As part of the January 1, 2004, collective bargaining agreement between the University and NSF Unit 18 employees (lecturers), a Benefits Bridge provision was created.
What is the Benefits Bridge?
- Allows continuation of benefits during the summer, IF a lecturer has a written commitment for re-employment at the end of the Benefits Bridge period
- If a lecturer is enrolled in a UC plan on the last day of their appointment, coverage can be maintained for up to three months by making direct payment, in advance to the payroll office, for the full monthly cost of the premium
- Plans eligible for continuation are: medical, dental, vision, legal, AD & D, basic and supplemental life insurance, and basic and expanded dependent life insurance
Leave of Absence regulations will be followed to administer the Benefits Bridge, although the Benefits Bridge is not a Leave of Absence. No UCRP Buyback is available. A new Leave Code, 18, was added to enable implementation of the Benefits Bridge in HCM and PPS.
Process for the Benefits Bridge:
- Ascertain that a written commitment for re-employment exists following the benefits bridge period.
- Complete a “Request to Continue or Cancel Benefits While on Leave” form.
- Meet with the employee and counsel on the opportunity to continue benefits until employment resumes, including giving the employee the full premium amounts.
- Determine which benefits the employee will continue.
- Let the employee know that he/she will need to provide you with a check made payable to UC Regents for an amount which covers the benefits to be continued by the tenth of the month in advance. The form and check are sent to Payroll at 2195 Hearst Avenue, MC 1104. The department mails the first check and form to Payroll.
- For the months after the first month, the employee will need to mail in a copy of the form and a check to the Payroll office by the tenth of the month in advance.
- Complete a UPAY 573 Sabbatical Leave / Special Leave of Absence Form.
- Enter Leave Code 18 into HCM.
Learn More