State Insurance Benefits
SC State offers state insurance plans to meet the needs of you and your family. The following insurance benefits are provided through the Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA). The State of South Carolina offers health, dental and vision care, as well as life insurance, long-term disability coverage and pre-tax flexible benefits.
Retirement Benefits
Through the South Carolina Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA) and other outside vendors, we offer a comprehensive retirement program.
Eligible employees of South Carolina State University are required to become members of the South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) or the Police Officers Retirement System (PORS), as applicable, unless the State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP) is elected within 30 days of initial eligibility.
Certain employees may opt out of state retirement by electing non-membership; however, the election must be exercised within 30 days of initial eligibility. If a timely election is not exercised, the employee will be automatically enrolled into the applicable retirement system (SCRS or PORS), which is irrevocable. Generally, employees with an active SCRS account cannot elect State ORP or non-membership.
Active employees who participate in a PEBA-administered retirement plan may take advantage of PEBA’s voluntary, supplemental retirement savings program – the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program.
Wellness Benefits
SC State also have access to many other wellness benefits outside of the PEBA system.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) has a range of support services including financial counseling, marriage counseling and free legal assistance. Please reach out to your Human Resources Department for additional information.
Enrollment & Changes
Insurance enrollments and changes must be made during an open enrollment period for the following plan year, unless a qualifying life event occurs that allows mid-year changes.
Open Enrollment
Open enrollment occurs annually from October 1 – October 31. All changes made during open enrollment are effective for the new plan year, beginning January 1.
Each year, employees may:
- Enroll, change, or cancel health and vision plans.
- Add or drop dependents.
- Decrease or cancel optional life insurance or dependent life spouse coverage.
Changes are made online through www.PEBA.SC.gov .
Employees may also:
- Enroll or increase optional life and dependent life spouse, which may require medical evidence of insurability.
- Enroll or re-enroll in MoneyPlus Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical Spending Account, Limited-use Medical Spending Account, Dependent Care Spending Account) using www.MyBenefits.sc.gov.
During odd enrollment years, subscribers may:
- Enroll, change, or cancel dental plans.
Time Off: Summary of Leave Benefits
Each type of leave has unique eligibility requirements, accrual rates and procedures. For more details, please refer to the University’s leave policies.
- Annual Leave
- Sick Leave
- Family and Medical Leave (FMLA)
- Paid Parental Leave (PPL)
- Leave of Absence (Leave Without Pay)
- Holidays