Contact Us
University Human Resources
395 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10014
Phone: (646) 664-3259
University Benefits Office (UBO)
Welcome to the University Benefits Office! Our team administers all employee benefits programs available to CUNY employees and retirees. CUNY’s goal is to offer a comprehensive benefits package that will meet both the present and future needs of our employees and their families. The types of benefits managed through UBO include health, welfare, retirement and other programs. Depending upon your role at CUNY, you are eligible for a specific benefit program.
This website will allow you to obtain a summary of the benefits available to you, as well as to research your benefit plans in more detail. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your Campus Benefits Officer.
Employees are encouraged to contact the UBO Employee Helpline should they need assistance in the event that they are having difficulty reaching a Benefits Officer due to campus closures. Employees can call 646-664-2420 or email UniversityBenefits@cuny.edu.
Employee Assistance Program:
Faculty and Staff who may be experiencing heightened levels of anxiety during this time are encouraged to reach out to our Employee Assistance Plan Provider, CCA. They are available by phone 24 hours a day 7 days a week at (800) 833-8707 or by logging in to the CUNY Employee Assistance Plan website presented by CCA www.myccaonline.com. The Company Code is “cuny”.
CCA provides telehealth options and other resources for those adjusting to remote working or those experiencing anxiety related to Covid19.
No-Cost At-Home COVID-19 Tests
Starting January 15, 2022 and through the end of the Public Health Emergency Period, eligible employees may be entitled to over the counter COVID 19 at home tests at no cost through their health insurance provider. These at home tests must be FDA approved and may not be used for employment purposes. For additional information, procedures and claim forms, please use the applicable link below.
Emblem Health – COVID-19 Testing
Empire BCBS – COVID-19 Information
Aetna – At-Home COVID-19 Tests
MetroPlus – COVID-19 Health Information
Telemedicine:
Many of our Health Insurance Carriers are now offering expanded opportunities to speak with medical providers by telephone or video (telemedicine).
Follow this link to a chart displaying what each carrier is offering their members: Telemedicine Chart
Mental Health Resources:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published resources so employees may educate themselves on planning, preparing, and coping with stress before and during a COVID-19 outbreak.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/index.html
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides additional information and access to assistance for those coping with stress and anxiety related to COVID-19.
https://www.samhsa.gov/disaster-preparedness
The free digital mental health resources below will also be available for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic:
https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us/en/covid-19-digital-mental-health-resources/
https://s20243.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/COVID-19-Digital-Mental-Health-Resources.pdf
Additional Resources:
WorkWell NYC is offering live and on demand free at-home fitness classes so you can be part of the movement-anywhere, anytime.
Use the link below to register for live classes. CUNY is listed under agency.
https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/olr/downloads/pdf/wellness/wellness-wellnessanywhereaplilcalendar.pdf
To take part in on-demand fitness videos, follow along with instructors to move more and relieve stress in 20 minutes or less.
Many employees working from home have found themselves in makeshift workstations often without a proper desk, chair, computer monitor, keyboard or lighting. Setting up a proper workstation will help minimize potential ergonomic injuries to the back, neck and shoulders.
New York City Health provides ergonomic tips and best practices for working from home.
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) provides information and a checklist to help create a safe and comfortable computer workstation.
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/checklist_evaluation.html
Open Enrollment is the one time during the year when you can change your benefit elections, add or remove dependents for health, dental and flexible spending account plans without a “Qualifying Life Event.” Learn more on CUNY’s Open Enrollment Webpage.
Adjunct Staff (Teaching and Non-Teaching) Read More
Classified Civil Service – Full Time Read More
Classified Civil Service – Part Time Read More
Classified Managerial Read More
Continuing Education Teacher (CET) Read More
Doctoral Students/Graduate Assistants Read More
Executive Compensation Plan (ECP) Read More
Instructional Staff (Teaching and Non-Teaching) Read More
Skilled Trades Read More
Catastrophic Sick Leave Bank Program Information
Catastrophic Sick Leave Bank Program – Application to Donate Sick Leave
Catastrophic Sick Leave Bank Program – Application to Receive Sick Leave
Catastrophic Sick Leave Bank Program – Application to Change Donation or Withdraw
DC 37 Age 26 Young Adult Dependent
Dedicated Sick Leave – Application to Donate
Dedicated Sick Leave – Application to Receive
Domestic Partner, Same Sex Marriage or Civil Union – Information Packet
Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Policy and Information
Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Policy
Notice of Eligibility and Rights and Responsibilities
Fitness for Duty Certification
Certification of Family Relationship Form
Certification of Health Care Provider (HCP) for Employee’s Serious Health Condition
Certification of Health Care Provider (HCP) for Family Member’s Serious Health Condition
Certification for Serious Injury or Illness of a Current Service Member – Military Family Leave
Certification for Serious Injury or Illness of a Veteran – Military Caregiver Leave
Certification of Qualifying Exigency for Military Family Leave
Non-FMLA Medical Leave Forms
Application for Non-FMLA Medical Leave
Non-FMLA Medical Leave Designation Form
Non-FMLA Fitness for Duty Certification
Additional Benefits Forms
Application for Leave for Special Purposes: Instructional Staff (Teaching and Non-Teaching) Only
Child Care Leave of Absence Application (Unpaid) – Classified Staff Only
Child Care Leave of Absence Application (Unpaid) – Instructional Staff Only
Flexible Spending Account – Direct Deposit Enrollment, Change or Cancellation
Flexible Spending Account – Plan Year 2021 Enrollment/Change
Flexible Spending Account – 2021 Flexible Spending New York City Program Brochure
Health Benefits Buy-Out Waiver Application (2021)
New York’s College Savings Program 529
NYSHIP Application to Add Domestic Partner to Coverage
NYSHIP Termination of Domestic Partnership
Paid Parental Leave Application
PSC/CUNY Death Benefit Designation
PSC/CUNY Application for Welfare Fund Benefits for Domestic Parnter/Same Sex Spouse
PSC/CUNY Delta Dental Enrollment
PSC/CUNY Extended Medical Benefit Claim Form – For Employees with GHI
PSC/CUNY Guardian Non-Participating Dental Claim
PSC/CUNY Hearing Aid Reimbursement
PSC/CUNY Medco Prescription Drug – Mail Order
PSC/CUNY Medco Prescription Drug – Direct Claim
PSC/CUNY Weight Watchers Participation
US Savings Bonds – Treasury Direct
Worker’s Compensation Claim Forms
Retirement
Salary Reduction Agreement -TIAA
CUNY TIAA Plan Information and Enrollment Portal (Optional Retirement and Voluntary Plans)
New York City Deferred Compensation 401(k) Retirement Plan – Community Colleges Only
New York City Employees’ Retirement System Designation of Beneficiary
New York City Employees’ Retirement System Enrollment
New York City Teachers’ Retirement System Enrollment
New York City Teachers’ Retirement System Designation of QPP Beneficiary
New York State Deferred Compensation 457 Plan
Retirement Leave of Absence Request (TRAVIA)
Leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act has expired effective September 30, 2021.
Employees who are subject to a mandatory or precautionary order of quarantine or isolation due to COVID 19 are provided with up to fourteen days (10 working days) of paid sick leave at their regular rate of pay with no charge to their accruals. Employees who are able to work remotely are not eligible for this benefit.
Use the link below for more information on New York State’s COVID Leave benefits and eligibility.
New York State Paid Family Leave Benefits (PFL) are available for certain Classified Staff Titles and PSC members through Collective Bargaining Agreements. PFL is an employee-funded insurance policy that provides job protected, paid time-off to:
- Bond with a newly born, adopted or fostered child;
- Care for a family member with a serious health condition;
- Assist loved ones when a family member is deployed in a foreign country on active military service.
Eligible employees who work at Community Colleges (on New York City Payroll) are covered under New York City’s Paid Family Leave Insurance Policy provided by MetLife. Eligible employees who work at Senior Colleges (on New York State Payroll) are covered under a Paid Family Leave Insurance Policy provided by the Standard.
For more information on the PFL benefits, eligibility, cost and how to file a claim, follow the links below for more information.
Community College Employees
Classified Staff (NYC) Read More
PSC Employees (NYC) Read More
ECP and CSM Employees (NYS) Read More
Senior College Employees
Classified Staff (NYS) Read More
PSC Employees (NYS) Read More
ECP and CSM Employees (NYC) Read More
ECP and CSM Employees (NYS) Read More
Retirement Plan Forms & Important Links
Retirement Plan Options for Instructional Staff (teaching and non-teaching) and ECP members
Salary Reduction Agreement -TIAA
CUNY Employee Voluntary Savings Plans- Universal Availability Notice
CUNY TIAA Plan Information and Enrollment Portal (Optional Retirement and Voluntary Plans)
New York City Deferred Compensation 401(k) Retirement Plan – Community Colleges Only
New York City Employees’ Retirement System
New York City Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) member portal
Retirement is one of the most important events we will experience. The process may seem daunting, and you may have many questions as you prepare for that chapter in your life. The information provided below will assist you in understanding the process and answering many of the questions you may have. The information below is a combination of resources from CUNY, NYC Office of Labor Relations and the Retirement Systems (TRS, NYCERS and TIAA).
NYC Office of Labor Relations Information Sessions and Webinars:
The NYC Office of Labor Relations has designed seminars for employees who are contemplating retirement, and who have specific concerns, for example, the available health benefits options. These specialized seminars are conducted at 40 Rector Street, 3rd floor. All interested employees, please sign up for these seminars on the OLR website at http://www1.nyc.gov/site/olr/health/active/health-active-seminars.page.
For those with limited time available during the day, OLR has created a two-part video which also addresses these issues. Please click on the links below to view:
Part One (5:12): http://www1.nyc.gov/site/olr/health/healthvideos/health-video-transition-seminar-pt1.page
Part Two (4:13): http://www1.nyc.gov/site/olr/health/healthvideos/health-video-transition-seminar-pt2.page
CUNY University Benefits Office Retirement Planning Recordings and Presentations:
The University Benefits Office conducts annual pre-retirement seminars for Instructional, ECP, Classified Managerial and Classified titles. These slide presentations are used during those seminars. Below are links to the recordings of the recent seminars for Instructional Staff as well as the slides presented in both Instructional and Classified seminars.
Pre-Retirement Classified Staff Pension & Retirement 2022 (recording)
Pre-Retirement Seminar Breakout Session for TRS Members 2022 (recording)
Pre-Retirement Seminar Pension and TIAA 2022 (recording)
Pre-Retirement Seminar Classified Staff 2022 Health & Welfare (recording)
Pre-Retirement Seminar Instructional Staff 2022
Pre-Retirement Seminar for Instructional Staff 2020 (recording)
Pre-Retirement Seminar Classified Staff 2020
CUNY University Benefits Office Retirement Information Booklets and Resources:
Pre-Retirement and Post-Retirement Guide for Instructional Staff: Teaching and Non-Teaching
CUNY Medicare Eligibility Grid
Pre-Retirement Forms/Important Links
Retirement Leave of Absence Form (TRAVIA)
TIAA Medicare Part B Premium Reimbursement
As You Retire — For PSC Retirees Only
Phased Retirement
Phased Retirement Application – Faculty
Retirement is one of the most important events we will experience. The process may seem daunting, and you may have many questions as you prepare for that chapter in your life. The information provided below will assist you in understanding the process and answering many of the questions you may have. The information below is a combination of resources from CUNY, NYC Office of Labor Relations and the Retirement Systems (TRS, NYCERS and TIAA).
NYC Office of Labor Relations Information Sessions and Webinars:
The NYC Office of Labor Relations has designed seminars for employees who are contemplating retirement, and who have specific concerns, for example, the available health benefits options. These specialized seminars are conducted at 40 Rector Street, 3rd floor. All interested employees, please sign up for these seminars on the OLR website at http://www1.nyc.gov/site/olr/health/active/health-active-seminars.page.
For those with limited time available during the day, OLR has created a two-part video which also addresses these issues. Please click on the links below to view:
Part One (5:12): http://www1.nyc.gov/site/olr/health/healthvideos/health-video-transition-seminar-pt1.page
Part Two (4:13): http://www1.nyc.gov/site/olr/health/healthvideos/health-video-transition-seminar-pt2.page
CUNY University Benefits Office Retirement Planning Recordings and Presentations:
The University Benefits Office conducts annual pre-retirement seminars for Instructional, ECP, Classified Managerial and Classified titles. These slide presentations are used during those seminars. Below are links to the recordings of the recent seminars for Instructional Staff as well as the slides presented in both Instructional and Classified seminars.
Pre-Retirement Seminar for Instructional Staff 2020 (recording)
Pre-Retirement Seminar Breakout Session for TRS Members (recording)
Pre-Retirement Seminar Instructional Staff 2022
Pre-Retirement Seminar Classified Staff 2020
CUNY University Benefits Office Retirement Information Booklets and Resources:
Pre-Retirement and Post-Retirement Guide for Instructional Staff: Teaching and Non-Teaching
CUNY Medicare Eligibility Grid
Pre-Retirement Forms/Important Links
Retirement Leave of Absence Form (TRAVIA)
TIAA Medicare Part B Premium Reimbursement
As You Retire — For PSC Retirees Only
Phased Retirement
Phased Retirement Application – Faculty
Employee Benefits Package
Juggling your personal & professional life? The CUNY Work/Life Program can help and it’s FREE to employees and their families. Use “CUNY” for the company code. Learn more about the range of support and convenient services provided by CCA in the EAP Overview.
More information regarding CUNY’s Employee Assistance Program will be posted soon. In the interim, please contact your campus HR office to learn more about CUNY’s EAP.
CUNY
Wellness Program
Please check out CUNY’s Employee Wellness Program page for resources and upcoming wellness events!
CUNY eMall – Discounts for Faculty and Staff
The CUNY eMall is a virtual shopping plaza where merchants offer a variety of discounts and other promotional programs on goods and services to CUNY faculty and staff. To access the eMall you must log into the CUNY portal.