Benefits

COVID-19: Contacting the Benefits Department

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of Human Resources has limited on-site support and is primarily working remotely. During this time, Craig Hall is not open to the public; walk-ins will not be accepted and forms cannot be dropped off in-person or faxed. During this time, we recommend submitting all requests and inquiries online in lieu of sending physical mail. For Benefits forms not completed online via Pitt Worx or DocuSign, please submit by fax at 412-864-5885 or by submitting an inquiry online.

If you have a Benefits-related inquiry, including the submission of forms or documentation, the quickest way to receive assistance is to call the Benefits Department at 833-852-2210. You can also submit an inquiry at www.hr.pitt.edu/contact-ohr.

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At Pitt, we pride ourselves on taking care of you, our employees. Faculty and staff can take part in our education benefits, review retiree benefits packages, and explore health and wellness options. Pitt's benefits offerings are among the region's best, including a medical plan with no deductibles, tuition remission, life insurance, optional dental and vision coverage, a contributory retirement plan, and more. Information on all available insurance plans can be found in the Health & Wellness section.

Enrollment, Eligibility, & Status Changes

Benefits coverage varies based on position type. For information on what you are eligible for, review this detailed benefits breakdown.

Benefits Provisions

Pitt offers health and wellness plans, retirement savings plans, and COBRA coverage for faculty and staff, including step-by-step instructions on how to make changes to current Benefits coverage. Explore the Benefits Provisions page for plan summaries and additional information.

Coverage for Dependents

The University of Pittsburgh offers health care coverage for spouses, domestic partners, and children of employees, when the required documentation is provided. Enrollment will not be processed without all required documentation. Find all information about documentation requirements for dependents.

New Hire Benefits Enrollment Process

As a new employee of the University of Pittsburgh, you will need to enroll in benefits through Pitt Worx. Get started in the benefits enrollment process for newly hired staff and faculty. 

Changing Your Benefits Elections

You can make changes to your benefits elections if you experience a life event (Qualified Status Change). A life event is an IRS qualified event that allows you to make a change in your enrollment elections during the plan year (outside of the open enrollment period). Review the list of the University’s recognized life events (Qualified Status Changes) and instructions on how to make a status change to your benefit selections.


Summary Guides to Benefits

Looking for a summary of Pitt's benefit plans? We have guides based on position type below. You can also find information on our different insurance plans on the Health & Wellness Benefits page.

Benefits Coverage Verification and Coverage Termination

Coverage Verification

Benefits coverage can be verified by logging into Pitt Worx (how-to guide), where you can see the benefits you are currently enrolled in, as well as review past benefits. In order to request benefits, you must send a verification letter to the Benefits department.

Coverage Termination

Benefits through the University of Pittsburgh continue until the last day of the month in which the individual works. If the individual’s final paycheck does not have sufficient funds to collect benefit premiums, a missed deductions invoice will be issued. COBRA coverage will be available to faculty and staff whose current coverage has been terminated.

Please visit the Benefits Coverage Verification and Coverage Termination page for more information.

Employee Death and Survivorship

We understand that the loss of a loved one can be difficult. In the event of the death of a family member that is employed at the University of Pittsburgh, the Benefits Department has developed resources to assist the surviving family member. Learn more about survivorship benefits.

1Staff members under Collective Bargaining Agreements are governed according to the terms of the agreements.
2Part-time faculty who are in the tenure stream or tenured for no less than half-time.
3Post-Doctoral Scholars’ benefits are deducted on an after-tax basis.
4Faculty and staff who are a minimum age of 62 on their last day of work.
 

Have a Question?

Explore the FAQ for the Office of Human Resources for answers regarding benefits, insurance, the retirement savings plan, and more.

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