UUP - Faculty and Professional Staff Employee Benefit Summary

Introduction

This is a general guide to the benefit programs available to faculty and professional staff employees of SUNY Delhi who are represented by the United University Professions (UUP) and serving in positions in the State University Professional Services Negotiating Unit. It does not provide complete details or descriptions. The information provided is based on the benefit provisions in effect at this time (June 2020) and are subject to change. This summary will not convey, grant or guarantee any benefits or employment rights. In addition, the agreement between UUP and the State of New York will supersede information provided on this web page.

Benefits Summary

Holidays, Vacations & Leaves of Absence

Holidays

The following days are observed as holidays:

Labor Day
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Columbus Day
Lincoln’s Birthday*
Election Day*
Washington’s Birthday
Veterans’ Day
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Thanksgiving Day
Independence Day
Christmas Day

*The Governor’s office designates this day as a floating holiday. Employees who are eligible to observe holidays and are required to work will receive a compensatory day off. (Subject to change)

** Election Day has been designated to be observed on the day after Thanksgiving.

An employee who is eligible to observe holidays and who is required to work on a holiday will be granted a compensatory day off. An employee who is eligible to observe Thanksgiving or Christmas, and is required to work on such holiday, will be granted one and one-half compensatory days off, or one and one-half day's pay.

Compensatory days off should be scheduled at times mutually convenient to the employee and his/her department. Any such days must be used within one year of accrual or they will be forfeited.

Vacation and Sick Leave Accruals

Professional staff employees who serve on a full-time basis are eligible to accrue credits for vacation and sick leave during the term of their professional obligation.

Note: faculty do not earn vacation accruals.

To accrue credits for vacation and sick leave during each month, eligible full-time employees must be in a full-pay status for the majority of the month.

Accrual Rates (Part-time Faculty/Professional Staff)

Part-time faculty (those whose duties primarily consist of teaching) and part-time professional staff employees earn vacation and/or sick leave credit on the basis of the number of courses taught, or based on annual salary.

To accrue vacation credit during each month, eligible part-time employees must be in a pay status consistent with their part-time service for such month, or major fraction thereof.

An employee’s total vacation leave credits may exceed forty (40) days during the calendar year, but the employee must use their days over forty (40) or forfeit them on the last day of the calendar year.

Sick Leave Usage

An employee may request sick leave when they are unable to perform their duties because of a temporary mental or physical disability; sick leave may also be used for medical or dental appointments. Subject to approval of the college president or designee, up to a maximum of thirty (30) days per contractual year may be requested for illness or death in their immediate family.

All full and part-time faculty and professional staff employees accrue sick leave credits on the same basis as vacation credits above, and may accumulate up to a maximum of two hundred (200) sick leave days.

Once all sick leave credits have been exhausted, the college president may grant eligible employees additional sick leave at full salary, partial salary, or without salary.

Upon retirement, with ten (10) or more years of benefits-eligible service, employees may use up to two hundred (200) days of accumulated sick leave credits to offset their health insurance premiums in retirement.

New York State Paid Family Leave

NYS Paid Family Leave (PFL) is employee-funded insurance that provides job-protected, paid time off to bond with a newly born, adopted, or fostered child; to care for a family member with a serious health condition; or to assist loved ones when a family member is called to active military service abroad.

Eligibility: Employees with a regular work schedule of twenty (20) or more hours per week are eligible after twenty-six (26) consecutive weeks (6 months) of employment. An employee is eligible regardless of their citizenship or immigration status.
An employee may take up to twelve (12) weeks of PFL, receiving up to 67% of their average weekly wage, capped at 67% of the New York State average weekly wage. Generally, the average weekly wage is the average of the last eight (8) weeks of an employee’s pay prior to starting PFL.
For additional information, please visit New York State Paid Family Leave for SUNY.

New Child Leave

Upon approval, an employee, male or female, is entitled to a leave of absence without pay for up to seven (7) months following delivery or adoption of their child. If a child is required to remain hospitalized following birth, at the employee's request, the seven (7) month period can begin when the child is released from the hospital.

In cases of adoption, unpaid leave for either parent will be granted up to seven (7) months after adoption. If the child is placed with the family prior to final adoption, the seven (7) month period may begin upon placement.

Absences for these purposes may be charged to vacation, overtime, compensatory time, or personal leave credits. However, use of leave credits does not extend the seven month period.

Sabbatical Leave

Academic employees and certain administrative officers with at least six (6) years of consecutive SUNY employment, or those who have completed at least six (6) consecutive years of service since their last sabbatical leave, are eligible for sabbatical leave.

The objective of a sabbatical leave is to increase an employee’s value to SUNY through planned travel, study, formal education, research, writing, and/or other experience of professional value.

The college president may grant a sabbatical leave for one (1) year at half-basic salary, or for six (6) months at full-basic salary. Employees will not earn sick leave credits while on sabbatical leave, and must agree, in writing, to serve a minimum of one (1) year upon return, and to submit a detailed report of professional activities and accomplishments while on sabbatical leave.

Workers' Compensation

Workers' Compensation is intended to protect employees against loss of income or loss of employment when they are necessarily absent from work because of an on-the-job injury or disease. It is essential that the employee report any job-related accident immediately to their supervisor. Failure to do so could mean loss of benefits.

Here are the steps to ensure that workers' compensation claims are handled properly:

If necessary, seek medical treatment.
Notify the supervisor and complete employee accident report.
If the injury or illness involves an absence from work greater than four (4) consecutive work days, a note from the employee's medical provider must be provided to the Office of Human Resources, 103 Bush Hall, or via facsimile to: 607-746-4158.
A call must also be placed to the Accident Reporting System (ARS) toll-free number, 888-800-0029. This call to ARS will ensure that workers' compensation benefits are available as soon as possible.
Express Scripts, Inc. is the pharmacy network through which employees who incur a work-related injury/illness should obtain their medications. If the employee is obtaining medication through a workers’ compensation claim, they should obtain that medication through a pharmacy that participates with Express Scripts. To find a participating pharmacy, contact Express Scripts Call Center, at 866-533-7011. For more information, visit the Express Scripts website.

Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

To be eligible for FMLA leave, an employee must have completed at least one year of service and have worked a minimum of 1,250 hours during the twelve (12) month period immediately preceding the requested date of leave.

Eligible employees are entitled to an aggregate of twelve (12) weeks of FMLA leave during each calendar year for absences necessitated by a personal serious health condition (including childbirth and bonding with a newborn) or to care for a seriously ill spouse, child, parent or qualifying military exigency leave. The twelve (12) week maximum will include any FMLA qualifying absences that are charged to leave credits. Up to twenty-six (26) work-weeks may be granted for military caregiver leave.

If an employee qualifies for FMLA leave and does not have sick leave, vacation, or other leave credits to charge, the employee will be in an unpaid status once their leave credits are exhausted.

For additional information, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 607-746-4495.

Payroll

New York State is on a two (2) week lag payroll. This means that the employee will receive compensation for their first two (2) weeks of work approximately one (1) month after they begin work.

NYS Payroll Online allows the employee to view and update their employee payroll information online, and opt-out of paper statements. This allows for greater control in managing withholdings and other changes.

Direct Deposit is available upon employment.

Education & Training

SUNY Delhi values education and continuous improvement, not only for our students, but also for our employees. Accordingly, there are various opportunities for SUNY Delhi employees to engage in education and training.

Employees working in the UUP bargaining unit are eligible for the UUP Tuition Assistance benefit, which provides the opportunity to take one course per semester tuition free at any SUNY, provided there is space available in the course. Contact the Office of Human Resources for more information, including application instructions.

For employees who wish to take a second course, the Tuition Reimbursement Program (B-140W) may be available and could pay for a portion of the tuition expense, based upon the total amount of funds available. Courses must be taken at SUNY institutions.

The NYS/UUP Joint Labor Management Committee has created the Empire Knowledge Bank (EKB) for UUP-represented employees, which offers a plethora of eLearning options. Employees who apply to the EKB Program can access thousands of eLearning courses, eBooks and short course videos to enhance their professional and career development, for certification preparation and continuing education in a variety of areas. For more information, please visit the NYS/UUP Joint Labor Management Committee website.

On-campus education and training opportunities are also available. Stay tuned to Delhi Today and visit the BroncoCONNECT web page for engagement options.

Health Insurance, Dependent Care & Health Care Spending Account

The following employees are eligible for health insurance under the New York State Health Insurance Plan (NYSHIP) coverage for themselves and/or their dependents (which includes a qualified domestic partner).

Full-time faculty and professional staff
Part-time academic employees who teach six (6) or more credit hours/semester
Part-time professional staff employees who have a professional obligation of at least half time, have been appointed for at least three (3) months, and earn a specified minimum salary per the UUP contract.

Effective Date of Coverage

Coverage for eligible employees who enroll within the first forty-two (42) days of employment, and remain on the payroll, will become effective on the 43rd day of employment.

New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) Choices

The health insurance carrier choices are different depending on where the employee works and lives. Current options available for those living and/or working in Delaware County include: The Empire Plan, CDPHP, HMOBlue, MVP, and others.

Please visit the SUNY Health Insurance website for information regarding current choices and information.

The Empire Plan

The Empire Plan provides coverage for hospitalization through Blue Cross, and combined medical/surgical and major medical coverage through United HealthCare.

The plan features a network of participating providers. Services rendered by participating providers will generally be paid in full with the exception of the appropriate co-payment. The insurance carrier pays the provider directly.

For details about co-payments, claims, in-network/out-of-network services, etc., visit the SUNY Health Insurance website.

Employees may elect to pay their share of health insurance premiums on a pre-tax basis. These costs are subject to change.

If an employee takes leave without pay or is otherwise temporarily removed from the payroll, they may pick up the full cost of the health insurance program and thereby continue coverage while off the payroll. Should such leave without pay occur as part of an authorized leave under FMLA or PFL, the employee may be entitled to continue coverage by paying the employee share. Arrangements for continued coverage must be made in advance through the Office of Human Resources.

If an employee covered by the Empire Plan is totally disabled, and on authorized leave without pay or unpaid Family and Medical Leave, the requirement that they pay a premium may be waived for a period of up to one (1) year. There is an application process for this benefit. This does not apply to individuals enrolled in an HMO. Please request additional information from the Office of Human Resources.

Cost of Coverage

The State pays approximately 84-88% of the cost of the premium for individual coverage and approximately 69-73% of the cost of dependent coverage provided under the Empire Plan. The employee’s portion of the premium will be automatically deducted from their bi-weekly salary. Employees may elect to pay their share of health insurance premiums on a pre-tax basis.

*Note, these costs are subject to change.

If an employee takes leave without pay or is otherwise temporarily removed from the payroll, they may pick up the full cost of the health insurance program and thereby continue coverage while off the payroll. Should such leave without pay occur as part of an authorized leave under FMLA or PFL, they may be entitled to continue coverage by paying the employee share. Arrangements for continued coverage must be made in advance through the Office of Human Resources.

If an employee covered by the Empire Plan is totally disabled and on authorized leave without pay or unpaid Family and Medical Leave, the requirement that they pay a premium may be waived for a period of up to one year. There is an application process for this benefit. This does not apply to individuals enrolled in an HMO. Please request additional information from the Office of Human Resources.

How to Enroll

Employees who wish to enroll need to complete the appropriate sections of the NYS Health Insurance Transaction form (PS-404) and submit it to the Office of Human Resources.

Proof of eligibility must be provided in order for an employee or an eligible dependent to enroll in NYSHIP. For enrollee, spouse and child(ren), documentation of the following is required:

Date of Birth (birth certificate or valid passport for enrollee and spouse only)
Social Security number (Social Security card)
Date of Marriage (marriage certificate, in addition, if married over one (1) year must provide proof of inter-financial dependence, e.g., most recent joint tax return)

The following documentation may also be required:

Domestic Partner - Completed PS-425, proof of date of birth, and proof of Social Security number
Adopted child(ren) - proof of adoption
Stepchild(ren) who do not reside with employee need proof of substantial support or legal requirement to pay (biological parent must be on the employee’s health insurance plan)
Other Child(ren) - PS-457

Change of Enrollment Status

If an employee wishes to change health insurance coverage (individual to family, family to individual or add a family member) as a result of a birth, death, or other change in family status, they must submit an application for change to the Office of Human Resources within thirty (30) calendar days of the qualifying event. Delay in filing in a timely manner will result in a waiting period.

Change of Plan Option

There is an annual transfer period (usually begins in November and ends in December) during which an employee can change their NYSHIP option (e.g., change from MVP to Empire Plan). This is not an open enrollment period.

Retirement Coverage

Employees who meet specific criteria are eligible to continue individual coverage and that of eligible dependents during retirement. In general, an employee must complete ten (10) years of benefits-eligible service, be at least fifty-five (55) years of age or retirement age eligible, and have NYSHIP coverage at the time they retire.

Prescription Drug Program

Each of the health insurance options provides prescription drug coverage for covered employees and dependents. There is a mandatory generic substitution requirement. If employees purchase a brand name drug with a generic equivalent, they will pay the co-payment plus the difference in cost between the brand name and generic drug.

NYSHIP Young Adult Option

New York State law allows a young adult child up to age thirty (30) to purchase coverage through their parent's group health insurance policy (for medical coverage only). The young adult's coverage is subject to all terms of the group policy; however, premiums are to be paid by the young adult or their parent, not the employer. The premium is the full cost of individual coverage for the NYSHIP option selected.

Eligibility Criteria

The Young Adult Option is available to young adults who meet all of the following eligibility requirements:

Be a child, adopted child, or stepchild of a NYSHIP enrollee (including those enrolled under COBRA)
Be age twenty-nine (29) or younger
Be unmarried
Not be insured by or eligible for coverage through the young adult's own employer-sponsored health plan, whether insured or self-funded, provided that the health plan includes both hospital and medical benefits
Live, work or reside in New York State or the plan's service area
Not be covered under Medicare

In addition, the young adult does not need to live with the parent, be financially dependent upon the parent, or be a student. The young adult's parent does not need to have family coverage, nor is the young adult required to have been previously covered as a dependent under NYSHIP, to be eligible to enroll in this option.

When Young Adult Children Can Enroll

Either the young adult or their parent may enroll the young adult in the Young Adult Option, and either may pay the NYSHIP premium. A young adult or their parent has the following opportunities to elect this option:

Within sixty (60) days of when the young adult would otherwise lose coverage due to age under the parent's policy.
Within sixty (60) days of when the young adult becomes eligible due to: a loss of their employer coverage; relocation of residence or employment into New York State or the Plan's service area (please note, The Empire Plan provides coverage regardless of place of residence); or otherwise becomes newly eligible due to a change in circumstances (such as divorce).
During the annual thirty (30) day open enrollment period.

How to Enroll in the Young Adult Option

To enroll in NYSHIP's Young Adult Option, the young adult child or their parent must complete and sign the Young Adult Option form and send it to the Employee Benefits Division in Albany, NY. (Contact the Office of Human Resources for this form). Applicants should include the first month's premium with the form to ensure the earliest possible effective date of coverage.

For questions, please call the Employee Benefits Division of Civil Service at 518-457-5754, or 1-800-833-4344, Monday to Friday, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Dental and Vision Insurance Eligibility

The United University Professions (UUP) Benefit Trust Fund provides employees in the Professional Services Negotiating Unit who are eligible for enrollment in the New York State Health Insurance Program with Dental Insurance benefits through Delta Dental and Vision Insurance benefits through Davis Vision.

New employees become eligible for coverage as soon as they complete forty-two (42) days of continuous service. Eligible employees who transfer directly from another state agency will become eligible for benefits the day after their previous coverage ends.

These benefits are available to the employee and their family, at no cost to the employee.

Note: The Union benefit trust fund exists solely to provide benefit coverage to UUP-represented employees. The cost is funded by payments UUP negotiates for, and receives from, NYS. Union dues do not pay for these benefits. Professional staff do not need to be members of UUP to receive these benefits.

Delta Dental PPO Program

The Delta Dental, or Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), allows academic/professional staff to utilize dental providers both in and out of the PPO network.

For detailed information, please call 800-471-7093 or visit the Delta Dental Benefits website.

Davis Vision

Davis Vision provides academic/professional staff and their dependents with vision benefits. UUP members may utilize vision providers both in and out of the network. However, the cost of out-of-network providers are higher to the employee.

For detailed information, please call 800-999-5431, or visit the Davis Vision website.

Flex Spending Account Program

There are two parts to the Flex Spending Account (FSA) - the Dependent Care Advantage Account (DCAA) and the Health Care Spending Account (HCSA). FSAs give employees a way to pay for dependent care or health care expenses with pre-tax dollars. FSAs are voluntary - employees decide how much to have taken out of their paycheck and put into their DCAA and/or HCSA.

Enrollment/re-enrollment is required every year.

Change in Family Status

The IRS regulations allow participants to modify contribution elections to their dependent care account if the family situation changes.

A change in family situation includes:

Marriage
Divorce or separation
Birth or adoption of a child
Change in employee or spouse employment status or situation
Death of a dependent

Dependent Care Advantage Account

New York State employees are eligible to participate in this benefit. Under this plan, participating employees contribute pre-tax dollars to a flexible spending account to pay for expenses incurred for dependent care.

Generally, a qualifying “dependent” is a person who:

qualifies as a dependent on employee’s federal tax return, and
in the case of a family member, is a child under age 13, or is an individual physically or mentally incapable of self-care.

Employees who presently qualify for participation in the Dependent Care Advantage Account (DCAA) must enroll in the program within sixty (60) days of their State appointment. If they do not enroll within this window of time, they will not be able to enroll at a later date, unless during an annual open enrollment period or based on a qualifying event. Employees who wish to participate in this program should carefully estimate the cost of their dependent care for the year before deciding on the amount they wish to contribute per pay period, since the annual election to contribute to the plan is irrevocable (i.e., cannot be changed) except for a change in family status or based on a qualifying event..

The deadline for filing a claim for reimbursement from a DCAA is March 31 following the year in which services were rendered.

If employees are interested in participating in this Dependent Care Advantage Account, contact the DCAA Hotline at 800-358-7202, or visit the NYS Flex Spending Account website.

Adoption Advantage Account

Eligible employees may now enroll in a Flexible Spending Account for expenses related to the adoption of an eligible child. Pre-tax payroll deductions contributed to the Adoption Advantage Account can help pay for a qualified adoption.

Eligible expenses may include:

Home study and application fees
Reasonable and necessary legal adoption fees
Court costs
Attorney fees
Agency fees
Medical services associated with a child with special needs
Travel and lodging fees
Other expenses, which are directly related to and for the principle purpose of a legal adoption

For additional information, please visit the NYS Flex Spending Account website.

Health Care Spending Account

The Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) allows State employees to pay for eligible health-related expenses with pre-tax dollars. This includes medical, hospital, laboratory, prescription drug, dental, over-the-counter medicines (requires a doctor's prescription or directive to be eligible), medical supplies, and vision and hearing expenses that are not reimbursed by insurance.

To be reimbursed through the HCSA, expenses must be for health care received primarily for the prevention or treatment of a physical or mental defect or illness. Out-of-pocket expenses are generally eligible if they are not reimbursed by insurance. Whether these expenses are incurred by the employee or eligible dependents, they must be incurred during the Plan Year. An expense is incurred when the employee or their dependents receives the health care service, and not when they are billed, charged for, or pay for the service. To be eligible for reimbursement, a health care expense must be:

for the employee or an eligible dependent;
permitted under the Internal Revenue Code;
medically necessary; and
not reimbursed by health insurance.

Employees may claim eligible expenses under the HCSA program for the following individuals:

employee;
their spouse; and
their eligible tax dependents.

Before participating in the HCSA program, employees should carefully consider what their eligible expenses might be. Reviewing the expenses from previous years may help. Once the employee has estimated the amount of their expenses, they may then determine how much to contribute to their HCSA. Under federal law, any money that is put into an HCSA must be used for expenses incurred during the Plan Year in which it was contributed.

No reimbursement can be made prior to the service actually being provided. However, employees are entitled to receive full reimbursement for eligible expenses, up to the amount of their annual election, once proper documentation has been submitted, even before they have fully contributed to their HCSA.

Employees have until March 31 of the following year to send in claims for expenses incurred the previous year. Employees will forfeit any money that remains in their account. Any forfeitures will be used by the State to offset the costs of administering the program. This is the “use it or lose it” feature of the plan, as required by the Internal Revenue Code.

To participate, new employees must submit an enrollment form within sixty (60) calendar days of their employment start date. The Plan Year contribution amount will be prorated over the remaining pay periods. Employees will also have an opportunity to enroll in the HCSA each fall during an open enrollment period.

If an employee is interested in participating in the Health Care Spending Account, contact the FSA Hotline at 800-358-7202 or visit the NYS Flex Spending Account website.

Optional Insurance

Group Life Insurance

The United University Professions (UUP) provides a $10,000 group life insurance plan exclusively for all active members of UUP. There is no cost to the employee for enrollment in this Plan, which is effective the date they are placed on the State payroll.

Additional information concerning this plan is contained in the UUP Benefit Trust Fund Benefit Booklet, or can be obtained from the UUP Benefits Office at 800-342-4206.

Optional Group Insurance Programs for Members

The United University Professions (UUP), through its affiliation with the NYS United Teachers (NYSUT) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), has contracted with various insurance carriers to provide its members with a variety of low-cost group term life, accident, auto, homeowners, and disability insurance plans. Employees selecting any of these optional plans pay the full cost of coverage.

Additional information concerning any of these plans may be obtained from the UUP Benefits Office at 800-342-4206.

Retirement Programs

Full-time faculty or professional staff employees of Delhi are eligible to elect one (1) of three (3) different retirement programs:

New York State Employees’ Retirement System (ERS);
SUNY Optional Retirement Program (ORP), for employees with a “term” appointment;
New York State Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS), depending on title.

Part-time employees who are appointed with other than a “term” appointment may join ERS or TRS (depending on title), but are not eligible to enroll in the ORP.

Employees in certain designated faculty, librarian, and management titles may qualify for membership in the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS). If an employee is interested in joining TRS, please contact the Office of Human Resources to verify eligibility.

Full-time employees must elect to join one of these plans within thirty (30) days of appointment. This is the only opportunity they will have to make an election. Otherwise, the employee will be automatically enrolled in either ERS or TRS, depending on their title. Each of these programs offer certain advantages. Employees should consider each program in relation to their own particular needs and objectives. An employee who has had a prior membership in any of these retirement programs should consult with the Office of Human Resources regarding rights and options.

Enrollment in a retirement plan is a one-time election. Employees may not change their election, unless they become first-eligible for a different retirement program, and enroll in that program within thirty (30) days of eligibility.

All three (3) retirement options are contributory retirement systems. In the current tier (tier 6), employees contribute throughout active membership (before federal income taxes) based on their salary per the schedule below. Please be aware that there is a two (2) year look-back to re-calculate the employee contribution rate. Therefore, the contribution rate may change based on salary changes.

Each of these retirement programs is briefly summarized below. Additional information mayu be obtained from the Office of Human Resources.

NYS Employees' Retirement System (ERS) or Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) - Defined Benefits Plans

Benefits vary by tier. Presently there are six (6) tiers.

Employees who join the ERS on or after April 1, 2012 are Tier 6 members. Membership in ERS for full-time employees is effective as of their entry into service and provides for immediate participation. Membership for part-time employees is effective the date their application is received by the Retirement System. Tier 6 members may retire at age sixty-three (63), or later, with full benefits, or as early as age fifty-five (55) with reduced benefits.

Final average salary - average salary with certain limitations during the highest salaried sixty (60) consecutive months of employment. The amount earned above the Governor’s salary will not be eligible for pension calculation under Tier 6 when determining Final Average Salary.

The SUNY Optional Retirement Program (ORP) - Defined Contribution Plan

Full-time employees and part-time term employees electing this option have the choice of investing in retirement annuity contracts from one or more of four life insurance/annuity companies. These four companies are:

Corebridge, formerly AIG;
Teachers Insurance & Annuity Association – College Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA);
VOYA;
Fidelity Investments.

Each of the companies offer a variety of investment choices.

Vesting may be immediate for employees who own qualifying TIAA, VOYA, Fidelity or Corebridge Active Employer Sponsored Retirement Annuity Contracts at the time of their employment and elect the SUNY Optional Retirement Program. New annuity contract applications may need to be completed.

Employees who do not own contracts with the companies noted above and elect the SUNY Optional Retirement Program will have State contributions made on their behalf once they complete three hundred sixty-six (366) days of service (which is the vesting period). At the end of three hundred sixty-six (366) days of service, the State will make a single lump sum contribution with interest for this initial period and then make regular bi-weekly contributions thereafter. If an employee separates from service prior to completing three hundred sixty-six (366) days, no State contributions will be made on their behalf.

The employee contributions deducted during the first three hundred sixty-six (366), plus interest, will be transmitted at the end of the three hundred sixty-six (366) day period. If service does not continue for three hundred sixty-six (366), the employee contributions and accumulated interest will be refunded.

Employees have access 24/7 to reports from their pension plan administrator for each account. Quarterly reports list all activity during the quarter: premiums paid, interest credited, accumulation units (shares) purchased, and the total accumulations. The actual amount of retirement income will depend on the years of participation in the plan, the amount of premiums paid each year, age at retirement, investment experience, the income option(s) selected, and other factors.

Please review SUNY's Retirement Plan Options (pdf) for Tier 6 Retirement Plan comparison information or view this video: Retirement Plan Comparison-Tier 6

Additional details about each retirement program are available on the SUNY Retirement Plan Options and Eligibility website.

SUNY Voluntary Savings Program - 403(b)

SUNY employees are eligible to participate in the SUNY Voluntary Savings Program with AIG, TIAA or VOYA, as well as a 403(b)(7) custodial account with Fidelity Investments. This program affords an opportunity to make supplemental contributions via payroll deductions to a retirement annuity. Employees have a choice of pre-tax contributions or post-tax (ROTH) contributions, or a combination of both options.

The pre-tax amount employees elect to contribute is subtracted from their income before federal and state taxes are computed. Employees will be taxed on contributions, plus earnings, when withdrawing the funds. Post-tax (ROTH) contributions are subject to income taxes now, but the principal and growth are not subject to income tax when withdrawn (subject to certain exceptions).

Additional information can be obtained from the Office of Human Resources at 607-746-4495 or by viewing the 403(b) Retirement Savings Program brochure (pdf).

NYS Deferred Compensation Plan - 457 (b)

The New York State Deferred Compensation Plan is a voluntary savings plan available to employees of New York State that has the following features:

Contributions are made automatically through the convenience of payroll.
Employees don't pay federal or New York State income tax on Plan savings until the money is withdrawn from their Plan Account.
Investment options are grouped into three tiers (Retirement Date Funds, Do-It- Yourself, and Self-Directed option).
Enrolled participants can make Roth (post-tax) contributions. Roth designated contributions are deducted from participants’ paychecks on an after-tax basis.
Participants select the total percentage or amount to be deferred from their paycheck and how that amount is allocated between regular pre-tax deferrals and Roth designated deferrals.
An annual fee of twenty dollars ($20) (two $10 fees assessed semi-annually) will be charged to each New York State Deferred Compensation Plan participant regardless of the investment fund(s) selected.
Participants are also charged a variable asset-based fee that is assessed quarterly against investment returns.

Additional information may be obtained from the NYS Deferred Compensation website or by calling 800-422-8463.

Social Security

Social Security is the United States’ basic method of providing income when family earnings are reduced or cease upon retirement, disability, or death. Social Security retirement benefits are based on salary history up to the maximum Social Security taxable wage base. Each pay period, payroll deductions for Social Security are deducted from employees’ paychecks. New York State matches this deduction.

For additional information, please visit the Social Security Administration website.

Disability Coverage

Note: New York State Employees are NOT covered by New York State Statutory Disability.

SUNY Group Total Disability Insurance Plan

Upon completion of one (1) year* full-time service with SUNY, faculty and professional staff employees will automatically be enrolled in this plan. Part-time (non-casual) faculty and professional staff will also be enrolled after one year of service, if they are employed at 50% FTE or more.

*Note: If the immediate prior employer provided a long-term disability plan which provided similar benefits, the employee may be eligible to waive the one-year service eligibility requirement.

The objective of this plan is to ensure that a portion of the employee’s income will be protected in the event of a catastrophic illness or injury of long-term (more than 6 months) duration. There is no cost to eligible employees for this coverage.

The plan provides an income of 60% of basic monthly salary, to a maximum of $7,500 per month. These benefits will begin following (6) months of total disability, and will continue during disability or after the disability ceases under the terms outlined in the SUNY LTD Certificate, regardless of eligibility or death, whichever occurs first.

Additional information can be obtained from the Office of Human Resources 607-746-4495 or by visiting the SUNY Long-Term Disability Insurance website.

Disability Retirement Allowance (ERS & TRS Members Only)

Ordinary Disability Retirement

The New York State Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) and the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) provide an employee with at least ten (10) years of service credit, a disability retirement benefit if it is determined that they are permanently unable to perform their job duties. The ten (10) year service credit is waived if disability is the result of a work related illness/injury.

Accidental Disability

In the case of disability resulting from an on-the-job accident, the ten (10) year requirement is waived, providing the disabling accident is not a result of the employee's own willful negligence. An application must be filled with the Retirement System in a timely manner in order to apply for this benefit.

Additional information and appropriate application forms may be obtained from the Office of Human Resources at 607-746-4495, from the New York State Employee's Retirement System, 866-805-0990 or by visiting NYS Disability Benefits website.

Social Security Disability Allowance

The U.S. Social Security Administration provides a disability benefit to employees who are disabled to the extent that they cannot perform substantial gainful work, and who are fully insured - that is, have the necessary amount of quarters of coverage.

The amount of disability benefit is the employee’s Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) at the time the employee became disabled. There is a “waiting period” of five (5) full consecutive months from the time a disability is determined until benefits begin. Additionally, disability benefits may be reduced if the employee is receiving payments under a workers’ compensation or another disability plan.

Additional information concerning this benefit can be obtained from the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213.

Death Benefits

If an employee dies while in State service, beneficiaries may be entitled to receive death benefit payments, depending upon the Retirement System the employee elected.

NYS Employees' Retirement System Benefits (ERS & TRS Members Only)

Ordinary Death Benefit - Tier 6 members

An ordinary death benefit may be payable to a designated beneficiary if the member completed at least one year of service since last joining the Retirement System and meets other eligibility requirements.

The death benefit is equal to annual earnings multiplied by the years of service, not to exceed three (3) years of earnings. For example, if the member dies after one year of service, the death benefit equals one year of earnings. After two (2) years of service, the benefit equals two (2) times earnings, and after three (3) years of service, the benefit equals the maximum amount of three (3) times earnings. The earnings are subject to limitations.

For members working beyond age 60, the death benefit that would have been payable if the member died at age 60 will be reduced by 4% for each year that the employee remains in public employment after age sixty (60), up to a maximum reduction of 40 percent.

Post Retirement Death Benefit

If the member retired directly from service, or was a vested member and the date of retirement is within one year of leaving public employment in NYS, the employee’s beneficiary may be eligible to receive a post-retirement death benefit.

The post-retirement death benefit is calculated at retirement. During the first year of retirement, the benefit is 50 percent of the ordinary death benefit payable at retirement; during the second year of retirement, the benefit is 25 percent. During the third year and thereafter, the benefit will be 10 percent of the ordinary death benefit that would have been payable at age 60, if any, or at retirement, whichever was earlier.

Accidental Death Benefits

In addition to the above outlined ordinary death benefits, accidental death benefits are payable on behalf of members of the retirement system who die as the direct result of on-the-job accidents which were not caused by the employee's willful negligence. There is no minimum service requirement for the accidental death benefit. The Article 15 accidental death benefit is a pension equal to one-half (50%) of the employee’s earnings during their last year of active service.

Detailed information concerning this plan can be obtained from the Employee Retirement System at 866-805-0990.

SUNY Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) Benefits

Should an employee who elected the ORP die before their annuity benefits begin, the full accumulations (both the employee’s and the State’s contributions and all investment earnings) are payable to the employee’s designated beneficiary. Death benefits after retirement, if any, will be determined by the retirement income option selected.

New York State Survivor's Benefit Program

New York State has resources and information relative to benefits for survivors of NYS employees.

NYS Accidental Death/Tuition Benefit

This program provides a $50,000 accidental death benefit and a college tuition benefit to eligible surviving children of New York State employees who die as a result of an accidental on-the-job injury, where a death benefit is paid under the New York State Workers’ Compensation Law.

The tuition benefit is full tuition reimbursement for dependent children admitted to the State University of New York. They may also be eligible for tuition reimbursement at the SUNY level while attending an accredited no-SUNY institution.

Detailed information concerning this program may be obtained from the Office of Human Resources at 607-746-4495.

Social Security Benefits

The U.S. Social Security Administration may provide a death benefit for those who are either currently insured or fully insured. The exact amount payable is determined by such factors as salary at the time of death, number and age of dependents, and whether any of the dependents has a disability. A lump-sum benefit of $255 may also be payable.

Additional information concerning these benefits may be obtained from the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213.

Miscellaneous Benefits

State Employees Federal Credit Union (SEFCU)

Employees and their family members are eligible to join the State Employees Federal Credit Union (SEFCU). The Credit Union offers a wide variety of savings and investment accounts through payroll deduction, and lends funds to its members at very competitive rates. The National Credit Union Association insures savings up to $100,000.

The SEFCU branch locator map indicates that there are currently “surcharge free” ATM’s located in Delhi at Speedway and Walgreens. Locations and fees are subject to change.

For additional information, please contact the SEFCU Office at 800-727-3328.

New York's College Savings Program (529 Plan)

A parent, grandparent, relative, or friend can set up an account for a future college student. An employee may even set up an account for themselves. There are no restrictions based on age, income, or state of residence.

Contributions to the account are invested according to the investment options selected by the account owner. The Program’s investments are managed by the Vanguard Group, a leading financial services organization.

An account owner sets up an account for a specific beneficiary. The account owner may withdraw money without penalty to pay for qualified higher education expenses of the beneficiary.

The Program may provide tax advantages. If interested in learning more, check with a tax advisor.

The money in the account may be used to pay tuition and other qualified higher education expenses at any eligible public or private college or university, trade, vocational or professional school. Other qualified higher education expenses include fees, eligible room and board, books, supplies, and required equipment.

An account may be opened with as little as $25. Employees may make regular contributions of $15 or more per paycheck through payroll deduction.

For additional information, call 800-420-8580. Program representatives are available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. EST. For more information, please visit the NY College Savings Program website.

United University Professions (UUP) Sponsored Benefits

Through its own efforts and its affiliation with the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), UUP offers several additional optional programs for its members.

Delhi Campus Child Care Center, Inc. (DC4)

All employees are eligible to enroll their children (on a space available basis) in the Delhi Campus Child Care Center (DC4), a not-for-profit corporation licensed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

The state-of-the-art facility includes: five (5) classrooms, four (4) large playgrounds, kitchen, large indoor gym, library, and parent resource area. DC4 is licensed to serve eighty-five (85) children ages six (6) weeks to twelve (12) years.

Tuition is on a sliding scale, based on salary, as well as full or part-time enrollment of the children, etc.

DC4 is located at 1104 Arbor Hill Road, Delhi.

For more information please contact the Delhi Campus Child Care Center at 607-746-4710.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

All SUNY Delhi employees and their families can, if and when the need arises, obtain assistance for a variety of personal concerns through the Joint Labor-Management Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

This free referral program is designed to confidentially help employees and their families cope with personal concerns such as emotional stress, family and marital discord, financial and legal difficulties, alcoholism, drug abuse problems, etc., which may not only disrupt the employee’s personal life, but may seriously impair their ability to perform their job effectively.

Further details concerning this confidential program may be obtained by contacting B. Davis, 221 Farrell Center, at 607-746-4841.

Family Access to Campus Fitness Center and Pool

Employees of SUNY Delhi may complete an application on behalf of family members (spouse, domestic partner, and/or minor children) for access to the Fitness Center and Pool.

For additional information, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 607-746-4495.

Delhi Golf Course Membership/Discounts

The SUNY Delhi Golf Course may offer employees a discount on membership, carts, use of the driving range, discounts at Bluestone Restaurant, etc.

For more information, please contact Dave Arehart, PGA Golf Professional at 607-746-4791.

Other SUNY Delhi Miscellaneous Benefits

Employees of SUNY Delhi have other benefits available to them, including:

Auto Repair Services: for a small “lab” fee, plus cost of parts, call the Automotive Lab at 746-4278.
CADI discounts on food or food services: call CADI at 746-4750.
Office 365 subscription: call Computer Information Services at 746-4660.
Veterinary Services: Dog wash and other services, call the Veterinary Science Technology Department at 746-4425.

SUNY “Perks at Work”

The SUNY PerksCard and "Perks Connect" program enables members of the SUNY family to save money on many of their everyday purchases, including: dining, retail, auto services, pet needs, home services, health & beauty, fitness, recreation, travel, entertainment, and much more! Membership is free to members of the SUNY family.

Enroll today, using SUNY Perks Code: suny2015 to explore savings opportunities by calling 518-320-1149 or by visiting the SUNY Perks at Work website.

Please note that SUNY does not endorse, support, or benefit from any of the programs or offers listed, and this information is provided strictly for further exploration. Employees should review and research any programs or offers before enrolling or providing any personal information. Only representatives of each program, vendor, or merchant are knowledgeable and experienced enough to address questions or to assist with their respective programs.

*Note: If using a campus email address/system to access the SUNY Perks-Employee Discount Program, such must still be done in accordance with the NYS P14-001acceptable use policy (pdf).

Please remember that employees are subject to all Delhi policies regarding use of campus electronic equipment. Failure to comply may lead to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

Important Websites/Telephone Numbers

SUNY Delhi

Office of Human Resources: 607-746-4495
Health & Counseling Services: 607-746-4688
Title IX Coordinator: 607-746-4498
University Police: 607-746-4700
Auto Lab: 607-746-4278
CADI: 607-746-4750
Computer Information Services: 607-746-4660
DC-4 Child Care: 607-746-4710
Employee Assistance Program: 607-746-4688
Golf Course: 607-746-4791
Veterinary Science: 607-746-4425

UUP Offices

UUP Administrative Office: 800-342-4206

UUP Benefit Trust Fund: 800-UUP-FUND

Health, Dental, and Vision

Delta Dental: 800-471-7093

Davis Vision: 888-588-4823

Empire Plan: 877-769-7447

Use the general phone number listed above and select from the following menu options:

Press 1. United HealthCare (Medical Surgical)
Press 2. Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Inpatient/Skilled Nursing/Transplant Pre-Certification)
Press 3. Beacon Health Options (Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Pre-Certification)
Press 4. CVS/Caremark (Prescriptions)
Press 5. Nurse-line (Health Information, Education and Support 24 Hours a day)