Is Veterans Day a Federal Holiday Paid?
What is Veterans Day?
Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States that is observed on November 11th every year. It is a day to honor and thank all military personnel who have served in the United States Armed Forces, past and present. The holiday was originally known as Armistice Day and was first celebrated on November 11, 1919, to commemorate the end of World War I.
Is Veterans Day a Federal Holiday Paid?
Yes, Veterans Day is a federal holiday that is paid for federal employees. According to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), federal employees are entitled to a paid day off on Veterans Day. This means that federal employees do not have to work on Veterans Day and will receive their regular pay.
Federal Holidays and Pay
The federal government has a list of 10 federal holidays that are paid for federal employees. These holidays include:
- New Year’s Day – January 1st
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Third Monday in January
- Presidents’ Day – Third Monday in February
- Memorial Day – Last Monday in May
- Independence Day – July 4th
- Labor Day – First Monday in September
- Columbus Day – Second Monday in October
- Veterans Day – November 11th
- Thanksgiving Day – Fourth Thursday in November
- Christmas Day – December 25th
Who Qualifies for Paid Leave?
Not all employees qualify for paid leave on Veterans Day. To qualify, an employee must be a federal employee who is paid from the federal budget. This includes:
- Federal employees who work for agencies such as the Department of Defense, Department of State, and Department of Justice
- Federal employees who work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), and other federal law enforcement agencies
- Federal employees who work for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and other independent agencies
Exceptions to Paid Leave
Not all federal employees qualify for paid leave on Veterans Day. Some exceptions include:
- Employees who are not paid from the federal budget, such as employees of state or local governments, or private companies
- Employees who are on probationary status or are in the process of being terminated
- Employees who are not regularly scheduled to work on Veterans Day
- Employees who are on approved leave or are absent from work without approval
What About Private Sector Employees?
Private sector employees who work for companies that are closed on Veterans Day may receive a paid day off, but it is not mandatory. Some private sector companies may choose to observe Veterans Day as a paid holiday, while others may not. It is up to the individual company to decide whether to observe Veterans Day as a paid holiday.
Table: Federal Holidays and Pay
| Holiday | Date | Pay Status |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1st | Paid |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Third Monday in January | Paid |
| Presidents’ Day | Third Monday in February | Paid |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May | Paid |
| Independence Day | July 4th | Paid |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September | Paid |
| Columbus Day | Second Monday in October | Paid |
| Veterans Day | November 11th | Paid |
| Thanksgiving Day | Fourth Thursday in November | Paid |
| Christmas Day | December 25th | Paid |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Veterans Day is a federal holiday that is paid for federal employees. Federal employees who are paid from the federal budget qualify for a paid day off on Veterans Day, but there are some exceptions. Private sector employees who work for companies that are closed on Veterans Day may also receive a paid day off, but it is not mandatory.
