Benefits and Eligibility

Adjunct and Associate Professor Insurance Benefits
Adjunct and associate faculty qualify for insurance benefits if the following conditions of employment are met: When the adjunct or associate professor is employed for 7.5 credits or more on a quarter-to-quarter basis, the employee will qualify for benefits beginning with the second consecutive quarter of employment. In the case of counselors or librarians the assignment is 17.5 hours per week or more. If the adjunct or associate professor is employed for 7.5 credits or more at one or more institutions, the employee will qualify for benefits beginning with the second consecutive quarter at one or more of the institutions. It is the employee’s responsibility to notify the Human Resources office in each college, in writing, each quarter of the possibility of eligibility. In no case will there be retroactive coverage. Reference: Health Care Authority (HCA).

Adjunct and Associate Professor Retirement Benefits
Adjunct and associate professors become eligible for retirement benefits if they meet either of two criteria: 50% of full time workload or Washington State Teachers Retirement System eligibility rules. To become eligible for the State Board Retirement Plan (SBRP), an adjunct or associate professor must be employed at one or more Washington community colleges teaching seven and one-half (7.5) credits or more. Eligibility will begin in the second consecutive quarter if seven and one-half (7.5) or more credits are maintained. Adjunct or associate professors that have already established membership in TRS with the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS), may make an irrevocable choice to continue in the state retirement system, or make an irrevocable choice to become a member of the State Board Retirement Plan (SBRP). Adjunct or associate professors who have not established membership in the Washington State plan must join SBRP. For further information on retirement, contact the Human Resources Office. Reference: Department of Retirement Systems (DRS), State Board Retirement Plan (SBRP), Teachers Retirement System (TRS).

Basic Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (AD & D)
Basic Life and Accidental Death insurance is included in PEBB's full benefit package at no additional cost to employees. This plan is administered by MetLife and provides for $35,000 for death from any cause; and an additional $5,000 in the case of accidental death or dismemberment. Reference: Health Care Authority - PEBB Employee Life Insurance.

Disability Insurance Benefits
The college offers all eligible employees a basic LTD plan which provides benefits for injuries or illness sustained on or off the job. There is no additional cost for employees. The college also contributes to the State Workman's Compensation Plan which provides benefits for job related injuries. An optional long-term disability plan is available to eligible employees at any time at low group rates.Reference: PEBB- Long Term Disability (LTD).

Medical and Dental Insurance Benefits
The college offers medical, dental, and vision plans administered through the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) Public Employees Benefits Board Program (PEBB) for all eligible employees. Full time employees have a choice of several medical and dental insurance plans that provide a comprehensive benefit package. The college pays partial premium costs of the chosen plan for employees and eligible dependents. During open enrollment each November, employees can make changes to their medical or dental programs. For coverage changes during the calendar year, please contact the Human Resource office. Reference; Health Care Authority (HCA).

Retirement Plans
The college offers Washington state retirement plan options to all eligible employees. Classified employees employed half-time or more are eligible to participate in the PERS Plans. Administrators and exempt professionals employed half-time or more and who are members of the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) may continue to accrue retirement credit in this system. Administrators and exempt professionals who are new to the state and community college system and have not established eligibility in PERS, may enroll in either PERS 3 Plan or the State Board Retirement Plan (SBRP). The State Board Retirement Plan is a tax deferred defined contribution plan administered by TIAA-CREF that helps you save for retirement. Reference: Department of Retirement Systems (DRS), State Board Retirement Plan (SBRP).

Voluntary Employee Benefit Account (VEBA)
The Voluntary Employee Benefit Account (VEBA) plan is a pre and post retirement medical expense reimbursement account available to eligible college employees. The VEBA plan allows retiring employees to deposit  funds for cash out of compensable sick leave and annual leave at retirement. In addition, exempt employees are eligible for monthly payroll contributions to be deposited tax-free into a VEBA Trust account on the employee's behalf.
The Board of Trustees has authorized a Voluntary Employee Benefit Account (VEBA) plan be available to eligible college employees and has delegated the college president the authority to develop and implement the provisions of such a plan. Reference: Voluntary Employee Benefit Account (VEBA).