Benefits Policies

222.0.01 Benefits Eligibility

Employees who are employed at 20 hours per week (.50 FTE) or greater and in a position that is six (6) months or more in duration are considered eligible for benefits as determined by the Arizona Department of Administration. Graduate assistant/associate positions are specifically excluded from eligibility.

Information about the eligibility of an employee’s dependent(s) is available on the Human Resources website.

222.1.01 Social Security and Federal Old Age Survivors Disability Insurance

The Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) is a payroll tax withheld from paychecks for both Social Security (OASDI - Old Age Survivor and Disability Insurance) and Medicare (Hospital Insurance). Social Security (OASDI) is withheld on taxable gross income up to a certain wage limit each year, but there is no wage limit for Medicare withholding. Nonresident aliens and student workers are exempt from paying FICA payroll tax.

General and Definitions

The University of Arizona is committed to providing victim's leave to eligible employees in accordance with the Arizona State Victim's Leave Law ARS § 13-4439; § 8-420. This law authorizes employees who are victims of crimes to leave work to exercise the right to be present at legal proceedings related to the crime.

This policy content has been consolidated into Classified Staff Policies 200.0 - Vacation and 201.0 - Paid Sick Time.

It is the University's intent to provide family-friendly policies and practices aimed at supporting employees to balance work and family life. Deans, directors, department heads, and other supervisors shall take every reasonable effort to accommodate the needs of employees, to the greatest possible extent, and in a manner consistent with the effective and efficient operation of the University.

FEDERAL FAMILY & MEDICAL LEAVE ACT OF 1993

The University provides a Qualified Tuition Reduction (QTR) program which enables eligible individuals to enroll in courses of study at reduced registration fees. The QTR is reciprocal among the three state universities.

ELlGIBILITY

EMPLOYEES

The University recognizes the value of permitting employees returning from an illness or injury to, temporarily, work on a light duty basis. Light duty placement may include a reduction in full time equivalency, limiting or altering duties in the employee's existing position, or temporarily reassigning the employee to another position which he or she is qualified and capable to perform.

All employees of the University are insured and are provided benefits under the Workers' Compensation Act in the event of a job-related injury or illness. Benefits include medical expenses, compensation for lost time, permanent disability benefits, and death benefits as applicable.

Classified Staff employees who are voluntarily or involuntarily placed on extended active duty with the National Guard or the U.S. Armed Forces shall be placed on a leave without pay status in a manner consistent with applicable Arizona Revised Statutes and the Federal Veterans Reemployment Act. Active duty orders shall accompany requests for such leave.

Extended active duty is defined as a period of more than 30 calendar days. An employee on Extended Active Duty Military Leave shall not accrue sick or vacation leave or other benefits.