Split Benefits Deductions

Beginning in April 2021, UW System employees who are paid biweekly will have most benefits deductions divided evenly over the first two biweekly paychecks. Below are resources and common questions and answers that you may have as it relates to the Split Benefits Deductions project.

Your Saving & Spending Plan (Budget) Workshops

A change in payroll frequency and timing of deductions may bring up questions and extra financial stress. In this webinar, UW Credit Union Financial Mentors will help you to answer those questions and to create a spending and saving plan that works for you. This session will also provide options to consider if you will face a temporary budget shortfall due to a payroll change.

Registration is required and can be done up until the workshop starts.

Workshop Presentations

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Town Hall Meetings

Learn when the split benefits deductions go into effect, how they will affect your paycheck, and what to do to prepare for the change.

Split Benefits Deductions Town Hall
Tuesday, February 16, 2021, 2:00-3:00 PM

Presenters: Dan Chanen (UW System Interim Associate Vice President & Chief Human Resource Officer), Jenny Hanewall-Marnocha (UWSS Interim Assistant Director Customer Support and Service Delivery)
Presentation slides
Presentation video

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FAQ

What does split benefits deductions mean?

For employees currently paid biweekly, most benefits premium deductions will be divided evenly between two paychecks each month.

How does this benefit biweekly paid employees?

Most benefits premium deductions will be split over two paychecks instead of one resulting in more evenly distributed paycheck amounts.

When will split benefits deductions go into effect?

Split benefits deductions will start on your April 22, 2021 paycheck.

How will split benefits deductions affect me and my paycheck?

Most deductions for benefits will be divided evenly between the first two pay periods of each month. Some examples of benefits deductions include:
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life insurance
In months when there are three pay periods, benefits deductions will not be taken from that pay period with the exception of Wisconsin Retirement System, Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and Wisconsin Deferred Compensation 457 contributions.

I regularly receive lump sum payments. Is there anything different for me?

If you are enrolled in the UW Tax-Sheltered Annuity (TSA) 403(b) Program, Wisconsin Deferred Compensation (WDC) 457 Program and/or have Additional Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Contributions effective with payments after April 22, 2021 lump sum payments will include contribution deductions for these plans.

Lump sum payments will continue to have Wisconsin Retirement System contributions.

What do I need to do?

Review your personal finances and make any needed changes to your budget for the new split benefits deduction schedule.

If you have automatic/online payments set up (for example, mortgage payment, car loan, utilities, etc.), you may want to review and adjust your payments to coincide with your updated biweekly paycheck amounts.

Are my benefits premiums changing?

No. Total benefits premium amounts will not change.

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Resources

Paycheck Resources

Budget Resources

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Employee Assistance Program

The EAP provides confidential resources for employees and family members to address personal/work-related concerns. Additionally, the EAP can assist with financial situations. EAP services are provided at no cost (to you and members of your household). For more information review the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) webpage.

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