Most federal employees are entitled to paid time off on the 11 Federal Holidays designated by the U.S. Government. On these days, most government offices, including post offices, are closed. Since the Federal Reserve System observes the same holiday schedule, banks are also closed on these days. Though most state and local governments are also closed, they’re not required to observe federal holidays.
Designated 2024 Holiday Calendar:
| Monday, January 1 | New Year’s Day |
| Monday, January 15 | Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday |
| Monday, February 19 | Washington’s Birthday |
| Monday, May 27 | Memorial Day |
| Wednesday, June 19 | Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| Thursday, July 4 | Independence Day |
| Monday, September 2 | Labor Day |
| Monday, October 14 | Columbus Day |
| Monday, November 11 | Veterans Day |
| Thursday, November 28 | Thanksgiving Day |
| Wednesday, December 25 | Christmas Day |
When Holidays Fall On A Weekend
Though there are no federal holidays in 2024 that fall on a weekend, full-time federal employees are entitled to an “in lieu of” holiday when a legal holiday falls on a weekend. For federal employees whose workweek runs Monday through Friday:
- If a holiday falls on a Saturday, the Friday immediately before is the legal holiday.
- If a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is the legal holiday.
However, if a federal office or facility is closed on a holiday due to a weather emergency, or when employees are furloughed on a holiday, you’re not entitled to another “in lieu of” day off. Note: for employees with a 4-day work week, or a basic workweek other than Monday through Friday, you can find complete information on “in lieu of” holidays here.
“If you’re required to work on a holiday, you’ll receive your rate of basic pay, plus holiday premium pay (200% of your rate of basic pay), for each hour of holiday work.”
How Holiday Pay Works
If you’re a full-time federal employee and you’re not required to work on a holiday, you receive your rate of basic pay for the applicable number of holiday hours.
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For full-time employees under a standard 40-hour/5-day workweek, you’re generally credited for 8 hours of non-overtime work for a holiday, which is considered part of your 40-hour basic workweek.
If you’re a full-time employee under a flexible work schedule, on a holiday you’re credited with 8 hours towards your 80-hour basic work requirement for the pay period, even if you’d otherwise work more hours on that day.
If you’re required to work on a designated holiday, you’ll receive your rate of basic pay, plus holiday premium pay (200% of your rate of basic pay), for each hour of holiday work.
For complete information, go to Federal Holidays – Work Schedules and Pay.
