BENEFIT

EFFECTIVE

CONDITION

Death Benefit

Upon employment

In accidental or natural death while employed, accumulated annual/sick leave paid to estate or beneficiary

Educational Assistance

After 6 months

Beyond Tuition Fee Waiver, allows tuition payment or reimbursement for up to 6 credit hours contingent upon availability of funds.

Employee Assistance Program

Upon employment

Provides free, confidential counseling services to employees and their families.

Flexible Benefits

1st day of month after one month of  service

Provides tax-free medical/dental premiums and medical and dependent care reimbursement programs.

Holidays

Upon employment

13 paid holidays annually

Insurance-Dental

1st day of month after one month of service or January 1st*

Two plans available.  Each offers preventative, diagnostic, basic and major benefits. 

Insurance-Group

1st day of month after one month of service

Includes term life, health, and special accident insurance.  State pays 80% of premium.  Three health plans available (PPO, POS, HMO).

Leave - Sick

After major portion of month

7.5 hours/month. Unused sick leave counts as eligible service in the TN retirement system (TCRS).

Leave - Vacation

After major portion of month

15 hours/month for exempt staff.  For non-exempt staff, based on years of service (0-5 yrs=7.5 hrs; 5-10 yrs=11.3 hrs; 10-20 yrs=13.2 hrs; 20 and more yrs=15 hrs).  Faculty are not eligible.

Longevity

After 3 years' service

$100/year worked.  Available to full-time employees and regular part-time employees working 1600 or more hours (82.1% time).

Optional Insurance- Life

2 months after basic insurance or January 1*

Universal or Term Life available.  Employee-paid premium through payroll deduction.  Proof of insurance required if added during open enrollment.

Optional Insurance-Long-Term Care

Approx. 1 month

Employee-paid premium through payroll deduction.  New employees must apply within 30 days or provide health information.

Optional Insurance-LTD

Approx. 1 month

Employee-paid premium through payroll deduction.  New employees must apply within 30 days or provide health information

Optional Insurance-Cancer/Intensive Care

Approx. 1 month

Employee-paid premium through payroll deduction.

Optional Insurance-Special Accident

1st day of month after one month of service or January 1st*

Employee-paid premium through payroll deduction.  Provides additional accident coverage. 

Retirement

Upon employment

Fully funded by NST.  Percentage of employee's salary paid to plan.  Two plans: TCRS (state system) and ORP (optional system); non-exempt staff must enroll in TCRS, faculty & exempt staff may choose. 

Savings Bonds

Upon employment

May be purchased through payroll deductions

Spouse/Dependent Fee Waiver

Upon employment
(after 1 year for
part-time employees)

Provides fee discount of 50% or pro rated amount for full-time & regular part-time employees' spouses/dependents.  Applies to undergraduate courses at TN public colleges only.

Tax-Deferred Annuities

Upon employment

401(k), 403(b), and 457 plans available.  Through payroll deduction, employee may contribute within maximum annual limits.  Matching funds of $30 available with 401(k) plan contingent upon available funds.

Tuition Fee Waiver

Upon employment

Provides tuition/maintenance fees for full-time employees for credit course per term at any TN public institution.