A computational tool exists that allows Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participants to estimate the increase in their annuity at retirement based on accumulated unused sick leave. This resource takes the number of unused sick leave hours, converts them into creditable service, and calculates the corresponding impact on the individual’s retirement benefit. For example, an employee with 2080 hours of unused sick leave would effectively add one year to their service time for annuity calculation purposes.
The availability of this type of calculation offers a valuable advantage to federal employees nearing retirement. It assists in making informed decisions regarding retirement timing and potentially incentivizes efficient sick leave management throughout their careers. Historically, this conversion process has been a factor in encouraging government employees to prioritize attendance and minimize unnecessary absences, as the value of accrued sick leave translates directly into a tangible retirement benefit.