Benefit summary for classified staff in greater than half-time positions
Overview
University of Washington offers a wide range of benefits as part of your total compensation package. Choose from top medical, dental and vision insurance programs; plan for your future with tax-deferred investing through the UW retirement options; enjoy generous vacation and sick time off policies; and protect yourself and your family with life and long-term disability insurance. For more information, follow the links shown below or explore the Benefits website.
Insurance
Eligibility
You are eligible for Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) insurance benefits when appointed to a classified staff position with at least an average of 80 hours per month (480 hours) for more than 6 consecutive months. Classified staff refers to positions that are either governed by a labor contract (“contract classified”) or administered by the UW, in accordance with State Human Resources rules. Insurance benefits generally begin the first of the following month. However, if an eligible appointment begins on the first business or calendar day of the month, eligibility begins on that day.
Maintaining eligibility
After initial insurance eligibility is established, you must be paid for at least 8 hours in a month in a non-student position in order to maintain PEBB insurance benefits. If a separation is processed or you have a break in service of one calendar month, eligibility ends and must be re-established. Learn more at the Eligibility for Insurance webpage.
Medical insurance
Eligible employees may choose from several health plans, all of which are listed in the Compare Health Plans webpages.
Dental Insurance
Choose from two managed care plans and one preferred provider plan. Dental premiums for you and your eligible dependent(s) are fully paid by the UW. For more information, explore the Dental plans page.
Vision Insurance
Choose from three vision plans. Vision premiums for you and your eligible dependent(s) are fully paid by UW. For more information, explore the Vision plans webpage.
Long Term Disability Insurance (LTD)
The UW pays for your Employer-Paid LTD coverage which provides a 90day waiting period and a maximum benefit of $240 per month. Also available is Employee-Paid LTD, which provides a benefit of 60% of your eligible pre-disability earnings after a 90 day waiting period. For more information, explore the Long-term disability insurance webpage.
Life, Accidental Death, and Dismemberment Insurance
The University provides each eligible employee with $35,000 of basic life insurance and $5,000 basic AD&D insurance at no cost. You also have the option to purchase additional insurance up to $500,000 with no Medical Evidence of Insurability, and to a maximum of $1,000,000 with Medical Evidence of Insurability. If you enroll in optional life insurance you may apply for amounts of optional life insurance for your spouse or state registered domestic partner and/or children. For more information, explore the Life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment insurance webpage.
Medical Flexible Spending Account (Medical FSA)
If you choose a non CDHP medical plan, you have the option to contribute to a tax-exempt Medical FSA. The Medical FSA allows you to save money on eligible health expenses. For more information, explore the Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA): Tax savings for medical costs webpage.
Limited Purpose Flexible Spending Account (LFSA)
You can contribute to a LFSA while participating in any medical plan. However, you cannot participate in both a Medical FSA and an LFSA in the same year. The LFSA allows you to save money on eligible dental and vision expenses. For more information, explore the Limited Purpose FSA webpage.
Dependent Care Assistance Program
The Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) helps you pay for child care and elder care by allowing you to set aside a portion of your salary, pre-tax, for eligible expenses. For more information, explore the DCAP: Tax saving for child and elder care webpage.
SmartHealth Wellness
Washington State’s voluntary and confidential wellness program also focuses on your health and well-being. As you progress on your wellness journey, you can qualify for a financial wellness incentive! For more information, explore the Washington State Health Care Authority webpage.
Retirement
Retirement Plans
Participate in one of two Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) plans offered by the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS). With PERS 2, your entire retirement benefit is defined by a formula and contributions are subject to periodic rate adjustments by the state legislature. PERS 3 is a hybrid retirement plan that combines a traditional pension plan with investment options that work like a typical retirement plan, such as a 401(k). Contributions to both plans are tax-deferred. If you have prior retirement history this will affect your Retirement plan options.
Voluntary Investment Program
Add to your retirement portfolio with the Voluntary Investment Program (VIP), an optional, unmatched retirement savings plan under Section 403(b) of the federal tax code. Use the VIP to tap into the tax advantages of pre-tax contributions, make Roth after-tax contributions to create a tax-free account for retirement, or use both contribution types. For more information, explore the UW Voluntary Investment Program webpage
Deferred Compensation Program
Washington State Deferred Compensation Program (DCP) is an additional optional, unmatched retirement savings program under IRC 457(b). New employees will automatically be enrolled in DCP three months after their start date. UW employees may participate in both VIP and DCP in the same tax year at the same time. For more information, explore the Deferred Compensation Program webpage.
Other Benefits
Transit Pass (U-PASS)
All employees paid wages receive a fully subsidized U-PASS to use on public transportation. The U-PASS provides unlimited rides on regional buses, commuter trains, light rail and water taxis as well as full fare coverage on vanpools. For more information, explore the Employee U-Pass benefit policy webpage.
Time Off
All staff accrue vacation and sick time off each month and may be eligible for paid holidays and a personal holiday based on employment program or collective bargaining agreement. For more information, explore the Time and Absence webpage.
Parental Leave
The UW provides parental leave for all staff regardless of how long they have worked here. Your employment program determines the duration of parental leave you may take to bond with your newborn or newly placed adopted or foster child. For more information, explore the Parental Leave webpage.
State service credit
If you have previously worked as an employee for the state of Washington in a non-temporary staff position, including time spent at the UW, you may be eligible for crediting of your prior Washington state service toward a higher vacation time off accrual rate. And if you transfer without a break, your time off balances may transfer with you. For more information, explore the Prior Washington State Service Credit and Transfer between State of Washington Employers webpage.
Engagement Program
The Whole U is the University’s wellness and community engagement program that encompasses an amazing array of resources including discounts! Events, activities, and articles are curated around seven Whole U pillars: being active, eating well, staying healthy, financial fitness, volunteerism, life events/changes, and engaging personal interests. For more information, explore The Whole U webpage.
More Ways to Save
Review programs and educational seminars offered on saving money. For more information, explore the More Ways to Save webpage.
WA State Employee Assistance Program
Find an array of work/life resources that go beyond the ordinary. From counseling and legal assistance to financial resources and employee support programs. These services are staffed by local professionals in Washington, ensuring personalized support that aligns with our commitment to your well-being. Contact WA EAP at 877-313-4455 for services.
Self-Care
The Whole U provides many programs to assist with personal care and wellbeing for you and your loved ones. Find resources for mental, physical, and emotional health. For more information, explore The Whole U webpage.
Child Care and parenting
- Limited on-site child care for PEBB-eligible employees is available on the UW Seattle campus, at Harborview Medical Center and at
UWMC – Northwest. For more information, explore the Child care and Caregiving webpage. - Off-site and in-home child care options for PEBB-eligible employees include backup care; priority access; tuition discounts, Sittercity membership, nanny and au pair discounts and care finding services provided by WA State Employee Assistance Program.
Adult and elder care
PEBB-eligible employees have access to several resources to help with care finding and consultation about elder care issues. For more information, explore the Adult and elder care webpage.
Training and Education
The Washington State Tuition Exemption Program provides access to college courses (where space is available) at public higher education institutions across the state, including the UW. For more information, explore the WA State employee tuition exemption program webpage.
Professional & Organizational Development offers a wide range of training courses, workshops, and online learning for leaders and staff. For more information, explore the Upcoming Offerings webpage.
Additional Programs
- Auto, home, renter, and boat group insurance available to employees. For more information, explore the Discounts on auto, home, and renters insurance webpage.
- UW Combined Fund Drive, the state’s workplace giving campaign can be found at the Combined Fund Drive webpage.
- Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF), can be found at Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program webpage.
Questions
For eligibility and enrollment in Workday contact UW Benefits at 206-543-4444 orbenefits@uw.edu.