Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) employees accumulate sick leave during their careers. Upon retirement, unused sick leave can be converted to additional service credit, potentially increasing the annuity payment. The conversion process involves adding the total number of unused sick leave hours to the employee’s creditable service. For example, 2,087 hours of unused sick leave translates to one year of additional service credit.
Accurately determining the amount of unused sick leave and understanding its impact on retirement benefits is crucial for FERS employees. This additional service credit can significantly affect the final annuity calculation, leading to a higher monthly payment. Historically, this provision has been a valuable benefit for federal employees, encouraging them to use sick leave responsibly while recognizing their dedication and service.