Employee Benefits

As a permanent, full-time New York State employee you will be eligible for a variety of attractive benefits.

Vacation, holiday, sick and personal leave

As a full-time employee, you earn 13 days of paid vacation leave during the first year of employment, with added bonus days on completion of years 1 through 7. After seven years of state service, your vacation leave increases to 20 days annually. You can earn five days paid personal leave and 12 paid holidays annually. Paid sick leave varies depending on negotiated contracts with employee unions.

Health Care Coverage

As State employee, you and your family can choose from a variety of quality health plans available at an affordable, low premium cost through enrollment in the Empire Plan or Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs). You are also provided family dental and vision plans at no cost through either a union Employee Benefits Fund or a state-administered program.

Retirement Plan

The New York State Employees’ Retirement System is designed to provide income after retirement from state service. Retirement benefits are vested after 10 years of credited New York State service. The plan also provides supplemental benefits such as loan privileges, disability retirement benefits and death benefits for eligible employees. Enrollment in the New York State Retirement Plan is mandatory. The amount of pension is determined by total years of service and final average salary.

Payroll Deduction Savings Plans

The New York State Deferred Compensation Plan is a 457(b) voluntary retirement plan that affords you, as an employee, the option to invest a portion of your salary for retirement on a tax-deferred basis. Another such plan is the U.S. Savings Bond Payroll Savings Plan. New York’s 529 College Saving’s Program allows you to save for your children’s education.

New York State Flex Spending Account (FSA)

The New York State Flex Spending Account (FSA) offers you two opportunities for savings that you contribute to annually:

• Dependent Care Advantage Account to cover costs for childcare, elder care or care for disabled dependents
• Health Care Spending Account to cover costs for health-related expenses not reimbursed through insurance.

A variety of tuition assistance and reimbursement opportunities are offered through negotiated agreements with employee unions. The programs provide financial assistance for employees to improve job skills, performance and career opportunities by enrolling in courses at participating New York State educational institutions.

You may choose to purchase a group term life insurance policy. If you participate in the Management Confidential (M/C) Income Protection Plan, you will be covered for short-term and long-term disability benefits.

The Employee Assistance Program helps you cope with personal problems. The assessment and referral service connects you with local service providers and support services to address your needs.