Classified Employee Benefits at a Glance
Welcome to the University of Nevada, Reno. The following information is a summary of the benefits you are entitled to as an employee. In the event of any difference between the terms of this summary document and the plan or governance documents, the terms of the plan or governance documents will prevail.
Group health insurance
Coverage begins on the first day of the first full month of employment. Enrollment must take place within 15 days of start date.
Employee coverage includes:
- $25,000 Term Life Insurance
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision (limited)
- Travel policies
Dependent coverage includes:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision (limited)
- Travel insurance
The university offers three options:
- Consumer Driven Health Plan (CDHP PPO)
- Low Deductible Plan (LD PPO)
- Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO)
|
Consumer Driven Health Plan (PPO) |
Low Deductible Plan (LD) |
Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Employee Only |
$55.26 |
$85.26 |
$181.24 |
|
Employee + Spouse/Domestic Partner |
$271.27 |
$331.28 |
$523.25 |
|
Employee + Child(ren) |
$136.26 |
$177.52 |
$309.50 |
|
Employee + Family |
$352.28 |
$423.54 |
$651.51 |
Mandatory retirement plans
Classified employees who have been hired into a permanent position are required to participate in the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) of Nevada.
Option 1: Employer Pay Contribution Plan (EPC)
The employer pays the full retirement contribution based on the adjusted gross salary. This results in a higher paycheck because the contribution is pre-taxed. Contributions are not deposited to your individual member account and are not available for refund upon termination of employment.
Option 2: Employee/Employer Paid Contribution Plan (EEC)
You and the University share equally in the contribution to PERS. Your after-tax contribution is refundable upon termination of employment if you do not elect to receive a monthly retirement benefit. This results in a lower paycheck, as the contributions are deducted after taxes are calculated.
Once you have attained 5 years of service, you are "vested" in PERS and eligible to receive retirement benefits. After you are vested in PERS, the monthly benefit you receive from PERS will be based on three factors:
- Service credit – years, months and days on which contributions were paid.
- Average compensation – average of highest 36 months of employment.
- Selection of retirement option and age of member and beneficiary at the time of retirement
Additional information regarding PERS is available at www.nvpers.org or by telephone at (775) 687-4200.
Voluntary retirement plans
As an employee of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) and the State of Nevada, you are eligible to participate in two Voluntary Retirement Plans that are explained below. Each plan has a basic annual contribution limit set by IRS. In addition, if you are age 50 or older you are eligible to contribute an additional amount. The voluntary retirement plans provide for employee contributions on a pre- tax or post tax basis. There are no employer matching contributions.
NSHE Supplemental 403(b) Plan allows you to set aside additional pre-tax or post-tax (Roth) savings for your retirement. Free in-person financial counseling offered on UNR campus, low institutional fees and monitored funds provided in the program; funds available for loans. TIAA is a record keeper for this supplemental retirement program. Additional information is available on our 403(b) Plan page.
The NDC 457 Plan allows you to set aside compensation under the program to a supplemental retirement plan. Pre-tax and Roth options are available. VOYA Financial is a record keeper for this program. Additional information is available from the Benefits office.
Additional benefits
For further information regarding the following benefits, contact HR Shared Services Benefits at 784-6082, unless otherwise indicated.
Full-time employees earn 10 hours of annual leave for each month of continuous full-time service; available after 6 months of employment.
Full-time employees earn 10 hours of sick leave per month, available as time is accrued.
Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-exempt medical savings account for employees enrolled in a PPO plan. Contributions may be started and changed anytime, subject to IRS calendar maximum. Medical Flex Spending Account (FSA) is a tax-exempt medical account to be used for qualified medical expenses. Dependent care FSA allows employees to pay for dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Additional information is available on our Voluntary Benefits page.
Long term care, supplemental term life, auto/homeowners/renters, short-term disability, college 529 plan, and a legal plan are available through payroll deduction. Additional information is available on our Voluntary Benefits page.
The University encourages its Classified employees to pursue training and educational opportunities available to them through Nevada System of Higher Education institutions. Tuition is paid in full when Classified employees enroll in a course that can apply toward the completion of a degree or is job-related. Job-related courses include those courses needed to enable the employee to meet the standards of performance for the current position; those which update the employee's skills, knowledge, and techniques in the current position; courses which are beneficial to the department's operation; and courses which apply toward the completion of a degree. Learn more about Grants-in-Aid.
With the Classified Employee Family Opportunity Program for Spouses, Domestic Partners and Dependents, eligible dependents of classified staff can obtain huge savings through reduced-rate registration fees. For information grants-in-aid for eligible dependents of Classified staff, go to the Classified Employee Family Opportunity Program page.
No state income tax in Nevada.
All new employees pay 1.45% Medicare tax, which is matched 100% by the University.
The employee handbook provides a ready reference to terms and conditions of your employment with the State of Nevada.
Covers employees in the event of work-related injuries. It is important to know the procedures to follow to make sure claims are processed appropriately.
The E. L. Wiegand Fitness Center offers an annual or semester membership. For an additional charge you may also include family members. For information about the E. L. Wiegand Fitness Center, call (775) 784-4041 or visit their website.