6/1/23 PM Update  (5/31/23 Original post)

We are aware that many of you have attempted to access the Pandemic Pay Review Request form and have not been successful upon submitting it.  Our understanding is that this is due to a technical issue and that the problem is actively being addressed.  We ask for and appreciate your patience while this problem is being resolved.  If you were unsuccessful in submitting a review request form, we suggest that you wait a bit and attempt to do so again a little later today, or again Thursday/Friday of this week.

-5/30/23

The Pandemic Pay web portal is now open!  This site was created for State Employees to look-up/review their calculated Pandemic Pay Award prior to the issuance of payment (which is expected in the June 15 paycheck for active employees; retirees will be paid later this calendar year).  If your award seems inaccurate, or your name does not return a result but you believe you should have one, then please complete the Pandemic Pay Review Request form.

Link to the Pandemic Pay Look-up Portal

If you worked at least 180hrs on-site (not Teleworking) during the period of March 20, 2020 and March 27, 2021 then you should have an award.  To check, follow this link and plug in your EmployeeID and Last Name.

The formula for the amount of the award is listed below:

To Qualify for an Award: 
The timeframe for determining whether you receive an award is all hours worked outside of the home between 3/20/20 and 3/27/21.
You must meet the minimum of 180 regular work hours outside of the home or 200 overtime hours outside of the home.

Terms for Calculating Your Award:

HighRisk Payment (first-responders/congregate settings/healthcare facilities):  First 180hrs = $250, each 100 additional hrs = $136
HighRisk Overtime: First 200hrs = $270, each 100 additional hrs = $136

LowRisk Payment (all others who worked outside the home): First 180hrs = $125, each 100 additional hrs = $68
LowRisk Overtime: First 200hrs = $135, each 100 additional hrs = $68

Incorrect Hours/Calculation Listed or No Result when there should be one, fill out the Pandemic Pay Review Request form.

Tier IV Retirement Contribution Increase: we are aware that the Comptroller's Office has released guidance to the agencies in preparation for an increase to employee contributions into the Tier IV Defined Benefit portion of their pension plan.  This increase is a one-year increase of 2% and is expected to begin on July 1, 2023 (July 2023 - June 2024). The increase is in response to the pension fund not meeting its goal of a 6.9% investment-on-return.  We acknowledge that the SEBAC agreement governing Tier IV pensions includes this concept of "risk-sharing".  Risk-sharing was included with the intent of ensuring long-term stability of the pension fund.  However, we also recognize that, during the same time period, the fund itself grew in size substantially, the result of billions in investments.  It is our contention that the long-term stability of the fund is not in jeopardy.  The Tier IV Agreement was negotiated in the middle of a decades long budget crisis - the current conditions are the opposite, with the state in a healthy surplus condition.  It is therefore our strong opinion that Tier IV employees should not be required to make this contribution.  We feel this is especially true during times of government surplus, a competitive labor market, coupled with widespread staff shortages.  We hope the Governor recognizes the wisdom of not financially penalizing Tier IV employees unnecessarily, which may result in an exodus of recently hired employees during a staffing shortage.  Further, we hope the Governor recognizes the chilling effect implementation of this provision will have on the hiring process.  We recognize the urgency and serious impact of this issue to the membership and will be addressing this with the Governor.  Along with SEBAC, we are asking that, at a minimum, implementation of this unnecessary increase be delayed unless and until the current staffing crisis subsides. 

Telework Schedule Submission: we are now in the open window period to submit your July-December Telework Schedule.  Ensure you submit your schedule in the month of May and the agency has the month of June to respond.  It is important to note that your Telework Schedule does NOT automatically continue.  Everyone needs to re-request their schedule even it is the same as the previous schedule.  To submit your desired Telework Schedule application, follow this link

Healthcare Open Enrollment: everyone should have received an email regarding open enrollment for health/dental insurance.  Open Enrollment began May 1 and runs through May 26. This is the only chance to change your health/dental insurance for the period of July 2023 - June 2024  (other than if there is a "life-change" during the year). 

There are 5 different levels of medical coverage to choose from (all are Anthem).  The five plans are: Quality First, Primary Care, Standard, Expanded, and Out-of-Area.

Quick reminder, dependents can remain on your health/dental until age 26.  However, you must remove dependents at age 26 and you must also notify/remove any ex-spouses (unless the divorce orders require otherwise).

Two documents for comparing health/dental plans:
Payroll Deduction Costs
Plan Comparison

There are 2 Open Enrollment virtual information sessions remaining:
 • Wednesday, May 17, 12-1pm
 • Tuesday, May 23, 11am-12pm

The health/dental benefits haven't changed, however, there is a new portal to view your HEP requirements and to find doctors: https://carecompass.ct.gov/ or you can download the MyQHealth app for your phone