I worked for the federal government for 33 1/2 years. We got 21 sick days per year. You were supposed to be sick to use them. Many folks used them frivolously which caused the government to have to pay out overtime. Our sick leave was cumulative. In 33 1/2 years I took only 20 days total sick leave. All of the younger generation thought I was being stupid for not burning off all my sick leave each year. When I retired I had almost 700 sick day credits. I got nothing for them not a big deal because I never expected to get anything for them. Now the new contract which came out about 5 years after I retired, gives you 50% of the cash value for your unused sick leave. It makes sense for the employer because 50% payout of sick leave credits is much cheaper than paying someone 150% for overtime. My timing was bad and I lost out on about $44,000. They claim that this policy has cut way back on the misuse of sick leave.