blog posts

• Review your Fidelity Beneficiary Designation

  Jul 9, 2020 12:00 pm10 views

  Control where your University of Illinois Fidelity 403(b) inheritance goes! Life changes, and so do your wants and needs. If something happens to you, make sure your beneficiary information reflects your current wishes.

• SURS Self-Managed Plan Redesign

  Jul 8, 2020 7:30 am58 views

  SURS announced enhancements coming on September 1, 2020. See the SURS website for the announcement, member materials, and webinar schedule.

• Saving For Your Future? Supplemental Retirement Plans Can Help!

  Jun 29, 2020 7:00 am109 views

  Are you contributing to a supplemental retirement and investment plan?

  If not, now may be a good time to start!

  As a University of Illinois System employee, two supplemental retirement plans are available to help increase your retirement savings opportunity. Enrollment is voluntary and available at any time.

• System Offices Returning to the Workplace Guidelines

  Jun 25, 2020 2:45 pm134 views

  On Tuesday, June 23rd, System HR hosted a webinar for supervisors and managers to discuss the President’s Management Council guidelines for a very gradual and flexible return to the workplace for system-level employees, unless work responsibilities require office presence.  The first and foremost concern in all of our planning has been the health and safety of employees, students, and broader university communities. These Guidelines were recently approved by the president and vice presidents and will be executed over the next few months.

• Fall Semester Plans

  Jun 18, 2020 3:30 pm0 views

  We are very pleased to announce that on-campus educational activities will resume this fall at the University of Illinois System’s three universities, with a hybrid mixture of in-person and online classes. Of course, our collective decision assumes that Illinois stays on track to meet Phase 4 requirements established by Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s Restore Illinois plan that allow reopening of classrooms.

• Dental Visits – Infection Control Fee

  Jun 15, 2020 7:30 am160 views

  We want you to be aware that due to COVID-19, you may see an infection control fee for personal protective equipment (PPE) used when visiting your dentist.

• Financial Update

  Jun 2, 2020 1:45 pm0 views

  The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the University of Illinois System and on each of us. We are so proud of the dedicated efforts by our faculty and staff to ensure that our missions of teaching, research, public service and economic development have continued with excellence during these challenging times. And despite these stresses, we have taken on new work to combat the virus – pioneering research on medical devices and drug treatments, providing epidemiological modeling to state leaders, issuing data-rich policy analyses, and most importantly, caring for vulnerable patients at UI Hospital and clinics. 

• Last Chance: Benefit Choice Ends Monday, June 1!

  May 29, 2020 10:15 am505 views

  Benefit Choice ends Monday, June 1! This is your final reminder to make your State benefit elections or changes for the upcoming plan year on https://MyBenefits.illinois.gov. Elections will be effective July 1, 2020.

• Flexible Spending Re-Enrollment and Reminders

  May 28, 2020 2:45 pm236 views

  The end of Benefit Choice is June 1. If you haven’t re-enrolled in the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Program for the plan year beginning on July 1, 2020, you have until June 1 to do so at https://MyBenefits.illinois.gov.

• State Budget Update

  May 26, 2020 3:30 pm0 views

  State appropriations for the University of Illinois System would remain at current levels for the coming year under a budget approved over the holiday weekend by the Illinois Legislature that will be sent to Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who is expected to sign it into law.

  Like many things amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the proposed $42.8 billion budget is contingent on a number of factors, including how the state rebounds from the crisis and on access to federal relief funding.

• Important MCAP and DCAP Announcement for FY20/21

  May 26, 2020 12:30 pm363 views

  If you participate in a Flexible Spending Account, you’ll want to read this MCAP and DCAP Announcement, which may provide help with spending your current funds and/or estimating your expenses for next year!

• Benefit Choice: Flex Spending Re-enrollment is not automatic!

  May 21, 2020 2:00 pm205 views

  Re-enrollment in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is not automatic! To continue participation, you must re-enroll! For more information, see the FSA Program.

  The deadline to enroll or re-enroll is June 1, 2020. Go to https://MyBenefits.illinois.gov now!

   

• Deadline Approaching: Benefit Choice Ends June 1!

  May 21, 2020 8:15 am238 views

  The last day to make Benefit Choice changes will be here soon! Remember, you only have until June 1 to make your State benefit elections or changes for the upcoming plan year on https://MyBenefits.illinois.gov, including health, dental, life insurance, and flexible spending account (MCAP/DCAP) enrollment. Elections will be effective July 1, 2020. For help registering and logging in to MyBenefits, see the MyBenefits FAQs.

• Benefit Choice: Make Your Choices by June 1

  May 15, 2020 6:00 am868 views

  We’re half way through Benefit Choice at https://MyBenefits.illinois.gov! Remember, you have until June 1 to make your State benefit elections or changes for the upcoming plan year. Elections will be effective July 1, 2020. For help registering and logging in to MyBenefits, see the MyBenefits FAQs.

• Benefit Choice: Submit Your Documentation

  May 14, 2020 8:30 am731 views

  If you made a Benefit Choice change that requires supporting documentation, please remember to provide your documents by the deadline!

• Schedule of Approved Holidays for FY21

  May 11, 2020 11:15 am1079 views

  The schedule of approved holidays for fiscal year 2021 is below.

• Gift Days 2020

  May 8, 2020 9:15 am0 views

  We are pleased to announce that a program providing additional paid days off during our December/January holidays has been extended to a fifth straight year, reflecting in real terms just how much we appreciate everything you do.

• Urbana: Faculty and Staff Emergency Fund Drive Spring 2020

  May 7, 2020 8:00 am90 views

  The Emergency Fund needs your help!

• NEW MyBenefits Plus Voluntary Benefits Available

  May 6, 2020 9:30 am577 views

  Did you know that full-time State benefits-eligible employees may enroll in new voluntary benefit programs? With MyBenefits Plus, you have the option to enroll in the following programs through a post-tax payroll deduction.

• State 457 Deferred Compensation Plan Changes

  May 4, 2020 2:00 pm301 views

  Did you know that as a University of Illinois System employee, you’re eligible to participate in the State 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (Plan)?  This optional investment Plan offers you the ability to invest pre-tax and/or Roth (after-tax) compensation into the Plan to help supplement your retirement planning.

• Benefit Choice Virtual Benefit Fairs

  May 1, 2020 3:00 pm400 views

  Are you looking for more information about your benefit choices or new plan options available for the FY2021 Benefit Choice period? The State of Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) has moved their Benefit Choice Vendor Fairs to a virtual format this year.

• FY 2021 Benefit Choice Enrollment Period

  Apr 29, 2020 1:00 pm1434 views

  The State Department of Central Management Services (CMS) has announced that the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Benefit Choice enrollment period will begin May 1 and end June 1, 2020.

• Fall 2020 Planning

  Apr 28, 2020 11:00 am0 views

  I write to inform you that I have created a system-wide coordinating committee to support our universities as they begin planning for the reopening of campuses in the fall and examining the changes that will be required to ensure both safety and excellence.

• Benefit Choice Begins May 1

  Apr 23, 2020 10:00 am616 views

  The annual Benefit Choice Period will begin on May 1, 2020 for the State Employees Group Insurance Program. The State of Illinois Department Central Management Services (CMS) has shared some important announcements and reminders to help you prepare for making your FY2021 benefit elections.

• Benefit Choice: Save on Taxes with a Flexible Spending Account!

  Apr 20, 2020 7:00 am611 views

  Have you considered participating in the State of Illinois Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Plan? If you spend $240 or more per year on recurring eligible medical or dependent care expenses, then you may save money by paying for them with an FSA. You can reduce your taxable income when you contribute to this plan.

• 2-Factor Authentication for My UI Info

  Apr 7, 2020 7:00 am1547 views

  Beginning April 21, 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) will be required for all My UI Info applications, including the Earnings Statement, Direct Deposit, and My Profile, when logging in from both on- and off-campus. At the same time, the My UI Info PIN will no longer be used.

• Deadline Extended: State Health Insurance Audit

  Apr 3, 2020 12:45 pm998 views

  Due to challenges associated with the COVID-19 outbreak, CMS is extending the deadline for submitting documentation for the State of Illinois health insurance audit. If you were identified to participate in this audit, you must submit proof of eligibility of all dependents listed on your audit letter by June 18, 2020.   

• Health Plan Reminder: Out-of-Network Providers

  Mar 31, 2020 6:00 am169 views

  You are encouraged to use in-network providers to receive the best value from your health plan. No matter which plan you are enrolled in, receiving health care from an out-of-network provider will significantly increase your out-of-pocket medical costs.

• Decrease in Prudential LTD Premiums

  Mar 26, 2020 1:00 pm212 views

  We are very pleased to announce a premium rate decrease of 15%, effective April 1, 2020.

• COVID-19 Resources

  Mar 17, 2020 11:00 am1125 views

  In light of all the information being shared regarding COVID-19, System HR would like to provide a quick index of important resources. Please refer to the following official, reliable sources to stay up-to-date throughout this rapidly changing situation.

• COVID-19 Related Absences

  Mar 12, 2020 8:00 am2539 views

  You may have received and read a plethora of information from various sources regarding the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, over the last several weeks. In light of the communication from system and university leaders, we would like to provide some guidance on how to proceed throughout this rapidly evolving situation.

• Are You Retiring or Separating from the University of Illinois System?

  Mar 6, 2020 9:00 am449 views

  You may be eligible to defer unused vacation and/or compensable sick leave into the University 403(b) or State 457 retirement plans.

• Important: State Health Insurance Dependent Audit

  Feb 25, 2020 1:00 pm538 views

  A dependent eligibility verification audit will begin soon for employees who have one or more dependents enrolled in a State of Illinois health insurance plan. Watch your home postal mail for a very important letter that will require your response!

• LTD Plan Open Enrollment Begins February 24

  Feb 24, 2020 7:00 am1108 views

  Open Enrollment for the University Supplemental Long Term Disability (LTD) Plan is available now through March 13, 2020!

• America Saves Week

  Feb 20, 2020 1:00 pm78 views

  Next week marks America Saves Week, an opportunity to focus on your savings strategy. University of Illinois System approved 403(b) retirement plan investment companies, TIAA and Fidelity Investments, offer tips and resources to help you get into a saving mindset.

• Know Your Approved Retirement Plan Representatives

  Feb 10, 2020 10:00 am308 views

  Be wary of callers attempting to discuss financial investments. Only a few representatives from investment companies are approved to discuss retirement planning.

• Designate and Update Your State Life Beneficiaries

  Feb 4, 2020 9:00 am473 views

  If you are eligible for State benefits, you are strongly encouraged to provide beneficiary information for life insurance coverage.

• Assistance Programs Available to You!

  Jan 27, 2020 8:45 am766 views

  Did you know that University of Illinois System employees may have access to two Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)?

   

• 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plan - 2020 Universal Availability Notice

  Jan 21, 2020 2:15 pm1099 views

  403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plan - 2020 Universal Availability Notice

• 2020 IRS Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Certificate Available Now

  Jan 8, 2020 8:30 am14200 views

  2020 IRS Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Certificate Available Now

• 2-Factor Authentication for My UI Info

  Dec 11, 2019 1:00 pm2693 views

  Starting in April 2020, 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) will be required for all My UI Info applications.

• Annual Update to Long Term Disability (LTD) Premiums

  Dec 9, 2019 3:30 pm536 views

  Participants in the University LTD Plan may notice a change to payroll deduction amounts.

• Update Your Mailing Address and Consent for Online Tax Forms

  Nov 21, 2019 9:15 am6297 views

  Review and, if necessary, update your Mailing Address on file with the U of I System for benefits and/or tax purposes.

• 2020 System Office DELTA Program - Nominations are now being accepted!

  Nov 19, 2019 9:00 am169 views

  Nominations are now being accepted for the 2020 Distinguished Employee Leadership and Team Award (DELTA)

• 403(b) and 457 Plan Contribution Limits Increasing

  Nov 7, 2019 4:30 pm1448 views

  Supplemental retirement plan limits are increasing in 2020.

• System Office Employees - Know Your U Tracking Available

  Oct 10, 2019 10:00 am421 views

  The AbilityLMS system is now ready to be used to track time spent on Know Your U activities for eligible System Office employees.

• 403(b) TIAA Participants: Designate/Review Beneficiaries

  Oct 8, 2019 2:45 pm483 views

  Make sure your beneficiary information is up to date.

• Are You Retiring or Separating from the University of Illinois System?

  Oct 2, 2019 1:00 pm1054 views

  You may be eligible to defer unused vacation and/or compensable sick leave into the University 403(b) or State 457 retirement plans.

• State Health Plan Reminder: Out-of-Network Providers

  Sep 23, 2019 1:30 pm344 views

  Employees in State health plans are encouraged to use in-network providers to receive the best value from their health plans.

• Register for Fall Retirement & Investment Seminars!

  Sep 19, 2019 9:00 am421 views

  Attend the upcoming FREE retirement and investment seminars for University of Illinois System employees!