Dental Insurance
Dental benefits are available to employees and their dependents at a nominal cost. Coverage begins on the first day of the month after the employee has completed six full calendar months of continuous employment.
Health Insurance
Employees and their eligible dependents may participate in a wide range of health insurance plans offered through the NYS Department of Civil Service. In most cases, health insurance coverage begins on the first day of the month following the date of hire. The Dormitory Authority provides a generous contribution for individual and family health insurance plans. Health insurance benefits are also available in retirement when employees meet certain eligibility criteria.
Vision Insurance
Vision Care benefits are available to employees and their dependents at a nominal cost. Coverage begins on the first day of the month after the employee has completed a 56-day waiting period.
Note: Health, dental, and vision insurance premiums are deducted pre-tax on a bi-weekly basis.
New York State Deferred Compensation Plan
Employees who wish to set aside additional retirement monies may defer wages, up to the maximum allowed under IRS Section 457, from federal, state and local taxation. Deferred monies are invested in a choice of mutual funds, including stable income, money market or equities. Monies are invested based on a percentage of gross earnings determined by the enrollee. In addition, employees over the age of 50 and those within three years of retirement can contribute additional amounts. The Deferred Compensation Plan is 100 percent employee funded.
New York State and Local Employees Retirement System (ERS)
The Dormitory Authority offers participation in the ERS. Full-time salaried employees are required to become a member of the ERS. Contributions are equal to three percent of the gross pay for the first 10 years of employment.
Note: Retirement and Deferred Compensation Plan contributions are deducted pre-tax on a bi-weekly basis.
Holiday Observance
Employees are granted 12 paid holidays per year.
Personal Leave
Employees are granted five days per year to attend to personal matters. Personal leave accruals are available immediately upon hire and should be utilized by the annual employment anniversary date. In most cases, the annual employment anniversary is the date of hire.
Sick Leave
Employees can accrue up to 13 days in sick leave per year.
Vacation Leave
Employees earn 13 vacation days per year. New employees are subject to a six-month waiting period before they may begin to use vacation days. During the first seven years, employees earn additional vacation days for each year worked. For each year occurring after the seventh anniversary, employees will accrue vacation time at a higher rate, approximately 20 days annually.
Note: Eligible hourly employees are subject to a waiting period of approximately nine months before accruing vacation, sick, and personal leave.
College Savings Program (529 Plan)
Employees may defer money for future college expenses. Employees may create an account for their own college savings or accounts for their children, or other named beneficiaries. The plan allows for a New York State income tax deduction for contributions of up to $5,000 annually (up to $10,000 annually for married couples filing jointly). The deduction also applies to New York City income tax.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The Dormitory Authority offers a free, confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The program is designed to provide professional counseling and referrals for services that can help with problems that may affect the quality of employees’ personal life or job performance.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Employees may enroll in one of three flexible spending accounts: Unreimbursed Medical Account, Dependent Day Care Account, and Premium Expense Account. Each plan offers employees the opportunity to defer pre-tax monies to pay for certain eligible out-of-pocket expenses. Employees may enroll during the first 30 days of employment or each year during the annual open enrollment period. FSAs are 100 per cent employee funded.
Long Term Care Insurance (NYPERL)
Employees and eligible family members may enroll in the NYS Public Employee and Retiree Long-Term Care Insurance Plan (NYPERL). Long-term care insurance is administered through MedAmerica Insurance Company of New York and is intended to provide assistance if you are unable to carry out the basic activities of everyday living. NYPERL is designed to provide financial protection against the costs associated with long-term care covered services provided by a nursing facility, home health care agency, adult day-care center, or assisted living facility. NYPERL is 100 per cent employee funded.
Long Term Disability Insurance (LTD)
The Dormitory Authority offers its employees the option of enrolling in long-term disability insurance. Employees are eligible to file an LTD claim once they have been out of work for 90 days. If a claim is approved, the LTD carrier will pay 60 percent of the gross monthly salary until the employee reaches the age of 65. The maximum payout for claims associated with mental health is two years. Premium amounts are based on salary. LTD insurance is 100 per cent employee funded.
Mass Transportation Benefit
Depending on work location, employees may be eligible for reimbursement of their monthly public transportation expenses.
Training & Development
The Dormitory Authority is committed to the ongoing career development of its employees. Employees have a variety of opportunities to gain knowledge and competence in subjects that benefit their professional and personal growth.
Travel Insurance
The Authority provides an accidental death and dismemberment benefit for all employees while in official travel status. Typically, employees are considered to be in travel status anytime they are required to travel to a site or destination other than their official work station. Travel insurance is 100 per cent employer funded.
Tuition Reimbursement
The Dormitory Authority encourages employees to pursue higher education goals. Eligible employees enrolled in an approved degree program or taking approved courses at any college, university or professional/technical school registered by the New York State Department of Education may be eligible for tuition reimbursement.
Blood Pressure Screening
The Authority provides free monthly blood pressure screening.
Breast Cancer/Prostate Cancer Screening
Employees may take up to four hours of paid leave annually for screening for breast cancer and prostate cancer.
Ergonomic Workstation Evaluations
At employee’s request, the Authority provides quarterly ergonomic workstation evaluations for the purpose of assisting employees in the proper adjustment of their workstation.
Flu Shot Clinics
The Authority provides annual flu shot clinics in the Albany, NYC and Buffalo offices free of charge.
