1
Benefits
Summary Booklet
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
January 2021
2
Welcome
Welcome!
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is pleased
that you elected to dedicate your professional
skills and talents in public service to
Pennsylvania’s citizens.
The commonwealth seeks to provide excellent
benefits and great support to our employees.
In fact, our benefits typically provide an
additional value equal to more than 86% of
your pay!
We hope you find this information helpful as
you make benefits choices that are right for you
and your family. The benefits described in this
booklet apply to permanent full-time and
permanent part-time employees working at
least 50% of full-time hours. If you are a non-
permanent or permanent part-time employee
working less than 50% of full-time hours,
please contact the HR Service Center to discuss
which benefits are available to you.
Employees of the Liquor Control Board, Office of the Attorney General,
Gaming Control Board, Public Utility Commission, Auditor General, and
all other agencies not under the Governor’s jurisdiction should contact
their local HR office for assistance. Throughout this booklet, where you
read instructions to contact or submit information to the HR Service
Center, you will contact your agency HR office instead.
Important Notice: This booklet is a summary of benefits available to
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania employees. It is not an agreement
between the commonwealth and any employee. Benefits details are
contained in state statutes, collective bargaining agreements,
management directives, and contracts with various benefit providers
and plan documents. If information in this booklet differs from those
documents, the official documents govern.
3
Contents
Table of Contents
Getting Started Checklist ................................. 4
HR Services ................................................... 5
Benefits Providers ........................................... 6
Health Benefits ............................................... 8
Additional Health Benefits ................................ 12
Retirement .................................................... 15
Insurance ...................................................... 16
Savings Opportunities ..................................... 18
Other Information ........................................... 20
If you previously
worked for the
commonwealth,
please contact the
HR Service Center
for specific
information about
your benefits
eligibility.
HR Service Center
P.O. Box 824
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0824
Call: 866.377.2672
PA Relay: 711
Interpreter services
available by request
7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Monday - Friday
4
Getting Started
Getting Started Checklist
Please Note:
Health benefits do
not begin
automatically.
You will need to
enroll to begin
coverage.
QUESTIONS OR GENERAL
HR INQUIRIES?
HR Service Center
P.O. Box 824
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0824
Call: 866.377.2672
PA Relay: 711
Interpreter services
available by request
7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Monday - Friday
Need more info?
www.employeeresourcecenter.
oa.pa.gov
No Employee Resource
Center access?
www.myHRonline.pa.gov
Read this booklet for basic information.
Go to www.myHRonline.pa.gov or, if you
have access to the Employee Resource
Center (ERC), go to
www.employeeresourcecenter.oa.pa.gov
to review detailed benefit options.
Choose the programs in which you would
like to enroll (based on eligibility).
Contact the HR Service Center to ask
questions, obtain forms or enroll (see
contact information at left).
If necessary, mail or fax completed forms
to HR Service Center (or to your HR office
if your agency is not served by the HR
Service Center).
Pay attention and respond to information
sent to you in the mail by the Pennsylvania
Employees Benefit Trust Fund (PEBTF) and
the State Employees’ Retirement System
(SERS).
Contact third-party vendors, as indicated in
this booklet for college savings, optional
insurances and other programs.
5
HR Services
HR Services for Commonwealth Employees
In general, there are four places that help you manage your human resources issues: your
agency’s human resources office, the commonwealth’s HR Service Center and online
Employee Self-Service and Employee Resource Center.
Agency Human Resources Office—For as many things as state employees have in
common, the places they work and the jobs they do are extremely diverse. Each agency’s
human resources office is set up differently; some are centralized, while others include field
offices located throughout the state.
You will work with your agency’s human resources office to receive guidance on leave
benefits, attend to your ongoing professional development, help keep your workplace safe
and manage other issues.
HR Service Center—From Agriculture to Transportation, commonwealth employees work for
more than three dozen different agencies. Despite these differences, many benefits are the
same for most state employees. The HR Service Center helps you with many of these
common benefits, including health plans, retirement, savings, optional insurance and other
programs. This booklet highlights the benefits supported by the HR Service Center.
Employee Self-Service (ESS)—Most, but not all, commonwealth employees can complete
many tasks online at www.myWorkplace.pa.gov. During your new employee orientation, you
will find out if you will be an ESS user.
Much of the information you see in ESS is customized specifically to you. You can submit
requests for leave, change your tax withholding, enroll in health benefits and update a wide
array of personal information.
Employees who do not use ESS are supported by the HR Service Center and agency human
resources office.
Employee Resource Center (ERC)— The ERC provides information to commonwealth
employees about their health benefits, pay, leave, training and other work topics at
www.employeeresourcecenter.oa.pa.gov.
6
Benefits Providers
Benefits Providers
The commonwealth partners with a number of other companies to offer you top notch
benefits. Key benefit partners include:
Pennsylvania Employees Benefit Trust Fund (PEBTF)—The PEBTF administers health
care benefits for approximately 76,000 eligible commonwealth employees and their
dependents. It is governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of both commonwealth and
union representatives.
State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS)—SERS administers four retirement plans
for approximately 243,000 current, former, and retired state employees and their survivors
and beneficiaries. The plans include: a defined benefit pension plan; a defined contribution
investment plan; a hybrid plan that combines both a pension and a personal investment
account; and a voluntary supplemental deferred compensation plan that allows employees to
save more for their retirement.
7
Benefits Providers
Benefits Providers Contact Information
Health Benefits
Administrator
Pennsylvania Employees Benefit Trust Fund (PEBTF)
Call: 800.522.7279
Online: www.pebtf.org
PEBTF Health Advocate
Call: 855.855.4238
Online: www.HealthAdvocate.com/pebtf
Employee
Assistance
State Employee Assistance Program (SEAP)
Referral Line: 800.692.7459 (calls answered 24/7)
TTY Line: 800.824.4306
Online: www.liveandworkwell.com
Retirement Plan
Administrator
State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS)
Call: 800.633.5461
Online: www.SERS.pa.gov
Deferred
Compensation
Empower Retirement
Call: 866.737.7457
Online: www.sers457.com
Group Life
Insurance
Metropolitan Life
Call: 855.972.5433
Online: www.metlife.com/mybenefits
Optional
Insurance Products
Prudential
Call: 800.893.7316
Online: www.prudential.com/Pennsylvania
MetLife Critical Illness
Call: 877.755.7480 x2001
Online: https://www.metlife.com/pennsylvania
Corestream
Call: 855.669.6600
Online: www.paemployeesavings.com
Payroll
Deductions/Savings
Savings
Savings Bonds | Online: www.TreasuryDirect.gov
College Savings | Online: www.pa529.com
PSLF | Online: www.pheaa.org/PSLF | Call: 855.265.4038
PA ABLE | Online: www.PAABLE.gov | Call: 800.440.4000
State Employee Combined Appeal
Call: 717.787.9872
Online: www.seca.pa.gov
Flexible Spending
Accounts
Health Care Flexible Spending Account
Call: 833-628-0580
Online: www.fsa.oa.pa.gov
Dependent Care Account Program
Call: 833-628-0580
Online: www.fsa.oa.pa.gov
8
Health Benefits
Health Benefits
Health benefits are administered by the Pennsylvania Employees Benefit Trust Fund (PEBTF).
How Much Will My Benefits Cost?
When enrolled into health benefits, you pay a health care contribution through payroll
deductions. You can lower your contribution by participating in the Get Healthy wellness
program. Read the section “Reducing Your Costs” in this booklet.
While some union contracts differ, most employees who elect coverage and participate in the
Get Healthy wellness program currently contribute 2.5% of their biweekly gross base salary
toward the cost of their health benefits. Employees who do not participate contribute 5%.
Part-time employees have additional costs. Contact the HR Service Center for information on
rates.
You can enroll yourself and your eligible dependents (see Dependent Eligibility below) at
any time. Remember, you will need to take action to enroll; your coverage does not begin
automatically.
If you are eligible, you may enroll in your choice of medical plans from your first day of
employment or any time thereafter:
• PEBTF Custom Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
• Two Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) options:
• Basic PPO
• Choice PPO - If you select the Choice PPO, you will pay an additional biweekly plan
buy-up cost (unless hired prior to 8/1/2003).
During the first 90 days of employment, you may add dependent coverage by paying an
additional biweekly dependent buy-up cost. After 90 days of employment, the PEBTF will
provide dependent coverage at no charge. If you are enrolled in the Choice PPO, you will
continue to pay the plan buy-up and, if you add dependents, you will pay the plan buy-up at
the family rate.
Medical Plans
For medical coverage, you may select from an HMO or two PPO options. You can visit ESS at
www.myWorkplace.pa.gov and select the “Benefits” tab to learn more about the plans
available in your county of residence.
• The PPO provides care through a network of participating medical providers. You pay a
co-pay at the time of service ($20 for primary care office visits and $45 for specialist
office visits). Some services are subject to an in-network deductible. For 2021, the
Choice PPO has a $400 individual/$800 family deductible and the Basic PPO has a $1,500
individual/$3000 family deductible. If you seek services from non-participating
providers, you will pay a separate out-of-network deductible first and 30% of the cost
thereafter. If you select the Choice PPO, you will pay an additional biweekly plan buy-up
cost, which has employee-only and family rates.
• The HMO provides care through a network of participating
medical providers. You select a primary care physician to
coordinate all of your care. There is no deductible and you pay
a small co-pay at the time of service ($5 for primary care
office visits and $10 for specialist office visits). Except for
emergencies, care is usually covered by the HMO only when
arranged by your primary care physician. If you seek
services outside the network, you are responsible for the full
cost. It is imperative that you confirm with the health plan that
your providers participate the PEBTF Custom HMO to ensure
network coverage.
If you previously
worked for the
commonwealth,
please contact the
HR Service Center
for specific
information about
your benefits
eligibility.
To Begin Your Health Coverage You must enroll.
9
Health Benefits
When you enroll in medical coverage, you also have
benefits for mental health and substance abuse
treatment services. This coverage is provided by Optum.
Dependent Eligibility
Your spouse and dependent children up to age 26 may
be eligible for coverage under your health plans. You
can read full eligibility information at
www.employeeresourcecenter.oa.pa.gov > Benefits >
Health & Wellness.
If you were hired on or after August 1, 2003:
Your spouse is eligible for benefits through the PEBTF, as
primary coverage, only if he or she is not eligible for
medical or supplemental benefits through his or her own
employer. Your spouse must accept his or her
employer's medical and/or supplemental benefits even if
there is a required employee contribution or a monetary
incentive to decline. PEBTF coverage for spouses or who
are eligible for their own coverage is limited to secondary
coverage. This rule does not apply to a self-employed
spouse.
You must attest to whether or not your spouse is eligible
for coverage through his or her employer as part of the
initial enrollment process, and on an annual basis
thereafter. Your spouse’s employer is required to
complete a form if the employer does not provide
coverage or your spouse is not eligible for the coverage.
If your spouse is enrolled in a plan with a Health Savings
Account (HSA), he or she may not be eligible to enroll in
the PEBTF as secondary. Your spouse should verify with
his or her employer prior to enrolling in a PEBTF plan as
secondary coverage.
If you were hired before August 1, 2003:
If your spouse has to pay for coverage or is offered an
incentive not to take his or her employer's coverage,
your spouse does not have to enroll in his or her
employer's coverage. PEBTF coverage can be elected as
the primary coverage.
If your spouse is enrolled in a plan with a Health Savings
Account (HSA), he or she may not be eligible to enroll
the PEBTF as secondary. Your spouse should verify with
his or her employer prior to enrolling in a PEBTF plan as
secondary coverage.
10
Health Benefits
Full-Time Employee Rates (Single and Family Coverage)
*Employees hired prior to August 1, 2003, do not pay these PPO buy-up costs.
During your first 90 days of employment, you are eligible to purchase prescription drug
coverage for yourself and eligible dependents for an additional cost. After this initial period of
employment, you are eligible for dental, vision and hearing aid benefits as a package of
plans known as “supplemental benefits.” More details on prescription drug and supplemental
benefits are provided in the next section of this booklet.
Reducing Your Cost
Employees can reduce their biweekly contribution to 2.5%* by participating in the PEBTF’s
Get Healthy Know Your Numbers program. This is an annual wellness screening program
that encourages employees to take charge of their health. After your medical plan enrollment
is processed, the PEBTF will send you a letter providing additional program details.
To get started, you need to complete your Get Healthy Know Your Numbers wellness
screening. The wellness screening includes height, weight and blood pressure measurements
as well as a blood draw to test for cholesterol and blood glucose (sugar) levels. The
informational letter you will receive in the mail from the PEBTF explains how to obtain your
wellness screening and will provide you with important deadlines by which you must
complete the screenings to avoid the surcharge.
You will need to take action in order to continue your Get Healthy participation and keep the
waiver each year by completing the annual wellness screening by December 31st. Watch
your mail each year for a mailing from PEBTF on the annual requirements.
*See your collective bargaining agreement for additional information.
Enrollment
Remember — you must enroll to begin your health benefits coverage. You can enroll
or add dependents at any time during the year. When you enroll, you select your coverage
effective date. Your effective date can be up to 60 days prior to the day we receive your
enrollment, but it cannot be earlier than the day you became eligible. If you select a
retroactive enrollment date, you may be subject to paying retroactive costs, which occur in
the first payroll deduction.
To select coverage for yourself, spouse or dependents, you can enroll
online if you have access to ESS at
www.myWorkplace.pa.gov. Simply select your health plan through
Benefits > PEBTF Benefits Enrollment and select your effective
date. If you do not have internet or ESS access, call the HR
Service Center to select your plan or to request an enrollment
packet.
If you experience a qualifying event during the year, you can
decline coverage, remove dependents or change your plan
selection within 60 days of the event. You can visit
www.employeeresourcecenter.oa.pa.gov or contact the HR Service
Center for more information on qualifying events.
If you are a
permanent part-
time employee
working
at least 50% of
full-time hours, the
same benefits are
available to you –
but costs vary.
To learn more,
please call the HR
Service Center.
Employee Only
Bi-Weekly Cost
Family
Bi-Weekly Cost
(first 90 days)
Family
Bi-Weekly Cost
(after 90 days)
2021 Rates
Choice PPO $13.02* $391.37 $33.57
Basic PPO $0 $357.80 $0
Custom HMO Plans $0 $372.52 $0
11
Health Benefits
The annual open enrollment period (usually in the fall of the year) is your opportunity to decline
coverage, remove dependents, and/or change your plan selection without a qualifying event.
12
Add’l Health Benefits
Additional Health Benefits
Prescription Drug Benefits
During your first 90 days, you are eligible to purchase prescription drug coverage for yourself
and eligible dependents for an additional cost (see table below). The biweekly buy-up cost
for this coverage is in addition to the employee contribution and any applicable medical plan
and/or dependent buy-up(s) you pay when enrolled in any of the PEBTF health benefits. If
you are a full-time employee and enroll in medical benefits during your first 90 days of
employment, you will automatically be enrolled in prescription drug benefits and
supplemental benefits after 90 days at no additional cost to you. If you are a part-time
employee there are additional costs for prescription drug and supplemental benefits; as a
result, you will not be automatically enrolled in these benefits at any time.
The biweekly buy-up costs for the purchase of prescription drug coverage during your first
90 days of employment are shown in the table below:
Part-time employees should contact the HR Service for information on the costs and to enroll
in these benefits.
Prescription drug benefits are provided through CVS Caremark. You have a wide array of
options to fill your prescriptions. You can visit a local CVS retail location, pharmacies within
the CVS Caremark network, specialty pharmacy, Rite-Aid pharmacy — or even order through
CVS Caremark mail order.
Full Time Employees 2021 Prescription Drug Benefits (in addition to the
employee contribution and applicable medical plan/dependent buy-up costs)
First 90 days of
employment
After 90 days of
employment
Employee Only Biweekly Cost $80.52 $0
Family Biweekly Cost $199.77 $0
13
Add’l Health Benefits
*The amount indicated is the co-pay for brand name drugs. If a generic of the drug is
available, you also will pay the difference between the generic and brand name prices.
Supplemental Benefits
If you are a full-time employee and enroll in medical benefits, you automatically will receive
even more benefits after 90 days on the job — prescription drug and the supplemental
benefits package consisting of dental, vision and hearing aid plans — at no additional cost to
you. A letter will be sent to your mailing address to explain more about your prescription drug
and supplemental benefit options at that time. Unless you call the HR Service Center to decline
coverage, you will be enrolled automatically in the prescription drug and supplemental benefits
at no additional cost. Part-time employees have additional costs for prescription drug and
supplemental benefits, and as a result, will not be automatically enrolled. Part-time employees
should contact the HR Service Center for information on the costs and enrollment.
If you do not enroll in medical benefits, you can still elect to participate in these additional
benefits — but it is not automatic. After you have been on the job for 90 days, you can enroll
by calling the HR Service Center to request prescription drug and/or supplemental benefits.
Upon enrollment in any of the health plans (medical, prescription drug, supplemental
benefits), employees contribute 2.5% or 5% of their biweekly gross base salary, depending on
if they participate in the Get Healthy program. If you also want to enroll eligible dependents,
you will need to complete an enrollment packet.
• Dental — Dental benefits are provided through United Concordia (UCCI). The plan pays for
up to $1,500 of dental work per person per calendar year with participating providers. It
covers 100% of diagnostic services and preventive care with no co-pay. You will have less
out-of-pocket costs when you use a participating dentist.
Basic work (i.e., fillings and root canals) is typically covered at 90% after a $50 deductible.
Major work (i.e., crowns and dentures) typically is covered at 60% after a $50 deductible.
Orthodontic lifetime maximum is $1,750 per person.
• Vision — Vision benefits are provided through National Vision Administrators (NVA).
Benefits cover routine eye exams and glaucoma tests with participating providers. The plan
provides you and your enrolled dependents with an allowance for contact lenses, frames
and lenses during specified time periods. Contact NVA at 800.672.7723 for more
information.
• Hearing Aid — Hearing aid benefits are provided by the PEBTF, which covers one hearing
aid per ear every 36 months (1,095 days). Monaural hearing aids are covered up to $900.
Binaural hearing aids are covered up to $1,800. CROS hearing aids are covered up to
$2,400.
Prescription drug, dental and vision providers will send membership cards to you directly. No
card is needed for hearing aid coverage. If you do not receive cards within 30 days of your
enrollment date, call the PEBTF at 800.522.7279.
Remember, if you are a full-time employee and you enrolled in medical benefits during your
first 90 days of employment, your prescription drug and supplemental benefits will be added
automatically after this period has expired. If you did not enroll in medical benefits, you can
enroll in prescription drug and/or supplemental benefits — or all three (medical, prescription
drug and supplemental benefits) — at any time after this period has expired. If you are a part-
Up to 30-day
supply
Up to 90-day supply
2021
Copayments
Retail Network
Pharmacy
CVS
Pharmacy
Rite Aid
Pharmacy
CVS Caremark
Mail Service
Generic $15 $22.50 $30 $22.50
Preferred
Brand Name
$40* $60* $80* $60*
Non-Preferred
Brand Name
$80* $120* $160* $120*
14
Add’l Health Benefits
time employee, you pay additional costs for prescription
drug and supplemental benefits and, as a result, you will
not be automatically enrolled in these benefits at any time.
If you elect medical and/or prescription drug coverage
during your first 90 days of employment, that coverage will
continue. To enroll in prescription drug or supplemental
benefits, visit ESS > PEBTF Benefits Enrollment or call the
HR Service Center.
State Employee Assistance Program
The State Employee Assistance Program (SEAP) is a free,
confidential assessment and referral service available to
you and your family 24/7 to help you deal with emotional
or family concerns, alcohol or drug abuse, depression and
other behavioral health matters, or financial and legal
issues. The majority of commonwealth employees are
eligible for SEAP. You are eligible for SEAP from your first
day of employment, whether or not you enroll in medical
coverage. To access confidential SEAP services, call
800.692.7459.
15
Retirement
Retirement
State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS)
• As an employee for a SERS participating employer, you are now enrolled in a “hybrid”
retirement plan, in the A-5 class of service. This means that a portion of your retirement
benefit will come from a defined benefit pension plan that features guaranteed monthly
payments and a portion will come from a defined contribution investment plan, the value of
which is determined by the amount of money you earn from your personal investment
choices.
• You have 45 days during which you could switch to a different class of service in the hybrid
plan or give up the defined benefit portion of your benefit all together and switch to a
straight defined contribution plan option. SERS will mail you a welcome package within your
first two weeks of employment. Included in this package is a comparison of your retirement
plan options and Features and Highlights providing additional information on the defined
benefit pension plan and defined contribution/investment plan. This packet contains vital
information, so please read the entire packet carefully. You also will receive a letter from
Empower Retirement about the defined contribution portion of your retirement.
The SERS welcome package will contain a beneficiary designation form, which you must
complete and return by mail to SERS. Please review all of the information carefully and direct
your questions about retirement to SERS at 800.633.5461.
Deferred Compensation
If you want to set aside more of your pay for retirement, SERS contracts with Empower
Retirement to offer a deferred compensation program. If you want to learn more or have
questions, call Empower Retirement at 866.737.7457.
16
Insurance
Insurance
Commonwealth-Provided Life Insurance
The commonwealth provides life insurance coverage to permanent employees after 90 days on
the job. There is no cost to you for this coverage. In the event of your death, the Metropolitan
Life Insurance Company (MetLife) will pay your selected designated beneficiaries a sum equal
to your annual salary (rounded to the nearest $1,000), up to $40,000.
You will be enrolled automatically; there is nothing you need to do. MetLife will mail you a new
employee packet that includes information on how to designate your beneficiaries. You can
designate your beneficiaries online or by mail after your coverage effective date.
If you have questions about this coverage, call MetLife at 855.972.5433 or visit
www.employeeresourcecenter.oa.pa.gov.
Optional Life Insurance
You can buy additional life insurance for yourself and, if enrolled you can purchase additional
coverage for your dependents, with convenient payroll deductions. A group rate has been
negotiated with Prudential for you to buy up to five times your annual salary to be paid to your
designated beneficiary. Prudential will send an informational packet to your home, which
includes details about purchasing coverage for your spouse and children.
If you want to enroll in this coverage, you must do so within 60 days of starting work or wait
until an annual open enrollment period. You can enroll by calling Prudential at 800.893.7316 or
by visiting www.employeeresourcecenter.oa.pa.gov.
Optional Short Term Disability
Prudential offers a group rate for short term disability insurance to commonwealth employees
through payroll deductions. If you become disabled and cannot work, purchasing this
insurance would allow you to receive 60% of your weekly earnings up to $1000. Rates are
based on your age and salary. Prudential will send an informational packet to your home.
If you want to enroll in this coverage, you must do so within 60 days of starting work or wait
until an annual open enrollment period. You can enroll by calling Prudential at 800.893.7316 or
by visiting www.employeeresourcecenter.oa.pa.gov.
Optional Long Term Disability
Prudential offers a group rate for long term disability insurance to commonwealth employees
through payroll deductions. If you become disabled and cannot work, purchasing this
insurance would allow you to receive 60% of your monthly earnings (reduced for certain other
disability income), typically until you reach retirement age. Rates are based on your age and
salary. Prudential will send an informational packet to your home.
If you want to enroll in this coverage, you must do so within 60 days of starting work or wait
until an annual open enrollment period. You can enroll by calling Prudential at 800.893.7316 or
by visiting www.employeeresourcecenter.oa.pa.gov.
Optional Critical Illness Coverage
Optional Critical Illness insurance is offered to eligible commonwealth employees through
MetLife. This coverage pays a lump sum cash benefit directly to you if you are diagnosed with a
covered critical illness. You can choose the level of benefit that is right for you. The plan also
provides a cash health screening benefit to promote healthy living. Premiums may be paid
through payroll deduction.
If you want to enroll in this coverage, you must do so within 60 days of starting work or wait
until an annual open enrollment period. You can enroll by calling Metlife at 877.755.7480 or by
visiting www.employeeresourcecenter.oa.pa.gov.
17
Insurance
Optional Auto & Home Coverage
The commonwealth has negotiated group rates and payroll deduction options for auto and
home coverage. You are able to obtain three quotes and select the product(s) that best meets
your needs. Check out www.employeeresourcecenter.oa.pa.gov for details and to request a no
obligation quote. Policy options vary based on your coverage needs. You can enroll at any time
and you need not wait until your current auto and home policies renew.
18
Savings Opportunities
Additional Savings Opportunities
Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance and Other Employee Savings
As a commonwealth employee, you are eligible to purchase identity theft protection and/or pet
insurance. You have the option of paying the premium for these programs through a
convenient biweekly payroll deduction. Learn more at www.employeeresourcecenter.oa.pa.gov
>Benefits.
College Savings
You can use payroll deductions to fund Pennsylvania 529 college savings accounts. Named for
Section 529 of the federal tax code, these savings accounts provide tax advantages and are a
great way to save for college. Learn more at www.employeeresourcecenter.oa.pa.gov
>Benefits. If you have questions or need assistance, call 800.440.4000.
After enrolling, you will get a confirmation letter from the Treasury Department that includes
your account number. Using your account number, submit a direct deposit authorization form
to the HR Service Center or visit ESS at www.myWorkplace.pa.gov to add an “other bank”
direct deposit payroll deduction. After your original deduction is in place, you are welcome to
change it at any time. Most commonwealth employees can do so online by visiting ESS at
www.myWorkplace.pa.gov. If you do not have access, call the HR Service Center for
assistance.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Employees of the commonwealth with eligible student loans may qualify for Public Service Loan
Forgiveness (PSLF). This program was created by Congress to encourage individuals to enter
and continue work in full-time public service positions. PSLF offers forgiveness on the
remaining balance of certain student loans as long as eligibility requirements are met.
To find out more, visit www.employeeresourcecenter.oa.pa.gov >Benefits.
PA ABLE
The PA ABLE Savings Program (PA ABLE) provides a tax-advantaged way for people with
disabilities to plan for a financially secure future, and pay for disability related expenses without
jeopardizing eligibility for government benefits.
Up to $15,000 may be contributed to an ABLE account each year. Earnings will not be taxed as
long as withdrawals are used for qualified disability-related expenses and withdrawals may be
made at any time.
Employees of the commonwealth may use payroll deduction to contribute to a PA ABLE
account. Once a PA ABLE account is established, employees can initiate payroll deduction
through the ESS at www.myWorkplace.pa.gov. To learn more, visit
www.employeeresourcecenter.oa.pa.gov >Benefits.
Family and Child Care Savings
Beginning in 2021, you can set aside a portion of your pre-tax earnings through payroll
deduction to help pay for eligible dependent care expenses by enrolling in the Dependent Care
Account Program (DCAP). If you want to learn more or have questions, call Businessolver
at 833-628-0580 or visit the Employee Resource Center at
www.employeeresourcecenter.oa.pa.gov >Benefits.
Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Beginning in 2021, you can set aside a portion of your pre-tax earnings through payroll
deduction to help pay for eligible out-of-pocket medical, prescription drug, dental or vision
expenses by enrolling in the Health Care FSA. If you want to learn more or have questions, call
Businessolver at 833-628-0580 or visit the Employee Resource Center at
www.employeeresourcecenter.oa.pa.gov >Benefits.
19
Savings Opportunities
Savings Bonds
One of the many benefits of savings bonds is that you can purchase them for others, including
children and grandchildren. You can elect to have money direct deposited from your pay to
purchase U.S. Savings Bonds. Bonds are low-risk savings products that require you to wait a
certain period of time in order to reap maximum financial benefits. Learn more at
www.employeeresourcecenter.oa.pa.gov >Benefits.
To use payroll deductions to buy savings bonds, enroll through the Federal Reserve’s “Treasury
Direct” program at www.TreasuryDirect.gov. Using your account number, submit a direct
deposit authorization form to the HR Service Center or visit ESS to add an “other bank” direct
deposit payroll deduction.
20
Other Information
Other Information
Charitable Giving
The commonwealth makes it easy to contribute to
approximately 1,000 charitable organizations through the
annual State Employee Combined Appeal (SECA).
Participating organizations offer a wide variety of human
services and environmental missions and are reviewed for
financial and operational accountability on an annual basis.
You can choose up to ten different organizations and give
via a recurring payroll deduction, a one-time payroll
deduction, or a check or money order. Payroll deductions
must be a minimum of $1 per pay per organization.
You can sign up at any time by completing and returning
the pledge form or by enrolling through
www.myWorkplace.pa.gov during the active campaign
period each fall. General information about SECA is
available at www.employeeresourcecenter.oa.pa.gov or at
www.seca.pa.gov.
Credit Union
The majority of commonwealth employees and their
families are eligible for membership in the Pennsylvania
State Employees Credit Union (PSECU). Member services
include free online banking, bill payer service, competitive
loan rates, interest-bearing checking accounts and much
more. You can learn more and join the credit union online
at www.psecu.org.
Union Membership
There are 19 unions that represent more than 60,000 of
the commonwealth’s employees. Your agency will discuss
union-related matters — including dues payments — with
you.
Vacation, Sick, Holiday & Other Leave
Your agency will discuss time-related policies and benefits
with you.
