{"id":9576,"date":"2025-12-15T15:50:33","date_gmt":"2025-12-15T23:50:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hr.uw.edu\/benefits\/?page_id=9576"},"modified":"2025-12-15T15:50:33","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T23:50:33","slug":"postdoctoral-scholars","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/hr.uw.edu\/benefits\/orientation\/summaries\/postdoctoral-scholars\/","title":{"rendered":"Benefit summary for postdoctoral scholars"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4 id=\"overview\">Overview<\/h4>\n<p>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 <a href=\"http:\/\/hr.uw.edu\/benefits\/\">Benefits<\/a> website.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uwhr-toc-top-btn\"><a href=\"#toc\">Return to top<\/a><\/p><h4 id=\"insurance\">Insurance<\/h4>\n<h5>Eligibility<\/h5>\n<p>You are eligible for PEBB insurance benefits when appointed to a UW-paid position with at least a 50 percent UW paid appointment for more than 6 consecutive months. 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. Those paid through a stipend will have premiums and deductions taken on a post-tax basis.<\/p>\n<h5>Medical insurance<\/h5>\n<p>Eligible employees may choose from several health plans, all of which are listed in the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/hr.uw.edu\/benefits\/insurance\/health\/compare-plans\/\">Compare Health Plans<\/a>\u00a0webpages.<\/p>\n<h5>Dental Insurance<\/h5>\n<p>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\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/hr.uw.edu\/benefits\/insurance\/health\/plans\/dental\/\">Dental plans<\/a>\u00a0page.<\/p>\n<h5>Vision Insurance<\/h5>\n<p>Choose from three vision plans. Vision premiums for you and your eligible dependent(s) are fully paid by UW. For more information, explore the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/hr.uw.edu\/benefits\/insurance\/health\/plans\/vision\/\">Vision Plans<\/a>\u00a0webpage.<\/p>\n<h5>Long Term Disability Insurance (LTD)<\/h5>\n<p>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\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/hr.uw.edu\/benefits\/insurance\/other\/long-term-disability-insurance\/\">Long-term Disability Insurance<\/a>\u00a0webpage.<\/p>\n<h5>Life, Accidental Death, and Dismemberment Insurance<\/h5>\n<p>The University provides each eligible employee with $35,000 of basic life insurance and $5,000 basic AD&amp;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\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/hr.uw.edu\/benefits\/insurance\/other\/life-insurance-accidental-death-dismemberment\/\">Life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment insurance<\/a>\u00a0webpage.<\/p>\n<h5>Medical Flexible Spending Account (Medical FSA)<\/h5>\n<p>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\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/hr.uw.edu\/benefits\/more-ways-to-save\/fsa-tax-savings-for-medical-costs\/\">Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA): Tax savings for medical costs<\/a>\u00a0webpage.<\/p>\n<h5>Limited Purpose Flexible Spending Account (LFSA)<\/h5>\n<p>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\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/hr.uw.edu\/benefits\/more-ways-to-save\/limited-purpose-fsa\/\">Limited Purpose FSA<\/a>\u00a0webpage.<\/p>\n<h5>Dependent Care Assistance Program<\/h5>\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/hr.uw.edu\/benefits\/more-ways-to-save\/dcap-tax-savings-for-child-and-elder-care\/\">DCAP: Tax saving for child and elder care<\/a> webpage.<\/p>\n<h5>SmartHealth<\/h5>\n<p>Washington State&#8217;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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hca.wa.gov\/employee-retiree-benefits\/smarthealth-pebb\">Washington State Health Care Authority<\/a> webpage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uwhr-toc-top-btn\"><a href=\"#toc\">Return to top<\/a><\/p><h4 id=\"retirement\">Retirement<\/h4>\n<h5>Retirement Plans<\/h5>\n<p>UW Postdoctoral Scholars with at least a 50 percent UW paid appointment for six or more consecutive months have 30 days from their eligibility date to make a retirement plan election between the UW Retirement Plan (UWRP) or the state\u2019s Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) Plan 3.<\/p>\n<p>Please note stipend earnings are ineligible for UWRP or PERS 3 contributions UWRP is a Defined Contribution (DC) Plan under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 403(b). Employee contributions are tax-deferred, and the UW matches 100% of those contributions. Contribution levels are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u00a05% of regular earnings: Under age 35<\/li>\n<li>\u00a07.5% of regular earnings: Age 35 and over<\/li>\n<li>10% of regular earnings: Age 50 and over (optional)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>PERS Plan 3 is a hybrid &#8220;defined benefit&#8221; (DB) and DC retirement plan under IRC Section 401(a). Compare the plans on the <a href=\"https:\/\/hr.uw.edu\/benefits\/retirement-plans\/\">Retirement Plans<\/a> webpage.<\/p>\n<h5>Voluntary Investment Program<\/h5>\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/hr.uw.edu\/benefits\/retirement-plans\/optional-retirement-plans\/uw-voluntary-investment-program\/\">UW Voluntary Investment Program<\/a> webpage<\/p>\n<h5>Deferred Compensation Program<\/h5>\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/hr.uw.edu\/benefits\/retirement-plans\/optional-retirement-plans\/deferred-compensation\/\">Deferred Compensation Program<\/a> webpage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uwhr-toc-top-btn\"><a href=\"#toc\">Return to top<\/a><\/p><h4 id=\"other-benefits\">Other Benefits<\/h4>\n<h5>Holidays and Leave<\/h5>\n<p>The UW observes 11 paid holidays per calendar year. Refer to the &#8220;Time Off and Leave&#8221; section of your appointment contract for details on leaves. For more information visit <a href=\"https:\/\/hr.uw.edu\/labor\/academic-and-student-unions\/uaw-postdocs\/uaw-postdoc-contract\">UAW Postdoctoral Scholars (Postdoc) contract<\/a> webpage.<\/p>\n<h5>More Ways to Save<\/h5>\n<p>Review programs and educational seminars offered on saving money. For more information, explore the <a href=\"https:\/\/hr.uw.edu\/benefits\/more-ways-to-save\/\">More Ways to Save<\/a> webpage.<\/p>\n<h5>Hometown Home Loan Program<\/h5>\n<p>Save on loan fees, inspections, and appraisal fees. Pre-qualify and apply on the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.homestreet.com\/UW\">University of Washington Affinity Program Benefits<\/a> webpage .<\/p>\n<h5>Transportation<\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li>The U-PASS provides you with a variety of low-cost transportation options in the greater Puget Sound area\u2014from buses, commuter train service and light rail, to vanpooling and discounted impromptu carpooling. For more information, explore the\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.washington.edu\/facilities\/transportation\/employee-u-pass\"> U-PASS<\/a> webpage.<\/li>\n<li>Commute Options: Get free personalized support to help you find a commute that best fits your needs at <a href=\"https:\/\/transportation.uw.edu\/\">UW Transportation Services.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5>Engagement Program<\/h5>\n<p>The Whole U is the University\u2019s 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\u00a0 fitness, volunteerism, life events\/changes, and engaging personal interests. For more information, explore <a href=\"https:\/\/thewholeu.uw.edu\/\">The Whole U<\/a> webpage.<\/p>\n<h5>WA State Employee Assistance Program<\/h5>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h5>Self-Care<\/h5>\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/thewholeu.uw.edu\/\">The Whole U<\/a> webpage.<\/p>\n<h5>Child care and parenting<\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li>Limited on-site child care for PEBB-eligible employees is available on the UW Seattle campus, at Harborview Medical Center and at<br \/>\nUWMC \u2013 Northwest. For more information, explore the<a href=\"https:\/\/hr.uw.edu\/worklife\/child-care-and-caregiving\/\"> Child care and caregiving<\/a> webpage.<\/li>\n<li>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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5>Adult and elder care<\/h5>\n<p>PEBB-eligible employees have access to several resources to help with care finding and consultation about elder care issues. For more information, explore the <a href=\"https:\/\/hr.uw.edu\/worklife\/caring-for-adults\/adult-and-elder-care\/\">Adult and elder care<\/a> webpage.<\/p>\n<h5>Training and Education<\/h5>\n<p><strong>Tuition Exemption Program<\/strong> 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/hr.uw.edu\/policies\/tuition-exemption\/\">WA State employee tuition exemption program<\/a> webpage.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Professional &amp; Organizational Development<\/strong> offers a wide range of training courses, workshops, and online learning for leaders and staff. For more information, explore the <a href=\"https:\/\/hr.uw.edu\/pod\/upcoming%20offerings\/\">Upcoming Offerings<\/a> webpage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uwhr-toc-top-btn\"><a href=\"#toc\">Return to top<\/a><\/p><h4 id=\"additional-programs\">Additional Programs<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Auto, home, renter, and boat group insurance<\/strong> available to employees. For more information, explore the <a href=\"https:\/\/hr.uw.edu\/benefits\/insurance\/other\/discounts-auto-home-renters-insurance\/\">Discounts on auto, home, and renters insurance<\/a> webpage.<\/li>\n<li><strong>UW Combined Fund Drive<\/strong>, the state\u2019s workplace giving campaign can be found at the <a href=\"https:\/\/hr.uw.edu\/cfd\/\">Combined Fund Drive<\/a> webpage.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)<\/strong>, can be found at <a href=\"https:\/\/hr.uw.edu\/benefits\/more-ways-to-save\/loan-forgiveness-program\/\">Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program<\/a> webpage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"uwhr-toc-top-btn\"><a href=\"#toc\">Return to top<\/a><\/p><h4 id=\"questions\">Questions<\/h4>\n<p>For eligibility and enrollment in Workday contact UW Benefits at 206-543-4444 or<a href=\"mailto:benefits@uw.edu\">benefits@uw.edu<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"uwhr-toc-top-btn\"><a href=\"#toc\">Return to top<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":128,"featured_media":0,"parent":9690,"menu_order":70,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-9576","page","type-page","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Benefit summary for postdoctoral scholars - Benefits<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/hr.uw.edu\/benefits\/orientation\/summaries\/postdoctoral-scholars\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Benefit summary for postdoctoral scholars - Benefits\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Overview University of Washington offers a wide range of benefits as part of your total compensation package. 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