Federal Pay Freeze Lifted

(Update 3/21/2013.   The Continuing Resolution to fund the federal government through end of FY13 extends the federal employee pay freeze through FY13).

Good News.

By Executive Order, the Federal Pay Freeze in effect since 2009 will be lifted on March 27th, 2013.

Most federal employees (including those on the General Schedule) will see a 0.5 percent increase in their top line.

What you’ll take home at the end of the day is still uncertain.  As mentioned here before, other items which could negate or even make 2013 a net loss in federal take home pay include:

• Expiration of the Payroll  Tax.
• Increase in your FERS contribution/salary withholding.
• Increase in FEHB Premiums.
• 50% cut in the Health Care Flex Spending Account under ObamaCare.

That said, even a token increase of 0.5% is a much-needed morale boost for federal employees.