The San José State University Research Foundation provides a competitive benefits package including; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance to regular central office and regular project employees whose appointments are at least 50%-time and are expected to exceed six-months.

The Research Foundation offers several medical plans from which eligible employees may choose, depending upon their county and state of residence. Currently there are three HMO plans, and three PPO plans. Project employees, scheduled to work at least 50% time, with an appointment expected to equal or exceed six months duration are eligible for medical insurance. Coverage goes into effect on the first of the month following 30 days of continuous employment. Currently enrolled employee and eligible dependents are fully covered upon receipt of application.

• Project employees, scheduled to work at least 50% time, with an appointment expected to equal or exceed six months duration are eligible for dental insurance. Coverage goes into effect on the first of the month following 30 days of continuous employment. All other requirements are the same as medical benefits.
• Link

September 15th - October 10th is the time you may enroll, change health plans or add eligible family members. Open enrollment changes takes effect the following year January 1, 2009.

Announcement of Benefit Offerings for Plan Year 2010

2009 Benefit Open Enrollment for Plan Year 2010

Benefits Open Enrollment Form

If you have a change in address or move out of the plan area, you may be eligible to change plans immediately.

Contact the Human Resources Department at (408) 924-1409 for further information.

New Enrollment Materials

You have 60 days from the date of your initial appointment to enroll in a health plan. Your coverage becomes effective the first day of the month following the date the Health Benefit Officer receives your completed Health Benefit enrollment form (HBD-12).

Special Enrollment

If you have a new dependent as a result of marriage, birth, adoption, or placement for adoption, you can enroll yourself and all eligible dependents within 60 days after that event. You may also be eligible to use this Special Enrollment period under certain other limited circumstances; for example, when a court has ordered you to provide coverage for a spouse or minor child.

Other special circumstances may apply. Please contact the Human Resources Department at (408) 924-1409.

Sick leave for full time employees is credited at the rate of 8 hours per month. Part time employees earn sick leave based on the percentage of time they work. Project employees may accumulate 96 hours on a continuing grant but are required to forfeit unused sick leave at the end of a grant or contract or project year. Research Foundation employees are never paid for unused sick leave benefits upon termination.

Holidays are given for the purpose of allowing employees paid time off for special occasions. There are normally 13 such holidays per year. The exact schedule is announced at the beginning of each calendar year.

• Link to 2010 Holiday Calendar (PDF)

To be eligible, employees must be scheduled to work at least 50% time, with an appointment expected to equal or exceed six months duration to participate in the retirement plans (described below). In addition, eligible employees may begin participation in the retirement plan on the first of the month following one year of service and must have worked at least 1,000 hours.

Also eligible are SJSU Faculty working for the Research Foundation on "overload". Eligible faculty must work a minimum of 156 hours of overload in the calendar year to qualify.

• Retirement Plan (TIAA-CREF) Retirement Annuity (RA)
  The Research Foundation contributes 7% of the employee's monthly base salary to a vested annuity. Project employees are eligible on the first of the month after one year of service. Project employees must have worked at least 1,000 hours. The employee, to initiate contributions, must complete an application.
  
  
• TIAA-CREF Tax Sheltered Annuity Group Supplemental Retirement Annuity (GRSA)
  TIAA-CREF GSRA's, also known as tax-deferred annuities, this plan is designed for employees who wish to set aside through payroll deductions; tax-deferred funds over and above any retirement plan contributions. Taxes on the contribution, plus any interest or dividends, are deferred until paid out as benefits or withdrawn from the annuity. The employee, to initiate contributions, must complete an application.
  • Link to Salary Reduction Agreement
    
    
• Post-Retirement Medical Benefits
  Currently, eligible employees receive post-retirement health benefits for themselves and their eligible dependants at the time of their retirement if they 1) are age 55 years or older and 2) have accrued five (5) years of benefited service.
  Employees hired on or after July 1, 2008 are eligible to receive post-retirement health benefits for themselves and their eligible dependants at the time of their retirement if they are 1) 60 years or older and 2) have accrued ten (10) years of benefitted service.
  For further information, talk to our HR Benefit Coordinator. Please note that Dental and Vision insurance are not included in the Research Foundation's post retirement benefit offering.

Scholar Share 529 college saving plan.
Scholar Share, California's 529 College Savings Program, offers an easy, flexible and affordable way to save for higher education. Scholar Share is a great way to invest in your children's future, while enjoying tax advantages. Visit Scholar Share at http://www.scholarshare.com or call toll free 1-877-728-4338.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
CONCERN: EAP counseling for up to 5 visits per issue per 12-month period. Counseling and Work/Life services are available to all benefited employees, their spouses or domestic partners, and their benefits-eligible dependents. The CONCERN web address is: www.concern-eap.com and the contact phone number is 1-800-344-4222.

Social Security
Social Security Tax: Effective July 1, 2004 Research Foundation employees will participate in the FICA withholding of 6.2% with a 6.2% matching from the Research Foundation to your social security account. Please note the following two categories of students will be exempt from FICA withholding:

1. SJSU undergrad students (6 units minimum, proof required)
2. SJSU grad students (4 units minimum, proof required)

1. Class schedule (website printout)
2. Letter from SJSU Enrollment Services
3. Letter from Financial Aid

Medicare Tax
A 1.45% of base salary up to social security wage base, paid by both employee and employer.

Dual Benefit Coverage
Employees holding a concurrent appointment with the Research Foundation and SJSU, who are eligible for medical and dental benefits from both institutions, may only receive benefits from one source.

Worker's Compensation

• All employees are covered under our Worker's Compensation Insurance in the case of a work related accident or illness.
• What to do when an injury happens at work: Notify your supervisor immediately, call HR Benefits at 408-924-1409 AND complete the Employee Accident Report

Leave of Absence

• Leaves of Absence are available to certain employees under FMLA and other programs (see details in Request Form).
• Request Form

Payroll

Forms

Health Benefits Forms

AFLAC
To be eligible, employees must be scheduled to work at least 50% of the time, with an appointment expected to equal or exceed six months. Effective January 1, 2006, the Research Foundation is offering a wide variety of voluntary benefits to eligible employees. Your voluntary benefits include:

Flexible Spending Accounts: (FSA)

• Dependent Care: Up to $5,000.00 max/year
• Un-reimbursed Medical: Up to $5,000.00 max/year

Personal Cancer Indemnity:

• Helps offset the medical expenses related to cancer treatment

Hospital Confinement Indemnity:

• Benefit includes payments for hospitalization, heart attack, stroke and paralysis as well as surgery

Short Term Disability:

• Replaces income lost due to off the job accidents or extended illness

Long Term Care:

• Financial assistance if you have a chronic condition leaving you unable to care for yourself for an extended period of time

Life Insurance:

• Provides up to $100,000.00 of quality term life, whole life or a combination of both on a very competitive basis

Dental:

• Provides basic, preventive, and major dental benefits with cash payouts for specific procedures - whether or not you have other dental or medical coverage

Contact the Human Resources Benefits department at 408-924-1409 for enrollment information