Benefits

What is a VEBA?

VEBA is for most employees enrolled in the Open Access and Achieve Network High Deductible Plan. Check your employee group to see if you qualify for a VEBA.

The VEBA contribution will be funded three times per year. Your annual VEBA contribution will be disbursed to your VEBA account as such:

• 50% on Jan. 15
• 25% on July 15
• 25% on Oct. 15

A VEBA is a tax-free Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) that provides a source of funds to pay for the cost of health, dental and vision care expenses for you and your dependents covered by the District's health plan. Please see the specific costs sheet for your union/employee group for details on your VEBA contribution from the district.

Benefit Resource (BRI)

Employees who work at least 30 hours per week are eligible to participate in our Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). Outside of the annual open enrollment period, you will have to wait until you have a qualifying life event in order to change your enrollment status for FSA.

The FSA program is administered by Benefit Resource (BRI). Visit their website at benefitresource.com. Your personal spending account status and claim history will be available to you at this site.

• FSA Plan Highlights
• Education Guide
• Why Enroll in a Dependent Care FSA?
• Why Enroll in a Medical FSA?

SoWashCo Schools Employee Assistance Program

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers immediate and confidential support to help resolve work, health, and life challenges to improve your life. Let us help you find solutions so you can reach your goals at any age or stage of life. We help millions of people worldwide live healthy, happy, and productive lives. 

Learn More

For immediate and confidential assistance:

Call: 888-293-6948
Send an Email: answers@healthadvocate.com
Contact Form

Life Insurance

SoWashCo Schools offers basic, supplemental, dependent life insurance. There is no open enrollment period for life insurance; however, if enrollment is completed outside of the new hire enrollment period evidence of insurability will be required.

See your Employee Premium Cost Sheet for information on coverage levels and cost.

About Long-term Disability

Long-term disability provides income when you have been disabled for 90 calendar days or more. Your benefit is 66.67% of your monthly earnings, up to $6,000 per month. This amount may be reduced by other sources of income or disability. There is no open enrollment period for long-term disability insurance; however, if enrollment is completed outside of the new hire enrollment period evidence of insurability will be required.

Enrollment is required for full-time employees within the following groups:

• Maintenance
• Nutrition Services
• Office Professionals
• Paraprofessionals
• Principals
• Teachers (.8-1.0 FTE)

2026 Insurance After Retirement

• Insurance After Retirement (Teachers)
• Insurance After Retirement (All Staff Except Teachers)
• Insurance After Retirement - Eligible for Medicare at Retirement 

Eligible Employees

All employees are eligible to contribute to a 403b or 457 retirement account. 

Employees should review their Collective Bargaining Agreements or individual letters of assignment to see if they qualify for a matching contribution.

Life Event Changes to Coverage

IRS regulations prohibit changes outside of open enrollment unless you experience a qualified life event AND submit enrollment changes within Benefitfocus within 30 days of the event date. Required documentation to substantiate the event and dependent eligibility verification (if applicable) must be provided during the limited timeframe as well.

Common Events: 

• Birth or adoption of a child
• Change in daycare provider or cost
• Death of a spouse or dependent child
• Divorce, legal separation or annulment
• Gain of other coverage
• Loss of other coverage
• Marriage