Working for the government sometimes has its ups and downs. You are often at the mercy of budget cuts, contract issues, and federal rollbacks. But one thing you can often count on is nationwide businesses offering special deals and discounts for government employees.
Whether you work for the federal, state or local government, you may be eligible for discounts on everything from travel to restaurants and even a new pair of sneakers. You’ll usually need some sort of ID to verify your identity.
Reminder: As with all sales and discounts, deals can change or expire. Be sure to verify that a deal is current and available before trying to take advantage of it. A quick confirmation can help you avoid some unfortunate sticker shock!
If you are visiting a hotel or buying from a store that is not listed below, that doesn’t mean that a discount doesn’t exist. Just ask! You may be pleasantly surprised. And if you happen to be a senior, a teacher, a college student, or celebrating a birthday, there may be some extra freebies and discounts awaiting you, too. We’re all about stacking a good deal.
Note: Discounts are valid at the time of publication.
Retail Store Discounts for Government Employees
360 Cookware
When you’re stocking up on cookware, this major cookware retailer will give 36% off to both American and Canadian government employees.
Apple
Apple offers special discount pricing to government workers, as well as their immediate families. That means if your dad works for the government, you may be able to get a sweet deal on a new MacBook for yourself.
Benchmade
Anyone who fancies themself a home chef will absolutely want a solid set of knives, and government employees get 15% off with proof of identity through ID.me.
Blue Nile
Whether popping the question or just buying someone something special, Blue Nile offers an impressive 15% off their pretty (but pricey) baubles for government employees.
Clarks
Need a new pair of shoes? Get 10% off at Clarks with a government ID.
Columbia
Employees of local and national government agencies who actively work in the outdoors who join the Columbia Sportswear Professional Purchase will get a discount on outdoor gear.
ContactsDirect
If the time has come to get a new prescription for contacts, government employees get 20% off their order as well as free ground shipping.
Costco
This mega warehouse chain offers a $30 gift card when you verify you’re government employee status. This deal is only available to new members who sign up for auto-renewal of their membership using a Visa card.
DollarDays
Government employees (federal, state and local governments) will get a 10% discount on every order with ID.me verification.
GhostBed
Time for a new mattress? They can get pretty expensive, but government employees get 50% off your entire order with a valid ID.
Glasses.com
If you need to upgrade your glasses, government employees get 50% off lenses and free shipping with ID-proof verification.
Keen Footwear
Government employees get a special discount with verification through ID.me.
LoveHoney
We can all use a bit of amping up in the love department from time to time, and LoveHoney offers an assortment of romance and entertainment-related products geared toward adults, all at a 20% discount for government employees.
Motherhood Maternity
Pregnancy is a special time, but it’s also an expensive time. Save some cash on those maternity clothes if you are a government employee — this retailer offers 25% off with proof of ID.
New Balance
Government employees get 15% off orders up to $400 and free shipping with ID.me verification.
NYDJ
There’s nothing like a quality pair of denim that fits well. If you find that perfect fit, you’re going to want to stock up. This denim brand that is beloved by celebrities is offering 25% off and free shipping to government employees.
Persol Eyewear
Glasses are more than a way to see better — for many, they are a serious style accessory. Give your eyewear an upgrade with 15% off for government employees.
Puma
If it’s time for a new pair of shoes, government employees can enjoy 10% off with proof of government ID.
Ray-Ban
Get outfitted for summer with a new pair of shades. Government employees get 15% off at Ray-Ban.
Reebok
This sportswear chain offers a staggering 50% discount to government employees with ID.me verification.
Saatva
This mattress company offers a year-round discount of $225 off purchases of $1,000 or more for U.S. government officials with a .gov email address actively employed by a federal, state, or local government entity.
Saucony
Running is an incredibly healthy way to stay fit and active, but running gear can get pretty pricey. This retailer offers a generous 20% off for government employees with valid ID.
Sunglass Hut
Sunglasses are a good idea year-round if you want to avoid the eye health risks of sun glare and eye strain. This retailer offers 15% off to those who can prove they are government employees.
Vogue Eyewear
Government employees get 15% off their eyewear through ID.me verification.
Yeti
If planning an outing to go camping, you’ll need a sturdy cooler to keep everyone fed and hydrated. Yeti offers 30% off to eligible government employees for a limited time only (Sept. 4).
Travel Discounts for Government Employees
Alamo
Current and retired government employees get a discount on car rentals for leisure and personal travel after registering through ID.me.
Avis
Time for a road trip! If you are a government employee, use coupon code #UULA004 for free upgrades on your next Avis rental.
Caesars Hotels
Whether you crave a trip to Las Vegas or Atlantic City, all Caesars Hotels offer up to 30% off for government employees.
Enterprise
Current government and retired employees can get discounted rental rates for leisure travel.
Hilton Hotels
Hilton offers special rates for government employees depending on location, date, and availability.
Hooters Hotels
This Las Vegas-based hotel offers 15% off for government employees who use code GOVT when booking their stay. You must show ID or proof of government employment status upon check-in.
Hotels.com
Government employees get 8% off bookings with ID.me verification.
Hyatt Hotels and Resorts
This hotel chain offers discounts for government employees depending on date, location and availability.
Omni Hotels
Government employees will get a discount at participating locations with a valid ID. What a great excuse to invite a few friends on your next trip!
Radisson Hotels
This hotel chain offers special rates with proof of government ID, depending on availability, date, and location.
Red Roof Inn
This hotel chain offers 10% off for government employees. Time for that weekend getaway!
Sixt
This car rental brand offers a sweet discount of up to 5% for government employees. Use this as an excuse to get that upgrade you want.
Thrifty
This car rental brand lives up to its name with one free car-class upgrade for official and government travel. You can also join the Blue Chips Rewards Program for free.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Another hotel chain with locations nationwide will offer discounts on stays depending on availability, with proof of government employee ID.
Other Discounts for Government Employees
Geico
Federal government workers qualify for an Eagle Discount based on their GS or equivalent grade.
Samsung
Join Samsung’s Government Discount Program and verify your eligibility through ID.me to unlock extra savings.
Tirebuyer
Get a 10% discount if you’re an active government employee of a federal, state or local government entity.
Who Is Considered a Government Employee?
In general, a government employee can be an active or retired military or an employee of the local, state or federal government. In many cases, first responders are also considered employees of local governments. Be sure to check with the retailer or business to see their specific eligibility requirements.
To score a government employee discount, first, you’ll have to actually be a government employee. But if you are, and a discount is available for the product or service you are seeking, you’ll usually need to show some sort of proof of ID in order to verify your government employee status.
Now that you know the deal, get ready to shop and score your discount. Check out more government worker discounts.
The post 40+ Government Employee Discounts Worth Knowing in 2023 appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
