that are often lower than what private-sector employees have to pay.
So if you’re looking to save money on your car insurance, working for the government might be a good option for you.
Of course, the amount of money you’ll save will vary depending on a number of factors, including the company you choose to insure with and the state you live in.
But regardless, it’s definitely worth checking into if you’re looking for ways to cut costs.
Perk #2 – Superior Health Insurance
Government employees have access to lower-cost health insurance than workers in other industries.
One of the most well-known perks of working for the government is the superior health insurance.
Government health insurance plans are often more affordable than private plans, and they offer a wide range of coverage options.
In addition, government employees can often choose from a variety of plan types, including HMOs, PPOs, and POS plans.
As a result, government workers enjoy greater peace of mind when it comes to their health care needs.
Plus, with the rising cost of health care, the savings on insurance premiums can be significant. For all these reasons, superior health insurance is one of the biggest benefits of working for the government.
Perk #3 – Retirement Benefits
Retirement benefits are an important part of compensation for government employees. These benefits can include a pension, 401(k), and other financial incentives.
Employees who are covered by a retirement plan typically contribute a portion of their salary to the plan.
The employer may also make contributions. In some cases, the employer’s contributions are matched by the employee.
The amount of the benefits paid out at retirement depends on factors such as the employee’s length of service, salary history, and age at retirement.
Employees who retire at a younger age typically receive lower benefits than those who retire later in life.
Government employees should carefully consider all of their employee retirement options when planning for retirement.
Perk #4 – Special Rates on Loans
Government employees are often eligible for special rates on loans. These special rates may be available for a variety of loan types, including mortgages, auto loans, and student loans.
In some cases, the special rates are only available to government employees who have good credit.
However, even those with less-than-perfect credit may be able to qualify for special rates if they meet other eligibility requirements.
Government employees should compare rates from different lenders to find the best deal on a loan.
Perk #5 – Paid Time Off
Government employees receive many of the same benefits as private-sector workers, including paid time off.
This perk can include vacation days, sick days, and holidays. The amount of paid time off may vary depending on the employee’s position and length of service.
Government employees typically have all federal holidays off, including:
- New Year’s Day.
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
- Presidents’ Day.
- Memorial Day.
- Independence Day.
- Labor Day.
- Columbus Day.
- Veterans’ Day.
- Thanksgiving.
- Christmas.
Paid time off is a great benefit that allows government employees to enjoy quality time with family and friends, pursue hobbies, and take care of personal business.
However, all government employees are entitled to at least a few weeks of paid vacation each year.
In addition, most government employees also receive 10 paid holidays per year.
Paid time off is a valuable benefit that helps to attract and retain talented workers in the government sector.
Perk #6 – Flexible Work Schedules
For working parents, having a flexible work schedule can be a lifesaver. Being able to adjust your hours to accommodate childcare or doctor’s appointments can make all the difference in maintaining a good work-life balance.
Unfortunately, not all employers offer this perk. However, if you’re a government employee, you may be lucky enough to have access to flex time.
This means that you can adjust your work hours to better fit your personal schedule.
While the specifics vary from agency to agency, generally speaking, federal employees are allowed to request a flexible work schedule as long as their request is approved by their supervisor.
So if you’re a working parent who needs a little extra flexibility, be sure to check with your employer to see if flex time is an option for you.
Perk #7 – Job Security
Lastly, one of the main considerations when looking for a job is job security. And in today’s volatile economy, that’s more important than ever.
While it’s true that no job is ever 100% secure, government jobs tend to offer more stability than private-sector jobs.
For one thing, government jobs are less likely to be outsourced or automated. And even if budget cuts do lead to layoffs, government employees are typically given first priority when it comes to rehiring.
In addition, government employees often have stronger union protections, which can help to insulate them from job loss.
So if you’re looking for a stable and secure career, the government is definitely worth considering.
It is also worth looking into the difference between a government job and a government contractor position.
These are just seven of the many perks that government employees receive. If you’re considering a career in the government, be sure to research all of the benefits and perks that you’ll be eligible for.
You might be surprised at how much the government has to offer.
About the Author
Luke Williams writes and researches for the auto insurance comparison site, AutoInsurance.org. His passions include insurance and helping others accurately navigate government careers.
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