blog posts

• State Spouse Life Insurance Reduction for Spouses Age 60+

  Nov 6, 2024 11:15 am13 views

  Due to a change in the Group Insurance Act 5 ILCS 375/7a(5), State Spouse Life Coverage was reduced for spouses aged 60 and over, from $10,000 to $5,000 and the corresponding premium rate of $5.70 was reduced to $2.85 effective October 1, 2024. 

• Keep Your Personal Information Updated

  Oct 29, 2024 9:00 am34 views

  Have you reviewed your personal information on file with the University of Illinois System, such as your address and phone number?  

• SURS Money Purchase Calculation Change

  Oct 15, 2024 9:00 am40 views

  Earlier this year, SURS announced that the factors table used to calculate SURS retirement benefits under the Money Purchase calculation will change effective July 2, 2025. 

• Live Retirement and Investment Webinars Available

  Oct 8, 2024 3:45 pm17 views

  October is National Retirement Security month; are you saving for your future? 

• Free Flu Shots for State Health Plan Participants

  Oct 4, 2024 10:30 am21 views

  Seasonal flu shots are available at no charge to faculty, staff, and retirees that are state health plan participants.

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

  Oct 3, 2024 1:00 pm49 views

  You may be eligible to defer unused vacation leave into the University 403(b) or State or SURS 457 retirement plans

• Professional Staff Leadership Academy Applications Open for 2025 Cohort

  Oct 1, 2024 9:00 am18 views

  The Professional Staff Leadership Academy is a system-wide leadership program meant to foster and sustain a culture of exceptional, dynamic, and transformational leadership at all levels throughout the University of Illinois System. 

• Review/Update Your Mailing Address

  Sep 30, 2024 1:00 pm11 views

  Please make sure your Mailing Address is current and correct so that you receive important information for employment and tax purposes.

• Health Plan Reminder: Out-of-Network Providers

  Sep 24, 2024 10:00 am28 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.

• Deadline September 30: Submit FSA Claims for FY2024

  Sep 19, 2024 9:00 am11 views

  Only a couple weeks remain to submit your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) claims for the FY2024 plan year!

• Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest by Civil Service staff

  Sep 16, 2024 10:00 am22 views

  Civil Service staff members are required to disclose potential conflicts of interest in compliance with Policy and Rule 16.01. 

• Designate or Review Your Beneficiaries: State Life Insurance

  Sep 12, 2024 1:00 pm19 views

  Ensure your life insurance benefits are distributed according to your wishes by designating or reviewing your beneficiary designations for your State of Illinois Life Insurance coverage.

• Returning from Leave - State Benefits Coverage

  Aug 15, 2024 8:30 am50 views

  During an unpaid leave, Central Management Services (CMS) mails bills directly to State benefit participants, and bills are to be paid in full to CMS. Failing to pay premium bills can result in your coverage being terminated.

• Your Flexible Spending Account: Verify Deductions and Reminder

  Aug 6, 2024 2:00 pm69 views

  At the beginning of a new benefit year, it’s a good idea to review your payroll deductions to ensure the appropriate amounts are being withheld.

• University of Illinois System Statement on Sex Discrimination

  Aug 1, 2024 9:00 am22 views

  The updated University of Illinois System Statement on Sex Discrimination, which reflects the U.S. Department of Education’s final version of its new Title IX regulations that govern institutional response to sex discrimination, including sex-based harassment and sex-based misconduct, is now posted. The final regulations were published on April 19, 2024, and are effective as of today, August 1, 2024.

• Title IX Training and Reporting Requirements for All Employees

  Aug 1, 2024 8:00 am46 views

  The U.S. Department of Education’s final regulations implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, are posted in the Federal Register. The final regulations were published on April 19, 2024, and are effective as of August 1, 2024.

• Be Cautious: Retirement and Pension Meetings Email

  Jul 29, 2024 4:00 pm25 views

  We are aware that University of Illinois System employees may have received an email asking employees to schedule a one-on-one consultation for an annual pension review. That email was NOT sent by the university nor SURS, and is NOT from one of our approved retirement plan providers. Please exercise caution whenever you receive email from unknown sources.

• 2024 Salary Program

  Jul 10, 2024 3:30 pm1 views

  This year we will have a 2% merit-based salary program across the University of Illinois System.

• Verify Your State Benefit Elections

  Jun 25, 2024 9:00 am69 views

  The new plan year for State benefits (health/vision, dental, and life insurance, and flexible spending and health savings accounts) starts on July 1, 2024. If you made any changes during Benefit Choice, you should have received or will soon receive a mailing from CMS at your home address confirming your Benefit Choice elections. 

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

  Jun 11, 2024 2:00 pm69 views

  Are you contributing to a supplemental retirement and investment plan? If not, now may be a good time to start!

• PLFAW System Updates

  Jun 5, 2024 11:15 am0 views

  This communication is to provide University of Illinois System employees with updates about Paid Leave for All Workers (PLFAW) balances and leave reporting.  

• Message from CMS about higher than expected call volume at MyBenefits Service Center

  May 31, 2024 4:00 pm15 views

  Due to a higher than expected call volume at the MyBenefits Call Center, there could be a longer than normal wait time to speak with a representative. All voicemails received today, May 31, 2024, into the call center to enroll will be honored and processed with you in the next two business days.

• Last Chance: Benefit Choice Ends Friday, May 31!

  May 30, 2024 8:00 am24 views

  Benefit Choice ends Wednesday, May 31! This is your final reminder to make your State benefit elections or changes for the upcoming plan year on https://MyBenefits.illinois.gov. 

• DPI leadership: Search underway for Discovery Partners Institute executive director

  May 29, 2024 11:00 am0 views

  The global search for the next executive director of the Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) is open for applications.

• Flexible Spending Re-Enrollment and Reminders

  May 28, 2024 9:00 am40 views

  The end of Benefit Choice is May 31. If you haven’t re-enrolled in the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Program for the plan year beginning on July 1, 2024, you have until May 31 to do so. 

• Notice for Election Day 2024

  May 23, 2024 9:00 am2443 views

  The general election will take place this year on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. This day is not designated as a holiday for universities in Illinois. However, time off to vote may be available in accordance with State of Illinois law.

• Deadline Approaching: Benefit Choice Ends May 31!

  May 21, 2024 8:00 am36 views

  The last day to make Benefit Choice changes will be here soon! Remember, you only have until May 31 to make your State benefit elections or changes for the upcoming plan year.

• Benefit Choice: Submit Your Documentation

  May 16, 2024 2:00 pm91 views

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

• Benefit Choice: Make Your Choices by May 31

  May 15, 2024 8:00 am33 views

  We’re halfway through Benefit Choice at https://MyBenefits.illinois.gov! Remember, you have until May 31 to make your State benefit elections or changes for the upcoming plan year. Elections will be effective July 1, 2024. For help registering and logging in to MyBenefits, see the MyBenefits FAQs. 

• MyBenefits Plus Webinar

  May 7, 2024 2:00 pm30 views

  Are you interested in learning more about MyBenefits Plus, a voluntary benefit program? 

• MyBenefits Plus Voluntary Benefit Programs

  May 2, 2024 8:00 am94 views

  Did you know that as a full-time State benefits-eligible employee you have access to MyBenefits Plus, a voluntary benefit program?

• FY 2025 Benefit Choice Announcement

  Apr 23, 2024 10:30 am494 views

  The State Department of Central Management Services (CMS) has announced that the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Benefit Choice enrollment period will begin May 1 and end May 31, 2024. 

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

  Apr 22, 2024 2:00 pm78 views

  Have you considered participating in the State of Illinois Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Plan? 

• Designate or Review Your Beneficiaries: State Life Insurance

  Apr 18, 2024 8:00 am24 views

  Ensure your life insurance benefits are distributed according to your wishes by designating or reviewing your beneficiary designations for your State of Illinois Life Insurance coverage.

• SURS Updates: Spring Stakeholders Meeting

  Apr 16, 2024 8:00 am18 views

  SURS participants are invited to attend the SURS Virtual Spring Townhall and Stakeholders Meeting on April 25^th, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CST. This semi-annual webinar, offered each Spring and Fall, is an opportunity to hear updates from SURS about SURS benefits, investments, legislation, and funding. 

• MyBenefits: Review/Add Your Email Address

  Apr 10, 2024 3:00 pm41 views

  Receive State-benefits notices from MyBenefits faster by providing your email address!

• Urbana: Faculty/Staff Emergency Fund Drive Spring 2024

  Apr 9, 2024 9:30 am22 views

  The Emergency Fund needs your help!

• Health Plan Reminder: Out-of-Network Providers

  Apr 4, 2024 8:00 am102 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.

• Live Retirement and Investment Webinars Available

  Apr 2, 2024 12:00 pm23 views

  Are you saving for your future?

  To help you learn more about your retirement planning and investment options using the University 403(b) Plan, Fidelity Investments and TIAA are offering live retirement education webinars this spring. 

• Schedule of Approved Holidays for FY25

  Mar 8, 2024 8:45 am452 views

  The schedule of approved holidays for fiscal year 2025 is below.

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

  Mar 7, 2024 8:00 am125 views

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

• Know Your Approved Retirement Plan Representatives

  Feb 15, 2024 8:00 am75 views

  This is an important reminder about retirement plan companies and who may appropriately contact you.

  You should be aware that your name and workplace contact information are often available through online directories and department websites. As such, you are encouraged to be skeptical of any attempts by individuals requesting personal or financial information. You should exercise the same care and caution as you would when receiving sales calls or advertising emails at home.

• Keep Your Emergency Contacts Updated

  Feb 7, 2024 8:00 am81 views

  Do you have emergency contacts on file with the University of Illinois System? Are they current?  

  It is important to keep up-to-date emergency contact information on file, so U of I System representatives know who to call on your behalf in the unfortunate event of an emergency or accident. 

• 2024 System Office DELTA Program - Nominations are now being accepted!

  Feb 5, 2024 8:30 am0 views

  Nominations are now being accepted for the 2024 Distinguished Employee Leadership and Team Award (DELTA).

• Announcing the 2024 Professional Staff Leadership Academy Cohort

  Jan 26, 2024 11:00 am73 views

  We are delighted to announce the selected participants for the 2024 Professional Staff Leadership Academy (PSLA). PSLA is designed to foster a culture of dynamic and transformational leadership for academic professional and professional civil service staff throughout the University of Illinois System.

• 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plan - 2024 Universal Availability Notice

  Jan 25, 2024 8:00 am68 views

  403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plan - 2024 Universal Availability Notice

• Be Cautious: Retirement and Pension Meetings Email

  Jan 12, 2024 11:00 am52 views

  We are aware that University of Illinois System employees may have received an email yesterday asking employees to schedule a “retirement planning session". That email was NOT sent by the university nor SURS, and is NOT from one of our approved retirement plan providers. Please exercise caution whenever you receive email from unknown sources.

• Paid Leave for All Workers

  Jan 10, 2024 2:30 pm263 views

  Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, a new law in Illinois requires that employers provide up to 40 hours of paid time off annually for all employees. The Paid Leave for All Workers Act provides up to 40 hours of paid leave per year to employees who do not currently receive vacation leave.

• Update Your Mailing Address and Consent for Online Tax Forms

  Dec 7, 2023 8:15 am783 views

  Have you moved this year? If you receive your tax forms (e.g., W-2, 1042-S, 1095-C) via Postal Mail, it’s important to update your Mailing Address before December 31, 2023.  Foreign National employees will also have to update their address with the Foreign National Service Center by submitting a ticket at UPB Service Portal.

• Annual Update to Long Term Disability (LTD) Premiums

  Dec 5, 2023 8:00 am35 views

  As a participant in the University LTD Plan, you may notice a change to your payroll deduction amount. The deduction is calculated annually and is effective for the period of December 1, 2023 - November 30, 2024.