NEW YORK -- Sure, you get a paycheck every week. But are you taking advantage of everything else your employer offers its workers? Open enrollment season is a good time to make sure you're not overlooking or underusing benefits that can fatten your wallet.

Here's what you should pay attention to:

Don't leave money on the table. Bob Nelson, author of "1,001 Ways to Reward Employees," says it's foolish to not participate in 401(k) matching programs. "Matching money is a gift," he explains. It may be tempting to use your hard-earned money now rather than setting it aside for retirement, but if your employer matches money, "think long and hard before refusing that money on the table," said Ronald Leopold, vice president of institutional business at MetLife.

Take advantage of other employer-paid benefits. If your company offers flexible spending accounts or health reimbursement arrangements, they're basically offering you free money. You can use these programs to cover your health expenses on a tax-advantaged basis, says John Gibson of human-resources firm Convergys.

Don't overlook services you have to pay for. "There are a lot of options offered to employees where they have to pay, but they're often a good value," said Mr. Leopold. For example, your employer may offer life insurance that covers your salary, but you may be able to buy additional coverage for up to five times your salary. Employers also can negotiate a fair or discounted rate on services such as long-term or critical-illness care, so pay attention to what they offer before you go it alone.

First Published: October 22, 2006, 4:00 a.m.