At the SOCCCD, we believe that our employees are our most important asset. Helping employees and their families achieve and maintain good health--physical, emotional, and financial--is the reason SOCCCD offers a comprehensive benefits package.
Employee Benefit Options
The District offers a complete benefits package to eligible employees and their dependents, including medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, long-term care insurance, an employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, and pre-paid legal services. Coverage begins on the first day of the month following the hire date (for example if you start February 23 your coverage begins March 1). Click on the different options below to learn about our employee benefits plan options or view the 2023-2024 Employee Benefits Guide.
Eligible employees and their dependents receive comprehensive medical benefit options through Self-Insured Schools of California (SISC) with a choice of either Blue Shield of California/SISC Access + HMO, Blue Shield of California/SISC PPO, or Kaiser Permanente/SISC HMO. New employees select their plan upon employment and all employees have the option to change the selection during Open Enrollment each year, (or following a qualifying event such as marriage, divorce, birth/adoption of a child, etc.).
Click here to view detailed information about the offered medical plans.
MORE INFORMATION:
Online Access
- There is a wealth of information about your medical plan online at www.blueshieldca.com or www.kp.org
- Accessible by logging in with the ID number on your insurance card
- View a plan summary and listing of benefits, find a doctor or hospital, research the prescription drug database, view preventive health guidelines and videos, and find out about wellness discount programs
- Check your coverage, deductibles, status of your claims, and more
Blue Shield Member Services
- www.blueshieldca.com
- 855-599-2657
- MDLIVE 24/7/365 access to doctors - www.mdlive.com/sisc
Kaiser Permanente Member Services
- www.kp.org
- 800-464-4000
Eligible employees and their dependents receive comprehensive coverage through Delta Dental PPO (Preferred Provider Organization). Our dental insurance allows for regular checkups, cleanings, and other preventive treatments you need to ensure good oral health.
Click here to view detailed information about the offered Dental plan.
MORE INFORMATION:
Online Access
- There is a wealth of information about your dental plan online at https://www1.deltadentalins.com/
- Accessible by logging in with the ID number on your insurance card
- View a plan summary and listing of benefits, find a provider, view a wellness library, and Member FAQs
- Check your coverage, deductibles, status of your claims, and more
Delta Dental Member Services
- https://www1.deltadentalins.com/
- 888-335-8227 (TTY/TDD 711)
Eligible employees and dependents receive comprehensive coverage through a Vision Service Plan (VSP) PPO plan. Our insurance allows for primary eyecare services including an examination, contact lenses and two pairs of eyeglasses every 12 months. Laser vision correction surgery is also covered at a reduced price from VSP-approved laser surgeons and centers to correct problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
Click here to view detailed information about the offered Vision plan.
MORE INFORMATION:
Online Access
- There is a wealth of information about your vision plan online at www.vsp.com
- Accessible by logging in with your member ID or social security number
- View a plan summary and listing of benefits, find a provider, view offers, eyewear, and wellness information
- Check your coverage, status of your claims, and more
VSP Member Services
- www.vsp.com
- 800-877-7195
Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance provides protection for your beneficiaries in the event of your death. Life/AD&D Insurance is an important part of your comprehensive benefits package and the District provides coverage for at least two times annual salary, up to a maximum amount (varies based on current negotiated contracts. For peace of mind and the financial protection for you and your family in the event of death or a serious accident, all benefit eligible associates are automatically enrolled in the Basic Life and AD&D Insurance through The Hartford.
Click here to view detailed information about the offered Life and AD&D plans.
MORE INFORMATION:
The Hartford Member Services
- 888-563-1124
Need Some Decision Support?
Long-Term Disability coverage through The Hartford pays you a certain percentage of your income if you can't work because an injury or illness prevents you from performing any of your job functions over a long time. It's important to know that benefits are reduced by income from other benefits you might receive while disabled, like workers' compensation and Social Security.
Click here to view detailed information about the offered Long Term Disability plans.
MORE INFORMATION:
The Hartford Member Services
- 888-563-1124
Need Some Decision Support?
The District provides basic Long Term Care (LTC) coverage through the UNUM Life Insurance Company. LTC insurance provides assistance to daily living activities such as bathing, eating, and dressing when you or a family member are no longer able to perform these activities. The plan provides options for care in a variety of settings, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult day care facilities, hospices, or your own home. If you would like more protection, you may purchase Buy-Up Long Term Care coverage. Premiums are based on age, type of care, and benefit amount.
Click here to view detailed information about the offered LTC plan.
MORE INFORMATION:
Unum Member Services
- 800-227-4165
- www.unum.com
- Academic Staff: https://unuminfo.com/socccd/default.aspx
- Classified Staff: https://unuminfo.com/socccd-classified/default.aspx
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) allow full-time employees to pay on a pretax basis for eligible health care and dependent care expenses and reduce their taxable income. Employees can contribute up to the maximum per calendar year for a Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA. The amount you set aside is not subject to federal or state income or social security taxes. In other words, you can use tax-free dollars to pay for certain kinds of benefits and expenses which you normally pay for with out of pocket, taxable dollars.
During open enrollment each year (or within 30 days of the start of employment) the employee submits an application to the Benefits Office and designates the amount to be set aside into the accounts before any taxes are calculated. The amount is deducted on a monthly basis from your paycheck. Throughout the year, you submit documentation of eligible expenses to Navia via fax, email or mail, and reimbursements are made by check or electronic deposit.
You are not allowed to make any changes during the plan year (January 1 – December 31) unless there has been a change in your family status (i.e., marriage, divorce, birth, death, adoption, or change in job status for you or your spouse).
It is important that you decide how much to place in each account and use up the account entirely. Any monies left at the end of the year will be forfeited and requests for reimbursement must be made no later than 75 days after the end of the plan year. In planning, it is best to review the amount you’ve spent over the previous year and conservatively project the upcoming year.
Navia administers the flexible spending account program on the district’s behalf. Go to Navia’s FSA participant web site to access tools and view a brochure, online educational presentation, frequently asked questions, list of eligible expenses, expense estimate worksheet, tax savings calculator, and other helpful items. Once you’ve logged in and created an account you can check your account balance, claims history, payment history and access forms for claims, direct deposit and change in status.
Click here to view detailed information about the offered FSA plans.
MORE INFORMATION:
Online Access
- There is a wealth of information about the FSA plans online at www.naviabenefits.com
- Login credentials will be sent to you when you enroll
- Check your account balances, claims history, payment history
- Access forms for claims, direct deposit and change in status
Navia Member Services
- www.naviabenefits.com
- 800-669-3539
There are times when everyone needs a little help or advice. The confidential Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) through Anthem Blue Cross and The Hartford’s Ability Assist program can help you with things like stress, anxiety, depression, chemical dependency, relationship issues, legal issues, parenting questions, financial counseling, and dependent care resources. Best of all, EAP is FREE and available to ALL household members, even if they are not an eligible tax dependent.
Anthem Blue Cross EAP
Our EAP with Anthem Blue Cross, is administered by Learn to Live, where you can receive support to help you live your healthiest and happiest life. Learn to Live offers customized online programs in order to learn effective ways to manage stress, depression, anxiety, substance use, and sleep issues. Arrange up to six free visits with licensed professionals for each issue you are facing. Help is available 24/7, 365 days a year. After you make the first phone call to Anthem EAP, they can refer you to a licensed counselor in your area who’s a member of their network.
Employees and their dependents are eligible for free visits with a network clinician. Additional visits can be available for a copayment through the employee’s health plan. Some of the areas our EAP can help with: marital and relationship counseling, eldercare issues, childcare issues, alcohol and substance abuse, emotional stress, legal assistance, debt management and referrals to community resources.
After a simple log in process, employees can search for a clinician online, get a referral for a clinician, or access online information about mental health. After selecting a clinician online, the employee calls the toll free number to get an authorization number then calls the clinician to schedule an appointment.
Anthem EAP Contact Information:
- Phone: 800-999-7222
- www.anthemEAP.com
- Company Code: SISC
The Hartford EAP
EAP through The Hartford provides up to three sessions for each issue you're facing. The EAP provides professional and confidential services to help employees and family members address a variety of personal, family, life, and work-related issues.
Use Ability Assist Counseling Services for Emotional and Work-Life Counseling, Financial Information and Resources, Legal Support and Resources, Health and Benefits Services.
The Hartford EAP Contact Information:
- Phone: 800-964-3577
- Webpage: www.guidanceresources.com
If you are a first time user on the website, click the Register tab.
- Enter Organization Web ID: HLF902
- Company Name field (bottom of personalization page) enter: ABILI
- After selecting Ability Assist program, create
- your own confidential user name and password.
The District offers a pre-paid legal service through MetLife Legal Plans. Plan attorney assistance includes consultations on the phone and in-person, document preparation, and representation in many frequently needed legal matters. Within the network, covered legal services are provided with no additional attorney fees. Employees can use a non-plan attorney and be reimbursed for covered services according to a set fee schedule. MetLife Legal provides participating employees and family members with access to legal advice and services including: telephonic advice and office consultations on an unlimited number of matters with an attorney. Available services include: Will & Estate Matters, Document Preparation, Traffic Offenses, Lawsuits, Real Estate & Financial Matters, Consumer Protection, Immigration Assistance, and more.
To access services call the MetLife Legal at (800) 821-6400. Employees/dependents can also log into www.legalplans.com by entering the last 4 digits of the employee’s Social Security Number and 5 digit zip code to verify eligibility. Once logged in, you can review covered benefits, use the attorney locator to find the most convenient network attorney, and obtain a case number your network attorney will need to provide service. You then call the network attorney, also available on evenings and Saturdays, to schedule an appointment.
Access to services can also be arranged by phone, Monday through Friday, 5am to 4pm. Employees or their dependents must provide the employee’s Social Security number and the client service representative will walk them through the process and access to a network attorney.
Click here for more information about the MetLife Legal plan.
MetLife Legal Plan Contact Information:
- www.legalplans.com
- Phone: 800-821-6400
- Voluntary Enrollment Form
Employees who have been employed full-time by the District for ten years immediately preceding the date of retirement will continue to receive medical, dental and vision benefits for the retiree and eligible dependents until the retiree reaches the age of Medicare eligibility (age 65).
For faculty this benefit is available for those who have reached the age of 55 until age 65 and retire from STRS. The District will provide supplemental medical coverage for the employee only once the retiree reaches age 65 and has purchased Medicare A and B.
For academic administrators and classified managers this benefit is available for those who have ten years of service with the District preceding retirement. The District will provide supplemental medical coverage for the employee only once the retiree reaches age 65 and has purchased Medicare A and B.
For classified bargaining unit employees this benefit is available for those who have reached the age of 60 and retirees have the option to purchase supplemental medical coverage to Medicare A and B.
For Police Officer's Association employees this benefit is available for those who have reached the age of 60. POA retirees are not eligible to purchase supplemental medical coverage for Medicare A and B.
All retirees (with the except of the Police Officer's Association) are eligible to purchase dental and vision insurance once they reach age 65 and medical coverage and/or supplemental medical coverage for their dependents after age 65.
Please contact the Employee Benefits department for more information about specific benefits for retirees and their dependents.
General Information
Who is Eligible?
Employees working at least 75% per week are eligible for the benefits outlined above. Academic Administrators, Classified Management, Police Officers Association (POA), Board Members, Faculty, and Classified employees are included in the active employee category.
You can enroll the following family members in our medical, dental and vision plans.
- Your spouse (the person who you are legally married to under state law, including a same-sex spouse or common law spouse).
- Your registered same or opposite sex domestic partner is eligible for coverage. You must be registered as domestic partners with the state of California. Any premiums paid for your domestic partner by the South Orange County Community College District are considered as taxable income and will be included on your W-2. Any premiums you pay for your domestic partner will be deducted on an after-tax basis.
- Your children, with the following conditions:
- Under the age of 26 are eligible to enroll in medical coverage. They do not have to live with you or be enrolled in school. They can be married and/or living and working on their own.
- Over age 26, ONLY if they are incapacitated due to a disability and primarily dependent on you for support.
- Named in a Qualified Medical Child Support Order (QMCSO) as defined by federal law.
Employees and family members who are NOT eligible for coverage include (but are not limited to): Parents, grandparents, and siblings, employees who work less than 75% per week, temporary employees, contract employees, or employees residing outside the United States.
Where Can I Learn More?
- Be sure to attend any benefits webinars so you can get your questions about plan options answered
- Visit SOCCCD’s Sharepoint Employee Benefits page to view plan options
- Go to Workday to make changes to your plans, like adding or dropping dependents, etc.
- View the 2023 - 2024 Benefits Guide
- Log in to MyBenefits.Life from your computer, tablet, or smartphone to view your benefits:
- Website: socccd.mybenefits.life
- Employer key: SOCCCD
Other Benefits of Working for SOCCCD
Types of time off:
- Vacations - Administrators, classified managers, and classified bargaining unit employees accrue vacation days at different rates on a monthly basis. The rate employees earn vacation days is contractually set. Depending on their years of service and position, staff members earn 10-20 vacation days per year.
- Sick Leave - Employees accrue sick leave at the rate of one day for each month served.
- Jury Duty - Employees are granted unlimited paid days for jury service.
- Holidays - The district observes 20 paid holidays for all employees.
See DISTRICT CALENDAR for 20 holiday closure dates.
Full-time permanent employees are eligible for enrollment fee reimbursement of credit and non-credit courses taken at the District. Non-credit courses must be related to work and requires approval of the immediate supervisor. Those participating in the program may only enroll in courses offered during hours that will not conflict with their normal work schedules.
A request form and proof of completion (grade report) of the course with a grade of “C”, "P", or "SP" or better must be submitted to the District Business Office within 60 calendar days of completing the course in order to receive reimbursement. Reimbursement applies only to enrollment fees paid, and not to course fees, travel, books, materials, etc.
- Administrative Regulation 7165: Enrollment Fee Reimbursement for Eligible Employees
- Enrollment fee reimbursement form available via this link SharePoint or by searching for “Reimbursement”
Through SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, all part-time and full-time employees can access two tax deferred investment programs, the 403(b) tax shelter annuity and 457(b) deferred compensation plan. Employees can also participate in the Roth 403 (b) which is an after tax product. These plans are subject to annual maximum limits and are processed monthly through voluntary payroll deductions.
Contact our SchoolsFirst financial representative, Kim Romo to schedule an appointment at branch location, via Zoom, and by phone:
- 657-650-9220
- kromo@schoolsfirstfcu.org
- SchoolsFirst Retirement Flyer
Full-time faculty and academic administrators are covered under the California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS). For "classic" members contribute 10.25% pre-tax contribution is made by the employee automatically through payroll deductions. For Public Employees Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) members contribute 10.205%. CalSTRS is a defined benefit retirement plan which has a guaranteed outcome based on age, salary and years of service. Part-time faculty can elect to participate in STRS or pay Social Security. Employees are vested 100% after five years of full-time service.
Classified managers and bargaining unit employees who work more than 20 hours per week are covered under the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). "Classic" employees contribute 7% of their pre-tax wages. Effective July 1, 2022, Public Employees Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) members contribute 8% of pre-tax wages. Contributions are made by the employee automatically through payroll deductions. CalPERS is a defined benefit retirement plan which has a guaranteed pay out based on age, salary and years of service. The district's contribution rate can change every fiscal year based on the requirements of PERS investments. Employees are vested 100% after five years of full-time service. CalPERS participants also contribute to Social Security tax withholding.
Beneficiary Assist Counseling Services
The Hartford offers you Beneficiary Assist® counseling services provided by ComPsych®. Compassionate professionals can help you or your beneficiaries (named in your policy) cope with emotional, financial and legal issues that arise after a loss. Includes unlimited phone contact with a counselor, attorney or financial planner for up to a year, and five face-to-face sessions. Find out more by calling (800) 411-7239.
Funeral Concierge Services
The Hartford offers a funeral planning and concierge service provided by Everest. It provides a suite of online tools to guide you through key decisions before a loss, including help comparing funeral-related costs. After a loss, this service includes family advocacy and professional negotiation of funeral prices with local providers – often resulting in significant financial savings. To find out more, call (866) 854-5429 or visit www.everestfuneral.com/hartford and use code: HFEVLC
Estate Guidance Will Services
Create a simple will from the convenience of your desktop. Whether your assets are few or many, it’s important to have a will. Through The Hartford, you have access to EstateGuidance® Will Services, provided by ComPsych. It helps you protect your family’s future by creating a will online – backed by online support from licensed attorneys. Visit www.estateguidance.com/wills and use code WILLHLF
Travel Assistance and Identity Theft Protection
The Hartford’s Travel Assistance with ID Theft Protection is through International Medical Group (IMG), to help you feel more secure while traveling. It can help you with emergency transport services and access professionals across the globe for medical assistance when traveling 100+ miles away from home for 90 days or less. The ID theft services are available to you and your family at home or when you travel. Call (800) 243-6108 (in the U.S., toll free) or (202) 828-5885 (worldwide, collect) for assistance. You can also email IMG at assist@Imglobal.com
Blue Shield members (PPO or HMO) can get identity protection services from Experian® such as identity repair assistance, identity theft insurance, and credit monitoring at no cost. Call Experian at (866) 274-3891, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT. Visit www.experianidworks.com/blueshieldca to enroll online. When creating your account, you will need to provide the activation code BCBSCALI22. For over-the-phone setup, you will need engagement number DB21761.
Department Highlights
New Year, New Benefit Plans? Find Out.
Check out what we offer in the employee benefits guide. Helping you and your families achieve and maintain good health - physical, emotional, and financial-- is the reason SOCCCD offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The guide helps you understand the benefits that are available to you and how to best use them.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Use It or Lose It!
SOCCCD's Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is subject to the "use-it or lose-it" rule. This means that if you do not use all of your annual election within the plan year, the remaining funds are returned to your employer and are not refundable to you. Check out www.FSAStore.com to use remaining funds on approved and eligible health essentials like first aid, vitamins, medical devices, and more.
Employee Benefits Department
Saddleback College
28000 Marguerite Parkway
Mission Viejo, CA 92692
8:00am - 5:00pm
Summer Schedule
Monday - Thursday
7:30am - 6:00pm
(May - August)