Check the Fine Print on Comp Time Policy

Under the government’s new policy allowing compensatory time off for time spent traveling on official business in off-duty hours, employees need to be aware of restrictions and situations in which employees could lose the time they earn. For example, under the rules—published in the January 27 Federal Register and effective as of January 28—employees may not receive both pay and compensatory time for such travel time, nor may they convert comp time to money. Also, the comp time will be forfeited when changing agencies and when leaving government, and if the employee doesn’t use it within 26 pay periods of earning it, Office of Personnel Management guidance notes.