Caregiving is a growing reality for many federal employees, particularly as America’s population ages. According to the Administration for Community Living, 70% of Americans who reach age 65 will eventually need assistance with daily tasks, with women requiring care for an average of 3.7 years and men for 2.2 years.
Federal employees caring for adult dependents were projected to double to 31% as of 2022. Because of these increasing numbers, we require workplace flexibilities and resources to help our federal employees balance careers with caring for aging parents or adult dependents.
Below, we’ll explore the key federal benefits and strategies every caregiver should know.
Understanding Federal Leave Policies for Caregivers
Navigating federal leave policies can be key for employees balancing work and caregiving responsibilities, especially when caring for aging parents.
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows eligible federal employees up to twelve weeks of unpaid leave per year for caregiving responsibilities. This leave protects your job and benefits, so you can care for a parent without losing your job.
Verify eligibility requirements and coordinate with your agency’s HR team to understand the documentation needed.
Sick Leave for Family Care
Federal employees can use up to thirteen days (104 hours) of accrued sick leave annually to care for aging parents, including taking their loved ones to medical appointments. However, this leave counts toward the 12-week Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) entitlement.
If twelve weeks of sick leave have already been used for a serious family health condition, the 13-day allowance cannot be added to the same leave year. Proper documentation may be required for this sick leave, such as a healthcare provider’s certification.
Other Leave Options
Consider annual leave or Leave Without Pay (LWOP) if you require more flexibility. Another resource is the Voluntary Leave Transfer Program (VLTP), which allows federal employees to donate their leave to colleagues facing significant caregiving demands.
Reach out to your HR team for advice on how to make the most of your leave options and understand how they work together.
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Federal Caregiving Resources to Support You
As a federal employee, you have access to resources that can help ease the challenges of caregiving and provide the support you need to manage your responsibilities.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
Most federal agencies offer employee assistance programs (EAPs), which provide counseling services, caregiving advice, and referrals to community resources. These programs can connect you with support groups, eldercare specialists, and stress management tools.
Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP)
The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) helps pay for caregiving expenses for aging parents. With flexible plans for home care, assisted living, and other long-term care needs, this program can help reduce the financial burden on federal employees.
To ensure that FLTCIP fits your caregiving needs and overall financial goals, talk to experts like Serving Those Who Serve. They focus on financial planning for federal employees and will work with you to find the most appropriate options for your needs.
Community and State Resources
Local resources, such as eldercare agencies and nonprofit organizations, can supplement federal programs to help you manage caregiving duties. Services like respite care, meal assistance, and transportation can provide much-needed support. The Eldercare Locator, a public service of the Administration for Community Living, connects you to state-specific services for older adults and their families, making it an excellent starting point.
Financial Planning Tips for Federal Caregivers
Caregiving expenses must be balanced with your financial goals. Start by budgeting for caregiving costs, such as medical bills, in-home care, and travel expenses. Make sure your retirement savings stay on track by reviewing your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions and taking advantage of catch-up contributions if eligible.
Additionally, federal caregivers may qualify for tax benefits, such as the Child and Dependent Care Credit, which can help offset expenses. Communication with siblings or family members about caregiving roles can also help share financial responsibilities.
Navigating Caregiving with Confidence
Federal benefits, resources, and financial strategies will help you manage the demands of caregiving and your career. Use these tools to create a plan for your career and caregiving journey.
Contact the Serving Those Who Serve team at [email protected] for resources specific to your situation. You don’t have to do this alone—help is here.
The information has been obtained from sources considered reliable but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Serving Those Who Serve writers and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy suggested. Every investor’s situation is unique and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon before making any investment or financial decision. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. While we are familiar with the tax provisions of the issues presented herein, as Financial Advisors of RJFS, we are not qualified to render advice on tax or legal matters. You should discuss tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. **
