Employee Benefits Overview
Employee Benefits
At SUNY Erie Community College, we’re proud to be more than just a place to work—we’re a community that values and invests in the people who make our mission possible. Our employees are the heart of our success, and we’re committed to supporting their health, well-being, and work-life balance.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family at every stage of your journey. From healthcare and retirement planning to paid time off and professional development, we aim to create an environment where you can thrive—personally and professionally.
Note: Eligibility for benefits is based on your employment status (full-time, part-time, or temporary), as well as union affiliation where applicable. The information below is intended to give a broad overview of what we offer; specific details will be discussed during your onboarding with a SUNY Erie Benefits Specialist.
Health Insurance
At SUNY Erie, your well-being is our priority. That’s why we partner with LMHF and Univera to offer high-quality, comprehensive health insurance that supports every aspect of your health—today and into the future.
Through these platforms, employees have access to:
- Medical coverage for physician visits, preventive care, and specialist services
- Vision benefits to support eye health and regular exams
- Prescription drug coverage with convenient options and cost-saving plans
- Hospital and emergency care when you need it most
- Wellness incentive programs are designed to reward healthy habits and promote long-term well-being
Whether you're managing everyday health or planning ahead, our health plan is built to give you peace of mind—so you can focus on what matters most.
Health Insurance Waiver
Employees may be eligible to receive a monthly stipend if they choose to waive health insurance. To qualify for this stipend, employees cannot have health coverage through another SUNY Erie or Erie County employee.
Dental
Dental coverage is available within each union and offers access to a wide network of dentists and specialists. You have the freedom to choose the preferred network of dentists or specialists you use for covered services. You are not required to select a specific primary care dentist.
Flexible Spending Accounts
SUNY Erie, in partnership with P&A Group, offers employees the opportunity to enroll in Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)—a smart way to save money on everyday expenses by using pre-tax dollars.
Whether you're covering healthcare costs, commuting to campus, or caring for your family, FSAs can help reduce out-of-pocket spending and increase your take-home pay.
How FSAs Work
When you enroll, you estimate your eligible expenses for the year. That amount is then deducted evenly from each paycheck—before taxes—into your selected FSA(s). These accounts are "use it or lose it" annually, so careful planning is important. All contributions are subject to IRS limits and guidelines.
2025 FSA Contribution Limits
|
Account Type |
Eligible Expenses |
2025 IRS Limit |
|
Commuter Benefit (Parking/Transit) |
Parking garage/lots, transit passes (e.g., bus, subway) |
$325/month |
|
Health FSA |
Medical, dental, vision expenses not covered by insurance |
$3,300/year |
|
Dependent Care FSA |
Childcare or daycare for children under 13 |
$5,000/year per household |
|
Adoption Assistance |
Adoption agency fees, court costs, legal fees |
$17,280/year per household |
Note: Funds must be used for eligible expenses under each account type. Contributions are
not transferable between account types.
Other Benefits
Paid Time Off
At SUNY Erie, we recognize the importance of rest, personal time, and overall well-being.
Employees accrue paid time off to support vacation, personal matters, and health needs.
In our commitment to employee wellness and work-life balance, we offer a range of
time-off benefits tailored to each union’s agreement.
Holidays
SUNY Erie follows a holiday schedule specific to each union. The core holidays recognized by each union include:
|
New Year’s Day |
Independence Day |
|
|
Martin Luther King Day |
Labor Day |
|
|
President’s Day |
|
|
|
Good Friday |
|
|
|
Memorial Day |
|
|
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Juneteenth |
|
Disability
As a public entity, SUNY Erie does not offer short-term disability, paid parental leave, or long-term disability. Instead, employees receive increased benefit accruals to assist with these leaves and have the option to enroll in supplemental monetary programs like AFLAC, L & M Financial, and Sellers.
Retirement
SUNY offers a variety of retirement plan options to support employees in planning for their future. These include benefit plans such as the Teacher Retirement System (TRS), Employee Retirement System (ERS), the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP), as well as voluntary savings options like the Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and 457(b) plans.
Employee contributions vary based on salary and, when applicable, prior tier enrollment. At the time of hire, a SUNY Erie Benefits Specialist will work with you to review your eligibility and guide you through the available options to help you make the best choice for your retirement goals.
Employee Assistance Program
Confidential and voluntary assistance for employees and their family members, addressing issues such as financial concerns, legal matters, substance abuse, marital problems, emotional challenges, and childcare issues.
Tuition Reimbursement
Eligibility for tuition waivers and tuition reimbursement for SUNY programs of qualifying individuals and dependents.
Professional Development
Support for professional growth through attendance at meetings and conferences, participation in seminars, site visits to businesses, and opportunities for further education.