Benefits by Title

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to all employees and eligible dependents based on job title and classification. These benefits include health coverage under the CUNY’s Health Benefits Program, Welfare Fund benefits for prescription drugs, optical, dental and disability coverage, and participation in a retirement system.

In addition, there are several optional benefits available to employees, such as participation in one of the many voluntary savings plan, enrollment in a commuter benefits program, or a New York’s 529 College Savings Program, tuition waivers, employee assistance programs and others.

Choose one of the options below to see a summary of benefits that are available for that job type. In addition to these summaries, the CUNY Benefits Website at Benefits & Wellness has comprehensive information including applications, forms and policies.

Adjunct Health Insurance and Supplemental PSC – CUNY Welfare Fund Benefits Enrollment Information

General Information

Adjuncts must submit completed applications/forms to the College Benefits Officer no later than 30 days from the first day of classes. Benefits will take effect the first day of classes. (NOTE: Adjuncts who miss this 30 day deadline will have another opportunity to apply for health insurance coverage during the Open Enrollment/Annual Transfer Period).

A complete application packet should contain the following:

Health Insurance Enrollment Packet

All application packets must be completely filled out and submitted along with the supporting documentation for all dependents (i.e., dependent child(ren) birth certificate(s), marriage certificate, etc.). Applications with missing forms/documentation will be considered incomplete and will not be processed.

Adjuncts who are employed at more than one college, must obtain the signatures of the College Benefits Officers from each campus on the Adjunct Health Insurance Certification Form. Adjuncts who require certification of hours from more than 2 campuses should complete an additional Adjunct Health Insurance Certification Form for the third and fourth campus Benefits Officers. NOTE: Please do not complete more than one Health Benefits Application (ERB) as only one of these forms is required.

Eligibility

Eligibility for health insurance coverage must be met by one of the following criteria:

Teaching Adjuncts: Completed adjunct instruction at CUNY in the two consecutive semesters immediately preceding the semester in which he/she is applying. Teaching Adjuncts must work and maintain at least 6 teaching hours per week in the semester that he/she is applying for coverage and thereafter.

Non-Teaching Adjuncts: Completed the two consecutive semesters immediately preceding the semester in which he/she is applying with at least 15 non-teaching hours per week. Non-teaching Adjuncts must work at least 15 non-teaching hours per week in the semester that he/she is applying.

Both teaching and non-teaching Adjuncts must maintain the minimum number of hours required for the full semester to ensure the continuation of health insurance coverage.

Adjuncts may be excused for personal illness or personal emergencies including religious observance, death in the immediate family or similar personal needs which cannot be postponed for a period of 1/15 of the total number of clock hours in the particular session or semester. Request for such leave, where possible, must be made in advance, in writing.

If in any semester an Adjunct teaches/works fewer than the minimum number of required hours for more than 1/15 of the semester, he/she will lose eligibility and the insurance coverage will be terminated.

Adjuncts who lose health insurance coverage as a result of loss in hours will be eligible to reenroll in Adjunct Health Insurance the following semester if he/she meets the minimum hour requirement.

An adjunct must reestablish eligibility if there is a semester in each of two out of three academic years that he/she has not been employed as an Adjunct by CUNY.

Adjuncts who are covered by or eligible for coverage via any other health insurance plan by virtue of employment of self or spouse through government entitlement are automatically ineligible for Adjunct Health Insurance.

For more information on Adjunct Eligibility, refer to page 25 in the PSC-CUNY Contract.

NOTE: Adjuncts must notify the University Benefits Office and the College Benefits Officer in a timely manner if he/she no longer meets eligibility requirements for health coverage. The University Benefits Office can be reached by calling the Adjunct Health Insurance Hotline at (646) 664-3401.

Enrollment

Upon receipt of the completed application packet, the College Benefits Officer(s) will verify eligibility/hours on the Adjunct Health Insurance Certification Form, and sign off on the Health Benefits Application.

Health Insurance, Dental and Prescription member ID cards will be mailed directly from the carrier to the address listed on the ERB.

Adjuncts who selected a health insurance plan with a premium should expect their first deduction to cover 2 months’ premiums shortly after enrollment completion. (See “Employee Premium Remittance” section)

Applications submitted later than 30 days from the first day of classes will require a qualifying event. Documentation of the event must be submitted with the enrollment packet.

Applicants who have a qualifying event must submit their completed application packet to the College Benefits Officer no later than 30 days from the date of the event (see “Mid-Year Qualifying Event” section).

The next opportunity to apply/make changes after this period will be during the Open Enrollment/Annual Transfer Period. (See “Open Enrollment/Annual Transfer Period Information” section)

Employee Premium Remittance

Adjunct Health Insurance Premiums are collected on the 1st business day of the month prior to the month of coverage via automatic debit from the checking or savings account provided on the Adjunct Recurring Payment Election Form. Exceptions to this timing will be made for the first payment.

Because health insurance premiums are due one month in advance, new applicants should expect their checking or savings account to debited for the cost of 2 months’ premiums which will cover the first and second months.

In the event that the University Benefits Office is unable to collect a premium after two attempts, the coverage for the Adjunct and all dependents will be terminated effective the first of the month.

Any fees incurred due to insufficient funds will be billed to the Adjunct by the University Benefits Office in addition to the premium payment.

Refunds for terminated health insurance coverage will be distributed via ACH transaction to the account it was debited from. NOTE: Premiums will only be refunded for the first FULL month of non-coverage.

Mid-Year Qualifying Event

Adjuncts who need to add or drop dependents due to a mid-year qualifying event (i.e.; birth of a child, death of a covered dependent, marriage, divorce, adoption, or loss of health insurance coverage from another source) will need to complete a new Health Benefits Application (ERB) and submit to the College Benefits Officer within 30 days of the event date. (NOTE: Adjuncts who miss this 30 day deadline will have another opportunity to apply for health insurance coverage during the Open Enrollment/Annual Transfer Period.)

Supporting documentation for a qualifying event is required and a Recurring Payment Election Form (if applicable) must be submitted with the new ERB.

Open Enrollment/Annual Transfer Period Information

The Open Enrollment/Annual Transfer Period is in the fall each year, during the month of October. Open Enrollment/Annual Transfer Period applicants will have an effective date of January 1 of the following year.

NOTE: Employees who elect a health insurance plan with a premium during Open Enrollment should expect to see their first deduction (January premium) on the first business day of December. See “Employee Premium Remittance” section.

Changes in Employee Information

Adjuncts who need to update/change personal information must contact the Adjunct Health Insurance Hotline at (646) 664-3401.

Other Helpful Information

Questions should be directed to Sondra Brereton

NOTE: Adjuncts are NOT eligible for DC37 Med-Team or Retiree Health Insurance/Supplemental Benefits.

Full-Time Blue and White Collar Classified Titles Welfare Fund Benefits – Benefits Summary

CUNY Health Insurance Benefits

Employment Status Benefit Effective Date Probable
Permanent / Permanent Provisional / Temporary
Date of hire (if paperwork is received within 31 days of hire) 91st day from the date of hire (if paperwork is submitted in that timeframe)

City of New York employees hired after 7/1/2019 will only be eligible to enroll in the Emblem Health HIP HMO and must remain in the HIP HMO plan for the first year of employment.

Welfare Fund Benefits

For titles covered by District Council 37 (DC 37), Welfare Fund benefits are effective on date of hire (provided that enrollment card is submitted in a timely fashion). See www.dc37.net for more information on the Welfare Fund benefits. Some benefits include:

  • Dental – Provided by DC 37 (will not receive an ID card)
  • Optical (Vision) – Provided by DC 37 (will not receive an ID card; contact DC 37 for Optical Voucher – voucher valid for 90 days only)
  • Prescription Drugs – Provided by Prescription Solutions (will receive an ID card)
  • Tuition Reimbursement – $800 per employee per calendar year provided by DC 37

For all other titles, contact the appropriate union Welfare Fund. For contact information, visit http://www.cuny.edu/about/administration/offices/labor-relations/labor-contracts/

Additional Benefits

Retirement Benefits

Probable permanent and permanent employees are required to join a pension plan, while provisional and temporary employees have the option to join the New York City Employees’ Retirement System (NYCERS). Vesting is provided after 10 years of Credited Service. Go to www.nycers.org for detailed information on NYCERS.

Tax- Deferred Annuity (TDA) 403(b) Plans

The TIAA TDA Plan offers a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan through employee tax-deferred savings contributions. Contact Human Resources for more information.

New York State Deferred Compensation 457(b) Plan

The NYSDCP 457(b) Plan is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offered by New York State. Go to https://www.nysdcp.com/iApp/tcm/nysdcp/about/index.jsp for more information. Employees have two options:

  • Tax-Deferred Contributions – not subject to current federal or New York State income taxes; contributions and any earnings grow tax deferred; withdrawals will be taxed as ordinary income when you may be in a lower tax bracket (generally at retirement).
  • Roth After-Tax Contributions – contributions are made after tax so withdrawals are tax free (as long as you’re at least age 59½ and do not take withdrawals from your Roth account for at least five years after your first Roth contribution is made to the plan).

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Program

If eligible for Health Insurance Benefits, employee is eligible for the Dependent Care Assistance Program (DeCAP), Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts Program (HCFSA), Medical Spending Conversion (MSC) Buy-Out Waiver (BOW) Program, and Medical Spending Conversion (MSC) Premium Conversion Program as long as paperwork is received within 31 days for probable permanent and permanent employees and within 90 days for provisional and temporary employees. Go to www.nyc.gov/fsa for detailed information and enrollment forms.

Part-Time Blue and White Collar Classified Titles / Hourly Titled Employees EXCEPT College Assistants – Benefits Summary(pdf)

CUNY Health Insurance Benefits

Part-Time Classified Titles with a six (6) month appointment and regularly scheduled for 20 or more hours per week are eligible for health benefits through the City of New York. Health insurance benefits are effective on the 91st date of appointment as long as paperwork is received within that time period. The option of several HMOs, PPO’s, and POS’s is provided through the City of New York. See the “Summary Program Description” booklet at http://www.nyc.gov/html/olr/downloads/pdf/healthb/full_spd.pdf. Additional information and rates are available online

Welfare Fund Benefits

Part-time White Collar Classified Titles must be regularly scheduled for 17.5 or more hours per week and Part-time Blue Collar Classified Titles must be regularly scheduled for 20 or more hours per week to be eligible for Welfare Fund benefits. See www.dc37.net for more information on the Welfare Fund benefits. Some benefits include:

  • Dental – Provided by DC 37 (will not receive an ID card)
  • Optical (Vision) – Provided by DC 37 (will not receive an ID card; contact DC 37 for Optical Voucher – voucher valid for 90 days only)
  • Prescription Drugs – Provided by Prescription Solutions (will receive an ID card)
  • Tuition Reimbursement – $800 per employee per calendar year provided by DC 37 For all other titles, contact the appropriate union Welfare Fund.

For contact information, visit http://www.cuny.edu/about/administration/offices/lr/labor-orgs/unions.html.

Additional Benefits

Retirement Benefits

Employees have the option to join the New York City Employees’ Retirement System (NYCERS). Membership allows for vesting after 10 years of Credited Service. Go to www.nycers.org for detailed information on NYCERS.

New York State Deferred Compensation 457(b) Plan

The NYSDCP 457(b) Plan is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offered by New York State. Go to https://www.nysdcp.com/iApp/tcm/nysdcp/about/index.jsp for more information. Employees have two options:

  • Tax-Deferred Contributions – not subject to current federal or New York State income taxes; contributions and any earnings grow tax deferred; withdrawals will be taxed as ordinary income when you may be in a lower tax bracket (generally at retirement).
  • Roth After-Tax Contributions – contributions are made after tax so withdrawals are tax free (as long as you’re at least age 59½ and do not take withdrawals from your Roth account for at least five years after your first Roth contribution is made to the plan).

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Program

If eligible for Health Insurance Benefits, employee is eligible for the Dependent Care Assistance Program (DeCAP), Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts Program (HCFSA), Medical Spending Conversion (MSC) Buy-Out Waiver Program, and Medical Spending Conversion (MSC) Premium Conversion Program as long as paperwork is received within 90 days. Go to www.nyc.gov/fsa for detailed information and enrollment forms.

Hourly Titled Employees – College Assistants

CUNY Health Insurance Benefits

Part-Time Classified Titles with a six (6) month appointment and regularly scheduled for 20 or more hours per week are eligible for health benefits through the City of New York. Health insurance benefits are effective on the 91st date of appointment as long as paperwork is received within that time period. The option of several HMOs, PPO’s, and POS’s is provided through the City of New York. See the “Summary Program Description” booklet at http://www.nyc.gov/html/olr/downloads/pdf/healthb/full_spd.pdf. Additional information and rates are available online

Welfare Fund Benefits

Part-time White Collar Classified Titles must be regularly scheduled for 17.5 or more hours per week and Part-time Blue Collar Classified Titles must be regularly scheduled for 20 or more hours per week to be eligible for Welfare Fund benefits. See www.dc37.net for more information on the Welfare Fund benefits. Some benefits include:

  • Dental – Provided by DC 37 (will not receive an ID card)
  • Optical (Vision) – Provided by DC 37 (will not receive an ID card; contact DC 37 for Optical Voucher – voucher valid for 90 days only)
  • Prescription Drugs – Provided by Prescription Solutions (will receive an ID card)
  • Tuition Reimbursement – $800 per employee per calendar year provided by DC 37 For all other titles, contact the appropriate union Welfare Fund.

For contact information, visit http://www.cuny.edu/about/administration/offices/lr/labor-orgs/unions.html.

Additional Benefits

Retirement Benefits

Employees have the option to join the New York City Employees’ Retirement System (NYCERS). Membership allows for vesting after 10 years of Credited Service. Go to www.nycers.org for detailed information on NYCERS.

New York State Deferred Compensation 457(b) Plan

The NYSDCP 457(b) Plan is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offered by New York State. Go to https://www.nysdcp.com/iApp/tcm/nysdcp/about/index.jsp for more information. Employees have two options:

  • Tax-Deferred Contributions – not subject to current federal or New York State income taxes; contributions and any earnings grow tax deferred; withdrawals will be taxed as ordinary income when you may be in a lower tax bracket (generally at retirement).
  • Roth After-Tax Contributions – contributions are made after tax so withdrawals are tax free (as long as you’re at least age 59½ and do not take withdrawals from your Roth account for at least five years after your first Roth contribution is made to the plan).

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Program

If eligible for Health Insurance Benefits, employee is eligible for the Dependent Care Assistance Program (DeCAP), Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts Program (HCFSA), Medical Spending Conversion (MSC) Buy-Out Waiver Program, and Medical Spending Conversion (MSC) Premium Conversion Program as long as paperwork is received within 90 days. Go to www.nyc.gov/fsa for detailed information and enrollment forms.

Classified Managerial – Benefits Summary(pdf)

Health Insurance Benefits

Welfare Fund Benefits Overview

Benefits are provided by the PSC CUNY Welfare Fund. For those in a probable permanent or permanent status, benefits are effective on the date of hire as long as documentation is submitted within the first 31 days. For those in a provisional and/or temporary role, benefits are effective on the 91st day from your date of hire if documentation is submitted within that timeframe.

Benefits include:

  • Dental Insurance-Guardian PPO or DeltaCare USA HMO
  • Prescription Drugs-CVS Caremark
  • Vision-Davis Vision
  • Hearing Aids-Hear USA

For detailed information visit www.psccunywf.org

Entire PSC-CUNY Welfare Fund Benefit Summary Plan Description

PSC CUNY Welfare Fund Forms

PSC CUNY Welfare Fund FAQs

Retirement Benefits

Employees have the option to join the New York City Employees’ Retirement System (NYCERS). Membership allows for vesting after 10 years of Credited Service. Go to www.nycers.org for detailed information on NYCERS.

CUNY Classified Voluntary Savings Plans

CUNY TIAA Tax Deferred Annuity (TDA) 403(b)

New York State Deferred Compensation 457(b) Plan

The NYSDCP 457(b) Plan is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offered by New York State. Go to https://www.nysdcp.com/iApp/tcm/nysdcp/about/index.jsp for more information. Employees have two options:

  • Tax-Deferred Contributions – not subject to current federal or New York State income taxes; contributions and any earnings grow tax deferred; withdrawals will be taxed as ordinary income when you may be in a lower tax bracket (generally at retirement).
  • Roth After-Tax Contributions – contributions are made after tax so withdrawals are tax free (as long as you’re at least age 59½ and do not take withdrawals from your Roth account for at least five years after your first Roth contribution is made to the plan).

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Program

If eligible for Health Insurance Benefits, employee is eligible for the Dependent Care Assistance Program (DeCAP), Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts Program (HCFSA), Medical Spending Conversion (MSC) Buy-Out Waiver Program, and Medical Spending Conversion (MSC) Premium Conversion Program as long as paperwork is received within 90 days. Go to www.nyc.gov/fsa for detailed information and enrollment forms.

Voluntary Benefits

Time & Leave Summaries

Executive Compensation Plan (ECP) – Benefits Summary

Health Insurance Benefits

Welfare Fund Benefits Overview

Benefits are provided by the PSC CUNY Welfare Fund. For those in a probable permanent or permanent status, benefits are effective on the date of hire as long as documentation is submitted within the first 31 days. For those in a provisional and/or temporary role, benefits are effective on the 91st day from your date of hire if documentation is submitted within that timeframe.

Benefits include:

  • Dental Insurance-Guardian PPO or DeltaCare USA HMO
  • Prescription Drugs-CVS Caremark
  • Vision-Davis Vision
  • Hearing Aids-Hear USA

For detailed information visit www.psccunywf.org

Entire PSC-CUNY Welfare Fund Benefit Summary Plan Description

PSC CUNY Welfare Fund Forms

PSC CUNY Welfare Fund FAQs

Retirement Plan Options – Long Summary

Health, Welfare, and Miscellaneous Benefits – Long Summary

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Program

If eligible for Health Insurance Benefits, employee is eligible for the Dependent Care Assistance Program (DeCAP), Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts Program (HCFSA), Medical Spending Conversion (MSC) Buy-Out Waiver Program, and Medical Spending Conversion (MSC) Premium Conversion Program as long as paperwork is received within 90 days. Go to www.nyc.gov/fsa for detailed information and enrollment forms.

Voluntary Benefits

Time & Leave Summaries

Instructional Staff (Teaching and Non-Teaching) – Benefits Summary

Health Insurance Benefits
Health and Welfare Benefits – Long Summary

Welfare Fund Benefits Overview (Full-Time Actives)

Benefits are provided by the PSC CUNY Welfare Fund. For those in a probable permanent or permanent status, benefits are effective on the date of hire as long as documentation is submitted within the first 31 days. For those in a provisional and/or temporary role, benefits are effective on the 91st day from your date of hire if documentation is submitted within that timeframe.

Benefits include:

  • Dental Insurance-Guardian PPO or DeltaCare USA HMO
  • Prescription Drugs-CVS Caremark
  • Vision-Davis Vision
  • Hearing Aids-Hear USA

For detailed information visit www.psccunywf.org

Entire PSC-CUNY Welfare Fund Benefit Summary Plan Description

PSC CUNY Welfare Fund Forms

PSC CUNY Welfare Fund FAQs

Summary of Retirement Plan Benefits – Full-Time Instructional (Teaching and Non-Teaching)

Retirement Benefits

Employees have the option to join the New York City Employees’ Retirement System (NYCERS). Membership allows for vesting after 10 years of Credited Service. Go to www.nycers.org for detailed information on NYCERS.

CUNY Classified Voluntary Savings Plans

CUNY TIAA Tax Deferred Annuity (TDA) 403(b)

New York State Deferred Compensation 457(b) Plan

The NYSDCP 457(b) Plan is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offered by New York State. Go to https://www.nysdcp.com/iApp/tcm/nysdcp/about/index.jsp for more information. Employees have two options:

  • Tax-Deferred Contributions – not subject to current federal or New York State income taxes; contributions and any earnings grow tax deferred; withdrawals will be taxed as ordinary income when you may be in a lower tax bracket (generally at retirement).
  • Roth After-Tax Contributions – contributions are made after tax so withdrawals are tax free (as long as you’re at least age 59½ and do not take withdrawals from your Roth account for at least five years after your first Roth contribution is made to the plan).

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Program

If eligible for Health Insurance Benefits, employee is eligible for the Dependent Care Assistance Program (DeCAP), Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts Program (HCFSA), Medical Spending Conversion (MSC) Buy-Out Waiver Program, and Medical Spending Conversion (MSC) Premium Conversion Program as long as paperwork is received within 90 days. Go to www.nyc.gov/fsa for detailed information and enrollment forms.

Voluntary Benefits

Time & Leave Summaries

Skilled Trade – Benefits Summary

Health Insurance Benefits

Welfare Fund Benefits

Information from the appropriate union Welfare Fund

Retirement Benefits

Employees have the option to join the New York City Employees’ Retirement System (NYCERS). Membership allows for vesting after 10 years of Credited Service. Go to www.nycers.org for detailed information on NYCERS.

CUNY Classified Voluntary Savings Plans

CUNY TIAA Tax Deferred Annuity (TDA) 403(b)

New York State Deferred Compensation 457(b) Plan

The NYSDCP 457(b) Plan is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offered by New York State. Go to https://www.nysdcp.com/iApp/tcm/nysdcp/about/index.jsp for more information. Employees have two options:

  • Tax-Deferred Contributions – not subject to current federal or New York State income taxes; contributions and any earnings grow tax deferred; withdrawals will be taxed as ordinary income when you may be in a lower tax bracket (generally at retirement).
  • Roth After-Tax Contributions – contributions are made after tax so withdrawals are tax free (as long as you’re at least age 59½ and do not take withdrawals from your Roth account for at least five years after your first Roth contribution is made to the plan).

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Program

If eligible for Health Insurance Benefits, employee is eligible for the Dependent Care Assistance Program (DeCAP), Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts Program (HCFSA), Medical Spending Conversion (MSC) Buy-Out Waiver Program, and Medical Spending Conversion (MSC) Premium Conversion Program as long as paperwork is received within 90 days. Go to www.nyc.gov/fsa for detailed information and enrollment forms.

Voluntary Benefits

Benefits Forms

Retirement Benefits Forms