Open Enrollment
The 2021 Open Enrollment Period begins at 8 a.m. on October 29th and ends at 5 p.m. on November 24th, 2020. This is a time where employees can opt to make changes to their elective benefits.
This year the UC System will be offering webinars to highlight plan changes and guide employees through the Open Enrollment process. Employee participation is strongly encouraged.
Click here to review the webinar schedule and register to attend.
The University of California will also be launching an Open Enrollment website. This will be available beginning October 26th for employee use and reference.
Health and Welfare Benefit Resources
IMPORTANT NOTICE: With the transition to UCPath, AYSO will no longer be used to enroll in benefits. To review information regarding personal information, earnings, accrual balances, benefits review/enrollment, and tax setup, head to the UCPath Portal.
The Benefits Orientation is part of the biweekly New Employee Orientation (NEO) organized by the HRPCN. New hires are scheduled to participate in this session as part of their University onboarding. To learn more about the Health and Welfare Benefits offered by the University of California visit the Compensation and Benefits Section of the UCnet website or contact the Benefits Team at the HRPCN or call them at (310) 825-5951.
Important Enrollment Deadlines:
Benefits Enrollment Deadline:
You have only 31 days from your first day at work (or first day in an appointment that makes you newly eligible for benefits) to enroll in your health and welfare benefits. This period is called “Period of Initial Eligibility”, or PIE for short.
Frequently Asked Benefits Questions:
Websites:
Forms and Fact Sheets:
Primary Retirement Benefits
UC offers eligible employees a choice of primary retirement benefit options. Participation in one of the options is required, but you have to make an election based on the one plan that’s right for you. You have up to 90 days from day of eligibility date (usually your hire date) to enroll in a Retirement program. The sooner you enroll, the sooner contributions begin.
Although you have a bit more time to make this choice, it’s a good idea to start learning about your options right away. UC offers all sorts of resources to help, including classes and one-on-one counseling. When you’re ready, enroll online at myUCretirement.com/choose. UC’s contributions will begin, and your contributions will begin to be deducted from your paycheck, after you have made your selection (usually within one to two pay periods).
IMPORTANT: If you don’t take action during this 90-day period, you will be automatically enrolled in Pension Choice, which includes a pension benefit through the UC Retirement Program (UCRP). Enrollment in Pension Choice is irrevocable – you may not choose another option later.
The Retirement Administration Service Center (RASC) has been introduced to address urgent concerns and inquiries. They can be reached through their toll free hotline, 800-888-8267. For more information related to the hotline and recent upgrades, please click on the following link.
Safe Harbor-Defined Contributions (DCP)
Part-time, seasonal, temporary employees, and non-exempt student employees participate in the Defined Contribution Plan (the “DC Plan”) as Safe Harbor participants. You are automatically enrolled in the DC Plan as long as you are employed by the University of California. Safe Harbor participants automatically contribute, on a pretax basis, 7.5% of their wages beginning the first day of an eligible appointment. You may also make voluntary after-tax contributions to the DC Plan.
To learn more, visit the “Your Guide to Understanding Your Program” booklet.
Voluntary Retirement Savings Program
In addition to your primary (required) retirement benefits, you may need to save additional money to have the standard of living you want in retirement. The voluntary UC Retirement Savings Program offers a convenient, tax-advantaged way to save for retirement. The program includes: Tax-Deferred 403(b) Plan, 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan, Defined Contribution Plan.
To learn more about the Voluntary Retirement Benefits, visit: https://www.myucretirement.com/UCRetirementBenefits/Voluntary
Retirement Planning Resources
Whether you’re a long-term employee or just getting started in your career, it’s important to take an active role in planning for a secure retirement. UC offers education and counseling to support you along the way – all available at no cost to you.
- myUCretirement.com – Online tools help you review your retirement readiness and model the impact of different choices.
- Retirement benefit classes and webinars – Attend a free onsite class or webinar to learn about your retirement benefit and savings options and get answers to your questions. A schedule of upcoming classes and webinars is available online.
- Personal retirement counseling – UC offers you one-on-one, personal help with your retirement benefits decisions — available at no cost to you. Meet with a Retirement Planner by phone or in person, when and where it’s convenient for you. Just let the representative know if you need assistance in a language other than English; consultations are available in over 140 languages. Schedule online or at (800) 558-9182
- The Retirement Administration Service Center (RASC) has been introduced to address urgent concerns and inquiries. They can be reached through their toll free hotline, 800-888-8267. For more information related to the hotline and recent upgrades, please click on the following link.
What to Do When You Are Ready to Retire?
- Review When You’re Ready to Retire resources
- Contact your Retirement Counselor at (310) 794-0830:
Retirement Counselors:
The Retirement Administration Service Center (RASC) has been introduced to address urgent concerns and inquiries. They can be reached through their toll free hotline, 800-888-8267. For more information related to the hotline and recent upgrades, please click on the following link.
To Learn More About the Health and Welfare Benefits
