Employing over 600,000 individuals, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is one of the largest federal agencies in the country. In one public polling, most people considered the USPS to be the most trusted federal company. The US postal jobs are certainly attractive when it comes to pay package, job security, and career advancements.  

The independent federal government agency offers various perks and benefits to the regular employees. Postal service job employees are offered health, retirement, and a number of other premium benefits. Here we will take a look at some of the special benefits that are associated with the US postal office jobs.  

1. Flexible Spending Accounts

Flexible spending accounts (FSA) represent a special benefit offered to the career employees. The program is offered to employees that have completed one year service. The FSA accounts are tax-free that can be used by the employees for out-of-pocket expenses of the health care or day care for the dependents.  

2. Healthcare and Retirement Plans

Every postal employee is also automatically enrolled in Medicare and Social Security. The employees don’t have to make an application for the health and retirement plans. The postal service contributes to a federal retirement account. The employee’s age and the number of years in the service are considered to determine the eligibility.  

3. Savings Plan

Career postal service employees are also offered a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The plan is similar to a 401(k) retirement program that is offered by the private sector companies. The employees make tax-free contributions to the account and receive matching contributions from the USPS with a limit of 5 percent of the pay.   

4. Transportation Program

The USPS also offers a commuter program that allows employees to reduce their out-of-pocket expenses. The program allows the tax-exempt purchase of public parking and transportation up to a maximum limit specified by the IRS.

5. Leave and Holidays

Every employee is entitled to 10 public holidays each year. Apart from that, postmasters, and employees in managerial and supervisory roles can apply for 10 days annual leave if employed for less than 5 years, 15 days leave after completing 5 years service, and 20 days leave if employed for more than 15 years. The full-time employees are also paid 3 hours per pay period in the event of an accident or illness.

The USPS provides attractive compensation and pay plans, excellent job security, and a number of special benefits. To apply for the federal job, you need to first pass a postal exam 473 and then clear individual and group interviews. Preparing for the exam and interview is important if you want to ace the test and secure a bright future for yourself working as a federal service employee.