Online Benefits Orientation
New staff/faculty can use the information below in lieu of or in addition to attending an instructor-led Benefits Orientation in person or via Zoom.
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.
Benefits Eligibility Matrix
| 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 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.
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 August 1. 9-month faculty have 30 calendar days from July 1 to enroll in benefits and 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.
Top Picked Resources
- UNC System Health, Retirement & Leave Resources
- Benefits at a Glance
- State Health Plan Active Employee Rates
- UNC System Online Benefits Orientation Video (Requires Unity ID to login)
- Mandatory Retirement Plan Decision Guide
- Retirement Plan Comparison Calculator
- Prior State of NC Service
- Contact Benefits
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 | * New Employee Enrollment Guide * Monthly Premium Rate Comparison * State Health Plan Resources and Videos * Additional Resources * Enrollment Instructions * Required Dependent Documentation | 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 | * 2024 Benefits Summary (PDF) * Additional Resources/Videos * Enrollment Instructions | 30 calendar days from hire/start date. | On the first day of the month following date of hire. |
| NCFlex Vision | * 2024 Benefits Summary (PDF) * Additional Resources/Videos * Enrollment Instructions | 30 calendar days from hire/start date. | On the first day of the month following date of hire. |
| NCFlex Accidental Death/Dismemberment | * 2024 Benefits Summary (PDF) * Additional Resources/Videos * Enrollment Instructions | 30 calendar days from hire/start date. | On the first day of the month following date of hire. |
| NCFlex Accident Plan | * Benefits Summary (PDF) * Additional Resources/Videos * Enrollment Instructions | 30 calendar days from hire/start date. | On the first day of the month following date of hire. |
| NCFlex Critical Illness | * 2024 Benefits Summary (PDF) * Additional Resources/Videos * Enrollment Instructions | 30 calendar days from hire/start date. | On the first day of the month following date of hire. |
| NCFlex Cancer | * 2024 Benefits Summary (PDF) * Additional Resources/Videos * Enrollment Instructions | 30 calendar days from hire/start date. | On the first day of the month following date of hire. |
| NCFlex Health Care Flexible Spending | * 2024 Benefits Summary (PDF) * Additional Resources/Videos * Enrollment Instructions | 30 calendar days from hire/start date. | On the first day of the month following date of hire. |
| NCFlex Dependent Daycare Flex Spending | * 2024 Benefits Summary (PDF) * Additional Resources/Videos * Enrollment Instructions | 30 calendar days from hire/start date. | On the first day of the month following date of hire. |
Voluntary Group Term Life Insurance
| Resources | Enroll | Enrollment Period | Coverage Begins | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
UNC System Group Term Life Insurance | * Plan Summary Including Rates * Enrollment Instructions | 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) | * Plan Summary Including Rates * Enrollment Instruction | 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. |
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
| Plan | Resources | Contributions, Vesting, & Portability |
|---|---|---|
| Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS)–A defined benefit plan, meaning your retirement benefit is based on a formula that considers your years of service, age, and average salary during your highest four consecutive years. Your benefit amount isn’t influenced by investment performance or contributions. The State manages investments and takes on all risks, with professional money managers handling the funds. | * Mandatory Retirement Plans at NC State * Quick Reference Guide/Handbook * Additional Resources * Enrollment Instructions | 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 their 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)–A defined contribution plan where your benefit depends on contributions from you and the UNC System, plus investment returns. The value of your account is based on these contributions and your investment choices. You control how your funds are invested and distributed, and your account balance provides your retirement income. | * Mandatory Retirement Plans at NC State * ORP Plan Summary ORP Plan information * Additional Resources/Enrollment Instructions | 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 Period | Enroll | Account Access |
|---|---|---|
| 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 After selecting your choices, you MUST click “Submit My Elections”. A pop-up will appear and you MUST click “Accept” to record your choices. Do not overlook this important step! 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 |
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 | Plan Summary Overview Review Investment Options/Talk with Financial Professionals TIAA | Go to UNC System 403(b) plan site. Complete a Salary Reduction Agreement and submit to HR Benefits* 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 | Plan Summary Overview Review Investment Options/Talk with Financial Professionals TIAA | Go to UNC System 457(b) plan site. Complete the Voluntary Deferral Agreement and submit to HR Benefits* 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 | * Compare 401(k) and 457 plans * Plan Overview * Retirement Counselors | Go to the NC Total Retirement Plans site. Complete the required fields under “Get Ready to Enroll” Select “Enroll Now” | At any point |
| State’s 401(k) Plan | * Compare 401(k) and 457 plans * Plan Overview * Retirement Counselors | Go to the NC Total Retirement Plans site. Complete the required fields under “Get Ready to Enroll” Select “Enroll Now” | At any point |
Disability Plans
Income Protection Programs Booklet
| Plan | Plan Details | Enroll | Enrollment Period | Coverage Begins |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employer Paid State Provided Short Term & Long Term Disability Plans (DIP-NC) Resources: Quick Highlights | 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) Resources: * Quick Highlights * Plan Summary/Cost Sheet * UNC System Lincoln Financial Group Plan Information | 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. | My Pack Portal>Employee Self Service>Benefits Details>My UNC Benefits After selecting your choices, you MUST click “Submit My Elections”. A pop-up will appear and you MUST click “Accept” to record your choices. Do not overlook this important step! Save/print a copy of your confirmation statement. | 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. | Coverage begins at the hire/start date. |
| Employee Paid Supplemental Disability Income Plans–The Standard–(For ORP Participants) Resources: * Quick Highlights * Standard Plan Information | 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. | My Pack Portal>Employee Self Service>Benefits Details>My UNC Benefits After selecting your choices, you MUST click “Submit My Elections”. A pop-up will appear and you MUST click “Accept” to record your choices. Do not overlook this important step! Save/print a copy of your confirmation statement. | 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. | Coverage begins at the hire/start date. |
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 | Accurals Begin | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vacation Leave | Quick Highlights/Accruals | 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 | Quick Highlights/Accruals | 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 | Quick Highlights/Accruals | Varies, review individually | Varies, review individually |
Other NC State Benefits
The plans below are specific to NC State University.
- 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 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.
- Wellness and Recreation-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.
Submit Forms to HR Benefits:
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.