The agency’s extremely collegial environment fosters collaboration and teamwork. The flexibility of the office, the business casual dress code, and various agency policies aim to foster a healthy work–life balance.
Health Benefits
CBO employees participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, which offers a range of options for health care coverage. Staff members may choose individual or a family coverage from a variety of HMOs, PPOs, and fee-for-service plans. Prices vary depending on the coverage you choose, but CBO generally pays about 70 percent of the total cost of coverage.
Overview | FastFacts | Compare Plans
Dental and Vision Benefits
Employees are eligible to participate in the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program, which offers pretax dental and vision benefits.
Dental Insurance: Overview | FastFacts
Vision Insurance: Overview | FastFacts
Flexible Spending Accounts
Employees can set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible health and dependent care expenses.
Federal Employees Retirement System
Employees participate in the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS), commonly known as the Federal pension. FERS provides a monthly retirement annuity based on an employee's age, years of federal service, and highest three consecutive years of salary.
Thrift Savings Plan
Employees can contribute to the before-tax or after-tax Roth Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), similar to a 401(k) plan, for retirement. The agency contributes 1 percent of the employee's base pay and matches a portion of additional contributions by the employee. CBO's matching funds vest immediately, and CBO’s automatic 1 percent contribution vests on the employee's second anniversary.
Summary of the Thrift Savings Plan | Fund Information Card | Fund Information Booklet
Flexible Work Arrangements
To help employees balance work and personal responsibilities, CBO offers flexible work arrangements (FWAs). Flexible schedules and alternative work locations are available options. An FWA is not granted automatically but is considered on a case-by-case basis according to business needs.
Commuting Assistance
CBO provides a monthly commuting subsidy to employees who use public transportation. A limited number of parking spaces are available to CBO employees who do not receive the public transportation subsidy.
Annual and Sick Leave
CBO employees who are new to federal service accrue 6 hours of annual leave each pay period. Those with previous federal service may start at a higher level. Employees accrue 4 hours of sick leave each pay period.
Paid Parental Leave
CBO employees are eligible to receive up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth of a child or placement of a child in adoption or foster care.
Holidays
CBO observes 11 federal holidays each calendar year.
Life Insurance
The Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program provides basic coverage for the employee and offers options for additional coverage. Basic insurance is based on an employee's annual salary. CBO shares the cost for basic coverage.
Health Club Membership
Employees are eligible to join the House Staff Fitness Center with low-cost membership options.
Credit Union
All CBO employees are eligible to join Congressional Federal, the credit union serving employees of the U.S. House of Representatives.