Benefits

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Contact

Kimberly Shirek
Benefits Specialist
651-425-6263
kshirek@sowashco.org

Brittani Beatty
Benefits Specialist
651-425-6251
bbeatty@sowashco.org

Benefitfocus

Benefitfocus is our new benefits administration platform that simplifies how SoWashCo Schools employees enroll in and manage their benefits. This system is available year round. Active benefit eligible employees will sign in using their ClassLink username and password.

Benefitfocus will now be used for:

New hire enrollments
Adding/updating life insurance beneficiaries
Life events or change in family status
Status changes
Reviewing benefit summaries
Open enrollment

Instructions to help with the transition can be found below:

BenefitFocus Login

open enrollment presentation and benefits summary

2023 Benefits Open Enrollment Presentation

Benefits Summary

HealthPartners Medical Insurance

HealthPartners medical insurance provides employees with great service, network options and price.

Two Network Options with HealthPartners

In addition to the HealthPartners Open Access plan, we are pleased to offer our employees the opportunity to select the HealthPartners Achieve Network as a way to lower your insurance premiums.

Open Access Plans

With HealthPartners Open Access Plan, just chose from the doctors in your network and get care whenever and wherever it works best for you.

Open Access $15 Copay Plan

Open Access $25 Copay Plan

Open Access High Deductible Plan

With the Open Access High Deductible Plan you will pay the first $1000 ($2000/family) for medical services in the year. Once you reach your deductible HealthPartners pays 80% and you pay 20% of the bill for most services.

Plan Highlights:

Preventative care is covered 100%
Office visits and Urgent Care: 80% covered by HealthPartners after deductible is met
No referrals to see in-network providers
Employer-funded HRA/VEBA paired with this plan for most employee groups

2023 Open Access Network Plan Documents

Find a Doctor or Clinic

HealthPartners Member Services

Preventative Dental Benefit Only

Achieve Network Plans

Lower your health insurance costs and improve your health with HealthPartners Achieve High-Performance Network.

Achieve Network Overview
Why go with the Achieve Network?
Achieve Network FAQs

Achieve Network $15 Copay Plan

Achieve Network $25 Copay Plan

Achieve Network High Deductible Plan

With the Achieve Network High Deductible Plan you will pay the first $1000 (single) or $2000 (family) for medical services in the year. Once you reach your deductible HealthPartners pays 80% and you pay 20% of the bill for most services.

Plan Highlights:
Preventative care is covered 100%
Office visits and Urgent Care: 80% covered by HealthPartners after deductible is met
No referrals to see in-network providers
Employer-funded HRA/VEBA paired with this plan for most employee groups

2023 Achieve Network Plan Documents

Clinics and Hospitals in the Achieve Network

Doctors and Clinics - To find out if your doctor is part of the Achieve network, please visit www.healthpartners.com/achieve

Pharmacy/Prescription Drug Coverage –the District members will have access to the PreferredRx formulary with HealthPartners. To check if your medications are covered visit www.healthpartners.com/preferredrx

HealthPartners Member Services

Preventative Dental Benefit Only

DENTAL INSURance

Network Option for Delta Dental

Delta Preferred (PPO+Premier) - This consists of three different networks of providers: PPO, Premier and Non-Participating (Out of Network).

Employees enrolled in Delta dental insurance for 2023 will receive new dental insurance ID cards.

Delta Dental

Delta Preferred (PPO and Premier Networks)

Delta Preferred (PPO and Premier Networks)

You can visit any licensed dentist, anywhere, or keep the dentist you know and trust. Save the most by visiting a dentist from our PPO network.

Covered services are paid based on a percentage of the dentist's fee. For example, if fillings are covered at 80%, you pay the remaining 20% of the cost. (You may be responsible for charges for non-covered services and amounts over the annual maximum.)

2023 Plan Documents

Delta Dental Contact Information

Delta Dental PPO/Premier Plans

Delta Dental PPO - 2023 Coverage

	Delta Dental PPO
Deductible	None
Calendar Year Plan Maximum	$1,000 per person
Lifetime Ortho Maximum (per eligible child)	$1,500 per eligible child
Diagnostic and Preventative Services Exams Cleanings X-rays Fluoride Treatments Space Maintainers	100% coverage
Basic Services Sealants Emergency treatment for relief of pain Amalgam restorations (silver fillings) Composite resin restorations (white fillings on anterior (front) teeth	80% coverage
Endodontics Root canal therapy on permanent teeth Pulpotomies on primary teeth for dependent children	80% coverage
Periodontics Surgical/Nonsurgical periodontics	80% coverage
Oral Surgery Surgical/Nonsurgical extractions All other covered oral surgery	80% coverage
Major Restorative Crowns and Crown repair Composite resin restorations (white fillings) on posterior (back) teeth	80% coverage
Prosthetic Repairs and Adjustments Denture adjustments and repairs	50% coverage
Prosthetics Dentures (full and partial) Bridges	50% coverage
Orthodontics Treatment for the prevention / correction of malocclusion Available for dependent children only, ages 8-18	50% coverage

Delta Dental Premier - 2023 Coverage

2022 Delta Dental Premier	Delta Dental Premier
Deductible	None
Calendar Year Plan Maximum	$1,000 per person
Lifetime Ortho Maximum (per eligible child)	$1,500 per eligible child
Diagnostic and Preventative Services Exams Cleanings X-rays Fluoride treatments Space maintainers	80% coverage
Basic Services Sealants Emergency treatment for relief of pain Amalgam restorations (silver fillings) Composite resin restorations (white fillings) on anterior (front) teeth	80% coverage
Endodontics Root canal therapy on permanent teeth Pulpotomies on primary teeth for dependent children	80% coverage
Periodontics Surgical/Nonsurgical periodontics	80% coverage
Oral Surgery Surgical/Nonsurgical extractions All other covered oral surgery	80% coverage
Major Restorative Crowns and Crown repair Composite resin restorations (white fillings) on posterior (back) teeth	80% coverage
Prosthetics Repairs and Adjustments Denture adjustments and repairs	50% coverage
Prosthetics Dentures (full and partial) Bridges	50% coverage
Orthodontics Treatment for the prevention / correction of malocclusion Available for dependent children only, ages 8-18	50% coverage

Non-Participating Provider - 2023 Coverage

2022 Non-Participating Provider	Non-Participating Provider
Deductible	None
Calendar Year Plan Maximum	$1,000 per person
Lifetime Ortho Maximum (per eligible child)	$1,500 per eligible child
Diagnostic and Preventative Services Exams Cleanings X-rays Fluoride treatments Space maintainers	80% coverage*
Basic Services Sealants Emergency treatment for relief of pain Amalgam restorations (silver fillings) Composite resin restorations (white fillings) on anterior (front) teeth	80% coverage*
Endodontics Root canal therapy on permanent teeth Pulpotomies on primary teeth for dependent children	80% coverage*
Periodontics Surgical/Nonsurgical periodontics	80% coverage*
Oral Surgery Surgical/Nonsurgical extractions All other covered oral surgery	80% coverage*
Major Restorative Crowns and Crown repair Composite resin restorations (white fillings) on posterior (back) teeth	80% coverage*
Prosthetic Repairs and Adjustments Denture adjustments and repairs	50% coverage*
Prosthetics Dentures (full and partial) Bridges	50% coverage*
Orthodontics Treatment for the prevention / correction of malocclusion Available for dependent children only, ages 8-18	50% coverage*
*Dentists who have signed a participating network agreement with Delta Dental have agreed to accept the maximum allowable fee as payment in full. Non-participating dentists have not signed an agreement and are not obligated to limit the amount they charge; the member is responsible for paying any difference to the non-participating dentists.

eyemed vision insurance

SoWashCo is part of EyeMed's Insight Network. Employees have two plans to choose from (see plan options below).

*Remember that you receive an annual eye exam covered by HealthPartners if you are enrolled in SoWashCo's HealthPartners health plan.

Exams and Materials

EyeMed's Exams + Materials plan offers you an Exam once every 12 months for a $10 copay. You are also eligible for new lenses, lens enhancements, glasses frames, or contacts for either an additional copay or an allowance towards the purchase. Please refer to the Vision Plan table below for further explanation.

NOTE: If you have medical insurance through SoWashCo a yearly eye exam is included as preventative care.

Exams + Materials Summary of Benefits

Materials Only

Member Benefits

2023 Plan Documents

Contact Information

EyeMed Vision Plan

Exam and Materials

	Exam + Materials In-Network (Member Cost)
Exam (Once every 12 months)	$10 copay
Lenses (Once every 12 months)
Single Vision	$25 copay
Bifocal	$25 copay
Trifocal	$25 copay
Lenticular	$25 copay
Lens Enhancements (Once every 12 months)
Standard Progressive Lenses	$25 copay
Premium Progressive Lenses	$110-$200 copay
Frames (Once every 24 months)	$150 allowance (20% off remaining balance)
Contact Lenses (Instead of Glasses) (Once every 12 months)
Elective	$150 allowance (15% off remaining balance)
Medically Necessary	No cost

Materials Only

	Materials Only In-Network (Member Cost)
Exam (Once every 12 months)	N/A
Lenses (Once every 12 months)
Single Vision	$25 copay
Bifocal	$25 copay
Trifocal	$25 copay
Lenticular	$25 copay
Lens Enhancements (Once every 12 months)
Standard Progressive Lenses	$25 copay
Premium Progressive Lenses	$110-$200 copay
Frames (Once every 24 months)	$150 allowance (20% off remaining balance)
Contact Lenses (Instead of Glasses) (Once every 12 months)
Elective	$150 allowance (15% off remaining balance)
Medically Necessary	No cost

Out-of-Network

	Out-of-Network Reimbursement
Exam (Once every 12 months)	Up to $40 (Exams + Materials Plan Only)
Lenses (Once every 12 months)
Single Vision	Up to $40
Bifocal	Up to $60
Trifocal	Up to $80
Lenticular	Up to $70
Lens Enhancements (Once every 12 months)
Standard Progressive Lenses	Up to $80
Premium Progressive Lenses	Up to $80
Frames (Once every 24 months)	Up to $120
Contact Lenses (Instead of Glasses) (Once every 12 months)
Elective	Up to $120
Medically Necessary	Up to $210

Employee Insurance Premiums

flexible spending accounts

Benefit Resource (BRI)

Employees that 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. If it is your first time visiting the BRI website, you will need to register your account. To register, you will need the following information:

Company code: southwcsd
Member ID: your SSN (no dashes)
Personal Information: first name, last name, date of birth, zip code
Access to email or phone number on file with Benefit Resource

Follow the prompts to select a new Login ID and Password. A confirmation code will be sent to your email or through text message (message rates may apply).

Creating an Online FSA with BRI

Visit BRI's website to login or download the free mobile app
Click "Register an Account"
Company Code: southwcsd
Member ID: Your SSN, no dashes

About Flexible Spending Accounts

Medical Reimbursement FSA

You can set aside up to $3,050 in a Medical Reimbursement FSA each year to help pay for out-of-pocket medical, dental and vision expenses for you, your spouse, and your dependent child(ren).

FSA dollars can be used toward:

Deductibles, coinsurance and/or copays under a health, dental or vision plan
Eyeglasses, contact lenses, cleaning and wetting solutions
Orthodontia expenses (see more info below)
Lasik eye surgery or radial keratotomy

Orthodontia Expenses: Typically, a portion of orthodontia contract (25% to 35%) is for expenses incurred immediately to complete initial orthodontia work. The remainder of the contract balance is divided over the remaining months of treatment. Under some contracts, the remaining months may span over a two or three year period. You may only receive reimbursement under your Healthcare Reimbursement FSA for expenses you incur during that plan year.

Dependent Care Reimbursement FSA

You can set aside up to $5,000 per household (up to $2,500 if you're married and filing separate tax returns) in a Dependent Care Reimbursement FSA each year to help you pay for eligible dependent care expenses, such as daycare for your child.

If, in order to maintain employment, you are paying for child care services, you may be eligible to request reimbursement for some or all of those expenses through this program. Child care services may qualify for reimbursement if they meet these requirements:

The child must be under 13 years old or, if older, mentally or physically incapable of caring for themself.
Must be provided by a facility or caretaker with a register tax ID number
The services may be provided inside or outside your home, but not by someone who is your dependent for income tax purposes, such as an older child, your spouse, or a grandparent who lives with you.

New Eligible Items for Reimbursement

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) act removes the requirement for a physician’s prescription for many over-the-counter items eligible for Health FSA and HRA coverage, to include items such as:

Acne light therapy
Athletic and orthopedic braces and supports
Breast pumps and accessories
Blood glucose monitors and testing strips
Blood pressure monitors
Condoms
Contact lenses and supplies
Denture cream and cleansers
Eye drops
Feminine hygiene products
First aid supplies and kits
Glucosamine supplements
Hot and cold packs
Incontinence products
Lip balm
Menstrual products
Motion sickness aids
Nasal spray
PPE – including face masks, hand sanitizer, gloves, and sanitizing wipes
Pregnancy and fertility tests
Prenatal vitamins
Reading glasses
Shoe insoles and inserts
Sunscreens with SPF ratings of 15 and above
Thermometers
Vaporizers and inhalers
Walking aids and wheelchairs

veba

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.

Website: www.benefitresource.com | Email: participantservices@benefitresource.com | Phone: (800) 473-9595 | Hours: Monday - Friday, 7am - 7pm

Creating an Online VEBA with BRI

Visit BRI's website to login or download the free mobile app
Click "Register an Account"
Company Code: southwcsd
Member ID: Your SSN, no dashes

New Eligible Items for Reimbursement

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) act removes the requirement for a physician’s prescription for many over-the-counter items eligible for Health FSA and HRA coverage, to include items such as:

Acne light therapy
Athletic and orthopedic braces and supports
Breast pumps and accessories
Blood glucose monitors and testing strips
Blood pressure monitors
Condoms
Contact lenses and supplies
Denture cream and cleansers
Eye drops
Feminine hygiene products
First aid supplies and kits
Glucosamine supplements
Hot and cold packs
Incontinence products
Lip balm
Menstrual products
Motion sickness aids
Nasal spray
PPE – including face masks, hand sanitizer, gloves, and sanitizing wipes
Pregnancy and fertility tests
Prenatal vitamins
Reading glasses
Shoe insoles and inserts
Sunscreens with SPF ratings of 15 and above
Thermometers
Vaporizers and inhalers
Walking aids and wheelchairs

Reimbursement Information

DUE TO HEALTH CARE REFORM regulations effective January 1, 2017, if you want to be reimbursed for expenses incurred by your spouse or dependent children and they are NOT covered on our medical plan, you will have to complete the Attestation Process confirming that they are covered by another GROUP health coverage. Medicare, MNSure and MNCare are NOT group health plans. Please see Attestation Process posted on our website.

VEBA Opt-out Information

HEALTH CARE REFORM regulations effective January 1, 2017 require us to offer any employee currently covered by a High Deductible Health Plan the opportunity to “opt out” of the HRA/VEBA. Offering an annual opt-out will allow you to purchase coverage on the Marketplace or direct from an insurance carrier. If you choose to opt out, your VEBA account will be “frozen” and will not be allowed to accept contributions or pay out reimbursements during the time that the account is frozen. If you are considering this, please contact Human Resources to discuss.

Employee Assistance program

Get Help With the Tough Stuff in Life

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

Health Advocate | EAP+Work/Life

Health Advocate makes healthcare easier for over 12,500 organizations and their members by leveraging a combination
of personal support, data and technology to engage people in their health and well-being. HealthAdvocate.com

Life Insurance and Long-term Disability

Upon your hire to a benefit-eligible position, you will have the opportunity to enroll in Life and Long Term Disability coverage. If you choose not to enroll at that time or wish to make changes to your level of coverage, please know that you may only enroll through an Evidence of Insurability process, which may require medical underwriting. If you are interested in completing this process, please contact your benefits specialist for the necessary paperwork.

Life and Long Term Disability coverage are underwritten by The Standard.

Changes to your beneficiary must be completed in Benefitfocus.

Life Insurance Beneficiary Change Form

Changes to your beneficiary must be completed in Benefitfocus.

BenefitFocus Login

Life Events

You may make changes to your health and/or dental insurance, outside of an open enrollment period, if you experience a life event AND you complete a change or enrollment form within 30 days of the life event. Examples of IRS qualifying life events include:

Obtaining New Insurance Coverage

If you, or your dependents, have obtained new insurance coverage within the last 30 days, you can drop coverage. You must provide evidence of new coverage. Evidence of new insurance coverage must show the name(s) of the individuals who have new coverage and the date the coverage began. Complete the change form(s), attach proof of new coverage, and submit your form and evidence to the Benefits Department at the DSC before the end of the 30 day grace period.

Involuntary Loss of Coverage

If you, or your dependents, have involuntarily lost coverage within the last 30 days, you can add eligible dependents to your plan (if you initially waived coverage, you can enroll in coverage). You must provide evidence of the loss of coverage. Evidence may be a copy of the COBRA notice, HIPAA notice, or some other employer or insurer document that clearly shows the name(s) of the individuals who lost coverage and the date the coverage ended.

Divorce

If you become divorced and cover your spouse under your medical and/or dental plan, your spouse must be removed from coverage. This must be done within 30 days of your divorce finalization date. You will be required to provide the following documentation: health/dental insurance change forms, in addition to the first and last pages of your divorce decree. Your spouse will be removed from active coverage at the end of the month in which your divorce is final. COBRA continuation will be offered to ex-spouse.

Marriage

You may change your insurance coverage from single to family coverage by adding your new spouse (and his/her eligible dependents) to your plan. You may add your new spouse (and his/her eligible dependents) to your current family coverage. Coverage for your new dependent(s) becomes effective on the date of marriage. Please complete forms prior to your marriage date and return completed forms to the Benefits Department at the DSC.

New Child (Birth or Adoption)

Child Graduates from High School or College

Forms

Additional Considerations

Flexible Spending Enrollment Form

Health Care Account and/or Dependent Care Account. Must be returned within 30 days of birth or adoption.

NOTE: The limited medical FSA is not available through SoWashCo Schools. Please do not select this option.

BRI will email separate information on FSA during open enrollment. The forms below are to use after a qualifying life changing event.

(English)

(Español)

Life Insurance Beneficiary Change Form

Group Name: South Washington County Schools Group No: 147018

(View Form)

Open Enrollment is a good time to update beneficiary information if you haven't done so in a while.

W-4 Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate - Please work with your payroll specialist to make changes to your withholdings
TRA or PERA Beneficiary form - Please work directly with TRA or PERA to make changes

Legal Notices

retirement accounts

Insurance After Retirement

Optional Tax Sheltered Accounts

A tax-sheltered account is a tax-deferred retirement investment plan such as the 403b and 457 plans offered through the District. The terms “403b” and “457” refer to sections of the IRS Code that define the rules by which “pre-tax” and "post-tax" investments may be made through payroll deduction. These voluntary saving plans supplement the mandatory defined-benefit pension plan (such as TRA or PERA) to which you already belong.

Eligible Employees

TSA Salary Reduction Form

After you setup an account, please complete the TSA Salary Reduction form or the TSA ROTH Salary Reduction form and submit it to your Benefits Specialist at the District Service Center.

As of May 1, 2020, South Washington County Schools began to utilize Aviben (Formerly known as Educators Benefit Consultants, LLC) as our TPA (third party administrator) for all 403b transaction paperwork (i.e., rollovers, transfers, exchanges, hardship withdrawals, loans, etc.)

IMPORTANT information to submit forms to Aviben can be found here

Please submit forms to benefits@sowashco.org.

Regular 403b Payroll Deductions

Additional Information and Forms

Quick Links

mandatory pension plans

About TRA Pension Plan

TRA is a retirement pension plan for teachers in Minnesota. Membership is mandatory for certified teachers in all work assignments.

TRA employee deductions are 7.5% of the employee's gross pay and the District matches at 8.13%. The contribution amounts are forwarded to TRA each payday and invested for you.

If you have questions regarding your TRA balance, withdrawing funds or changing beneficiaries, please contact TRA via their website at minnesotatra.org.

Pensions Make Good 'Cents'

TRA New Hire

What You Need to Know

What you need to know now

Life happens—especially during your 20s and early 30s! When you experience a big life event, it’s a good idea to check in with TRA about benefits such as leave purchase, service credit purchase for part-time teaching, and setting up your survivor (beneficiary) arrangements.

What is a TRA pension?

TRA is a defined-benefit pension plan, which differs from a 403(b) or 401(k) because you receive a predictable retirement benefit for your lifetime, not an account balance that you might outlive. With TRA:

Membership is automatic. From your first day of employment with a TRA-covered employer, you are a member of TRA.
Savings are automatic. During your teaching years, a percentage is deducted from every paycheck for your retirement.
It’s easy. Contributions from you and your employer are pooled with all state public pension fund assets. The State Board of Investment manages these assets and the risk so you don’t have to.
Contributions are pretax. This reduces your taxable income.
Job change? No worries. If you stay employed in city, county or state government in Minnesota, you can keep your money at TRA and continue to accrue public-sector service credit toward your eventual pension.

Contribution Rates

Your TRA contributions are tax-sheltered until you retire or take a refund. Your TRA paycheck deductions are determined by Minnesota law and are subject to change. As of July 1, 2018, your contribution rate is 7.50 percent of your salary. Your employer is contributing 7.71 percent to your pension plan.

Vesting

You are “vested” in the TRA plan after three years of service. Once you’re vested, you have earned enough service credit to be eligible for TRA benefits.

Service Credit

Service credit affects eligibility for benefits and benefit amount. Paid sick leave, vacation days and all required attendance days and hours (such as workshops) count toward service credit. TRA allows no more than one year of service during any fiscal year. Service credit for part-time teachers, extracurricular pay, retro pay, and summer pay is prorated.

Benefits and Options

Leaves of Absence

There are several types, including sabbatical, medical, parental, family, extended, legislative, military. You may purchase service credit for an authorized leave.

Part-time Teaching

If you plan to job share or work part-time, you might be eligible to purchase full-time service credit toward your pension for your part-time teaching service.

Disability

Available to those with at least three years of service who become disabled.

Survivor Benefits

Certain benefits are available to your survivor(s) if you die before retiring with the TRA pension plan.

Refunds

If you leave teaching, you may opt for a refund. The refund consists of all your employee contributions plus interest, compounded annually. Partial refunds are not permitted. Your employer’s matching contributions remain with TRA and are not included in the refund.

To-do List

TRA Mid-career

What You Need to Know

What you need to know now

Here you are in your mid-30s to early 50s, on top of your game. With family responsibilities and teaching demands, retirement might not be a priority. But it’s wise to take stock of your finances, read up on TRA benefits and take care of your beneficiary arrangements.

What is a TRA pension?

TRA is a defined-benefit pension plan, which differs from a 403(b) or 401(k) because you receive a predictable retirement benefit for your lifetime, not an account balance that you might outlive. With TRA:

Membership is automatic. From your first day of employment with a TRA-covered employer, you are a member of TRA.
Savings are automatic. During your teaching years, a percentage is deducted from every paycheck for your retirement.
It’s easy. Contributions from you and your employer are pooled with all state public pension fund assets. The State Board of Investment manages these assets and the risk so you don’t have to.
Contributions are pretax. This reduces your taxable income.
Job change? No worries. If you stay employed in city, county or state government in Minnesota, you can keep your money at TRA and continue to accrue public-sector service credit toward your eventual pension.

Contribution Rates

Your TRA contributions are tax-sheltered until you retire or take a refund. Your TRA paycheck deductions are determined by Minnesota law and are subject to change. As of July 1, 2018, your contribution rate is 7.50 percent of your salary. Your employer is contributing 7.71 percent to your pension plan.

Service Credit

Service credit affects eligibility for benefits and benefit amount. Paid sick leave, vacation days and all required attendance days and hours (such as workshops) count toward service credit. TRA allows no more than one year of service during any fiscal year. Service credit for part-time teachers, extracurricular pay, retro pay, and summer pay is prorated.

Benefits and Options

Leaves of Absence

There are several types, including sabbatical, medical, parental, family, extended, legislative, military. You may purchase service credit for the aforementioned leave types.

Part-time Teaching

If you’re currently working full time (1.0 FTE) but plan to work part time, you may be eligible to purchase full-time service credit toward your pension if you meet eligibility requirements.

Disability

Available to those with at least three years of service who become disabled.

Survivor Benefits

Certain benefits are available to your survivor(s) if you die before retiring with the TRA pension plan.

Refunds

If you leave teaching, you may opt for a refund. The refund consists of all your employee contributions plus interest, compounded annually. Partial refunds are not permitted. Your employer’s matching contributions remain with TRA and are not included in the refund.

To-do List

TRA Planning for Retirement

What You Need to Know

If you’re over 55, it’s time to get real about retirement planning. Attend a TRA group workshop or individual retirement counseling session and we’ll review your personalized benefit estimate with you, guide you through TRA’s benefit plans, and help you reach your retirement goals.

Retirement Eligibility

If you are age 55 or older and vested in our retirement system, you are eligible to apply for a retirement benefit—but benefits may be reduced for those retiring early (before “normal retirement age” as defined by TRA). Normal retirement age for TRA members first hired prior to July 1, 1989, is age 65 with less than 30 years of allowable service, and age 62 with 30 years or more of allowable service. For TRA members first hired July 1, 1989, or after, the TRA normal retirement age is 66.

Preparation Timetable

Age 55 (approximately 10 years from retirement): Familiarize yourself with your retirement benefits by reading about TRA’s annuity plans and watching our video, Steps to Retirement. Generate estimates of your retirement benefits by logging in to your MyTRA account and using the online calculator. Register for a TRA group workshop.

Age 60 (approximately six years from retirement): Familiarize yourself with decisions you must make before retiring by watching the videos, Completing Your Retirement Application and by attending a group presentation on Planning for Retirement. Generate estimates of your retirement benefits by logging in to your MyTRA account and using the online calculator. Attend a TRA workshop or make an appointment with a TRA counselor.

Age 65 (approximately one to two years from retirement): Schedule an appointment with a TRA counselor for a one-on-one discussion of your options.

When to Apply for your TRA Pension

When to Apply for Your TRA Pension

The 2018 pension law allows retirement applications to be accepted up to 180 days (six months) before termination of teaching service. If you are currently teaching or on a leave of absence and eligible for benefits, you can apply up to 180 days before your termination date. Read a Q&A about last day of employment or listen to a narrated slide show on last day of employment or changing your last day of employment.

If you are teaching and have a target date in mind—the date you reach age 55, Rule of 90, or age 62 with 30 years of service—you may use that date on TRA’s retirement date designation form. Otherwise, your benefit will be effective the day after your termination date. Your effective date of retirement might be impacted if you return to work and have not submitted your application to TRA.

If you have not taught in the last six months, your benefit effective date will be the date we receive the application.

You are not considered to have terminated employment if, before age 62, and before the effective date of retirement, you have entered into a contract to resume teaching service with a TRA-eligible employer.
If you are age 62 or older, you are allowed to begin receiving a retirement annuity from TRA even if you have entered into an agreement to return to teaching service. This agreement must be mutually agreed upon by you and your employer and include your termination and reemployment dates. A copy of the agreement must be filed with your TRA application for retirement prior to your accrual date.

If you are currently teaching, your effective date of retirement will be the day following the latest of:

the date teaching service terminates or termination of service if on a leave of absence,
the date that your resignation letter is submitted to your employer,
termination of your contract by employer action,
the date your application for retirement is received by TRA,
June 30 for school principals and other administrators who receive a full contract salary for performance of a full year’s contract duties, or
another date within the six-month period following your termination date, when you reach Rule of 90, or age 55.

If you are currently with another Minnesota public retirement system, your accrual date will be the day following the termination of that service, as long as you apply within six months.

If You Are Currently Eligible for Retirement

If you do not file for retirement benefits from TRA, and return to work, your benefit accrual date may change. Your new accrual date will be based on your new last day of teaching. This means that you could lose a month or more of benefits because you worked possibly just a few days.
If you do not apply for retirement within six months of your termination date, your accrual date will be based on the date you file your application for retirement. Once again, you could lose six or more months of retirement benefits.
If you resign from teaching with no intention of returning to a teaching position, in some cases, it may be beneficial for you to receive benefits immediately rather than waiting until a specific age. This all depends on when you resign, the length of time you would be receiving benefits and your life expectancy.

If You Are Deferring Retirement

If you are vested and terminate service with a TRA-covered employer before attaining the minimum retirement age of 55, you may defer payment of your annuity until you become age 55 or older. Effective July 1, 2019, interest on deferred-member contributions will be reduced to zero percent. If you once were employed in a TRA position but have not yet applied for a benefit or a refund of contributions, contact TRA.

The deferral period must be at least three months. If you are on a leave of absence, you are not eligible for interest on a deferred annuity for any portion of time that you are on leave.

Resuming employment in a TRA covered position, or any other public employment position, for even one day while deferring your retirement eliminates your eligibility for augmentation. If you are currently deferring your benefit payments and considering a return to public employment, contact TRA to discuss the potential impact on your retirement benefit.

Social Security Normal Retirement Age (By Year of Birth)

Year of birth	Age
1943-1954	66
1955	66 and 2 months
1956	66 and 4 months
1957	66 and 6 months
1958	66 and 8 months
1959	66 and 10 months
1960 and later	67 years

To-do List

To-do list for those nearing retirement

Determine eligibility. If you’re at least 55 and vested, you are eligible to apply for a retirement benefit, though it pays to wait until age 66.
Generate TRA retirement benefit estimates on our website.
Contact any other Minnesota public retirement funds to which you have made contributions.
Make an appointment with a TRA retirement counselor. You will get a personalized, detailed estimate of your projected monthly retirement benefit. The application process and key decisions are also explained.
Contact your employer to determine requirements for submitting your resignation notice. Resignation should be effective on the last day of work.
Submit retirement application.

Contact TRA

Information
Left Teaching? Left the State?

Information

St. Paul office

TRA’s main office is located in the
Retirement Systems of Minnesota Building
60 Empire Drive, Suite 400
St. Paul, MN 55103

Find other locations

NOTE: TRA offices are closed until further notice due to the COVID-19. We apologize for any inconvenience. Read about our virtual and phone counseling services.

Contact TRA By Phone

651.296.2409
800.657.3669
651.297.5999 (FAX)

Contact TRA By Email

You can get in touch with us by emailing info@MinnesotaTRA.org. Please do not include personal data in your email.

Left Teaching? Left the State?

Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA)

About PERA Pension Plan
Resources

About PERA Pension Plan

PERA is a retirement pension plan for public employees in Minnesota. Membership is mandatory for all non-temporary employees. Substitute employees are enrolled once eligibility requirements are met. Temporary employee eligibility is determined based on PERA guidelines.

PERA employee deductions are 6.5% of the employee's gross pay; and the District matches at 7.5%. The contribution amounts are forwarded to PERA each payday and invested for you.

If you have questions regarding your PERA balance, withdrawing funds or changing beneficiaries, please contact PERA via their website at mnpera.org.

Resources

PERA New Hire

What Do I Need to Know?

How does it work?

As a member, your plan is maintenance free. Your employer will enroll you, and the Minnesota State Board of Investment (SBI) manages all funds. You contribute a percentage of each paycheck, pretax, to PERA. The percentage is based on the plan you are enrolled in and is determined by law – you cannot increase or decrease the amount you contribute. Your employer also contributes a percentage, which helps fund your plan.

Your monthly benefit is based on a formula taking into account your age, length of service, and salary – not the contributions you make. The longer you work in public service, the higher your pension benefit will be.

After you leave public service, if you are vested, you could qualify for a lifetime PERA retirement benefit. Your PERA pension replaces a portion of your salary. The combination of your pension, Social Security, and personal savings will provide you with retirement income.

What Should I Do Now?

Educate yourself

Learn how your PERA benefits factor into your retirement plan. PERA is meant to replace a portion of your income, so we encourage you to educate yourself on other ways to save for retirement. You can read about your specific plan or attend a From Hire to Retire session.

Verify

Verify that the information on your welcome letter is correct, including the PERA plan and enrollment date. If you believe any information is incorrect, contact your employer immediately.

Self Service

myPERA lets you view your personal account information, including account balance, deductions, and retirement estimates.

Activate your myPERA account. You will need your PERA ID to register, which you can find on your welcome letter.

Name a beneficiary. In the event of your death, PERA will pay the value of your account to your named beneficiary(ies). Even if you are unmarried or do not have children, naming beneficiaries ensures that we pay benefits according to your wishes. They can be individuals, a trust, or an organization of your choice. If you get married, divorced, or have children, take the time to review your beneficiary.

Keep contact information updated. You can update your personal information on myPERA and opt to receive mailings, like PERA’s newsletter, electronically.

Review your annual Personal Benefit Statement. A summary of your personal account will be mailed to you around your birthday each year, unless you’ve opted out of this mailing.

What Happens If...

While PERA is maintenance free, there may be times when life events can affect your pension.

…I Change Jobs?

If you move to another public or state job, you will continue to contribute to PERA or another public pension. If you are leaving PERA covered employment, you have a few options based on whether you are vested or not. Vesting times are different based on when you started and what plan you’re enrolled in.

Vested

If you are vested when you end public service, your contributions can remain in PERA and you can draw a benefit when you retire.

Not Vested

If you are not vested, you have five years after your last contribution to either return to public service, or take a refund. If you return to public service within five years, you can pick up where you left off.

If you remain out of PERA service, you should apply for a refund, or roll over your contributions into another tax- qualified retirement plan. If you don’t do anything within five years, you will forfeit your contributions.

Your refund amount consists of your member contributions plus interest, compounded annually. Employer contributions remain with PERA to fund benefits provided by the association.

If you are employed in other Minnesota public service, such as a state or teaching job, your contributions can remain with PERA for a potential future Combined Service Annuity. Please keep your information up-to-date with PERA.

…I Become Disabled?

Benefits differ based on your plan. Check out your plan’s handbook or call us with any questions.

..I Get Divorced?

The PERA pension is a marital asset and could be subject to division in the event of a divorce. See the divorce page for more information or call us to get benefit estimates.

…I Take a Leave?

Military, personal and medical leaves can affect your pension benefit.

PERA Mid-career

What Do I Need to Know?
What Should I Do Now?

What Do I Need to Know?

What does it mean to be vested in PERA?

Vested means you have acquired enough service credit to be entitled to a lifetime monthly pension benefit. You earn one service credit for each month you have salary and contributions for a maximum of 12 per year. To learn about your plans vesting requirements, see your plan’s page.

Retirement Planning

Here are some things you should be planning ahead for.

• Evaluate your long and short term goals. Have they changed and what do you have to do to accommodate those changes?

• Review your Social Security benefits at ssa.gov

• Study your contributions to your deferred compensation and other tax-deferred programs. They will be supplementing your PERA pension and Social Security income after you retire. Time to increase your contributions? Should you change your asset allocation?

• Do you need help from a financial planner? PERA staff are not financial planners and cannot give financial advice.

• Take a close look at your expenses and income today and after retirement. What will change? Experts estimate you will need 80 to 100% of your pre-retirement income to maintain your standard of living after you retire. Your income needs will depend on your debt and retirement lifestyle.

• Review your will, power of attorney, health care directive and other estate planning documents.

What Should I Do Now?

Educate yourself

Learn how your PERA benefits factor into your retirement plan. PERA is meant to replace a portion of your income, so we encourage you to educate yourself on other ways to save for retirement. You can read about your specific plan or attend a From Hire to Retire session.

Self Service

myPERA lets you view your personal account information, including account balance, deductions, and retirement estimates. Use the retirement calculator to create your own scenarios. The tax calculator will estimate net benefits.

Beneficiary(ies): You should review/update your beneficiaries while you are still working in the event you die before retirement. If both you (and your survivor, if you chose one) die before your own contributions have been paid out, any balance is paid out in a lump sum, and your PERA account is closed.

Keep contact information updated. You can update your personal information on myPERA.

Review your annual Personal Benefit Statement. A summary of your personal account will be mailed to you around your birthday each year.

PERA Preparing for Retirement

Before You Retire

Things to think about in the year before you retire:

• Talk to your employer’s HR department about your insurance options for retirement.

• One year before you plan to retire, it is recommended you participate in PERA's 'Ready to Retire' session. See available dates and times here.

• If you plan to collect Social Security benefits, visit ssa.gov three months before you turn 62. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of starting to collect your Social Security benefits at age 62, full retirement age, and age 70.

• If you have not applied for Social Security three months before turning age 65, contact the administration to discuss applying for Medicare health insurance.

• If you plan to return to PERA-covered employment after your benefits begin, check on earnings limits and termination requirements.

• Use the retirement calculator in myPERA, or contact Member Services for an updated benefit estimate.

• Use the Benefits Options Worksheet to determine which option – Single Life or Survivor – is right for you.

• What other tax-deferred savings plans do you have and what are their withdrawal options?

Phased Retirement Option (PRO): PRO is a tool that allows you to transition into full retirement by working reduced hours while remaining in your same position. If you’re an active member of the General Plan, and at least 62, your employer may have this option available to you. See the Phased Retirement Option fact sheet for more information.

Your Pension Benefit

Your pension is a Defined Benefit Plan, which means your monthly benefit will be determine by a formula and is payable for life.

Eligibility

The minimum age to draw a benefit is 55 for the General Plan, and 50 for Correctional and Police & Fire plans, however, drawing early will reduce your benefit. The normal retirement age is 66 (65 if you were hired prior to July 1, 1989) for the General plan, or 55 for both Correctional and Police & Fire.

30 Day Separation

PERA law requires a complete separation from all Minnesota public service for 30 days. You cannot have a written or verbal agreement to return to work for any Minnesota public employer. You also may not work as an independent contractor for your current employer for 30 days. Public employment includes paid or volunteer services to any Minnesota government employer (e.g., schools, cities, counties, townships, universities or state agencies).

Benefit Effective Date

Your benefit effective date is the first day of the month following your termination of public employment if you work continuously up to retirement. If we have all documents before you terminate employment, we will issue your first benefit about two weeks after your benefit effective date. If your termination date was in the past, you may make your benefit retroactive up to 5 months in the past, up to the first of the month following your termination date.

You will receive your benefit via direct deposit on the first business day of each month.

Tax Withholding/1099s

Your PERA benefits are taxable. You have the option to withhold Federal and Minnesota state taxes on your application. You may also change them at any time on myPERA or by filling out the Tax Withholding Certificate.

Each year, PERA will mail you Form 1099R by the end of January to report your income. You can also find it on MY PERA by January 2nd each year.

Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs)

Your benefit is not a fixed amount. As a retiree, you’ll receive annual benefit increases each January. If you qualify for an increase, it will be included on your January deposit. You may view your benefit increase in late December on your myPERA online account. The very first increase is anywhere from 7–37 months after retirement, depending on your benefit begin date and the PERA pension plan.

Six Months Before Retirement

What should I do?

• Attend a Ready to Retire session or contact our office and speak with a Benefits Counselor.
• Get an up-to-date retirement estimate, available from myPERA.
• Notify your employer of your plans.
• Review your other tax-deferred savings plan and their withdrawal options.

Decisions to consider when preparing for retirement

1. When will you retire?
What date will you retire? What is your last day as a public employee?

2. Do you want your PERA benefit to start now or later?
Ending your PERA public service does not mean you have to start drawing your benefit. You may wait until a later date, but should not wait any later than your normal retirement age. (assuming you are not active with another public pension in Minnesota.)

3. Which benefit option will you choose?

Single Life Option: This is the highest monthly payment based on your retirement date; you are the only one to receive monthly benefits. When you die (and if all of your contributions are used up), your PERA account is closed, and no further payments will be made.

Survivor Option: Choosing a survivor on your retirement application is optional. A survivor option lowers your own monthly benefit, but when you die, that survivor receives a lifetime monthly benefit.

Important: You cannot change your retirement option or named survivor when PERA issues your first benefit payment. This is a permanent decision.

Bounce Back: If the survivor you named on your benefit dies before you, your monthly amount increases—or ‘bounces back’—to the Single Life amount. You cannot name another survivor.

4. How much tax withholding do you need?
Your benefit payment is subject to federal and state income taxes. You decide how you want us to withhold taxes for you.

5. Where do you want your monthly deposit to go? Checking or Savings?
Your benefit will be direct deposited to either your checking or savings account. The account can be changed at any time.

Applying for Retirement

We need three things to start paying your lifetime monthly benefit

60 to 90 days before you retire, complete and submit:

1. Completed and Notarized Application for PERA Retirement Benefits.

PERA will not accept your retirement application more than six months prior to the start of your benefits. If you are married, both you and your spouse must sign in the presence of a notary public, no matter which benefit option you choose. Only the original application will be processed. We cannot accept applications by fax or email.

2. Completed Verification of Termination

Your employer signs this form confirming your date of separation and confirming you have no written or verbal agreement to return to work.

3. Proof of your date of birth and any name changes.

Photocopy of passport, REAL ID, enhanced driver’s license or birth certificate and marriage certificate(s). A regular driver’s license is not acceptable. If you choose a survivor option, we will need this same information for that individual.

Before Your Mail Your Application:

Verify that your application is complete, with all parts completed, with your benefit choice, notarized signature (and your spouse’s, if married), and requested tax withholding. There can be no cross-outs, white-outs, or other alterations on the benefit selection page (Parts C and D).

After you apply:

• You will receive a letter from PERA confirming your valid application, or requesting additional information if needed.

• Your first payment will be direct deposited approximately two weeks after your benefit effective date. Each following payment will be on the first banking day of the month.

Contact PERA

My PERA

Review and update your personal information
View a current estimate of your benefits (just like your PBS), or create your own custom estimates
Register for conferences and workshops
Sign up for PERA’s e-publications
Adjust tax withholding and direct deposit once you begin receiving your benefit, as well as print out tax form 1099R and proof of income reports
Add or update beneficiaries online (active and deferred members only)
Create and view estimates including a non-spouse survivor (active and deferred members only)

Member Services Line

Legislation

Voluntary Benefits

Critical Illness Insurance

What Is Critical Illness Insurance?

Critical Illness insurance helps cover out-of-pocket expenses associated with a serious illness. You may have medical insurance. But that doesn't mean you're covered for all of the expenses resulting from a serious illness that you probably haven't budgeted for — things like co-pays, deductibles, loss of income, child care and travel expenses. Group Critical Illness insurance helps fill the gap caused by these out-of-pocket costs, creating a financial safety net for you and your family.

How to File a Claim

The best way to file a claim is to file online: File a Claim | The Standard
- Click on "Insurance Benefits Through Work" and create an account
If you are unable to file a claim online, please download the Claim PDF Form and fill it out.
- The form must be submitted via fax, it cannot be submitted via email.

Critical Illness Plan Summary

Critical Illness Certificate

Filing a claim instructions and form

How Does Critical Illness Insurance Work?

1. You get diagnosed.	2 . The Standard sends you a check.	3. You focus on getting better.
Your health insurance covers many of your treatment costs, but you may still have expenses you weren’t planning for.	With approval of your claim, The Standard will pay benefits directly to you. Then you decide how to spend the money.	With The Standard helping to cover your out-of-pocket or everyday expenses, you can think about what matters most — getting better.

KEY BENEFITS

Helps pay expenses not covered by medical insurance

Covers over 20 serious illnesses, plus 21 childhood illnesses (7 serious illnesses in New York)
Pays lump sum directly to you, not medical providers
Pays you for taking care of your health with screenings — like a cholesterol check, mental health assessment and testing for COVID-19
- Pays you $50 once per calendar year for visiting the doctor for a covered wellness screening. Claim form: 17430.pdf (standard.com). No medical receipts or records required.

Accident Insurance

What Is Accident Insurance?

Accident insurance can help keep your finances on track when an accident happens.

Your medical insurance will cover some of the expenses, but you'll be left to foot the bills for your copays and deductible. Those can add up fast, especially if you're unable to work while you recover. That's where Group Accident insurance comes in: It helps protect your bank account from the out-of-pocket expenses that can come with an injury — whether you're coping with a broken arm or recovering from a serious car accident.

How to File a Claim

The best way to file a claim is to file online: File a Claim | The Standard
- Click on "Insurance Benefits Through Work" and create an account
If you are unable to file a claim online, please download the Claim PDF Form and fill it out.
- The form must be submitted via fax, it cannot be submitted via email.

Accident Insurance Plan Summary

Accident Insurance Certificate

Accident Insurance Claim Instructions and Form

How Does Accident Insurance Work?

1 . You have an accident.	2 . The Standard sends you a check.	3. You focus on getting better.
Your health insurance covers some costs, after you meet your deductible. But you still may have copays and a lot of out-of-pocket expenses.	The Standard will send a check directly to you — not to your medical providers— upon approval of your claim. You decide how you spend the money.	With The Standard helping you handle the unexpected expenses, you get to pay attention to what matters most — your health.

KEY BENEFITS

Helps pay expenses not covered by medical insurance

Covers a wide range of treatments due to an accident
Pays money directly to you, not medical providers
Pays an extra 25% of total benefits for injuries during youth organized sports

Hospital Indemnity Insurance

What Is Hospital Indemnity Insurance?

Hospital Indemnity insurance helps keep your finances on track when you're in the hospital. Planned or unplanned, a trip to the hospital can be scary. It can be even more frightening to know that your medical insurance probably won't cover all your costs. Group Hospital Indemnity insurance can help cover unexpected out-of-pocket expenses such as copays, deductibles and out-of-network charges, as well as everyday living expenses. It pays a benefit directly to you for hospital-related events, regardless of your treatment costs or other insurance coverage you might have.

How to File a Claim

The best way to file a claim is to file online: File a Claim | The Standard
- Click on "Insurance Benefits Through Work" and create an account
If you are unable to file a claim online, please download the Claim PDF Form and fill it out.
- The form must be submitted via fax, it cannot be submitted via email.

Hospital Indemnity Insurance Plan Summary

Hospital Indemnity Certificate

Hospital Indemnity Claim Instructions and Form

How Does Hospital Indemnity Insurance Work?

1. You're admitted to the hospital.	2 . The Standard sends you a check.	3. You focus on recovering.
Your health insurance covers many costs of your stay and treatment. But you still have a lot of expenses, including deductibles, copays and other costs you couldn’t predict.	With approval of your claim, The Standard will pay benefits directly to you. Then you decide how to spend the money.	With The Standard helping to cover your out-of-pocket or everyday expenses, you can focus on what matters most — your health.

KEY BENEFITS

Helps pay expenses not covered by medical insurance
Pays money to directly to you, not medical providers
You can choose to cover your children and spouse
Covers hospitalization due to childbirth, injury or illness — including COVID-19 and mental health
Premium waived if you're hospitalized more than 30 days

Allstate Identity Protection Pro+ Cyber

Identity theft and cybercrime can happen to anyone — 1 in 4 Americans have experienced cybercrime. — even someone who knows how to minimize their risk. That’s why your company offers Allstate Identity Protection Pro+ Cyber as a benefit.

Allstate Identity Protection is proud to have a broad, inclusive definition of “family” that covers everyone under your roof (or under your wallet) — no matter their age.Δ

Get comprehensive identity monitoring and fraud resolution designed to help you protect yourself and your family against today’s digital threats, plus cybersecurity features designed to identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

PLANS AND PRICINGAllstate Identity Protection Pro+ Cyber

$9.50 per person / month

$18.50 per family / month

Identity Protection Summary

Identity Protection FAQ

Insurance terms to know

Below are some common words and phrases you'll find while reviewing insurance plans and what they mean. If you have additional questions, please contact your benefits specialist.