All full-time permanent employees, part-time permanent employees who generally work at least 20 hours per week, and employees with temporary full-time appointments of at least 13 months who are employed by agencies under the authority of the Mayor are eligible to receive benefits from the District of Columbia Government. In addition, several of the District's independent agencies also participate in the benefits programs provided to agencies under the full authority of the Mayor.

Eligible employees may enroll in plans during the designated annual open enrollment period or within 31 days of their initial employment. Changes to plans can be made within 30 days of a qualifying life event (e.g., marriage, birth of a child).

Health benefits and life insurance coverage begins following the first pay period for which a payroll deduction was made to pay for the benefit, although other benefits programs (such as the Defined Contribution Pension Plan) may have additional requirements.