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Summary of Benefits for District Employees

Benefits Frequently Asked Questions

2012

GCS Benefits Department Customer Service Survey

Insurance Benefits

Most of the Greenville County School's insurance benefits are offered through the State of South Carolina Office of Employee Insurance Programs (EIP). The benefits offered are explained in the various publications found on the Employee Insurance Program website.

Employees are eligible for $3,000 in life insurance coverage as a state health insurance plan participant and $15,000 life insurance from the District as a full time employee. Employees also have the equivalent of 1 x their annual salary through the SC Retirement System. Payroll deduction life insurance is also available for employees, spouses and children.

For specific benefits questions or concerns, you can e-mail us: benefits@greenville.k12.sc.us or contact the Benefits Call Center at 864.355.0960.

Eligibility Requirements - General information

Please review the Benefits "FAQ" document for additional information.

State Health Insurance Information

For specific plan information click on the following links to the EIP Insurance Guide

MyBenefits Website allows you to access your personal EIP insurance records. click on the MyBenefits Website link to:

District Voluntary insurance Plans (Trust Mark) - Ward Services

The Supplemental Insurance Plans (cancer/critical illness, short term disability, universal life) are voluntary, employee-pay-all insurance products (www.trustmarksolutions.com).

If an employee has an interest in these products, he/she should make an appointment with a Ward Services Insurance Counselor.

Retirement Benefits and Options

Retirement (SCRS, ORP, TERI)

Retirement participation is either mandatory or optional depending on the position and terms of employment with the District. For most positions, participation is mandatory with a fixed contribution of 6.5%. You can be a member of the SC Retirement System or the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP): TIAA-CREF, AIG VALIC, The Hartord and METLIFE.

South Carolina Retirement System

The South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) offers the option of a defined benefit plan to all Greenville County Schools employees. Employees are required to contribute at the specified rate (6.5% as of July 1, 2006). Employee contributions are on a pre-tax basis. Vesting rights are provided after 5 years of earned service. Benefits are defined by the Retirement formula. Optional membership is available to bus drivers, temporary employees and substitutes. For details, visit SCRS. Enrollment is required within 30 days of the hire date. Employees that do not make an election within 30 days will be defaulted into SCRS.

Optional Retirement Plan

Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) is another retirement plan option available to all Greenville County Schools employees. The ORP is a defined contribution plan administered by four contracted investment providers. Employees are required to contribute at the State specified rate (6.5% as of July 1, 2006). The District contributes 5% (as defined by the State) to each employee’s account. All contributions are made on a pre-tax basis and immediately vested. For details visit ORP. Enrollment is required within 30 days of the hire date. Enrollment is required within 30 days of the hire date. Employees that do not make an election within 30 days will be defaulted into SCRS.

Supplemental Retirement Benefits (401k, 457, 403b)

Full-time and part-time employees may elect to participate in a variety of voluntary, tax-deferred retirement programs offered through the District via payroll deduction.