GovCentral

All Government Benefits Explained

GovCentral.com — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:53:00 -0700

Employees of the US Government often enjoy benefits packages unparalleled by those offered in any other profession. The wide range of benefits available to federal employees goes way beyond insurance and retirement; these perks include job security, outstanding 'family friendly' health insurance and retirement plans, and steadily accumulating raises. You may be surprised to learn that federal government jobs - after you factor in the benefits - often pay up to twice as much as private sector jobs.

How Can I Learn About Government Benefits?

The majority of government benefits are either state or federally funded, and each department offers different benefits. Believe it or not, over 31 million Federal government web pages currently supply information about government job benefits; why not use GovCentral's resources to explore government benefits before you look into a specific department's benefit information?

Use Our Benefits Channel

Our Benefits section is growing more and more comprehensive in its government of government benefits packages. To learn more about the specific benefits that may apply to you, please browse through the following categories:

Top Level Benefits Categories

• Career Development Assistance (43)

• Family Flexibility (13)

• Flexible Spending Accounts (8)

• Health Benefits (6)

• Leave and Holidays (16)

• Life Insurance and Long-Term Care (4)

• Recruitment (4)

• Retention Benefits (3)

• Retirement Planning (5)

• Student Loan Repayment (6)

• Taxes (17)

• Transfers and Relocations(3)

• Veterans Preference (7)

More Information

• Five Habits of Millionaires

• The Ultimate Government Job Search Tool

• Highest Paying Federal Careers for 2008

Career Development Assistance Overview

GovCentral.com — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:42:00 -0700

What is Career Development?

Career Development, or Organization Development, refers to how individuals manage their careers within and between organizations. Essentially, employees use Career Development Assistance to plan the future of their career.

Which Career Development Assistance is ultimately focused on enabling individuals to take advantage of future job opportunities, it is equally focused on fulfilling agencies' goals for workforce productivity; therefore, a focus is placed on enhancing each employee's current job performance as well.

The type of assistance offered varies by agency and each employee, but typical provided services include: professional development activities, publications, research, public information, professional standards, advocacy, and recognition for achievement and service.

Who Does It?

• Managers are responsible for linking the organization's needs to employee career goals, and can assist employees in the career planning process.

• Human Resources is responsible for designing career paths and employee development programs that help employees reach their goals.

• Each employee is responsible for planning and managing his/her career.

_(Source:http://jobs.virginia.gov/cd_what.html)_

This area explains the Career Development process, and provides career planning resources that can help you and your agency set career goals and develop career plans.

Resources

• Job Opportunities for Low-Income Individuals

• Minority Access to Research Careers

• Employment and Training Assistance

• VA - Counseling- Educational and Vocational Counseling

See All Career Development Assistance Articles

Veterans' Employment Program (Veterans' Workforce Investment Program)

http://www.govbenefits.gov — Thu, 08 May 2008 18:19:00 -0700

*Program Description*

The purpose of the Veterans' Employment Program is to develop programs that meet the employment and training needs of service-connected disabled veterans who have significant barriers to employment.

*General Program Requirements*

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must have completed at least 24 continuous months of active duty military service and now have a disability or a family/household member with a disability.

*Application Process*

For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

*Program Contact Information*

Headquarters Office:

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training

200 Constitution Avenue, NW.

Room S- 1316

Washington, DC 20210

Contact: Robert M. Wilson

202-693-4719

*Managing Agency*

U.S. Department of Labor

"http://www.dol.gov/":http://www.dol.gov/

VA - Vocational Rehabilitation - Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment services for veterans with disabilities

http://www.govbenefits.gov — Thu, 08 May 2008 18:19:00 -0700

*Program Description*

Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment is an employment-oriented program that helps veterans with compensable service-connected disabilities to prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs.

For veterans with compensable service-connected disabilities so severe that they cannot immediately consider work, the program offers services to improve their ability to live as independently as possible.

*General Program Requirements*

In order to be considered for this benefit program, you must be

- A veteran with a compensable service-connected disability,

- A service-disabled active duty person who is receiving treatment pending discharge

If you’re a veteran, you must also be discharged or released from military service under other than dishonorable conditions.

Reservists and National Guard members who are activated for Federal service OR who are disabled while on training status are considered veterans.

Commissioned Officers of the Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are considered to be active duty members and veterans, once discharged.

*Application Process*

For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

*Program Contact Information*

You may complete the application online, through this website:

"http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp":"http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp

For more information about Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Services for veterans with disabilities, please contact your local VA Regional Office at the national toll-free telephone number at:

800-827-1000

You may obtain information about the program and complete an application form on-line, or download a hard-copy application form at:

"http://www.vetsuccess.gov":http://www.vetsuccess.gov or "http://www.va.gov":http://www.va.gov

A fact sheet is available at this address:
"http://www.vba.va.gov/benefit_facts/index.htm#service-connected-info":http://www.vba.va.gov/benefit_facts/index.htm#service-connected-info

*Managing Agency*

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

http://www.va.gov/":http://www.va.gov/

VA - Counseling- Educational and Vocational Counseling

http://www.govbenefits.gov — Thu, 08 May 2008 18:19:00 -0700

*Program Description*

Educational and Vocational Counseling can help you—

* Assess your vocational interests, aptitues and abilities

* Explore vocational career opportunities

* Select an appropriate vocational goal

* Address barriers that may impede success in training or employment

* Develop educational program objectives

*General Program Requirements*

In order to be considered for this benefit program, you must be—

* A transitioning servicemember who is within six months of discharge from active duty, OR

* A veteran who has been out of service less than a year (Your discharge must have been under other than dishonorable conditions.) OR

* A veteran or reservist who is eligible for educational assistance under one of the education programs sponsored by VA or the Defense Department (Chapters 30, 32, 1606 or 1607), OR

A spouse or child of a service-connected veteran or a person who died on active duty—if you qualify for Dependents Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)

*Application Process*

For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

Program Contact Information

You can find more information about Vocational and Educational Counseling at this address:

"http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/vec.htm":http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/vec.htm OR
< a href=”http://www.vetsuccess.gov”> http://www.vetsuccess.gov

You can apply using VA Form 28-8832, Application for Vocational Educational Counseling. It’s available for downloading at:

"http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/28-8832.pdf":http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/28-8832.pdf

Or you can call:

1-800-827-1000

*Managing Agency*

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

"http://www.va.gov/":http://www.va.gov/

Vocational Rehabilitation for Individuals with Disabilities

http://www.govbenefits.gov — Thu, 08 May 2008 18:15:00 -0700

*Program Description*

Vocational rehabilitation services are available for persons who are unable to prepare for, secure, retain or regain employment due to a mental or physical disability, but wish to pursue meaningful careers. VR assists such individuals secure employment corresponding with their abilities, through local job searches and awareness of self-employment and telecommuting opportunities. Services vary by state but may include: vocational evaluation, medical assistance, psychological and psychiatric intervention, counseling and guidance, personal and work adjustment, job training and placement, interpreter and reader services, transition services for students with disabilities, rehabilitation technology services and devices, and supported employment.

*General Program Requirements*

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be authorized to work in the US, you must have a disability that prevents you from holding a job (full-time or part-time), and you must be under-employed (working for very low wages), unemployed or about to become unemployed.

*Application Process*

For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

*Program Contact Information*

For more information on vocational rehabilitation and to obtain contact information for the agency in your State, visit the following Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) website and click on "State vocational rehabilitation (VR)" in the body of the text:

"http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/rsa/index.html?src=mr":http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/rsa/index.html?src=mr

Headquarters Office:

Rehabilitation Services Administration

OSERS, Department of Education

PCP

Room 5034

Washington, DC 20202-2800

202-245-7312

*Managing Agency*

U.S. Department of Education

"http://www.ed.gov":http://www.ed.gov

Youth Education and Training Activities

http://www.govbenefits.gov — Thu, 08 May 2008 18:14:00 -0700

*Program Description*

The Youth Activities Program provides grants to State and local communities to operate a comprehensive array of youth services that help low-income youth (ages 14-21) seeking assistance in achieving academic and employment success. Program participants receive services such as occupational skills training, counseling, internships, job placements, mentoring, tutoring, leadership development, and support services. To participate in this program, a youth must fall under one or more of the following categories: 1) deficient in basic literacy skills; 2) a school dropout; 3) homeless; 4) a runaway; 5) a foster child; 6) pregnant or a parent; 7) an offender; 8) requires additional assistance to complete education or secure and hold employment.

*General Program Requirements*

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be older than 13 years of age, under 22 years of age, have an annual pretax household income of no more than $8,861 per person and less than $58,141 total.

*Application Process*

For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

*Program Contact Information*

More information about this program is available at:

"http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/training/youth.htm":http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/training/youth.htm

To find a local office to apply for benefits available through this program visit:

"http://www.servicelocator.org":http://www.servicelocator.org

For more information, you may call this toll-free help line:

866-487-2365

People who are hearing impaired may call this toll-free TTY number:

877-889-5627

*Managing Agency*

U.S. Department of Labor

"http://www.dol.gov/":http://www.dol.gov/

Health Professions Recruitment Program for Indians

http://www.govbenefits.gov — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:18:00 -0700

*Program Description*

The Health Professions Recruitment Programs for Indians provides grants to tribes, tribal organizations, and public or nonprofit private health or educational entities to assist in identifying American Indian/Alaskan Natives with potential for education or training in the health profession and encouraging and assisting them to enroll in a health profession or take postsecondary education or training in order to qualify for enrollment.

*General Program Requirements*

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a Native American/American Indian, a current or prospective student in the field of health care, and you or a family member must be enrolled in a federally recognized American Indian tribe or Alaskan Native village.

*Application Process*

For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

*Program Contact Information*

Loan Repayment Branch

801 Thompson Ave., Suite 120

Rockville, MD 20852

301-443-3396

*Managing Agency*

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

"http://www.hhs.gov/":http://www.hhs.gov/

Ironworker Training Program

http://www.govbenefits.gov — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:17:00 -0700

*Program Description*

The purpose of the program is provide ironwork vocational training, apprenticeships, and job placement to eligible Native Americans through the National Ironworkers Training Program, located in Broadview, Illinois.

*General Program Requirements*

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a Native American/American Indian who needs training or retraining to develop new job skills, and you or a family member must be enrolled in a federally recognized American Indian tribe or Alaskan Native village.

*Application Process*

For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

*Program Contact Information*

For direct contact:

Mr. Robert Mitacek, Director

National Ironworkers Training

Program for American Indians

1819 Beach Street

Broadview, Illinois 60153

708-345-2344

Contact: Lynn Forcia

Office of Economic Development, Division of Job Placement and Training

Bureau of Indian Affairs

1849 C Street, NW

MS 4640 MIB

Washington, DC 20240

202-219-5270

*Managing Agency*

U.S. Department of the Interior

"http://www.doi.gov":http://www.doi.gov

Indian Vocational Training-United Tribes Technical College

http://www.govbenefits.gov — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:17:00 -0700

*Program Description*

The purpose of the program is to provide vocational training to individual American Indians through the United Tribes Technical College, located in Bismarck, North Dakota.

*Application Process*

For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

*Program Contact Information*

For direct contact: United Tribes Technical College

3315 University Dr.

Bismarck, North Dakota 58504

Contact: William Benjamin

Telephone: 605-226-7343

Office of Economic Development, Division of Job Placement and Training

Bureau of Indian Affairs

1849 C Street, NW

MS 4640 MIB

Washington, DC 20240

*Managing Agency*

U.S. Department of the Interior

"http://www.doi.gov":http://www.doi.gov

Indian Job Placement United Sioux Tribes Development

http://www.govbenefits.gov — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:17:00 -0700

*Program Description*

The purpose of the program is to provide job development, counseling, social adjustment guidance, and referrals to job training programs and other assistance programs through the United Sioux Tribes Development Corporation, located in Pierre, South Dakota.

*General Program Requirements*

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a Native American/American Indian who lives on an Indian reservation or in an Alaskan Native village, and you or a family member must be enrolled in a federally recognized American Indian tribe or Alaskan Native village.

*Application Process*

For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

*Program Contact Information*

Contact: Lynn Forcia

Office of Economic Development, Division of Job Placement and Training

Bureau of Indian Affairs

1849 C Street, NW.

MS-4640 MIB

Washington, DC 20240

202-219-5270

*Managing Agency*

U.S. Department of the Interior

"http://www.doi.gov":http://www.doi.gov

Indian Employment Assistance

http://www.govbenefits.gov — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:17:00 -0700

*Program Description*

The purpose of the program is to provide vocational training and employment opportunities to eligible American Indians.

*General Program Requirements*

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a Native American/American Indian who is under-employed (working for very low wages), unemployed or about to become unemployed, and you or a family member must be enrolled in a federally recognized American Indian tribe or Alaskan Native village.

*Application Process*

For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

*Program Contact Information*

Contact: Lynn Forcia

Office of Economic Development, Division of Job Placement and Training

Bureau of Indian Affairs

1849 C Street NW

MS: 4640 MIB

Washington, DC 20240

Phone: 202-219-5270

*Managing Agency*

U.S. Department of the Interior

"http://www.doi.gov":http://www.doi.gov

Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project

http://www.govbenefits.gov — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:17:00 -0700

*Program Description*

The Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project provides employment and training services and support to help homeless veterans reenter the workforce.

*General Program Requirements*

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must have been in military service, not dishonorably discharged, and are now homeless or living in a shelter.

*Application Process*

For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

*Program Contact Information*

For general information about the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project, please visit:

"http://www.dol.gov/vets":http://www.dol.gov/vets

For specific information about the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project, as well as additional links to find the nearest Department of Labor Employment and Training office near you, please visit:

"http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/fact/Homeless_veterans_fs04.htm":
http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/fact/Homeless_veterans_fs04.htm

You may also call this toll-free help line:

866-487-2365

People who are hearing impaired may call this toll-free TTY number:

877-889-5627

*Managing Agency*

U.S. Department of Labor

"http://www.dol.gov/":http://www.dol.gov/

National Farmworker Jobs Program

http://www.govbenefits.gov — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:15:00 -0700

*Program Description*

The National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP) provides job training, employment assistance, and other supportive services to migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their dependents with the goal of helping farmworkers secure full-time employment.

*General Program Requirements*

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a migrant or seasonal farmworker authorized to work in the United States, whose income is low or very low.

*Application Process*

For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

*Program Contact Information*

For more information, you may also call a toll-free help line:

866-487-2365

For more information about the National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP), visit:

"http://www.doleta.gov/msfw/":http://www.doleta.gov/msfw/

Benefits for eligible workers are generally available through the employment One-Stop Centers in local communities across the country. Locations and phone numbers for the One-Stop Centers can be found at:

"http://www.servicelocator.org":http://www.servicelocator.org

*Managing Agency*

U.S. Department of Labor

"http://www.dol.gov/":http://www.dol.gov/

Minority Biomedical Research Support

http://www.govbenefits.gov — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:15:00 -0700

*Program Description*

The Minority Biomedical Research Support Program increases the number of researchers who are members of minority groups that are underrepresented in the biomedical sciences. MBRS awards grants to 2- or 4-year colleges, universities, and health professional schools with substantial enrollments of minorities. These grants support research by faculty members, strengthen the institutions' biomedical research capabilities, and provide opportunities for students to work as part of a research team. MBRS has three components:

1) Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (RISE)

2) Support of Continuous Research Excellence (SCORE)

3) Initiative for Minority Student Development (IMSD)

*General Program Requirements*

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a US national, citizen or permanent resident who is a current or prospective student pursuing a higher education degree from a school with a substantial enrollment of minorities.

*Application Process*

For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

*Program Contact Information*

Division of Minority Opportunities in Research

National Institute of General Medical Sciences

National Institutes of Health

45 Center Drive MSC 6200

Bethesda, MD 20892-6200

Telephone:

301-594-3900

*Managing Agency*

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

"http://www.hhs.gov/":http://www.hhs.gov/

Minority Access to Research Careers

http://www.govbenefits.gov — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:15:00 -0700

*Program Description*

MARC offers special research training support to 4-year colleges, universities, and health professional schools with substantial enrollments of minorities such as African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans (including Alaska Natives), and natives of the U.S. Pacific Islands. The branch's goals are to increase the number and competitiveness of underrepresented minorities engaged in biomedical research by strengthening the science curricula at minority-serving institutions and increasing the research training opportunities for students and faculty at these institutions.

*Application Process*

For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

*Program Contact Information*

Division of Minority Opportunities in Research

National Institute of General Medical Sciences

National Institutes of Health

45 Center Drive, MSC 6200

Bethesda, MD 20892-6200

Telephone: 301-594-3900

*Managing Agency*

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

"http://www.hhs.gov/":http://www.hhs.gov/

Mental Health National Research Service Award

http://www.govbenefits.gov — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:15:00 -0700

*Program Description*

The Mental Health National Research Service Awards ensure a continuing and adequate supply of well-trained personnel who are able to conduct research on mental health problems. The program provides training grants to institutions and fellowships to individuals at both the pre-doctoral and post-doctoral levels. There are awards to medical students proposing to become basic clinical researchers. In addition, there are special programs targeted toward minorities.

*General Program Requirements*

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a US national, citizen or permanent resident. You must also study or intend to pursue the field of health care and have completed doctoral level education, or you must be a current or prospective student accepted or enrolled in an accredited degree program, college or university where there is a substantial enrollment of minorities.

*Application Process*

For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

*Program Contact Information*

For information about the Research Service Awards visit:

"http://www.nimh.nih.gov/researchfunding/training.cfm":http://www.nimh.nih.gov/researchfunding/training.cfm

For information about the Minority Research Service Awards visit:

"http://www.nimh.nih.gov/researchfunding/training.cfm":http://www.nimh.nih.gov/researchfunding/training.cfm

For training staff and program information visit:

"http://www.nimh.nih.gov/grants/program_contact.cfm":http://www.nimh.nih.gov/grants/program_contact.cfm

*Managing Agency*
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
"http://www.hhs.gov/":http://www.hhs.gov/

Local Veterans' Employment Representative Program (LVER)

http://www.govbenefits.gov — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:15:00 -0700

*Program Description*

The purpose of LVER is to provide job development, placement, and support services directly to veterans and maximize employment and training opportunities.

*General Program Requirements*

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be unemployed or about to become unemployed and have completed at least 24 continuous months of active duty service in the military.

*Application Process*

For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

*Program Contact Information*

Headquarters Office:

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training, Department of Labor

200 Constitution Avenue

NW, Room S-1316

Washington, DC 20210

Contact: Robert M. Wilson

202-693-4719

"http://www.dol.gov/vets/welcome.html":http://www.dol.gov/vets/welcome.html

*Managing Agency*

U.S. Department of Labor

"http://www.dol.gov/":http://www.dol.gov/

Job Opportunities for Low-Income Individuals

http://www.govbenefits.gov — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:15:00 -0700

*Program Description*

The purpose of the Job Opportunities for Low-Income Individuals (JOLI) program is to test and evaluate ways of creating employment and business opportunities for individuals receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) assistance. The program also aids other low-income individuals through self-employment, micro-enterprise, new business ventures, expansion of existing businesses through technical and financial assistance and non-traditional employment initiatives that lead to their economic self-sufficiency.

*General Program Requirements*

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you, your spouse, parents or children must receive or be eligible to receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or your household's annual income before taxes must be less than $8,861 if one person lives in the household; less than $11,941 if two people live in the household; less than $15,021 if three people live in the household; less than $18,101 if four people live in the household; less than $21,181 if five people live in the household; less than $24,261 if six people live in the household; less than $27,341 if seven people live in the household; less than $30,421 if eight people live in the household; less than $33,501 if nine people live in the household; less than $36,581 if 10 people live in the household; less than $39,661 if 11 people live in the household; less than $42,741 if 12 people live in the household; or less than $45,821 if 13 people live in the household.

*Application Process*

For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

*Program Contact Information*

For more information please visit:

"http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/joli/index.html":http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/joli/index.html

Or contact us at:

Division of Community

Discretionary Programs, OCS, ACF, DHHS

370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW

Washington, DC 20447

*Managing Agency*

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

"http://www.hhs.gov/":http://www.hhs.gov/

Health Disparities Research Loan Repayment Program

http://www.govbenefits.gov — Thu, 08 May 2008 10:29:00 -0700

*Program Description*

The HDR-LRP is the congressionally mandated extramural loan repayment program for minority health disparities research. The objective of the HDR-LRP is the recruitment and retention of highly qualified health professionals to research careers that focus on minority health or other health disparities issues. The HDR- LRP serves as an avenue for NIH and the NCMHD to engage in, and promote, the development of research programs that reflect the variety of issues and problems associated with disparities in health status. In addition, the requirement that the Director, NCMHD, ensure that not fewer than fifty percent (50%) of the contracts are awarded to qualified health professionals from health disparities populations highlights the need for the involvement of a group of culturally competent scientists in minority health and other health disparities research.

A non-profit institution must support applicant's research, foundation, professional society or U.S. government entity (Federal, state, or local), and applicants must commit 50% or more of their time, or not less than 20 hours per week, to health disparities, or clinical research.

*General Program Requirements*

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must have student loans greater than or equal to 20% of your institutional base salary and you must have completed doctoral level education.

*Application Process*
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

Program Contact Information

Information is available at:

"http://www.lrp.nih.gov";http://www.lrp.nih.gov

as well as:

"http://www.ncmhd.nih.gov":http://www.ncmhd.nih.gov

*Managing Agency*

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

"http://www.hhs.gov/":http://www.hhs.gov/