Dear Colleagues,
The time is now! Open enrollment for the Productivity Enhancement Program (PEP) started November 1 and continues through December 11.
The PEP program provides a means by which eligible employees – generally, NYSHIP enrollees who earn vacation and currently make less than $108,646 a year – may cash in previously accrued vacation days for a bi-weekly credit to reduce the cost of their health insurance premiums. The number of days that may be forfeited to receive this credit varies based on income.
Full-time employees with an annual salary at or below $76,028 who enroll in PEP for 2024 will forfeit either four days or eight days of annual leave in return for a credit of up to $800 or $1,600 that will be used to reduce the employee share of NYSHIP premiums deducted from paychecks in 2024.
Full-time employees with an annual salary above $76,028 and below $108,646 who enroll in PEP for 2024 will forfeit either two and one-half days or five days of annual leave in return for a credit of up to $750 or $1,500 that will be used to reduce the employee share of NYSHIP premiums deducted from paychecks in 2024.
Benefits-eligible part-time employees with annualized salaries within the above ranges, who earn vacation and who choose to enroll in PEP will forfeit prorated days of annual leave and receive a prorated credit toward their health insurance premiums based on their payroll percentage.
Attached is the SUNY-wide program description which contains more detailed information about PEP for your information. Campus specific information and direction from the university can be found at:
In Solidarity,
Ken Kern
Chapter President
UUP Buffalo Center
Attachment can be found here