Q. I am a full-time Veterans Affairs Department employee and would like to reduce my work hours. Is there a specific number of hours that is still considered full-time (such as 32 or 35, as is sometimes found in the “real” world), or is any number fewer than 40 hours considered part time? Fewer hours with full-time benefits would be nice if that option is available, as opposed to prorated benefits and increased premiums for health benefits.
A. Per OPM’s rules (5 CFR part 340), a part-time work schedule is 16 to 32 hours a week. Once an employee works between 33 and 39 hours (66 and 78 hours a pay period), this is considered a full-time schedule.
