This tool determines the value of accumulated unused sick leave for Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) employees at retirement. It converts the hours of unused sick leave into additional months of creditable service, potentially increasing the monthly annuity payment received during retirement. For example, an employee with 2,087 hours of unused sick leave, roughly equivalent to one year, could see their total creditable service increased by one year when calculating their retirement benefits.
The utilization of this calculation offers several advantages. It ensures that federal employees receive full credit for their years of service, incentivizes responsible sick leave management, and can significantly impact the financial stability of retirees. Prior to its implementation, unused sick leave often provided no direct benefit at retirement, potentially discouraging employees from taking necessary precautions to remain healthy and productive. The ability to convert unused sick leave into creditable service provides a tangible reward for responsible leave usage, directly influencing the final annuity calculation.