Benefits at Layoff

UNDERSTAND

Layoff Benefits Eligibility

If your position ends because of lack of work, lack of funding, or reorganization, you may have options for continuing benefits.

Staff layoff/reemployment rights are established either by union contract or under Department of Personnel rules.
Faculty, librarians, and professional staff do not have layoff reemployment rights or eligibility for a rehire list. However, options to continue benefits following layoff do apply if your appointment was discontinued for lack of work, lack of funding, or reorganization.
Temporary staff (including hourly, fixed-duration appointments and project appointment professional staff) do not have layoff benefits continuation rights; however, medical and dental can be continued under the federal COBRA law.

Length of Benefits Continuation Option Following Layoff

Layoff rights for benefits extend for a limited period of time and are defined by the labor contract or by the UW or state personnel rules that govern your position:

Faculty, Librarians, & Professional Staff: Up to 24 months
Classified Non-Union and Contract Classified Staff: Up to 24 months

ACT

Medical and Dental

There are two ways to continue your medical/dental enrollment following layoff:

Work at least eight hours per month at the UW. The UW will make the employer insurance contribution for any month in which you worked a minimum of eight hours in any nonstudent position. Eight hours is required even if you were laid off from a part-time position. If the employee-paid share of the medical premium is not taken by payroll deduction, you must arrange payment with Benefits & Work/Life. UTemp Staffing may be of assistance in locating temporary employment.
Self-pay for your insurances. If you do not work at least eight hours during a month, you are eligible to self-pay your insurances for that month. Complete the self-pay form and send your check to the Health Care Authority in Olympia for any month in which you are not eligible for the UW-paid employer contribution. You can download self-pay forms from the Benefits & Work/Life forms page or request them from PEBB Customer Service: 800-200-1004.

Coverage ends at midnight on the last day of the month of separation from an eligible position, unless you work the required eight hours of eligible UW employment outlined above. Otherwise, life insurance ends as of the last day of the month in which the full monthly premium was paid. You may self-pay when laid off to continue this coverage. On return from layoff, no optional coverage is reinstated unless premiums were kept current while on layoff. If premiums lapsed, new coverage must be applied for and approved by the insurance company with evidence of good health.

Long Term Disability Insurance (LTD)

LTD cannot be self-paid while on layoff. However, it can be reinstated on your return to either a temporary or a permanent position.

Retirement and Savings Plans

Your participation in UWRP; PERS1, 2, or 3; TRS 1 or 2; LEOFF 2; or VIP plans ceases upon separation from employment. You may have access to funds if needed; however, you need to review your retirement plan rules and determine what taxes and penalties may apply for withdrawal.

Premiums

Medical and dental premium rates are in the self-pay packet, or you can request a packet from PEBB Customer Service: 800-200-1004.

Life insurance employee premiums are paid at the same rate as while you were in pay-status, with the addition that you must also pay the employer basic life insurance premium. Review the life insurance web pages for more information.

(The previous information briefly describes UW insurance coverage and other benefits. If there is a conflict between this description and official plan documents, provisions of the plan documents will govern. Any of these plans may change or stop at any time. This information does not constitute an employment contract.)

EXPLORE

After layoff, stay connected to let us know if you are working at least eight hours in a month. Email benefits@u.washington.edu to help us keep your benefits current.

UW Employment - to apply for UW jobs

Layoff Process and Resources

Academic Human Resources Faculty with questions about separation can email call 206-543-5630 or email acadpers@u.washington.edu.

UW CareLink Provides confidential counseling and assistance to faculty and staff.

Training Resources—Layoff - offered by Professional & Organizational Development