Longevity pay for government employees, also known as longevity compensation, is additional annual compensation provided to eligible employees based on their years of service.
Understanding Longevity Compensation
For employees to whom certain provisions apply, longevity compensation is paid as additional annual compensation during periods of continuous creditable service. This compensation is set at a rate of $482 for each year of creditable service performed, specifically for the first five years. This means the additional pay accumulates for each of these initial years of service.
Calculation and Accumulation
The longevity compensation is an annual addition to an employee's pay. Here's how it accumulates for the initial period defined:
| Year of Creditable Service | Annual Longevity Pay Rate | Total Annual Longevity Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | $482 | $482 |
| 2nd | $482 | $964 |
| 3rd | $482 | $1,446 |
| 4th | $482 | $1,928 |
| 5th | $482 | $2,410 |
Note: The total annual longevity compensation represents the cumulative additional pay received in that specific year of service, based on the $482 rate for each year of service accumulated up to that point.
Eligibility and Service Context
Longevity compensation is provided to an employee during any period of "continuous creditable service." Creditable service generally refers to periods of employment that count towards an employee's benefits and career progression within the government. "Continuous creditable service" implies uninterrupted or qualifying service that meets specific criteria for this benefit.
Key Aspects of Longevity Pay
- It is an additional annual compensation distinct from base salary.
- The rate is $482 for each qualifying year of service.
- It applies for the first five years of creditable service.
- Eligibility requires continuous creditable service.
This compensation serves as an acknowledgment of an employee's dedication and long-term commitment to government service.
