University of Wisconsin-Madison Payroll and Benefits News and Events

Long-Term Care Insurance Plans Available

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:50:00 CDT

United of Omaha Life Insurance Company is offering two long-term care insurance plans, CASH-First and Assured Solutions Gold, to eligible University of Wisconsin Employees, Annuitants, and their spouse, domestic partner, parents and in-laws. Those eligible may apply for this insurance at any time. These voluntary purchase long-term care insurance policies are offered at a group-discounted premium and are administered locally by HealthChoice. [Read more >>]

Some Bargaining Units May Now Have Union Dues Deducted from Paychecks

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Fri, 11 May 2012 17:05:00 CST

Effective with the May 31 2012 pay date, employees in the Trades, SEIU and WEAC bargaining units may have unions dues deducted directly from their paychecks. If you wish to have your dues deducted from your paycheck, you must complete an authorization form and submit it to your Payroll office. You can do this at any time, but your authorization form must be received by May 14, 2012 if you wish to have the deductions begin with your May 31 paycheck. [Read more >>]

WRS News, May 2012

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:45:00 CST

News and information for active and retired members of the Wisconsin Retirement System. [Read more >>]

Office for Equity and Diversity Newsletter, April 2012

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 09:40:00 CDT

Welcome to the April 2012 edition of our Newsletter. Like many of you, several of our staff members are serving on work teams and committees of the Human Resources Design project. We encourage your engagement and participation in this important project. [Read more >>]

State Group Life Insurance Annual Update

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:10:00 CDT

An employee's State Group Life Insurance coverage level and premium have historically been based on the employee's highest calendar year of Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) earnings (typically the prior year's earnings) and the employee's age as of April 1st. Due to issues surrounding the changes in the WRS contribution rates during the summer of 2011, the annual process to update an employee's WRS earnings for State Group Life Insurance will not occur in 2012. This means that an employee's coverage level will be the same for 2012 as it was in 2011. However, premiums will be updated if an employee moves to a different premium category due to age or if there is a premium change associated with the employee's age (premiums for some age brackets are decreasing). Any premium changes will be effective with premiums paid for May coverage (paid April 26th for classified employees and paid May 1st for unclassified employees). [Read more >>]

New State Group Life Insurance Provision to Add or Increase Employee Coverage

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:10:00 CDT

Effective May 1, 2012, employees covered by the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) may enroll in State Group Life Insurance (Employee Basic Coverage), or add one level of employee coverage within 30 days of gaining a dependent (spouse, domestic partner or child). There are five levels of employee coverage – Basic, Supplemental and one, two or three units of Additional coverage. Each level of coverage is equal to one times an employee's highest calendar year WRS earnings. [Read more >>]

Summer Benefit Deductions for Unclassified Nine-Month Employees – New "May Multiples" Process

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 10:00:00 CDT

Unclassified academic year (nine-month) employees, who are expected to return to employment for the fall semester, are required to have multiple benefit deductions taken from earnings paid during the spring semester to cover insurance premiums over the summer months. Previously, three additional insurance deductions were taken from the June 1st paycheck to maintain insurance coverage over the summer. In the past, this was referred to as “May Multiples.” [Read more >>]

Annual Health Insurance Satisfaction Survey

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 15:40:00 CDT

Each year the Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) contracts with a survey vendor to conduct the Consumer Assessment of Health Care Systems (CAHPS®) survey. This year, ETF has contracted with Morpace, a consumer research firm, to conduct a survey of selected state and University employees who are participants in the State Group Health insurance program. The survey began the week of March 5 and is expected to be completed in May or June. [Read more >>]

Duplicate Tax Statement Requests

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 10:15:00 CDT

Duplicate tax statements for 2011 W-2, 1042-S, and Fellowship/Scholarship informational letters are available in My UW/My UW System. To print a duplicate tax statement view the Tax Statements tab in the Payroll Information module (for Madison, on the Work Record tab). [Read more >>]

Final 2011 WRS Interest Rates and Delay in Annual WRS Statement of Benefits

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:25:00 CST

The Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) released the final Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) interest rates and annuity adjustments for 2011. The Core Fund effective rate of interest is 1.5% and the Variable Fund effective rate of interest is -3.0%. This is the amount of interest your WRS account will receive for 2011. If you are in the Variable Fund, that portion of your WRS account will lose 3% for 2011. [Read more >>]

Distribution of 1042-S Forms

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 10:02:00 CST

Employees should be aware that 1042-S Forms (Foreign Person's U.S. Source Income Subject to Withholding) have not yet been distributed to UW employees. Production of the forms is in the final stages with scheduled distribution slated well before the March 15, 2012 IRS deadline for distribution to employees. [Read more >>]

Preliminary WRS Returns and Delay in Annual WRS Statement of Benefits

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:25:00 CST

The Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) released the preliminary investment returns for 2011. [Read more >>]

Income Continuation Insurance (ICI) Annual Update and Premium Increase

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:40:00 CST

Each year there is review of your earnings (all employees) and leave usage (classified employees only) to determine your Income Continuation Insurance (ICI) premium for the year. For classified employees (paid bi-weekly), the ICI premium is based on last year's earnings reported to the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) and an employee's sick leave balance and usage through the end of the last pay period paid in 2011 (pay period that ended on 12-17-11). For unclassified employees (paid monthly), the ICI premium is based on last year's WRS-reported earnings and the selected elimination period. [Read more >>]

Employee Reimbursement Account (ERA) Grace Period for Medical and Dependent Care Expense Claims

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:00:00 CST

Services received and reimbursable items purchased in 2011 and during the grace period between January 1 and March 15, 2012, may be reimbursed from remaining 2011 ERA plan year funds. [Read more >>]

W-2s to be Mailed and Posted by January 31, 2012

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:00:00 CST

For tax filing, employees should use their W-2 form which will be postmarked by January 31, 2012 and then made available via the Tax Statements tab in the Payroll Information module in the My UW Work Record tab. Employees should not use their final 2011 Earnings Statement to file their taxes. Some employees have had adjustments made to their 2011 taxable earnings since the last 2011 payroll was paid. These employees will have an additional 2011 earnings statement with an earned date of 12/19/2011 reflecting the adjustments. [Read more >>]

Tax Sheltered Annuity (TSA) Annual Fee Deduction

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:00:00 CST

If you are currently contributing to the TSA 403(b) Program, your first paycheck in 2012 had a 'TSA Fee' of $15.00. For unclassified employees this was the January 3 paycheck, and for classified employees this was the January 12 paycheck. [Read more >>]

WRS News, January 2012

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:00:00 CST

News and information for active and retired members of the Wisconsin Retirement System. [Read more >>]

Activate Your myFBMC Card for 2012 ERA Medical Expense Account

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:45:00 CST

If you enrolled in the ERA Medical Expense Account for 2012, you recently received a new myFBMC card. There is a sticker on the card instructing you to activate your card by visiting www.myfbmc.com. [Read more >>]

Social Security Tax Rate Reduction Extended Through February, 2012

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:20:00 CST

The 2% Social Security tax rate reduction (from 6.20% to 4.20%) that was in effect for 2011 has been extended through February 29, 2012. The Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 temporarily extends the 2% payroll tax cut for employees. This reduced Social Security withholding will have no effect on employees’ future Social Security benefits. [Read more >>]

Review Your Address Information by January 9, 2012 for the Annual W-2 Tax Form Mailing

University of Wisconsin Service Center — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:24:00 CST

In late January 2012, your W-2 tax form will be mailed to you. An electronic copy of the W-2 form will also be available in the My UW portal. [Read more >>]

End of Imputed Income for Adult Non-Tax Dependent Children on Health Insurance; Special Health Insurance Enrollment for Employees with Adult Children Under 26

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:30:00 CST

Prior to a recent state law change, if an employee carried an adult child on family health insurance who was not a tax dependent for health insurance purposes, the fair market value of coverage for that child(ren) was included in the employee's taxable state income and state taxes were owed on this additional income. This taxable benefit is considered "imputed income." 2011 Wisconsin Act 49, signed into law on November 4, 2011, eliminated this requirement. The payroll system has been updated with this change. [Read more >>]

Amend ERA Election through End of Year

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:30:00 CST

Employees who enrolled in the Employee Reimbursement Account (ERA) program for 2012 may amend their ERA election though the end of the year. [Read more >>]

Office for Equity and Diversity Newsletter, November 2011

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:30:00 CST

The Office for Equity and Diversity, in collaboration with Cultural Linguistic Services, has made available the brochure entitled "How to File a Complaint of Discrimination," in the following languages: Chinese, Hmong , Tibetan and Spanish. [Read more >>]

Annual Employee Benefit Enrollment Survey Available Until December 2nd

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:50:00 CST

Each October, you have the opportunity to enroll in or change many of your employee benefits for the following year. This year's benefit enrollment period was from October 3 – 28th. UW System continually works to improve the resources available to employees during this period. Please respond to the online fall enrollment survey so we can better understand your experience during this past October's enrollment period. [Read more >>]

Unclassified Monthly Pay Date for December Earnings is January 3, 2012

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 10:45:00 CST

If you are an Unclassifed employee paid on the 1st of each month, this is a reminder that the Unclassified monthly pay date for December earnings is Tuesday, January 3, 2012. [Read more >>]

Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve – Floating Legal Holidays Must Be Used by December 31, 2011

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 18:56:00 CST

If a legal holiday falls on a Saturday, employees are granted floating holiday time. For classified employees (those paid bi-weekly), this time must be used in the same calendar year in which it is granted. In 2011, New Year's Day (1-1-11), Christmas Eve (12-24-11) and New Year's Eve (12-31-11) are all on Saturdays so you will earn floating legal holiday for these three days. [Read more >>]

$24 UIA Life Insurance Deduction on November 1st Unclassified Check

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 17:12:00 CDT

The annual $24.00 University Insurance Association (UIA) mandatory deduction will be taken from the November 1st unclassified check. [Read more >>]

2012 TSA/WDC Annual Maximum Contributions

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:54:00 CDT

The IRS announced increased cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) affecting dollar limitations for contributions made to the Tax Sheltered Annuity and the Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Programs for Tax Year 2012. While some limitations will change for 2012, other limitations remain the same. [Read more >>]

TSA Inve$tor Newsletter, Fall 2011

University of Wisconsin Service Center — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:22:00 CDT

The UW Tax-Sheltered Annuity 403(b) Program is administered by the University for you, our employees. Much of the cost of running the program is borne by the University, but the cost of carrying out the oversight responsibilities specific to the TSA Program is paid for by participants in the program through the annual TSA fee. [Read more >>]

UW-Madison Benefits Fair on October 11

University of Wisconsin Service Center — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:14:00 CDT

The annual Benefits and Resource Fair will be held at the Memorial Union on Tuesday, October 11 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. [Read more >>]

Unclassified September Earnings Will Have Pay Date of September 30, 2011

University of Wisconsin Service Center — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:14:00 CDT

Unclassified employees who are paid on the 1st of the month are reminded that September, 2011 earnings will be payable September 30, 2011 instead of October 1, 2011. The pay date was changed because October 1 is a Saturday. When the 1st of the month falls on a weekend or holiday, the pay check is payable on the last business day prior to the 1st of the month. [Read more >>]

ETF: It's Your Benefit, September 2011

University of Wisconsin Service Center — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:57:00 CDT

Detailed information on how legislation and other recent changes affect the group health insurance program beneﬁts can be found throughout these pages, the enrollment materials due later this month, and on our website, http://etf.wi.gov. In the meantime, here is a brief overview of some upcoming changes: [Read more >>]

Increase to State Group Health Insurance Premiums

University of Wisconsin Service Center — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 20:00:00 CDT

There are important changes to your benefits for 2012 that may require you to take action during the Benefit Enrollment & Change Period that begins on October 3, 2011 and ends on October 28, 2011 for all participating plans. This is the only time during the year when you are eligible to make benefit plan changes unless you have a life event (marriage, birth, divorce...) that allows you to add or change benefits. [Read more >>]

ETF: WRS News, September 2011

University of Wisconsin Service Center — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 17:42:00 CDT

News and information for active and retired members of the Wisconsin Retirement System [Read more >>]

Upcoming Benefit Education Opportunities for Graduate Assistants

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 18:52:00 CDT

2011 Graduate Assistants Benefits Seminar and Drop-in Sessions [Read more >>]

Increase to State Group Health Insurance Premiums

University of Wisconsin Service Center — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 16:35:00 CDT

Due to provisions in 2011 Wisconsin Act 10 (budget repair bill) and Act 32 (2011-13 biennial budget bill), the monthly State Group Health Insurance premium for most employees will increase. The increased health insurance premium will begin on the check payable August 25, 2011 for classified employees (paid bi-weekly) and on the check payable September 1, 2011 for unclassified employees (paid monthly). [Read more >>]

Increase to Employee Retirement Contributions

University of Wisconsin Service Center — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 16:35:00 CDT

Due to provisions in 2011 Wisconsin Act 10 (budget repair bill) and Act 32 (2011-13 biennial budget bill), most employees covered by the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) will be required to pay half the total WRS contribution rate. The increased WRS deduction will begin on the check payable August 25, 2011 for classified employees (paid bi-weekly) and on the check payable September 1, 2011 for unclassified employees (paid monthly). [Read more >>]

ETF: 2012 WRS Contribution Rates Announced

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 15:55:00 CDT

On June 23, 2011, the ETF Board approved the 2012 WRS contribution rates that were recommended by the Board's independent consulting actuary. [Read more >>]

Unclassified June Earnings Will Have Pay Date of June 30, 2011

UW Service Center — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 08:30:00 CDT

Unclassified employees who are paid on the 1st of the month are reminded that Unclassified June, 2011 earnings will be payable June 30, 2011 instead of July 1, 2011. [Read more >>]

Multiple (Summer) Deductions for Unclassified Nine-Month Appointees - Updated

University of Wisconsin Service Center — Wed, 1 Jun 2011 09:40:00 CDT

UW Unclassified appointees (Academic Staff, Faculty, Graduate Assistants, and Employees-in-Training) who have nine-month (academic year) appointments and certain other Unclassified employees who are expected to return to UW employment in the Fall will have multiple insurance deductions taken from May earnings (payable June 1) so that insurance coverage continues through the summer months. [Read more >>]

REMINDER - Furlough Must be Used in June, 2011

University of Wisconsin Service Center — Fri, 20 May 2011 16:20:00 CDT

Classified Staff: All required furlough must be taken by June 18th, 2011. Unclassified Staff: All required furlough must be taken and reported by June 30, 2011. If your paycheck is reduced when you take a furlough day, please be reminded that a furlough day taken in May or a furlough day taken in June will be deducted from your July 1, 2011 paycheck. [Read more >>]

Multiple (Summer) Deductions for Unclassified Nine-Month Appointees

University of Wisconsin Service Center — Fri, 20 May 2011 16:20:00 CDT

2011 Staff Benefits Statements Now Available

University of Wisconsin Service Center — Fri, 20 May 2011 16:20:00 CDT

UW employees now have access to their Staff Benefits Statements in the My UW System portal http://my.wisconsin.edu. To view your statement, choose the BENEFITS INFORMATION module and then the STATEMENTS tab. In the module you will also find a link, Explanation of Staff Benefits Statement, which explains the content on your statement. Statements are not produced for employees on unpaid leave of absence and Graduate Appointees. [Read more >>]

Wisconsin Retirement System Annual Statement of Benefits

University of Wisconsin Service Center — Fri, 20 May 2011 16:20:00 CDT

UW employees covered by the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) in 2010 now have access to their annual WRS statement in My UW. To view your statement, choose the Benefits Information module and then the Statements tab. In the module you will also find a link, WRS Explanation of Statement of Benefits which explains the content on your statement. [Read more >>]

New LifeSuite Services Available

University of Wisconsin Service Center — Fri, 13 May 2011 16:55:00 CDT

You and your eligible dependents may access the following benefits now being offered by Minnesota Life under a program called LifeSuite. [Read more >>]

ETF WRS News, May 2011

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Tue, 03 May 2011 17:13:00 CDT

Important news and information about your Wisconsin Retirement System benefits and trust fund investments. [Read more >>]

Wiscard Photo ID Office Relocates to Union South

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 17:55:00 CDT

The Wiscard Office will be moving from its current location in Memorial Union to the first floor of Union South effective when the new building opens on April 15 at noon. Normal office hours will be Monday - Friday from 8:30 am – 5 pm. [Read more >>]

ETF: Retiring on Short Notice

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 18:23:00 CDT

Retiring on Short Notice? What Members Should Know and Do: The Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) is experiencing an extremely high volume of calls, e-mails, and in-person contacts from Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) members who are considering retiring on a relatively short timeline. As a result, ETF is struggling to keep up with the demand for in-person services. Please consider using the following alternative ETF resources – they can help provide the information you need to make a well-informed retirement decision. [Read more >>]

State Budget Employee Information

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:27:00 CST

The pending Budget Repair Bill (Special Session Senate Bill 11), and the proposed 2011-13 biennium budget have potential impact for the UW-Madison community. [Read more >>]

Duplicate Tax Statement Requests

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:15:00 CST

Duplicate tax statements for 2010 W-2, 1042-S, and Fellowship/Scholarship informational letters are available in My UW-Madison. [Read more >>]

Employee Reimbursement Account (ERA) Grace Period for Medical and Dependent Care Expense Claims

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 16:07:00 CST

Services received and reimbursable items purchased in 2010 and during the grace period between January 1 and March 15, 2011, may be reimbursed from remaining 2010 ERA plan year funds. Please note that effective January 1, 2011, due to the Affordable Care Act, over-the-counter medicines or drugs are eligible for reimbursement only if they are purchased with a prescription. This new rule does not apply to reimbursements for the cost of insulin, which will continue to be permitted, even if purchased without a prescription. This change does not affect over-the-counter medicines and drugs purchased in 2010, even if they are reimbursed after December, 31, 2010. [Read more >>]

TSA Inve$tor Newsletter, Spring 2011

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:43:00 CST

ETF Announces Effective Rates for WRS Funds

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 16:14:00 CST

The Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) announced the interest rates credited to the retirement accounts of active Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) members and eligible inactive members. For 2010 the Core Fund effective rate is +4.8% and the Variable Fund effective rate is +16%. [Read more >>]

2010 Annual Tax Forms Mailed

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 15:55:00 CST

2010 annual tax forms [W-2, 1042S and/or Fellowship Informational Letter] were mailed via U.S. mail to the employee's home address beginning January 21, 2011. Employees may also access copies of these tax forms via the My UW System portal. [Read more >>]

ETF-SWIB WRS News, January 2011 (formerly Trust Fund News)

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 17:22:00 CST

The Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) and the State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB) are pleased to present the first edition of our new joint publishing venture, WRS News [Read more >>]

My UW-Madison Leave Statement Module Improves Access to Statements and Reports

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 17:22:00 CST

The My UW-Madison portal now features a new unclassified Leave Statement and Report module. The Leave module is used by faculty, academic staff and limited appointees to view and print statements and reports that are used to display and record their leave and furlough time records. The redesigned module makes it easier for employees to locate specific statements and reports. Web links within the module allow the user to open individual statements or report sets. The new module also includes links to any missing leave reports that require user attention. [Read more >>]

WRS Core Fund Projections

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 12:20:00 CST

Many of you are asking how the 2010 Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) investment returns will affect your WRS account and/or monthly WRS annuity. Please keep in mind that the Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) will not have a definitive answer until February or March, after the State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB) announces finalized 2010 Core and Variable Trust Fund investment returns. Once finalized investment returns are available, ETF will calculate effective rates and the WRS consulting actuary will calculate subsequent annuity adjustments. [Read more >>]

Employee Tax Rate for Social Security Reduced to 4.2% for 2011; Other Tax Law Changes Will Impact Employee Take-Home Pay

UW Service Center — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 17:00:00 CST

The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010 that became law on December 17, 2010 enacted a two percentage point payroll tax cut for employees, reducing their Social Security tax withholding rate from 6.2% to 4.2% of wages paid. The University has implemented the adjustment and employees will see the change reflected on their 2011 Earnings Statements. This reduced Social Security withholding will have no effect on the employee's future Social Security benefits. [Read more >>]

Use of Floating Legal Holidays – December 25, 2010 and January 1, 2011

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 9:46:00 CST

All employees eligible to earn and use legal holidays should note that Christmas Day, Saturday December 25, 2010, and New Year's Day, Saturday, January 1, 2011, are floating legal holidays since these holidays fall on a regularly scheduled day off (a Saturday) for most employees. [Read more >>]

2011 TSA/WDC Annual Maximum Contributions

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 16:50:00 CST

The IRS announced that there are no cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) applicable to the dollar limitations for contributions to the Tax Sheltered Annuity and the Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Programs. The 2011 maximum contributions are the same as the 2010 amounts. [Read more >>]

Unclassified Monthly Pay Date for December Earnings is January 3, 2011 - Updated December 7

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 10:40:00 CST

If you are normally paid on the 1st of the month, this is a reminder that the Unclassified monthly pay date for December earnings is January 3, 2011 since January 1, 2011 is a Saturday. [Read more >>]

Change in Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Contribution Rates for 2011

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 17:56:00 CST

As you may know, most UW employees currently are not required to contribute anything toward their Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) fund. However, during its annual review process in June 2010, the Employee Trust Funds (ETF) Board approved changes that will now require a modest WRS employee contribution for 2011. The increased rates were deemed necessary by the ETF Board to maintain solid funding of the WRS, which suffered large investment losses during the 2008 downturn of the stock market. [Read more >>]

No Change in Social Security and Medicare Wage Bases and Rates for 2011

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 16:11:00 CST

Because there is no cost-of-living adjustment for January 1, 2011, the Social Security (full FICA) wage base for 2011 will be the same as the wage base for 2010, $106,800. The Medicare wage base will not have a dollar limit for 2011. [Read more >>]

State Group Health and State Group Life Insurance Premium Holiday

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 16:11:00 CST

UW employees that are enrolled in State Group Health (SGH) and/or State Group Life (SGL) insurance will not have a premium deduction taken from their November earnings for either of these plans. [Read more >>]

Retirement Investing Webinar - November 4th and 5th

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:02:00 -0600

T. Rowe Price will be offering the webinar "Retirement Investing from Beginning to End" presented by Drew Kessler, a Retirement Specialist in T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services. He is passionate about educating investors on retirement planning. [Read more >>]

TSA Inve$tor Newsletter, Fall 2010

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 17:09:00 -0600

Don't put it off any longer! It's easy to save through the UW TSA 403(b) Program. And you save on a pre-tax basis! Your contributions reduce your current taxable income, and your account grows tax-deferred until you begin withdrawals, usually after you retire. [Read more >>]

ETF It's Your Benefit Newsletter, September 2010

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 15:06:00 -0600

Health insurance premium rate increases will be kept to single digits for the seventh straight year thanks, in large part, to the Department's unique program design and an especially successful health plan negotiation process. [Read more >>]

Benefit Enrollment and Change Period Begins October 4 (Updated September 14)

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Mon, 07 Sep 2010 18:15:00 CDT

There are important changes to your benefits for 2011 that may require you to take action during the Benefit Enrollment & Change Period that begins on October 4, 2010 and ends on October 29, 2010 for most plans. This is the only time during the year when you are eligible to make benefit plan changes unless you have a life event (marriage, birth, divorce…) that allows you to add or change benefits. All benefit enrollments and changes made during this period will be effective January 1, 2011. [Read more >>]

ETF Launches "myETF Benefits" System

University of Wisconsin Service Center — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:15:00 CDT

Employee Trust Funds (ETF) has launched "myETF Benefits", an online service that allows employees covered under the State Group Health Insurance program to view their health insurance coverage information. Employees can view historical changes related to their health insurance coverage and find information on various benefit topics. [Read more >>]

ETF Trust Fund News, September 2010

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:35:00 -0600

The effects of the 2008 global economic crisis — some are calling it the "Great Recession" — will be felt by all Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) members for years to come. For active employees and their employers, poor market performance in 2008 continues to put upward pressure on WRS contribution rates. For retirees, it may mean additional reductions in WRS Core Fund annuity payments in 2011 and beyond. [Read more >>]

ETF Issues Statement on Federal Health Insurance Changes

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 09:42:00 -0600

The recently-enacted federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590) and the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act (H.R. 4872) will make changes to health insurance coverage. The Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF), the state agency that administers the state and local group health insurance programs for state employees and participating local government employees, is currently reviewing the Act to determine the effect it will have on the health insurance programs administered by ETF. [Read more >>]

TSA Investment Returns as of June 30, 2010

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:25:00 -0600

This is a list of the investment products that are authorized for UW employees under the Tax-Sheltered Annuity 403(b) program. It is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy an investment product or security. Except as otherwise noted, the data contained in this report have been provided by the participating companies based on 06/30/10 information. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this report. The UW cannot guarantee complete accuracy and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information supplied by the companies or financial losses incurred by employees participating in the TSA Program. [Read more >>]

TSA Investment Returns as of June 30, 2010

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:25:00 -0600

Multiple (Summer) Deductions for Unclassified Nine-Month Appointees

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Thu, 20 May 2010 10:16:00 CDT

UW-Madison Tests Emergency Notification System on May 6

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Wed, 5 May 2010 15:25:00 -0600

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is planning a full-scale test of WiscAlerts, the campus emergency notification system. The test will take place between 12-2 p.m. on Thursday, May 6. [Read more >>]

ETF-WRS Trust Fund News, May 2010

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:55:00 -0600

The Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) has set the 2009 effective rates for Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) active employees. The Core effective rate is 4.2%; the Variable effective rate is 33%. These rates were applied to the account balances of active employees, as indicated on their annual Statement of Benefits. [Read more >>]

SWIB Report for WRS Participants, May 2010

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:55:00 -0600

After a slow start to 2010, stock markets rebounded during March. Both the Core and Variable Funds ended January and February with slight negative returns. However, in March the economy began showing some momentum and stocks started to rebound. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 4.1% during the first quarter, the best first quarter performance since 1999. [Read more >>]

2010 UW Staff Benefits Statements Now Available

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 08:51:53 -0600

UW-Madison employees now have access to their Staff Benefits Statements on their My UW page, under the Work Record tab. The benefits statement provides employees with an overview of their benefit and insurance plans, coverage level and the projected annual costs paid by the employee and the University. The estimated premium, Social Security and retirement projections for the calendar year are based on salary information and benefit enrollments in effect on April 1, 2010. Employees should review their statement for benefit enrollments and coverage levels... [Read more >>]

COBRA Premium Assistance Program Extended

UW System Administration — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 17:33:40 -0600

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), includes provisions that provide COBRA premium assistance to employees who are involuntarily terminated from employment who continue health insurance and other related medical benefits through COBRA provisions. On April 15, 2010, ARRA was amended for a third time by the Continuing Extension Act of 2010. Prior to this amendment, only employees who involuntarily terminated employment at any point from September 1, 2008 through March 31, 2010 were eligible to apply for COBRA premium assistance. This recent amendment expanded eligibility to include anyone who involuntarily terminates employment through May 31, 2010. [Read more >>]

UW TSA Investor Newsletter, Spring 2010

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 17:33:40 -0600

Should you borrow from your 403(b)? [Read more >>]

ETF "Your WRS Benefits" Live Webcast April 15, 7-9pm

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:11:24 -0600

The Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) will broadcast a live interactive employee benefits presentation for Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) participants considering or planning retirement in the near future. [Read more >>]

Wisconsin Retirement System Annual Statement of Benefits

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 16:50:12 -0600

UW employees covered by the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) in 2009 will be receiving their annual WRS statement in campus mail beginning the week of April 12, 2010. The statement provides employees with information about their individual WRS account as of January 1, 2010. [Read more >>]

UW-Madison Hosts Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Appointments/Presentations April 12, 13, 16

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 07:33:08 -0600

Whether you are a Wisconsin Deferred Compensation (WDC) 457 Program participant or are thinking about enrolling, we invite you to attend any of the group seminars or one-on-one meetings with Emily Lockwood, your WDC representative. [Read more >>]

ETF Issues Statement on the Federal Health Insurance Act

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 09:21:50 -0600

The recently-enacted federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590) and the health care reconciliation bill (H.R. 4872), which, as of this writing, is being considered by Congress, will make changes to health insurance coverage. The Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF), the state agency that administers the state and local group health insurance programs, is currently in the process of reviewing both the Act and the reconciliation bill to determine the impact they will have on the programs administered by ETF. The Act and reconciliation bill contain a substantial amount of language (the Act has nearly 2500 pages). Therefore, we would appreciate your patience as we carefully review the Act and the reconciliation bill in their entirety. We will provide more information about the impact of the Act on the state and local health programs as it becomes available. [Read more >>]

ETF Domestic Partner Benefits, Questions and Answers

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 08:51:56 -0600

General questions about domestic partnership benefits. [Read more >>]

ETF Releases Revised State Group Life Insurance Booklet

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 08:42:41 -0600

Employee Trust Funds (ETF) has released an updated edition of the Wisconsin Public Employers Group Life Insurance booklet. The plan, available to all UW employees who enroll and have completed six months of service under the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), provides Basic, Supplemental, and Additional levels of coverage that are based on an employee’s previous calendar year earnings, as reported to WRS. An employee can elect to have up to 5 times their annual income in coverage. Spouse/Domestic Partner and dependent coverage is available. [Read more >>]

ETF Benefit Eligibility for Adult Children up to Age 27

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:25:47 -0600

General questions about benefit eligibility for adult children up to age 27. [Read more >>]

IRS Consumer Alert: Unsolicited Email Warning

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:17:39 -0600

The IRS does not send taxpayers unsolicited e-mails about their tax accounts, tax situations or personal tax issues. If you receive such an e-mail, most likely it's a scam.

IRS impersonation schemes flourish during filing season. These schemes may take place via phone, fax, Internet sites, social networking sites, and particularly e-mail. [Read more >>]

ETF Extends Deadline to Remove Health Insurance Adult Child Dependents Age 19-26

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:22:24 -0600

The Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) is extending the deadline for State Group Health Insurance subscribers to delete adult child dependents age 19-26. This opportunity is only available if a subscriber wishes to delete a dependent age 19-26, not add a dependent. This is not an opportunity to remove a domestic partner. [Read more >>]

COBRA Premium Reduction Extended

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:21:13 -0600

The COBRA premium reduction under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARR) has been extended from 9 to 15 months. Participants are now eligible to receive up to a 65% premium reduction towards health, dental and vision insurance for up to a total of 15 months if not eligible for other group coverage or Medicare. Individuals must have been actively enrolled in these benefit plans in order to have an opportunity to continue coverage and be eligible for the premium reduction. [Read more >>]

ETF Announces 2009 Effective Interest Rates for WRS Accounts

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:51:01 -0600

MADISON, Wis. - David Stella, Secretary of the Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF), announced the interest rates credited to the retirement accounts of employed Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) members and eligible inactive members. For 2009 the Core Fund effective rate is 4.2% and the Variable Fund effective rate is 33%. [Read more >>]

Long-Term Care Insurance Workshops

UW-Madison Office of Human Resources — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:22:40 -0600

Gary Praznik of HealthChoice Long-Term Care Solutions will be presenting an information workshop on the UW-Madison campus. No registration is necessary. UW-Madison employees are invited to attend one of the following seminars. [Read more >>]

Duplicate Tax Statement Requests

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:56:29 -0600

Duplicate tax statements for 2009 W-2, 1042-S, and Fellowship/Scholarship informational letters are available on the MY UW-Madison portal. [Read more >>]

ETF Releases Revised Income Continuation Insurance (ICI) Booklet

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:55:02 -0600

Employee Trust Funds has released the latest edition of the Income Continuation Insurance (ICI) Booklet. The plan, available to all UW employees who enroll and have completed six months of service under the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), provides up to 75% of the higher of an employees’ previous calendar year earnings, as reported to WRS or a projected salary due to a change in an employees’ rate of pay prior to a disability, in the event an employee become disabled. The plan provides a maximum of $4,000 per month for standard ICI coverage and up to $7,500 per month with supplemental coverage. [Read more >>]

Employee Reimbursement Accounts (ERA) Customer Alert - UPDATED FEBRUARY 4

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:33:41 -0600

Employee Reimbursement Accounts (ERA)
CUSTOMER ALERT

ATTENTION:
MEDICAL EXPENSE ACCOUNT PARTICIPANTS:

By now you have received your new myFBMC Visa® Payment Card.

Please be aware that only 2010 monies have been loaded onto the card. If you have a carryover balance in your account from 2009, reimbursement requests must be submitted to FBMC via paper claim form by March 15. In future plan years, any previous year’s balance will be loaded on the FBMC card. [Read more >>]

Employee Reimbursement Accounts (ERA) Customer Alert

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:07:24 -0600

Employee Reimbursement Accounts (ERA)
CUSTOMER ALERT

ATTENTION:
MEDICAL EXPENSE ACCOUNT PARTICIPANTS:

By now you have received your new myFBMC Visa® Payment Card.

ETF-WRS Trust Fund News

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:40:58 -0600

Trust Fund News is published three times a year by the Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds to inform Wisconsin Retirement System members about benefit programs. [Read more >>]

SWIB Reports Large Gains for WRS Funds in 2009

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Fri, 07 Jan 2010 18:08:01 -0600

Madison, Wisc., (January 7, 2010) After their biggest losses since the 1930s, stock markets worldwide rebounded and the Wisconsin Retirement System Trust (WRS) Funds posted large gains in 2009 according to the State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB). [Read more >>]

ETF Benefit Eligibility for Adult Children up to Age 27 - UPDATED DECEMBER 18

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:01:34 -0600

General questions about benefit eligibility for adult children up to age 27. [Read more >>]

January 2010 Unclassified Employee Monthly Pay Date

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:39:32 -0600

For employees normally paid on the 1st of the month, this is a reminder that the January Unclassified monthly pay date (for December 2009 earnings) will be Monday, January 4, 2010, since January 1, 2010 is a Federal Reserve Holiday.

When a pay date falls on a Saturday, Sunday or Federal Reserve Holiday, the pay date is usually the previous business day or non-Federal Reserve Holiday. An exception to this normal pay date provision is the Unclassified monthly pay date that falls on New Year’s Day – January 1. To avoid tax-related issues, the January pay date must be the “official banking business day” following the New Year’s holiday. The “official banking business day” is defined as a calendar day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a Federal Reserve Holiday.

Social Security and Medicare Wage Bases and Rates for 2010

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:32:11 -0600

Because there is no cost-of-living adjustment for January 1, 2010, the Social Security (full FICA) wage base for 2010 will be the same as the wage base for 2009, $106,800. The Medicare wage base will not have a dollar limit for 2010. [Read more >>]

WRS Year to Date Returns and Year End Projections - UPDATED December 7

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:27:43 -0600

As of September 30, 2009, the Core Trust Fund was up 18% for the year and the Variable Fund was up 26.9%, based on preliminary returns. Although we don’t know how the year will end, the following table shows the approximate projected range of Core Fund effective rates and annuity adjustments for next year, depending on the State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB) investment returns. [Read more >>]

Payroll Check Pick-Up on Dec. 30 Furlough Day

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 08:14:02 -0600

December 30, 2009 is a designated furlough day for UW-Madison employees. The Office of Human Resources will be closed for business on these days.

For UW-Madison employees who do not have direct deposit, and normally pick up their payroll check at the Office of Human Resources, 21 N. Park St., Suite 5101, pick-up will be available at the Transportation Services office at the Welcome Center, 21 N. Park Street, Suite 1200, on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Employees who normally pick up their payroll checks at their employing department, should check with their department for the payroll check distribution location on December 30. Some employing departments will distribute their payroll checks as usual, while others, due to the furlough day, will have checks distributed at the Transportation Services office at the Welcome Center.

Payroll checks will be available at the Transportation Services window and drive-thru in the interior of the parking garage. Walk-up service will be offered at the window, and drive-thru service will be accessible from the middle lane. Employees must provide their photo ID to the attendant to pick-up their check.

ETF Benefit Eligibility for Adult Children up to Age 27 - UPDATED NOVEMBER 30

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:06:19 -0600

General questions about benefit eligibility for adult children up to age 27. [Read more >>]

ETF Domestic Partner Benefits, Questions and Answers - UPDATED NOVEMBER 19

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:18:22 -0600

General questions about domestic partnership benefits. [Read more >>]

UW-Madison Furlough Day - November 27

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:37:49 -0600

Please note: November 27 is a designated furlough day for UW-Madison employees. The Office of Human Resources will be closed for business.

The Office of Human Resources will reopen on Monday, November 30 at 7:45am.

Payroll Check Pick-Up on Furlough Days

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:48:32 -0600

November 27 and December 30, 2009 are designated furlough days for UW-Madison employees. The Office of Human Resources will be closed for business on these days.

For UW-Madison employees who do not have direct deposit, payroll check pick-up will be available at the Transportation Services office at the Welcome Center, 21 N. Park Street, Suite 1200, on Friday, November 27 and Wednesday, December 30, 2009 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

ETF Benefit Eligibility for Adult Children up to Age 27

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:00:00 -0600

General questions about benefit eligibility for adult children up to age 27. [Read more >>]

TSA & WDC Maximum Contributions Remain Unchanged for 2010

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:00:00 -0600

The IRS announced that there are no cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) applicable to the dollar limitations for contributions to the Tax Sheltered Annuity and the Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Programs. The 2010 maximum contributions are the same as the 2009 amounts. [Read more >>]

Wisconsin Deferred Compensation, Fall Appointments & Seminars

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:00:00 -0600

Whether you are a Wisconsin Deferred Compensation (WDC) Program participant or are thinking about enrolling, we invite you to attend any of the group seminars or one-on-one meetings with Emily Lockwood, your WDC representative. [Read more >>]

Annual Adult Dependent Eligibility Mailing for Health Insurance

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:00:00 -0600

Health plans will be sending the annual notice letter and Adult Child Eligibility Form to health insurance subscribers with dependents age 19 or older (other than spouses) the week of October 26, 2009. The deadline to return the Adult Child Eligibility Form to the health plan is December 1, 2009. Health plans must receive verification forms by this date in order to ensure that health coverage will continue on January 1, 2010. If health plans receive the verification forms after December 1, 2009, the dependent’s health insurance coverage may end as of December 31, 2009. [Read more >>]

WRS Year to Date Returns and Year End Projections

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:30:00 -0600

Imputed Income and Health Insurance Benefits

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:00:00 -0600

Beginning January 1, 2010, State of Wisconsin provisions allow state employees, which include UW employees/appointees, to add a domestic partner, a partner’s child, and/or an adult child to their health insurance. Consult IRS Publication 501 for tax dependent guidelines and tests. [Read more >>]

ETF Domestic Partner Benefits, Questions and Answers

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Fri, 9 Oct 2009 14:30:00 -0600

General questions about domestic partnership benefits. [Read more >>]

Annual Benefit Enrollment Opportunities

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Mon, 5 Oct 2009 09:00:00 -0600

This year there are new enrollment options for UW employees to consider, as well as significant benefit plan changes. Before making any benefit plan changes, you should review the current benefit deductions on your earnings statements. The deductions reflect the benefit plans in which you are currently enrolled. Your earnings statements are located at My UW, under the Work Record tab. [Read more >>]

UW-Madison and the State Budget, Furlough Information

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:00:00 -0600

Information on furloughs, collective bargaining, and other state budget topics. [Read more >>]

COBRA Health Insurance Continuation Premium Subsidy

UW-Madison Payroll and Benefits — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 10:30:00 -0600

Congress passed the landmark Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) health benefit provisions in 1986. The law provides unemployed workers the opportunity to continue group health coverage that otherwise might be terminated.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, signed into law on February 17, 2009, established an employer-provided COBRA subsidy. Employees who are involuntarily terminated between September 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009 may be eligible for a nine month subsidy of COBRA premiums. The subsidy also applies to any eligible family member of an involuntarily terminated employee. A qualifying individual would pay 35% of the premiums during the subsidy period. The University of Wisconsin will subsidize the remainder, but will receive a tax credit for its 65% share.

[Read more >>]