System HR News

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.

Have you considered participating in the State of Illinois Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Plan? You can reduce your taxable income when you contribute to this plan

Did you know that as a full-time State benefits-eligible employee you have access to MyBenefits Plus, a voluntary benefit program? MyBenefits Plus offers a variety of services available to you through payroll deduction. 

The State Department of Central Management Services (CMS) has announced that the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Benefit Choice enrollment period will begin May 1 and end June 2, 2025.

Do you have questions about changes and plan options available during the FY2026 Benefit Choice period? The State of Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) Benefit Choice Open Enrollment Fairs will be held in-person and will have recordings available online throughout the month of May.

We are delighted to announce that we will once again be granting three gift days to employees eligible for leave benefits in the upcoming 2025-26 fiscal year.

Join us for the University of Illinois System Virtual Retirement Planning Conference (VRPC) on Monday, April 28, 2025. This virtual event is designed for faculty and staff who are considering retirement within the next three to five years, and will provide essential guidance to help you plan with confidence.

The University of Illinois System is the proud host of this global convening of thought leaders, scientists, and innovators tackling our planet’s most urgent challenges.

We’re excited to share a preview of the incredible programming and exclusive registration discounts available to our faculty, staff, and students.

The Emergency Fund needs your help!

The second week of April marks America Saves Week, a week of opportunity to focus on your savings strategies. University of Illinois System approved 403(b) retirement plan investment companies, TIAA and Fidelity Investments, offer these tips and resources to help you help you build a strong financial future:

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.

Please note: Health Alliance HMO will no longer be available on July 1, 2025.

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

The following information is intended for Health Alliance plan participants.  

On February 25, 2025, Health Alliance announced it will discontinue its commercial insurance operations at the end of the 2025 calendar year. As a result, through Health Alliance's collaboration with the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) the decision was made to end coverage with Health Alliance effective July 1, 2025. 

The following information is intended for Health Alliance plan participants.

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

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.

Nominations are now being accepted for the
2025 Distinguished Employee Leadership and Team Award (DELTA)

DELTA nominations must be submitted no later than Friday, February 28, 2025.

On January 5, 2025, President Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law. This new law repeals two provisions that previously reduced benefits for people who qualify for Social Security and also receive a state pension. If you're one of these individuals, this change could mean higher benefits when you retire.

We are excited to announce the selected participants for the 2025 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 - 2025 Universal Availability Notice

January is financial wellness month; are you saving for your future? 

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, 2024.  Foreign National employees will also have to update their address with the Foreign National Service Center by submitting a ticket at UPB Service Portal.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced the supplemental retirement plan contribution limits will increase for 2025. As a 403(b) or 457 plan participant, the following information and reminders may be helpful to you.

The Commuter benefit program contribution limit is increasing for 2025.

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. 

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

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. 

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

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

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

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. 

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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. 

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

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

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.

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. 

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

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. 

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.

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.