Programs & Benefits

WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE

All employees of the university are covered by workers' compensation insurance at no cost to the employee. Benefits include provisions for medicines, medical care, hospitalization and surgery necessary for recovery from injuries and illness sustained during the course and scope of employment, and compensation for time lost from employment due to disabling job-related injuries.

No matter how insignificant an on-the-job incident may seem, it must be reported to your supervisor and to Health and Disability Services immediately.  If medical attention is needed it may be obtained from Health and Disability Services or a physician of your choice.  We prefer that you to contact the University Police Department at extension 2222 for immediate response to the incident.  After medical care is obtained, detailed information regarding the incident is required.  For all reported incidents, the employee is required to participate in post incident training.  A First Report of Injury must be filed with the State Office of Risk Management (SORM). Complete and timely reporting of a work related incident is necessary to qualify for workers' compensation benefits.

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE

Unemployment Insurance is designed to compensate an individual for a portion of wages lost due to termination without cause.  If your job at the university ends for any reason other than your misconduct or your resignation, you may be able to collect Unemployment Compensation Insurance (UCI).  It is insurance paid by your employer and administered by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).

When an individual is terminated for cause, the university will contest the application for unemployment compensation.  In this event, a hearing may be conducted at the TWC offices, during which the university and the individual are allowed to provide testimony and information related to the termination.

SOCIAL SECURITY PROGRAM

All employees of the university participate in the Federal Social Security program.  The FICA tax rate is 7.65% (6.2% for Social Security and 1.45% for Medicare).  The 6.2% Social Security portion of FICA tax has a wage base limit that is subject to change each calendar year.  Contact the Office of Human Resources for current year information.  The Medicare portion of FICA tax (1.45%) does not have a wage base limit.  Your paycheck retainer or pay stub will display both portions of the FICA tax making it easier for you to see when the wage-based limit for the Social Security portion of FICA tax has been reached.

STATE EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATIONS

Two organizations have been approved by the State of Texas.  Membership fees are processed through payroll deduction.  Membership forms are available in the Office of Human Resources or by contacting the agencies directly.

Texas Public Employees Association (TPEA)
512 East 11th Street, Suite 100  
Austin, Texas 78701
512/476-2691 
888/367-8732
512/476-1338 (Fax)     

Texas State Employees Union (TSEU)
2656 South Loop West, Suite #345
Houston, Texas 77054
(713) 661-9030