Benefit summary for classified staff in nonpermanent or intermittent positions and classified or civil service exempt staff in regular less than half-time positions
Overview
University of Washington employees, who are anticipated to work an average of at least 80 hours per month and are anticipated to work for at least eight hours in each month for more than six consecutive months are eligible for UW employer-paid Public Employees’ Benefits Board (PEBB) insurances provided they meet the definition of eligibility found in WAC 182-12-114. If eligible, you can choose from top medical and dental insurance programs; plan for your future with tax-deferred investing through the UW retirement options; 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 webpages.
Insurance
Eligibility
You can establish PEBB insurance eligibility in one of two ways:
- The appointment you are offered meets the eligibility criteria, in which case your eligibility begins when the appointment begins, or
- Your work will be tracked by the Benefits office and once you cross the eligibility threshold, you will be notified of your eligibility through Workday.
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. For more information, explore the Eligibility for Insurance webpage.
Maintaining Eligibility
After initial insurance eligibility is established, you must be paid for at least 8 hours 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. For more information, explore the Eligibility for Insurance webpage.
Medical Insurance
Eligible employees may choose from several health plans. For more information, explore the Eligibility for Insurance webpage.
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 webpage.
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
The UW pays for your Employer-Paid LTD coverage which provides a 90-day 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 Other 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 Other Insurance webpage.
Medical Flexible Spending Account (Medical FSA)
If you choose a non CDHP medical plan, you have the option to contribute to a Medical FSA 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 page.
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 page.
Retirement
Eligibility
Staff who work at least 70 hours over any five (5) months within a 12-month period may meet the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Plan eligibility requirements.
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 State of Washington retirement history this will affect your retirement plan options. For more information, explore the Retirement Plans webpage.
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). DCP contributions are deducted pre-tax, and the earnings grow tax-deferred. 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 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 page.
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 page.
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 page.
More Ways to Save
Review programs and educational seminars offered on saving money. For more information, explore the More Ways to Save page.
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 or visit theWA EAP website for more information.
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 page.
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 page. - 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 page.
Training and Education
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 page.
Additional Programs
- Auto, home, renter, and boat group insurance available to employees. For more information, explore the Discounts on auto, home, and renters insurance page.
- UW Combined Fund Drive, the state’s workplace giving campaign can be found at the Combined Fund Drive page.
- Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF), can be found at Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program page.
Questions
For eligibility and enrollment in Workday contact UW Benefits at 206-543-4444 orbenefits@uw.edu.