Benefits at OFM

Most employees and their families are eligible for medical, dental, basic life and basic long-term disability insurance plans approved by the Public Employees Benefits Board. Employees may choose the medical program that will best suit their needs from the available plans. Get more information on the plans.

Full-time employees are entitled to 11 paid holidays; 10 pre-designated (WAC 357-31-005) and one personal holiday (WAC 357-31-055). Full-time employees earn one day of sick leave each month. Part-time employees earn sick leave on a pro rata basis (WAC 357-31-115).

State employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems’ (DRS) website. DRS offers live webinars for Plan Choice, as well as other retirement related topics and on-demand videos. We recommend new employees review information on the Plan Choice section of the DRS website and review the Plan Choice Guide.

Employees are eligible to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP), a supplemental retirement plan that offers participants control over their investments. The DCP reduces your federal annual taxable income by allowing you to invest a portion of your income before it is taxed.

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is the official program for employees and their family members. The EAP provides assessment and referral services for all types of difficulties related to health, family, marital, drug, alcohol, emotional, stress, and financial issues that can affect job performance. The EAP is confidential and offered at no cost to employees and their family members.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF): The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on direct loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. The Washington Student Achievement Council has additional information, webinars, tools and resources regarding the PSLF Program.

OFM recognizes the value of well-educated and well-trained employees and supports the tuition reimbursement program within available funds. Employees are encouraged to further their personal and professional development goals through appropriate formal education programs. State employees may also be eligible to have all or a portion of the tuition and services and activities fees waived at state colleges and universities (RCW 28B.15.558).

Depending on your job duties, work location and supervisor approval, eligible employees who are new mothers, fathers or legal guardians can bring their infant (6 weeks to 6 months) when they return to work to promote parent and infant bonding, parental well-being and healthy infant development.

Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee is an employee resource group serves as the advisory body to agency executive leadership in supporting strategic diversity efforts throughout OFM. Additionally, state employees have several Business Resource Groups (BRGs) that were created for state employees as a way of supporting and encouraging diversity throughout our workforce. Current BRGs include the Rainbow Alliance and Inclusion Network, Veteran Employee Resource Group, Latino Leadership Network, Blacks United in Leadership and Diversity; Disability Inclusion Network; Washington Immigrant Network; and Hawaiians, Asians, and Pacific Islanders Promoting an Empowerment Network.

OFM is a participant in the SmartHealth program as part of our commitment to employee wellness. The SmartHealth Program combines on-line personalized challenges, social activities and interactive learning to help employees improve overall well-being and reconnect to what motivates them in their jobs. For those eligible, you can earn points toward a $125 SmartHealth incentive.

The Combined Fund Drive allows employees to make donations via check and payroll deduction to their favorite charities.

The ​CTR program is a great way to save money, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, network with new people and live a healthier lifestyle. If you meet the minimum trip requirements of 60 trips per quarter and are signed up for CTR, you can get paid to use an alternative commute mod​​e.

OFM also offers the Safe​ Ride Home program​ for CTR program participants who might need an unexpected ride home. The SAFE Ride Program provides employees a ride home in cases of emergencies on any day the employee has used transit, vanpools, carpools, biking and walking to get to work.