State of Wisconsin Benefits
The State of Wisconsin offers generous fringe benefits to employees. The benefits may vary somewhat between employee groups based on their occupational status (i.e.: protective, executive, general); whether or not employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement; and percentage of full-time employment. Available benefits include:
Vacation and Holidays
Vacation is earned from the first day of employment, but cannot be used until the employee has worked for six months. Vacation is earned as follows:
| Years of Service: | Hours Earned Each Year: |
|---|---|
| First 5 years---- | 80 |
| 5+ to 10 years-- | 120 |
| 10+ to 15------- | 136 |
| 15+ to 20------- | 160 |
| 20+ to 25------- | 176 |
| 25 and over----- | 200 |
Employees are granted 9 legal holidays per year and 28 hours of personal holiday annually.
Paid Sick Leave
Sick leave is earned at the rate of 5 hours per bi-weekly pay period for full-time employees. Unused sick leave accumulates from year-to-year. Upon retirement the State matches a certain amount of the unused sick leave, and the entire balance can be converted at the employee's current hourly rate to pay health insurance premiums.
Deferred Compensation
The Deferred Compensation Program allows employees to invest pre-tax earnings of up to 100% of their compensation not to exceed to annual IRS limit of $15,500 for 2007. Individuals who are age 50 or older during the 2007 calendar year may contribute an additional $5,000. The annual limits are expect to be indexed for inflation in $500 increments in subsequent years.
Retirement
Employees are covered immediately upon hire under the Wisconsin Retirement System. Vested employee-required contributions, approximately 5% of an employee's earnings, are made by the State on behalf of the employee. The State pays another 5-10%, depending upon the employee's occupational status, toward the non-vested employer-required contribution.
Employee Reimbursement Accounts
The Employee Reimbursement Accounts Program allows employees to pay eligible medical and dependent care expenses from pre-tax rather than post-tax income. In addition, premiums for State group health, catastrophic, and life insurance (excluding spouse and dependent life insurance coverage) may be treated as pre-tax deductions.
Flexible Work Schedules
Many employees enjoy flexible and part-time work schedules. Employees that work at least 50% receive fringe benefits. Paid leave benefits are pro-rated, based upon the percentage of full-time the employee works.
Transfer and Promotional Opportunities
Classified state employees are eligible to transfer to other civil service positions and to compete for promotional appointments, in accordance with civil service rules and laws.
Insurance Options
Health Insurance:
A variety of Health Maintenance Organizations, Preferred Provider Plans, and fee-for-service health providers offer coverage. Employees may obtain coverage within one month of starting work, but the State contribution toward premium (which can be as much as 100% of the total premium) is not effective until after 6 months of State employment under the Wisconsin Retirement System.
Life Insurance:
After 6 months of coverage under the Wisconsin Retirement System, an employee may have group term life insurance coverage in an amount up to 5 times his/her annual salary. The State contributes approximately 20% of the premium. Employees may also secure coverage for their spouse (up to $20,000) and dependents (up to $10,000 each).
Income Continuation Insurance:
After 6 months of coverage in the Wisconsin Retirement System, employees are eligible for income continuation insurance. This benefit ensures that individuals will receive up to 75% of their gross salary for physical or mental disabilities. State contribution, which can range from 0% to 100%, is contingent upon an employee's accrual and use of sick leave.
Catastrophic Insurance:
Excess medical, accidental death and dismemberment, and dental coverage are features of this insurance. Employees are responsible for the entire premium.
Dental Insurance:
Some dental coverage is included in many of the group health insurance plans and the catastrophic insurance plan. Many unions offer separate dental coverage to their membership.
Long-Term Care Insurance:
This insurance covers short-term and long-term home health care, assisted living, community-based care, and nursing home care. The plan is available only to State employees and annuitants, including their spouse, parents, and spouse's parents. Employees pay the full premium.
| Additional information is available on the Employee Trust Funds web site at: http://etf.wi.gov/ |
Last updated June 28, 2007