Online Benefits Orientation for Staff and Faculty

New staff/faculty can use the information below in lieu of or in addition to attending a Benefits Orientation in person. Once you complete the orientation below, you will need to complete the Online Benefits Confirmation at the bottom of the page.

Benefits Eligibility

SHRA=Subject to Human Resource Act.  EHRA=Exempt from Human Resource Act.

Postdoctoral Scholars/House Officers are NOT covered under the plans listed below.  Review postdoctoral/House Officer plans.

SHRA/EHRA
< .49 FTE

SHRA/EHRA
.5 -.749 FTE

SHRA/EHRA
> .749 FTE
less than a 9 mo. appointment

SHRA/EHRA
> .749 FTE
9mo. or greater
contract/appt.

Temps, Student
Workers

Health Insurance Not eligible Eligible, but at full cost Eligible, but at full cost Eligible for employer-paid coverage for employee, dependents are at full cost May be eligible for employer-paid ACA health plan
Other insurance plans (dental, vision, etc.) Not eligible Eligible, but at full cost Eligible, but at full cost Eligible, but at full cost Not eligible
Mandatory Retirement Plans Not eligible Not eligible Not eligible Eligible Not eligible
Voluntary Retirement Plans  (must be FICA eligible) Eligible Eligible Eligible Eligible Eligible (excluding 401(k)

Incoming Employees with Prior State of NC Service

PRIOR STATE SERVICE IS DEFINED AS:    

1) The previous employment was with an applicable state employer AND  2) The previous position was one in which contributions were made to the State Retirement System (TSERS) or the UNC Optional Retirement Program (ORP).

Take action to initiate the transfer of benefits, retirement, state service and leave.  Complete steps 1, 2, and 3 at the link below.

Incoming Employees with Prior State Service

New Fall Semester 9-month Faculty Paid Over 12 Months

If a 9-month faculty member is hired in July but does not begin the actual contract work until August 16, benefits will begin on September 1.  9-month faculty have 30 calendar days from August 16 to enroll in benefits and have 60 calendar days from July 1 to enroll in a mandatory retirement plan and a voluntary disability plan, retirement deductions are taken retroactively to July 1st. Failure to enroll in a mandatory retirement plan will result in a default to the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) plan.

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Health Insurance and NCFlex Plans

Employees may enroll in the State Health Plan via the My Pack Portal, the “eBenefits” Mobile App, or by calling the enrollment center at 855-859-0966. In My Pack, under the employee self-service tile> Click on the Benefits Details  Tile> My State Employee Benefits (on the left–make sure your pop up blocker is off) to enroll in the State Health Plan. Employees may enroll in NCFlex benefits via the My Pack Portal or by calling the Empyrean University Benefits Service Center at 833-862-1490. In My Pack, under the employee self-service tile> Click on the Benefits Details  Tile> My UNC Benefits (on the left–make sure your pop up blocker is off) to enroll in NCFlex plans.

Failure to enroll in your first 30 calendar days may cause significant waiting periods or denial of coverage.

Resources

 Enrollment Period

Coverage Begins

Health Insurance 30 calendar days from hire/start date. On the first day of the month following the date of hire or the first day of the second month. (Example: If the date of hire is June 5th, coverage may begin July 1st or August 1st)

Note:  Health Insurance premiums are deducted one month in advance of the coverage effective date. Keep in mind that your choice of effective date may result in a double deduction on your first applicable paycheck, once your enrollments are approved. 

NCFlex Dental 30 calendar days from hire/start date. On the first day of the month following date of hire.
NCFlex Vision 30 calendar days from hire/start date. On the first day of the month following date of hire.
NCFlex Accidental Death/Dismemberment 30 calendar days from hire/start date. On the first day of the month following date of hire.
NCFlex Accident Plan 30 calendar days from hire/start date. On the first day of the month following date of hire.
NCFlex Critical Illness 30 calendar days from hire/start date. On the first day of the month following date of hire.
NCFlex Cancer  30 calendar days from hire/start date. On the first day of the month following date of hire.
NCFlex Health Care Flexible Spending 30 calendar days from hire/start date. On the first day of the month following date of hire.
NCFlex Dependent Daycare Flex Spending 30 calendar days from hire/start date. On the first day of the month following date of hire.

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Voluntary Group Term Life Insurance

Resources

Enroll

Enrollment Period

Coverage Begins

UNC System Group Term Life Insurance 
  • Enrollment is completed via My Pack Portal>Employee Self Service>Benefits Details>My UNC Benefits
  • Guaranteed Issue Amount:
    • Employee: One to three times your base annual earnings, not to exceed $500,000
    • Spouse/domestic partner: $50,000
    • Child: $10,000 (eligible to age 26)
      – Health questions are never required for child coverage
  • If seeking greater coverage than the guaranteed issue, Evidence of Insurability will be required by Securian.
30 calendar days from hire/start date. On the first day of the month following the date of hire.
UNC System Group  AD&D (Securian)
  • Enrollment is completed via My Pack Portal>Employee Self Service>Benefits Details>My UNC Benefits
  • Core AD&D of $10,000 is paid by the UNC System and eligible employees are automatically enrolled
  • Voluntary AD&D is coverage you may elect for you and your family, even if you are not enrolled in the Voluntary Life Plan.
  • Please note that if you enrolled in the UNC Voluntary Life Insurance Plan, you already have employee-only AD&D coverage that is equal to the amount
    of employee life insurance you selected.
30 calendar days from hire/start date. On the first day of the month following the date of hire.

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Mandatory Retirement Plans

We know that everyone’s financial goals, needs and savings strategies are different. That’s why we are proud to offer our employees a choice between two retirement programs, both of which provide a valuable retirement benefit. As a UNC System employee, you must enroll in either the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) or the  University of North Carolina Optional Retirement Program (ORP).  Once made, your election cannot be changed.

Mandatory Retirement Plan Decision Guide/Plan Comparison (PDF)

UNC System Online Benefits Orientation Video

Retirement Plan Comparsion Calculator

Guide to Investing (PDF)

Plan Details

PlanPlan DetailsResourcesContributions & VestingPortability
Teachers' and State Employee's Retirement System (TSERS)The TSERS is a defined benefit plan. The benefit you receive at retirement is based on a predetermined formula. This formula considers your years and months of creditable service (any period during which you contribute to TSERS, provided you do not withdraw your contributions), your age and your average final compensation (the average of your salary during your four highest consecutive paid years). The amount of the guaranteed benefit you will receive at retirement is not directly determined by the investment experience of the plan assets or the amount of contributions.  Under TSERS, the State controls the investments and assumes all of the investment risks. The plan funds are invested by professional money managers selected by TSERS.

  • After five years of contributing to TSERS, employees are eligible for a benefit once retirement eligibility is met.
  • Employee Contributions: 6% of eligible pay. This amount cannot be adjusted.
  • Employer Contribution: changes annually


Not portable nationwide.

Participants can withdraw thier contributions to the plan, or roll them over to qualified plans. Participants cannot access the employer contributions upon withdrawal/rollover.
UNC Optional Retirement Program (ORP)The ORP is a defined contribution plan. The value of your benefit is not based on a predetermined formula. Contributions to your account are made by you and the UNC System. The contributions are invested and the returns are credited to your account. The value of your account is based on the amount of contributions made to your account and the performance of the investment funds you select. Your accumulated balance provides monthly income during your retirement. Again, you control your investment choices and distribution methods.

  • Vesting: Immediately 100% vested in the value of your contributions. 100% vested in the UNC System contributions after five years of participating in the ORP.
  • Employee Contributions: 6% of eligible pay. This amount cannot be adjusted.
  • Employer Contribution: 6.84%

Portable Nationwide.

Employees may withdraw or rollover thier contributions to the ORP plan to eligible plans upon separation. Employees may withdraw or rollover the employer contributions upon separation if vested.

Enrollment Instructions

Hire DateEnrollment PeriodEnrollAccount Access

On/After September 1, 2023

30 calendar days from hire/start date. Failure to enroll in your first 30 days will result in an irrevocable mandatory default into the TSERS plan.

Enrollment is completed via My Pack Portal>Employee Self Service>Benefits Details>My UNC Benefits
  • Paper forms will not be accepted
  • After you have made your enrollment choices, you MUST click "Submit My Elections". After clicking submit, a pop-up will appear and you MUST click "Accept" or your choices will not be recorded. Do not overlook this important step!
  • Be sure to save/print a copy of your confirmation statement to review.

TSERS
Once enrolled, and a payroll deduction to TSERS occurs, you can go online to www.myncretirement.com (ORBIT) to input your beneficiaries. Access to this online portal will usually occur about two weeks after the first payroll deduction for TSERS.

ORP
TIAA has been named single record keeper for the UNC System Plans. Those hired on/after September 1, 2023 must enroll with TIAA. Find out more about this decision here.
  • TIAA
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    Supplemental Retirement Plans

    While both mandatory retirement plan options provide a valuable opportunity for you to prepare for your future, you may want to consider boosting your retirement savings by participating in one or more of these supplemental retirement plans.  While these plans do not provide an employer match, they allow you to set aside additional money on a pre-tax or after-tax basis.  You can start and stop these plans at any time.

    Supplemental Retirement Plan Decision Guide/Plan Options

    Resources

     Enroll

    Enrollment Period

     UNC System 403(b) Plan Go to UNC System 403(b) plan site.

    1. Complete a Salary Reduction Agreement and submit to HR Benefits*
    2. Enroll with  TIAA and select investments.
    At any point. Effective September 1, 2023  TIAA became the sole recordkeeper for the UNC 403(b) plan for new participants.
    UNC System 457(b) Plan Go to UNC System 457(b) plan site.

    1. Complete the Voluntary Deferral Agreement and submit to HR Benefits*
    2. Enroll with TIAA and select investments.
    At any point. Effective September 1, 2023  TIAA became the sole recordkeeper for the UNC 457(b) plan for new participants.
    State’s 457 Deferred Compensation Plan Go to the NC Total Retirement Plans site.

    1. Complete the required fields under “Get Ready to Enroll”
    2. Select “Enroll Now”
    At any point
    State’s 401(k) Plan Go to the NC Total Retirement Plans site.

    1. Complete the required fields under “Get Ready to Enroll”
    2. Select “Enroll Now”
    At any point

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    DISABILITY PLANS

    Income Protection Programs Booklet

    Resources

    Enroll

    Enrollment Period

    Coverage Begins

    Employer Paid State Provided Short Term & Long Term Disability Plans (DIP-NC)

    Available at no cost to eligible employees working at least 3/4 time (.75 FTE) for 9 months or greater per year with at least one year of contributing service in either the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) or the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS), earned within 36 months prior to the disability.

    Short Term Plan–Automatically enrolled after ONE year of membership participation in TSERS or ORP.

    Long Term Plan–Automatically enrolled after FIVE years of membership participation in TSERS or ORP.

    n/a Short Term–After ONE year of membership participation in TSERS or ORP.

    Long Term–After FIVE years of membership participation in TSERS or ORP.

    Employee Paid Supplemental Disability Income Plans–Lincoln Financial Group–(For TSERS/LEORS Participants)

    This supplemental long-term disability insurance, offered by Lincoln Financial Group, was designed to provide coverage for those employee’s who are not yet eligible for the State’s plan, or who wish to supplement the State’s disability benefits.

    Hired on/after September 1, 2023

    Enrollment is completed via My Pack Portal>Employee Self Service>Benefits Details>My UNC Benefits

    • Paper forms will not be accepted
    • After you have made your enrollment choices, you MUST click “Submit My Elections”. After clicking submit, a pop-up will appear and you MUST click “Accept” or your choices will not be recorded. Do not overlook this important step!
    • Be sure to save/print a copy of your confirmation statement to review.

    Hired prior to September 1st

    Submit a completed Enrollment/Change Form to HR Benefits*

    • Online enrollment is not available to those hired prior to September 1st.

    Hired on/after September 1, 2023:

    30 calendar days from hire/start date. These plans are dependent upon your mandatory retirement plan choice.  Failure to enroll may cause significant waiting periods or denial of coverage.

    Hired prior to September 1st:

    60 calendar days from hire/start date. These plans are dependent upon your mandatory retirement plan choice.  Failure to enroll may cause significant waiting periods or denial of coverage.

    Coverage begins at the hire/start date.
    Employee Paid Supplemental Disability Income Plans–The Standard–(For ORP Participants)

    This supplemental long-term disability insurance plan, offered at a nominal cost by The Standard, is available only to participants in the Optional Retirement Program. Designed to help fill the gaps left by the State’s plan.

    Hired on/after September 1, 2023

    Enrollment is completed via My Pack Portal>Employee Self Service>Benefits Details>My UNC Benefits

    • Paper forms will not be accepted
    • After you have made your enrollment choices, you MUST click “Submit My Elections”. After clicking submit, a pop-up will appear and you MUST click “Accept” or your choices will not be recorded. Do not overlook this important step!
    • Be sure to save/print a copy of your confirmation statement to review.

    Hired prior to September 1st

    Submit a completed Enrollment/Change Form to HR Benefits*

    • Online enrollment is not available to those hired prior to September 1st.
    Hired on/after September 1, 2023:

    30 calendar days from hire/start date. These plans are dependent upon your mandatory retirement plan choice.  Failure to enroll may cause significant waiting periods or denial of coverage.

    Hired prior to September 1st:

    60 calendar days from hire/start date. These plans are dependent upon your mandatory retirement plan choice.  Failure to enroll may cause significant waiting periods or denial of coverage.

    Coverage begins at the hire/start date.

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    Leave

    NC State University recognizes the importance of time off and medically-necessary leave.  WolfTime is the name of our leave tracking system.  To access WolfTime, go to MyPack Portal>For Faculty & Staff>Employee Self Service and click on the WolfTime tile.  To learn more about WolfTime, click here.

    Resources

    Eligibility

    Accruals Begin

    Annual/Vacation Leave SHRA, EHRA (9 month faculty do not earn Annual Leave) If hired on the 1st-15th of the month, accruals begin the month of hire.

    If hired on the 16th-31st of the month, accruals begin the following month.

    Sick Leave SHRA, EHRA (9 month faculty do not earn Sick Leave) If hired on the 1st-15th of the month, accruals begin the month of hire.

    If hired on the 16th-31st of the month, accruals begin the following month.

    Other Types of Leave Varies, review individually Varies, review individually

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    Other NC State Benefits

    The plans below are specific to NC State University.

    Hyatt Legal Plan

    NC State offers eligible employees a low-cost legal services plan through Met Life Legal, the premium is $9/month and covers you and your family. By participating in this plan, employees have access to a wide array of legal services to meet personal and family needs. Services and referrals are available through a network of providers at an affordable cost.

    Enrollment Form

    Enrollment Period: 30 days from hire/start date.

    Tuition Waivers for Staff/Faculty

    Employees can waive tuition and fees for up to 3 courses per academic year.

    Real Estate

    As an employee of NC State, you can take advantage of real estate incentive programs.  New employees, as well as existing employees who may be moving, can take advantage of these services.

    Auto, Homeowner’s and Renter’s Insurance

    Personal assets including automobiles, homes (and/or its contents) are valuable, and should be protected. NC State, through Travelers Auto and Home Insurance Company, offers several plans to keep assets safe.

    Carmichael Gymnasium

    Serves at the central hub of fitness and recreation for the NC State community.

    WolfPerks (unity ID required to login)

    The WolfPerks Program is designed to save NC State University Faculty & Staff money on products and services both locally and nationally.  Browse through the many offers available to you and your family throughout the WolfPerks program.

    Employee Resources

    A comprehensive list of resources/perks available to employees.

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    Submit forms to HR Benefits:

    HR NOW (preferred)

    Mail: Campus Box 7215, Raleigh NC, 27695

    Drop Off: 2711 Sullivan Drive-Administrative Services Bldg II

    Employer Contributions for Benefits

    NC State makes a contribution towards the cost of some employee benefit plans. Click to view a summary of how the full or partial cost of benefit plans is provided for employees.

    Questions/Feedback