Benefits

This benefit information is intended to provide a general overview of the benefits most State employees are entitled to receive. When you receive an employment offer by the State of California, you should request specific information regarding applicable benefits. The benefits listed in this section apply to most permanent, full-time employees appointed to California State Civil Service. Permanent, part-time employees are typically eligible for benefits based on the number of hours worked each monthly pay period. Additionally, most benefits are subject to collective bargaining agreements, and may differ from those contained in this section.

For additional information, please contact these State Departments:

• CalPERS
• DPA Benefits Page

Salaries and Wages

Compensation

Most State salaries are based on a monthly-compensation rate, by job classification, although some temporary positions are based on hourly rates. Additionally, most State employees are paid at the end of each monthly pay period (generally 21 or 22 working days).  The State Controller's Office (SCO) is responsible for issuing paychecks, W-2 Forms and also maintains other employee and employment history information.

Typically, State classifications consist of five salary steps and can also contain several salary ranges within the classification.  New employees are usually appointed to the minimum salary rate for the classification.  In some instances, the State does allow departments to offer starting salaries above the minimum rate.  These are referred to as hiring above minimum (HAM) rates and must meet specific criteria.  You should discuss your starting salary rate with the hiring agency and whether or not a HAM rate applies to the job being offered.

State employees may also qualify to participate in the Direct Deposit Program, where the State Controller's Office deposits employees' paychecks directly into their designated bank account of choice.  Employees still receive a monthly pay stub that reflects the deductions made and the total amount deposited into their account.

Salary Increase

There are several types of salary increases that State employees may qualify for, while appointed to their job classification. The frequency and amount of salary increases differ, with the following being the most common types of increases:

• Special In-grade Salary Adjustment (SISA): When an employee is appointed to the minimum range of a classification that includes a SISA and has met the standards of efficiency required for the position, he/she may be authorized to receive a SISA upon completion of six months of qualifying service after appointment. A SISA is a one-step salary increase (generally 5% above the employee's current monthly salary). SISA's are one-time increases.  Classifications with monthly maximum salary rates at or above $2762 are not eligible for a SISA.
• Merit Salary Adjustment (MSA): When an employee is appointed to a salary step other than the maximum for his/her job classification, and has met the standards of efficiency required for the position, he/she may be authorized to receive a MSA upon completion of twelve months of qualifying service after appointment or the last salary increase. A MSA is a one-step increase (generally 5% above the employee's current monthly salary) but not to exceed the maximum salary rate of the classification. MSA's are generally given to employees yearly, until the maximum salary range of the classification is reached.
• General Salary Increase (GSI): State employees' salaries and benefits are bargainable.  The State of California and each of the 21 Bargaining Units enter into contracts (time frames of each contract vary) that specify any GSIs to be given to employees. The amount and frequency of GSIs vary by bargaining unit. Employees should refer to their unit's contract for more detailed information.
• Alternate Range Change: Some State classifications are considered "deep classes" which means they have more than one salary range that may apply to incumbents and/or positions. The number of salary ranges and the requirements for movement between the ranges vary by classification. Each classification with an alternate range has specific requirements that must be met prior to movement or appointment into another range. Employees usually move between ranges through certification by their supervisor that they have met the alternate range criteria.

Paid and Unpaid Leaves

Sick Leave

Sick leave benefits are credited to all employees on the first day of the month following completion of each qualifying pay period. Full-time employees receive 8 hours of monthly sick leave credit and part-time employees receive a pro-rated number of hours. Sick leave credits may be utilized to compensate the employee during periods of absence due to personal illness or injury, or for the care of a sick or injured family member. Employees may accumulate unlimited sick leave credits and at the time of their retirement, sick leave credits may be utilized to increase employees' length of service applied towards retirement.

Paid Holidays

Each employee is entitled to receive pay for State holidays observed throughout the year. Traditionally, those paid holidays include:

• January 1st (New Year's Day);
• the third Monday in January (Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday);
• February 12th (Lincoln's Birthday);
• the third Monday in February (Washington's Birthday);
• March 31st (Cesar Chavez' Birthday);
• the last Monday in May (Memorial Day);
• July 4th (Independence Day);
• the first Monday in September (Labor Day);
• the second Monday in October (Columbus Day);
• November 11th (Veteran's Day);
• Thanksgiving Day and the day after Thanksgiving;
• December 25th (Christmas Day).

Generally, when a State holiday falls on a Saturday, employees earn a day of holiday credit to utilize at a later date. When the State holiday falls on a Sunday, the Monday following that day is observed in lieu of the actual date. The exception is November 11th.  If it falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is observed as a State holiday.

Additionally, upon completion of six qualifying months of State service, each employee becomes eligible for a personal holiday to be utilized on a day of the employee's choice, subject to supervisor approval.  Thereafter, the employee will earn a personal holiday on July 1st of each fiscal year.

Vacation

On the first day of the month following six months of qualifying State service, each employee is entitled to receive a one-time vacation credit of 42 hours. Thereafter, for each qualifying pay period, an employee receives the following vacation credits on the first day of the following month:

State Service                        Hours of Credit
7 months to 3 years           7 hours per month
37 months to 10 years     10 hours per month
121 months to 15 years   12 hours per month
181 months to 20 years   13 hours per month
20 years and over           14 hours per month

Generally, vacation credits can be accumulated to a maximum of 640 hours.  Employees can be paid for any accumulated vacation credits upon their permanent separation from State employment.

Health Related Benefits

Health Benefit Plan

Qualifying State employees have 60 calendar days from the date of their initial appointment to enroll in a health plan. Enrollment is effective the first day of the month following their submission of a health benefits enrollment form. Your employer should provide you with a Health Plan Booklet that provides specific information regarding the health plans available for enrollment, the cost of monthly premiums, and the criteria for meeting enrollment eligibility for specific plans. The State of California provides a specific dollar amount to cover its share of the premium and the employee is required to pay any remaining balance.  Open enrollment (September 1 to October 15 of each year) is the period when those eligible may enroll, change plans, or add eligible family members who are not currently enrolled, which then takes effect January 1st. Additionally, special enrollment allows for the addition of new dependents as a result of marriage, birth, adoption, or placement for adoption at anytime within 60 days of the change.

Dental Benefits

Each eligible State employee has 60 calendar days from the date of his or her initial appointment to enroll in a pre-paid dental plan. Enrollment is effective the first day of the month following submission of a dental benefits enrollment form. Your employer will provide you with a Dental Plan Booklet that provides information regarding the plans available, the cost of premiums, and the enrollment criteria for specific plans. For pre-paid dental plans, the State pays all monthly premiums, with no additional premium deducted from the employee's monthly pay. Upon completion of 24 qualifying pay periods, employees become eligible to enroll in a fee-for-service dental plan. The State of California provides a specific dollar amount to cover its share of the premium and the employee is required to pay any remaining balance.  After an employee's initial enrollment in a dental plan, he or she may elect to make changes to his/her dental plan/coverage, similar to that provided for health benefit changes.

Vision Service Plan

Each eligible State employee is entitled to enroll in the State sponsored vision service plan. This plan provides an eye examination, lenses and a frame once every calendar year for each employee and his/her eligible dependents. The State pays 100% of the premium and the employee is required to pay a $10 deductible for an eye examination and a $25 deductible for materials (frame and/or lenses).

Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)

The COBRA allows employees to continue medical coverage (health, dental & vision) if they become ineligible for continuation of their current State coverage.  The employee must submit a request for COBRA within 60 days following notification of ineligibility and is responsible for paying 102% of the group monthly premium rate.  This allows for the continuous medical coverage of employees while on temporary separations, such as a non-paid leave of absences.

Flexible Benefits Election (FLEXELECT)

FlexElect is a voluntary program that offers eligible employees significant tax advantages for expenses related to dependent care, medical and dental costs.  There are four types of options available under this program:

Cash Options: If an employee already has medical and/or dental insurance coverage through another source (e.g., covered by spouse's plan), he/she can elect to receive a monthly cash payment, up to a maximum of $140, in lieu of the State-sponsored medical and/or dental insurance.  The applicable amount is reflected in the employee's monthly paycheck.

Medical and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts:  An employee can designate a monthly amount to be deducted from his/her paycheck prior to paying federal, state and social security taxes, thereby reducing his/her tax liability.  Money placed in either of these accounts can then be used to reimburse the employee for any incurred medical or dependent care expenses.

Premium Only Plan (POP):  The State's POP provides for an automatic pre-tax health and dental premium cost for eligible State employees.  All employees who pay out-of-pocket health and/or dental premiums are eligible for automatic enrollment into POP.

Employee Assistance Program

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free service that provides a valuable resource for support and information during difficult times, as well as consultation on day-to-day concerns. State employees, their spouses, and unmarried, dependent children are eligible to receive assistance and counseling services through the EAP.  The EAP is a voluntary, confidential, and pre-paid program that can help the employee and their family members balance the demands of daily living and find solutions for ongoing or serious concerns.  The EAP offers problem assessment and assistance referral.  An EAP counselor works with the employee to clarify and define the problem, identify alternatives and develop a plan of action.

Other Benefits

Flexible Work Hours

The State of California offers flexible work hours to its employees, consistent with the needs of the State in providing public services.  Most State departments allow their employees to participate in the flexible work hour programs.  Some of those programs allow employees to work eight hour days, within a set of core hours (e.g., report to work no later the 9:30 a.m. and leave work no earlier than 3:30 p.m.).  This gives the employees flexibility to set a regular start and end of their workday to accommodate their personal needs.  The use of 10/4/40 and 9/8/80 work schedules are also commonly utilized.  Under those schedules, respectively, employees can work four, ten-hour days, or eight, nine-hour days and one eight hour day, with one work day off every week or every other week. Depending on the job assignment, most departments offer employees one or all of these flexible work schedules.

Telecommuting

Many State departments recognize the value and economy associated with telecommuting and allow their employees to participate in their departmental program.  Telecommuting reduces commuter traffic and allows employees the flexibility to balance their work and home commitments.  Departments with approved telecommuting programs are required to set specific guidelines and enter into formal agreements with employees regarding telecommuting policies, procedures and requirements.

Commuter & Parking Programs

The State of California offers programs that provide benefits for those employees who utilize public transportation and/or carpools for their mode of transportation to their work site.  Additionally, the State recognizes that it is not possible for all employees to utilize alternative methods of transportation, and, offers low cost State parking to its employees in many areas.  State employees may be eligible for a 75% discount on monthly public transit passes sold by State agencies, up to a maximum of $65 per month.  The Department of Transportation coordinates ride share and commuter programs and can provide specific information regarding programs in your geographic area.

Child Care

The State of California encourages State employees and departments to develop child care services for dependent children of State employees.  Many State agencies and their employees have developed childcare facilities, on-site or in close proximity to their job sites.  The Department of Personnel Administration is responsible for designating a Chairperson to serve on the Labor-Management Child Care Committee and can be contacted to determine if a State sponsored childcare facility exists at or near your work site.

Group Legal Services

State Employees have access to a Group Legal Services (GLS) Plan through enrollment in the State sponsored plan.  Eligible employees may elect to enroll in the State sponsored GLS plan within the first 60 days following their appointment or during the open enrollment periods each year.  The GLS Plan is voluntary, with all premiums paid by the employee through automatic monthly payroll deduction.  A brochure explaining the services covered under the State's GLS Plan and any limitations is available from the Department of Personnel Administration.

Long-Term Care Insurance

The CalPERS offers protection to State employees from one of the biggest threats to financial security through the availability of Long-Term Care Insurance.  A catastrophic accident or disabling injury can occur at any age, and conventional health plans do not provide extended care.  All State employees, their spouses, parents and parents-in-law are eligible for long-term care insurance at affordable rates.  Employees are responsible for payment of all premiums, which can be paid through automatic monthly payroll deduction.

Home Loan Program

The CalPERS Member Home Loan Program funds mortgages to eligible members for a home purchase with minimal down payment requirements.  Members also have the option of borrowing against their retirement accounts to fund the 5% down payment requirement, thus enabling the program to effectively provide 100% of home financing.  The CalPERS Program offers many advantages over other lenders.  Contact the CalPERS Home Loan Program for specifics regarding the available options.

Savings Bonds

The State of California encourages participation in the purchase of Series EE, U.S. Savings Bonds as a method of saving for payment of dependent's educational expenses and other tax reducing savings alternatives.  Through voluntary participation in this program, savings bonds can be purchased through automatic payroll deduction, issued by the State Controller's Office and mailed directly to the employee's home or other address.  There is no charge to the employee for automatic monthly payroll deduction and issuance of savings bonds through the State's program.