Office of Human Resources
Benefits Bulletin Board
| Updates | Description | Issue Date |
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Pre-Retirement Webinars Fall 2023 Sessions |
We are pleased to let you know that the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations (GOER) Work Life Services (WLS) will again offer virtual Fall 2023 NYS Pre-Retirement DIRECTIONS Sessions from September – December 2023. Using the WebEx platform, these live sessions will be conducted bi-weekly over 2 days using the following schedule and agenda: Pre-Retirement Webinars Fall 2023 Session Dates: September Webinar Session I: Sep 19th & Sep 20th October Webinar Session I: Oct 3rd & Oct 4th November Webinar Session I: Nov 14th & Nov 15th December Webinar Session I: Dec 5th & Dec 6th Regular Bi-Weekly Agenda: Tuesday - Day One Wednesday - Day Two These important and informative DIRECTIONS webinars will provide the exact same live training as the in-person seminars including the same valuable information as provided by the same presenters. As these are popular events, prior attendance rules will continue to apply. All employees will only be able to attend one (1) complete webinar session, one (1) time in their career. And, when live seminars do safely return, employees who attended these webinars will not be permitted to register and attend the live seminar. Prior eligibility criteria will also remain consistent. One (1) attendance in their employment career is open to any employee who
These popular DIRECTIONS webinars are provided to NYS agencies state-wide, with limited availability. We ask that registrants be mindful of their reservation and required attendance at both sessions. Please contact Ellen Brown, Sr. Personnel Associate at ebrown@esf.edu if you would like to attend one of these two-day seminars. Please Note: the deadline to register for any full session is two (2) weeks prior to the session start date. |
8/24/2023 |
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Adult Education Basics: A Webinar for Supervisors
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Supervisors play a vital role in the growth and development of their CSEA-represented NYS employees. That’s why we are encouraging NYS managers and supervisors to attend an informational webinar about our Adult Education Basics program on Thursday, August 3, at 11 a.m. During the one-hour webinar, participants will discover:
This fall, we will accept applications for two related courses: Enhance Your Skills: Reading, Writing, and Math Basics and Focus on Pronunciation: Level 1. Webinar classes fill quickly, register as soon as possible. The registration deadline is July 31. For more information, contact us at (800) 253-4332 or email learning@nyscsepartnership.org. |
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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Microsoft Excel 2016 Essentials Online Learning Certificate Programs Now Available |
Two new Online Learning Certificate programs are available to prepare CSEA-represented NYS employees to advance their careers or gain extra knowledge to stay competitive in their current positions.
Eligible employees may apply between July 10, 2023 to January 30, 2024. To earn a certificate, participants must successfully complete all required courses by January 30, 2024. Supervisory approval is not required for courses taken outside of the normal workday. |
7/10/2023 |
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Over40 Comp Time II Pilot Program |
Under the Over40 Comp Time II Pilot Program (Over40 II), overtime-eligible State employees represented by CSEA, may opt to earn compensatory time at the time and one-half rate in lieu of overtime pay for hours worked in excess of 40 hours in a workweek and to cash out that time at a later date. The 2023-2024 program year will conclude on June 21, 2024 (Administration Payroll). Enrollments for eligible employees for the 2023-2024 program year, which will commence with the payroll period that includes July 1, 2023, must be submitted by employees no later than close of business June 1, 2023. |
05/11/2023 |
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Statewide Targeted Tuition Benefits Program |
CSEA-represented NYS employees: Statewide Targeted Tuition Benefits Program is continuing. Save time and money on tuition for eligible programming through the Partnership’s Statewide Targeted Tuition Program. CSEA-represented NYS employees training in the following career fields can receive up to two targeted tuition benefits. This is in addition to the two standard tuition benefits available to all CSEA-represented NYS employees. This means eligible employees can receive a total of four tuition benefits. Each benefit can cover up to $1,220. The four benefits can add up to $4,880 per year. The additional benefits help employees attain their coursework faster while reducing their tuition expenses. Statewide Targeted Tuition Programs • Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) • Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) • Information Technology • Nursing • Welding Courses must be in session, at some point, between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024. Applications must be received by March 31, 2024. For more information go to: https://nyscseapartnership.org/statewide-targeted-tuition-program or contact a Partnership advisor at (800) 253-4332 (Option 1) or advisors@nyscsepartnership.org.lese
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04/06/2023 |
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Waiver of Holiday Compensation Election |
The collective bargaining agreements between the State and CSEA, NYSCOPBA, and PBANYS, allow employee waiver of holiday compensation. Consequently, between April 2 and May 15, 2023 employees should notify the payroll office in writing, using the attached form, if they elect to waive holiday compensation and choose to receive instead compensatory time off for holidays worked. The waiver will remain in effect until at least April 1, 2024. Employees may also elect to revoke any waiver of holiday compensation now in effect by filing the attached form with the payroll office by May 15, 2023. |
4/5/2023 |
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Voluntary 403(b) Savings Plan presentations |
2 minute overview: SUNY Voluntary 403(b) Savings Plan 7 Minute VSP Plan highlights: SUNY Voluntary 403(b) Savings Plan (VSP) Presentation |
2/10/2023 |
| Work Life Services |
We are pleased to let you know that the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations (GOER) Work Life Services (WLS) will again offer virtual Spring 2023 NYS Pre-Retirement DIRECTIONS Sessions from February – June 2023. Using the WexEx platform, these live sessions will be conducted bi-weekly over 2 days using the following schedule and agenda: Session Dates: |
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| Empire Knowledgebank (EKB) Learning Platform | Online education through the Empire Knowledgebank (EKB) learning platform offers many
opportunities in professional writing. - Professional Writing Skills: A Write it Well
Guide - Improving Your Technical Writing Skills - Best Practices for Communicating
in the Digital Age - Business Writing - Grant Writing - And Many More To access EKB,
fill out the application at: EKB License Application |
12/8/2022 |
| Accidental death benefit and a tuition benefit for dependent children for New York State employees who die as a result of an accidental on-the-job injury |
The State of New York provides a $50,000 accidental death benefit and a tuition benefit for dependent children for New York State employees who die as a result of an accidental on-the-job injury. Both benefits are available to the following State employee groups: Administrative Services Unit 02 Accidental Death Benefit The accidental death benefit is paid only if an employee dies as a result of an accidental on-the-job injury and the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) issues a determination providing for payment of a death benefit under the Workers' Compensation Law. The accidental death benefit is $50,000, paid to the employee's surviving spouse and children. If there are no beneficiaries, the benefit is paid to the deceased employee's estate. The benefit is in addition to other State death benefits and is paid to the beneficiaries in the same proportion as the WCB determination. Employees in bargaining unit codes 01, 06, 07, 17, 18, 21, 31, 61, 62, and 91, whose beneficiaries receive full payment under the Federal Public Safety Officers Benefit Act (42 USC 3796, et seq.) are not eligible for the accidental death benefit. Members of the Graduate Student Employees Union (GSEU), bargaining unit code 28, are entitled to the accidental death benefit only. Dependent Children Tuition Benefit This benefit provides college tuition assistance to dependent children of New York State employees who die as a result of an accidental on-the-job injury. For the purpose of this benefit, dependent children are those designated by the Workers' Compensation Board to receive a death benefit. Tuition assistance is paid in full if a dependent child attends an undergraduate college or community college in the State University of New York (SUNY) system. In addition, some bargaining units will provide tuition assistance at the SUNY tuition rate if the dependent child attends a private college or university in New York State. This benefit is for tuition only and does not cover fees mandated by the college, room and board, books, or incidentals. The State pays the benefit directly to the college. |
12/7/2022 |
| NYSHIP Option Transfer and Pre-Tax Contribution Program (PTCP) |
The 2023 NYSHIP Option Transfer and Pre-Tax Contribution Program (PTCP) Election Period The 2023 NYSHIP Option Transfer and Pre-Tax Contribution Program (PTCP) Election Period runs from Thursday, December 1, 2022, through Friday, December 30, 2022. For more information go to: 2023 NYSHIP Option Transfer |
12/2/2022 |
| Flex Spending Account: THIS APPLIES TO NYS EMPLOYEES ONLY |
The Flex Spending Account (FSA) is a state employee benefit that saves you money by allowing you to pay for certain expenses with pre-tax dollars. Under this program, you can choose from three different benefits:
This year we have a new administrator for the FSA, Total Administrative Service Corporation (TASC). TASC will be handling enrollments for the 2023 plan year while our current vendor, Health Equity/WageWorks will be responsible for the run out of the 2022 plan year. All employees will be required to newly enroll in the new system, including those who are re-enrolling. HEALTH CARE SPENDING Employees will continue to access a debit card to use for eligible purchases and charges. After January 1, current FSA debit cards from Health Equity/WageWorks will be deactivated. Participants in the 2023 program who enroll prior to December 1 should receive the new TASC debit card by January 1, 2023. Those participants who enroll after December 1 and before the December 12 deadline will receive their new debit card by mid-January. However, their claims and expenses will still be eligible for reimbursement. Plan year 2023 will also include the maximum carryover of 2022 remaining balances. After the run-out period ends on March 31, 2023, up to $610 of funds remaining in 2022 accounts will be carried over to participants' 2023 accounts for use during the 2023 plan year. Funds will be deposited into 2023 accounts by April 30, 2023. DEPENDENT CARE ADVANTAGE ACCOUNT (DCAA) Plan year 2023 will also include a grace period. Any remaining funds from the 2022 plan year can be used to pay for expenses incurred between January 1, 2023 and March 15, 2023. Open enrollment will run from November 1, 2022 to December 12, 2022 ending at 11:59 p.m. ET. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations do not allow us to make exceptions for employees who miss the deadline, regardless of their reason. In addition to the informational flyer a more detailed brochure and the 2023 FSA enrollment book will be available at https://oer.ny.gov/program-materials. You may also visit the Flex Spending Account website at https://oer.ny.gov/about-flex-spending-account-fsa to view program details online and the enrollment process. You may also call the FSA Hotline at 1-800-358-7202 for more information, where customer service representatives are ready to assist you. To Enroll: On November 1 the link to enroll will be available at https://oer.ny.gov/fsa, or employees can call 800-358-7202 to enroll. |
10/31/2022 |
| 2023 Universal Availability Notice |
The State University of New York Voluntary Savings Plan 2023 UNIVERSAL AVAILABILITY NOTICE The State University of New York ("SUNY") provides employees with the opportunity to save for their retirement through the SUNY Voluntary 403(b) Savings Plan (the "Plan"). Participation in the SUNY Voluntary Savings Plan is a great way to build your retirement savings through pre-tax and/or post-tax payroll deduction contributions. |
10/27/2022 |
| Unclassified UUP and MC13 Employees |
The 2023 Productivity Enhancement Program (PEP) for 2023 allows eligible UUP represented and Management Confidential (M/C 13) employees to exchange previously accrued annual leave (vacation) in return for a credit to be applied toward their employee share of NYSHIP premiums on a biweekly basis. The enrollment for the 2023 PEP program runs from: Tuesday, November 1, 2022, through Monday, December 12, 2022. The election form must be filed with Human Resource's Office by the close of business on December 12, 2022. |
10/26/2022 |
| Classified CSEA and MC06 Employees only |
The 2023 Productivity Enhancement Program (PEP) for 2023 allows eligible Classified CSEA-represented and Management Confidential (M/C 06) employees to exchange previously accrued annual leave (vacation) and/or personal leave in return for a credit to be applied toward their employee share of NYSHIP premiums on a biweekly basis. The enrollment for the 2023 PEP program runs from: Tuesday, November 1, 2022, through Monday, December 12, 2022. The election form must be filed with Human Resource's Office by the close of business on December 12, 2022. Classified CSEA/MC Enrollment form is found at: Fillable Enrollment Form |
10/26/2022 |
| 2022-2023 Tuition Benefits Program |
We are pleased to announce the Partnership's 2022-2023 Tuition Benefits Program for eligible CSEA-represented NYS employees. Some of the program highlights include:
For more information, call (800) 253-4332 or email learning@nyscseapartnership.org |
9/19/2022 |
| Statewide Targeted Tuition Program |
We're thrilled to announce the return of tuition assistance for eligible employees pursuing an in-demand position in state service. The Partnership's Statewide Targeted Tuition Program enables aspiring nurses, welders, HVAC technicians, information technology professionals, and truck drivers to receive up to two targeted benefits. This is in addition to the two standard tuition benefits available to all CSEA-represented NYS employees. The additional benefits help employees attain their coursework faster while reducing their tuition expenses. Statewide Targeted Tuition Programs
Courses must be in session, at some point, between April 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023. Applications must be received by March 31, 2023. Statewide Targeted Tuition Program | NYS & CSEA Partnership |
9/19/2022 |
| NYS & CSEA Partnership for Education and Training |
The NYS & CSEA Partnership for Education and Training is pleased to announce the Fall 2022 Skills for Success catalog. Live, instructor-led courses and webinars provide CSEA-represented employees with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to meet their personal and professional development goals. Attached is the Skills for Success catalog containing course and webinar descriptions, dates, and start and end times. There are over 80 courses and webinars scheduled from September through December 2022. For more information go to: the Partnership's website at www.nyscseapartnership.org. CSEA-represented employees are encouraged to take advantage of these valuable training opportunities. Employees may enroll through the Statewide Learning Management System or by completing the Partnership's application form located in the catalog or online at https://nyscseapartnership.org/skills-success |
8/19/2022 |
| New faculty as well as those entering their second year |
For those who want a longer in-depth program, there is the Teaching and Learning for New Faculty Certificate Program. The Certificate provides evidence that faculty have attained a basic set of essential skills and knowledge needed for teaching at SUNY. The program consists of three six-week facilitated and interactive online asynchronous courses. Discounts are available for those on CPD member campuses and who register for all three courses at once. Registration information and program completion details are available at suny.edu |
8/2/2022 |
| My New York State Health Insurance Program (MyNYSHIP) |
My New York State Health Insurance Program (MyNYSHIP) is the online source to your personal enrollment record as a participant in the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP). Once you have registered with MyNYSHIP, you can:
In addition to being able to view your personal and enrollment information, once you enter your Activation Code, you can also:
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10/21/2021 |
| Peloton membership | This offer is now live. Peloton has a dedicated FAQ page to cover a variety of common questions. As a reminder you can check to see if you are eligible here. UnitedHealthcare announced that they are teaming up with Peloton to offer a free year worth of Peloton membership to people who have “select” UnitedHealthcare insurance plans. | 9/8/2021 |
| Premium Rate for Paid Family Leave Benefits and Maximum Employee Contribution for Coverage Beginning January 1, 2022 | Dept of Financial Services has determined that the premium rate for Paid Family Leave benefits for coverage beginning January 1, 2022 shall total 0.511% of an employee's wages each pay period up to and not to exceed an annual maximum employee contribution of $423.71. If an employee's contributions reach the annual maximum employee contribution of $423.71 before the end of the calendar year, the employee shall not be liable for any additional contributions for that year. | 9/2/2021 |
| SUNY Discounts* | Members of the SUNY family may be eligible for group discounts and offers from a variety
of vendors, merchants, and providers. The following information outlines a few of
these discount programs. https://www.suny.edu/benefits/discounts/ * Please note that SUNY does not endorse, support, or benefit from any of the programs or offers listed, and that this information is provided strictly for your information and further exploration. You should carefully review and research any programs or offers before enrolling or providing any personal information. Only representatives from each program, vendor, or merchant are knowledgeable and experienced enough to address your questions or to assist you with their respective programs. |
5/12/2021 |
| NYS Deferred Compensation Plan | The Deferred Compensation Plan is a voluntary retirement savings program, created by Federal and state law, enabling public employees to defer a portion of their gross pay. The following provides an overview of the plan: NYS Deferred Compensation Plan. For greater detail on the Plan and its benefits, visit the Plan Website at www.nysdcp.com or call the Plan HELPLINE at 1-800-422-8463 | 5/3/2021 |
| Pre-Retirement Planning | For Pre-Retirement Planning check out the following link: Pre-Retirement Planning. Also, when you are ready to retire, contact Ellen Brown in Human Resources. | 5/3/2021 |
| NY State Teachers Retirement System (NYSTRS) | Members can now have video consultations with a NYSTRS representative using their
own personal electronic device: personal computer, laptop, smartphone or tablet. The
choice is yours! Book your appointment today through your MYNYSTRES account at NSTRS.org or by calling 800 -348- 7298 EXT 6100. |
3/15/2021 |
| ATTENTION ALL EMPLOYEES: Time allowed employees to vote on Election |
N.Y. ELECTION LAW SECTION 3-110I STATES THAT:
* Employers: Not less than ten working days before any Election Day, every employer shall post conspicuously in the place of work where it can be seen as employees come or go to their place of work, a notice setting forth the provisions of this law. Such notice shall be kept posted until the close of the polls on Election Day. https://www.cs.ny.gov/attendance_leave/TimeOffToVoteNotice.pdf |
10/20/2020 |
| The Empire Plan's new telehealth benefit to help access health care services remotely. |
The Empire Plan is doing all they can to support its enrollees through this unprecedented time and has introduced a new telehealth benefit to help them access health care services remotely. LiveHealth Online lets enrollees stay home and have a video visit with a board-certified doctor or licensed therapist on their smartphone, tablet or personal computer. If enrollees are concerned about leaving their homes to receive medical care or their ability to access care, The Empire Plan will cover telehealth visits at no cost. See the attachment for additional information and step-by-step instructions to register or enrollees who are already registered can login to www.empireblue.com/nys to get a coupon code to cover the full cost of their LiveHealth Online visit. For additional assistance, enrollees should be encouraged to call The Empire Plan at 1-877-7-NYSHIP (1-877-769-7447) and select option 2 for the Hospital Program. Note: A postcard regarding this new benefit will also be mailed to enrollees in the coming week. |
3/26/2020 |