Frequently Asked Questions - Benefits

Your Annual Benefits Salary, calculated as of July 1 each year, is the greater of: a) your annual base salary in effect on July 1; or b) your gross compensation, including certain additional and private practice compensation, for the 12 months prior to June 30. It’s used to determine medical contribution rates, Child Care Benefit eligibility, Life Insurance coverage and Long-Term Disability coverage amount.

Log in to CUBES and click the Alerts tab to find the Dependent Verification page to upload documentation. Or send via secure fax to 844-301-7225. If you do not have access to scan or fax documents, contact the Columbia Benefits Service Center at 212-851-7000 for instructions.

Log in to CUBES and go to your Profile. Select "Life Insurance Beneficiaries," then click and follow prompts, or change your allocated percent for existing beneficiaries. Don’t forget to save your updates.

Go to Directory and Benefits Vendors, and keyword filter for Dental Providers, the links will direct you to external provider search sites.

You can search for in-network providers, and confirm the network status of providers on UHC’s Find a Doctor or Facility page.

Scroll down the page to "Columbia University Medical Providers" or "Columbia University Behavioral Health Providers” for a list of Columbia doctors who provide in-network services through UHC only for Columbia’s employees and their dependents.

Preventive care includes routine well exams, screenings and immunizations intended to prevent or avoid health problems. Go to Preventive Care for more information.

Under the Choice Plus 80, Choice Plus 90 and HDHP plans, deductible and coinsurance apply for labwork and radiology and imaging, including when part of an office visit.

For the Choice Plus 100 plan only, outpatient lab and radiology will incur a $150 copay if done in a hospital. Alternatively, if you use a freestanding outpatient facility (non-hospital; non-hospital affiliate), coverage is 100% after the deductible. There is no copay at designated New York-Presbyterian (NYP) hospital locations for outpatient lab and radiology services. Please see the list of locations.

Under the Choice Plus 80 and 90 plans, deductible and coinsurance apply for labwork and radiology, even if done as part of an office visit.

Yes. When the in-network out-of-pocket maximum is reached, the Plan covers 100% of in-network, covered expenses. Under the Choice Plus 80, 90 and 100 plans, your in-network deductible, coinsurance and medical and prescription copays apply to the out-of-pocket maximum. Your out-of-network expenses also accumulate toward your in-network out-of-pocket maximum.

Under the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), your in-network deductible, coinsurance and prescription copays will apply to the in-network out-of-pocket maximum. Out-of-network expenses are accrued separately.

Eligible expenses are determined in accordance with the Claims Administrator's reimbursement policy. For more information, contact UHC at 800-232-9357.

Call 855-427-4682 to speak to a patient care representative, specialty-trained pharmacist or nurse, 24/7. BriovaRx, the OptumRx speciality pharmacy, delivers specialty medications by mail. If you use any other pharmacy, you will be responsible for the entire cost of the medication.

Basic vision coverage is included if you elect Columbia-provided medical coverage. To search for a vision provider, log in to myuhc.com, go to the “Coverage & Benefits" tab, scroll to Vision and click on "Find a Vision Provider."

If you visited an out-of-network provider, complete a UHC Out-of-Network Vision Claim Form and mail or fax—with related receipts—to UHC.

The IRS sets a limit on annual contributions.

In 2024, the annual contribution limit is $4,150 for an individual and $8,300 for families. If you are at least age 55 and not enrolled in Medicare, you can contribute up to an additional $1,000. 

Once you elect your annual HSA amount, it will be deducted in equal installments from your paychecks throughout the calendar year. You will not be able to access funds in your account until they have been contributed.

In 2024, you can contribute up to $3,200 to a Healthcare FSA and up to $5,000 to a Dependent Care FSA. Unlike Healthcare FSAs, Dependent Care FSAs work on a household—not individual—basis. If your spouse also has a Dependent Care FSA, you cannot exceed $5,000 between your two accounts.

From 2023 to 2024, up to $640 in unused Healthcare FSA funds can roll over from one year to the next, if you are an active, benefits-eligible employee, and do not enroll in the Health Savings Account (HSA).

Unused Dependent Care FSA funds are forfeited at the end of the calendar year (you have until March 31 of the following year to submit).

Dependent Care FSA funds can pay for eligible dependent day care expenses.

Healthcare FSA funds can pay for eligible healthcare expenses. 

Learn more about FSAs

Unless you opt out on MyUHC.com, amounts you owe for medical, vision, prescription drug and/or dental claims under the Columbia-provided plans will automatically deduct from your Healthcare FSA. 

After enrolling in an FSA, check the mail for a Health Care Spending Card (a debit card with a declining balance equal to your annualized contribution). This card is linked to your Healthcare and/or Dependent Care FSA accounts. It can be used at participating providers. 

If you do not use the card, you may submit a claim directly to UHC. You will receive a check at your home mailing address, or you can sign up for direct deposit.

Unused Dependent Care FSA funds are forfeited at the end of the calendar year (you have until March 31 of the following year to submit).

Up to $640 in unused Healthcare FSA funds can roll over from 2023 to 2024, if you are an active, benefits-eligible employee, and do not enroll in the Health Savings Account (HSA).

A monthly dollar amount of your choice, up to the annual IRS limit, is deducted pre-tax from your pay.

Learn more about Transit/Parking Reimbursement 

Pre-tax deductions for University and New York-Presbyterian (NYP) parking spaces are separate from the EBPA T/PRP benefit. You may participate in both programs if you also park outside of the University or NYP space for work purposes and your combined pre-tax deductions do not exceed the monthly IRS limit.

Unused T/PRP contributions roll over for use in future months, but you cannot use more than the IRS limit in any given month. However, you may never be reimbursed for transit or parking expenses in an amount above the monthly IRS limit. 

Example: Your monthly railroad ticket costs $330 and you contribute the monthly maximum IRS allowable amount of $315. You go on vacation for the entire month of July and do not stop contributions. Your T/PRP August balance would be $600 but, per IRS regulations, you can only use $315 per month. You could stop contributions for a month to bring down your balance to $0. This is especially important to remember if you are considering leaving the University.

If you do not incur enough eligible expenses before you leave the University, to bring your balance to $0, you will forfeit any unused funds.

Q. What does the Tuition Exemption Benefit cover?
A. The Tuition Exemption Benefit Program pays undergraduate or graduate tuition costs each term, based on Officer Group, and What’s Covered, depending on the date of hire, course or degree program, and waiting period as outlined in the Tuition Exemption Benefits Policy. Review your Tuition Exemption Benefit Form on CUBES to understand exactly what tuition exemption benefit, per term, you are eligible for.

Q. How is tuition paid?
A. Each term, you submit your "Tuition Exemption – For Yourself" form to Columbia University schools - CU Student Financial Services, Teachers College, or Barnard College - Bursar’s Office, your tuition will simply be exempted.

Q. What is meant by degree matriculation?
A. Degree Matriculation refers to being officially accepted and enrolled in a degree program.

Q. Are Post-baccalaureate certificate programs covered?
A. Yes, at Columbia University only. Post-baccalaureate: Certificate of Professional Achievement Program are considered non-degree programs for the purposes of Tuition Exemption Benefits for Officers. Advanced Certificate programs, registered with the New York State Department of Education (NYSDE), are considered graduate degree programs for Tuition Exemption Benefits purposes.

Q. How does the Tuition Exemption Benefit cover courses taken during the Summer Term?
A. The Summer Term at Columbia comprises several sessions. Individual summer sessions do not count as separate terms. Tuition Exemption covers your Officer Group, What’s Covered, degree program courses or non-degree courses, spread out over the entire Summer Term.
 
Q. What courses are not covered under the Tuition Exemption Benefit?
A. For courses that are not covered under the Officer Tuition Exemption Benefit Policy, please review provisions related to Courses Not Covered.

Q. If I am laid off during a term, while enrolled in a course or degree program, how will it affect my eligibility for Tuition Exemption?
A. Tuition Exemption for that term will not be revoked. However, Tuition Exemption will not be granted for any subsequent term. For other employment status changes, review the Officer Tuition Exemption Policy, provisions related to Changes in Employment Status That May Affect Eligibility.

Q. Can I drop a course without losing the Tuition Exemption benefit?
A. Yes, as long as you drop the course before The End Date of the Change of Program Period each term. See Academic Calendar.

Q. Can I take courses if I haven’t met the two (2) year continuous service (waiting period) to be eligible for Tuition Exemption?
A. Yes. The Reduced Employee Rate is a supplement to the Tuition Exemption Benefit for Officers, before having met the waiting period. The Reduced Employee Rate for tuition costs is available at Columbia University only.  You are responsible for 65% of the tuition cost and all fees, 35% of your tuition is exempted. You must be accepted and enrolled in the school you wish to attend. (See Reduced Employee Rate for Officers.)

Q. If I want to take courses above what’s covered under the Tuition Exemption Benefit for my Officer group, can I take additional courses?
A. Yes, per term, the additional courses you take above What Covered, you will receive the Reduced Employee Rate. The Reduced Employee Rate is a supplement to the Tuition Exemption Benefit. The reduced Employee Rate for tuition cost is available at Columbia University only.  You are responsible for 65% of the tuition cost and all fees, 35% of your tuition is exempted. You must be accepted and enrolled in the school you wish to attend.  (See Appendix: Tuition Benefit Supplement – Reduced Employee Rate for Officers.)

Q. Is my spouse eligible for Tuition Exemption benefits?
A. The eligibility of your spouse depends on your date of hire. Spouses of Officers hired, rehired, appointed, or promoted after July 1, 2011, are not eligible for tuition exemption benefits. If you were hired as an Officer on or before July 1, 2011, your spouse is eligible for Tuition Exemption of 100% of tuition cost each term for an undergraduate degree program that began by the Fall Term 2011 at Columbia only, until that degree is completed. Spouses who have received a bachelor’s degree from an accredited academic institution are not eligible for this Tuition Exemption Benefit. 

Q. If I am laid off, how will it affect the Tuition Exemption eligibility of my spouse?
A. Tuition Exemption for that term will not be revoked. Tuition exemption will not be granted for any subsequent term.

Q. When are my children eligible for Tuition Exemption benefits?
A. Eligibility of your children to receive Tuition Exemption benefits depends on your hire date and years of service.

• If you are hired, rehired, appointed or promoted to Officer after July 1, 2011 – you must complete four (4) years of regular full-time continuous service, without a break in service longer than 31 days, before your children are eligible. Once the waiting period is met, your children are eligible to receive Tuition Exemption of 100% tuition for the next full term that begins your eligibility date.
• If you are hired, rehired, appointed, or promoted on or before July 1, 2011 – you do not have a waiting period before your children are eligible to receive Tuition Exemption of 100%.

Q. Do my children have to meet certain eligibility requirements?
A. Yes. Eligible children must be:

• 25 or under, at the time they begin matriculation for their undergraduate degree; and
• Be the biological child, adopted child, stepchild, or under legal guardianship of:
  • A regular, full-time Officer of Administration, Instruction, the Libraries or Research; or
  • The spouse of a full-time, regular Officer.

Q. How does my child remain eligible for Tuition Exemption?
A. Until the end of the month in which your dependent child turns age 26, your child must maintain matriculation in the degree program they started in order to be eligible to for the Tuition Exemption Benefit.

Q. Does my child have to be registered in an undergraduate degree program to be eligible?
A. Yes, your child must be matriculated, enrolled, and accepted, in an undergraduate degree program at Columbia College, Barnard College, the School of General Studies or the Fu Foundation of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

Q. Is there a limit on the number of semesters for which my child can receive the Tuition Exemption benefit?
A. There is no limit on the number of semesters for which an Officer’s child can receive the Tuition Exemption Benefit at Columbia University, as long as the courses are credited toward the child’s first undergraduate degree. Note: There is an 8-semester limit for Tuition Exemption at Barnard College.

Q. Is my child eligible for graduate-level Tuition Exemption Benefits?
A. Eligibility for graduate tuition depends on your date of hire, rehire, appointment or promotion, and regular, full-time continuous salaried services as an Officer:

• If you were hired after June 30, 1993 – there is no Tuition Exemption for graduate school or graduate-level courses for your child(ren).
• If you were hired between July 1, 1987 - June 30, 1993, and you have been continuously (regular full-time) employed by the University since then – your child’s Tuition Exemption Benefit for graduate school or graduate-level courses is equal to 50% of tuition cost, regardless of age, financial dependency or marital status. Note: Children of Officers employed in the Law School are not eligible for this benefit and those of other Officers may not use the benefit for courses in the Law School or at Teachers College.
• If you were hired before July 1, 1987, and you have been continuously employed (regular full-time) since then – your child’s Tuition Exemption Benefit for graduate school or graduate-level courses is equal to 100% of tuition cost, regardless of age, financial dependency or marital status. Note: Children of Officers employed in the Law School are not eligible for this benefit and those of other Officers may not use the benefit for courses in the Law School or at Teachers College.

Please Note: The CUHR, Benefits - Tuition Programs Team must research and confirm an Officers eligibility for Children – Graduate Tuition.

Q. What if my child wishes to study abroad, will it be covered by Tuition Exemption?
A. Yes, if the Study Abroad courses count toward the undergraduate degree and Columbia or Barnard College bills for the tuition costs. If at another accredited academic institution bills for the tuition cost, it would not be covered under Tuition Exemption but may be eligible under the College Tuition Scholarship (CTS) benefit. Study Abroad Programs, billed through a Third Party (Not at an accredited college or university) are not covered. It is the Officers responsibility to confirm Study Abroad billing.

Q. If I am laid off, how will it affect the Tuition Exemption eligibility of my child?
A. Tuition Exemption for that term will not be revoked. Tuition exemption will not be granted for any subsequent term.

Q. How do I apply for Tuition Exemption?
A. You must complete the application process at the beginning of each term. You must submit your "Tuition Exemption – Yourself" and/or your eligible dependents, "Tuition Exemption – For Eligible Dependents".

Columbia Programs
Save writeable forms as PDF and email submission to: [email protected]

Barnard College Programs
Email: [email protected] 

Teachers College Programs
Email: [email protected]

You and/or your eligible dependents must be accepted and enrolled in the school you wish to attend.

Q. What if my graduate-level courses or degree program is job related?
A. You must complete Job-Related Graduate Education Certification form, for either a Degree Program or Non-degree graduate-level courses. Your supervisor must sign to certify your graduate level education is job-related. Your Supervisor must email to submit your Job-Related Certification form as follows:

Save writeable forms as PDF and email submission to: [email protected].

Q. What if the name of my eligible dependents does not appear on my Tuition Exemption form in CUBES?
A. If you need to add a dependent, log in to CUBES, using your UNI and Password, On the HR Benefits landing page, select “Profile”, then “My Dependents”, then select  "Add Dependent". Be prepared to scan and upload proof of relationship using the "Upload Documentation" link on the My Dependents screen.

If you are unable to upload documentation, please contact the Columbia Benefits Service Center at 212-851-7000. Once the documentation is verified and your record is updated, you will be able to print the Tuition Exemption Benefits forms. Qualifying forms of proof include:

• Spouse – marriage certificate
• Dependent child – birth certificate, adoption papers or guardianship papers

Q. What does accredited academic institution mean?
A. The institution must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For International Schools, the accrediting body of the country.

Q. How many semesters are covered?
A. Eight (8) semesters (or the equivalent number of trimesters or quarters). Summer Terms after the completed freshmen year is complete are not covered. Summer Terms following a completed senior year are not covered.

Q. Are winter semesters covered? Please note: Winter Terms part of an academic year of quarter (1/4) terms are covered.
A. The CTS program will cover a student for winter terms, Using CTS for a winter semester will count against the eight (8) semester limit.

Q. Are courses during the summer covered?
A. The CTS program covers courses in the summer term. This is in addition to the eight (8) semesters (or the equivalent number of trimesters or quarters)— provided the summer courses are taken after your child has matriculated for full freshman year. A “Student in Good Standing” letter is required from the school, detailing the name, summer courses will be accepted as part of student undergraduate degree program, and must be taken during the years in which the student is eligible for the fall or spring term CTS, and before the degree is completed. Summer courses following a completed senior year are not covered.

Q. Are study abroad programs eligible for CTS?
A. Yes. To be eligible for CTS, the study abroad program must be sponsored by an accredited college or university. Study abroad programs are either for a full semester or summer term. Additional requirements include:

• Your dependent child must continue to be matriculated in an undergraduate degree.
• The courses taken as part of the Study Abroad Program are credited toward the undergraduate degree at the college or university your child is attending.
• The Study Abroad Program is not billed through a third-party administrator (an unaccredited college or university is not covered). The cost of tuition must be billed from an accredited college or university.

Q. What if my child has awards or scholarships?
A. First, the actual tuition cost is calculated, which is equal to the full per term tuition cost, minus tuition-specific awards, scholarships, grants, etc. Other awards, scholarships and grants which are not tuition-specific, and which may be applied to all other cost and fees, such as housing, are not deducted from tuition expenses. Please see the sample "Letter to the School, Grants, Awards & Scholarship".

Q. I've retired from Columbia University; do my children remain eligible for this benefit?
A. To retire with this benefit, an Officer must be 55 years or older and have completed ten (10) years of regular full-time, continuous service (as an Officer) after age 45. Your dependent children on record in CUBES are eligible for the CTS benefit in effect for active Officers at the time the CTS application is submitted.

Q. How do I apply for the CTS benefit?
A. Please refer to the CTS Checklist, which defines the step by step process. The following forms are required documentation must be completed and submitted to EBPA as part of your College Tuition Scholarship benefit application. CTS applications without the required documentation will not be processed until all required documentation is received. Each term This documentation must be submitted. Required documentation for your application includes:

1. Form: Outside of Columbia University for Dependent Children (Active Officers: Complete your College Tuition Scholarship - Checklist & Application Form from the CUBES and save to pdf; Retired or Family of Deceased Officers: use the CTS Application Form for Retired Officers or CTS Application for Family of Deceased Officers, on the CTS webpage).
2. Copy of your child’s itemized tuition bill, along with official documentation of any grants and/or scholarships your child is receiving. The itemized tuition bill must provide the college or university mailing address. If the tuition bill does not provide the mailing address for payment, please submit the school’s website page which documents the tuition payment mailing address.
3. Summer term documentation (if applicable), including a Student in Good Standing Letter (Sample Letter).

Please note: Applications can be submitted no earlier than July 1 for the start an upcoming fall term.

If your child is not listed on this form – To apply for College Tuition Scholarship Benefit, your dependent child’s name must be listed on the form.

If you need to add a dependent, log in to CUBES using your UNI and password and enter your UNI and password Once logged in, select “Profile,” then “My Dependent” and finally, choose "Add Dependent." Be prepared to scan and upload proof of relationship using the "Upload Documentation" link on the My Dependents screen.

If you are unable to upload documentation, please contact the Columbia Benefits Service Center at 212-851-7000, with questions and/or concerns. Once the documentation is verified and your CUBES dependent record is updated, you will be able to print the College Tuition Scholarship (CTS) Eligibility & Application Form.

• To apply for the benefit, complete the College Tuition Scholarship (CTS) Checklist & Application form. You must complete all sections and sign date the form.
• Provide the itemized tuition bill each term: You must request a copy of the itemized tuition bill, along with copies of official documentation for any grants and/or scholarships for the term for which you are applying. Payment mailing address must be on the itemized tuition bill, as well as the contact information for the college or university’s Bursar’s Office or Financial Services.
• Summer term documentation, if applicable: If your child is taking summer courses, please provide written proof from the college or university on the institutions letterhead that your dependent child is a student in good standing and that the summer courses are part of their academic program. Please see the Student in Good Standing Letter (Sample Letter).

Q. How long does it take EBPA (CTS benefit administrator) to process a completed application and to send the CTS award payment to the college?
A. Please allow EBPA up to 15 business days to process your CTS application benefit payment.  EBPA CTS payments are sent via U.S. mail.

Q. If I have questions about my CTS application or the status of the payment processing, who can I call?
A. EBPA CU Tuition Scholarship Tracking - You can also register to track the status of your application with EBPA. Applications will be available for tracking 2-3 business days after they are submitted through the portal.

Q. How will I know the CTS payment has been made to my child’s college or university?
A. EBPA CU Tuition Scholarship Tracking - You can also register to track the status of your application with EBPA. Applications will be available for tracking 2-3 business days after they are submitted through the portal.

EBPA will send you a CTS Claims Payment Notification letter by U.S. mail confirming the CTS amount paid to your child’s college or university.

Please contact EBPA at https://www.ebpabenefits.com/contact-us or call EBPA Customer Service at 1-888-456-4576.

Q. Is there a limit to the number of scholarships I can receive?
A. You may receive as many scholarships as you have eligible children.

Q. Does the PTS benefit cover tuition and other program fees?
A. No. It covers only tuition for grades K-8. Other fees such as health services, food, student activities and books are not covered. If the bill from the school combines these fees, you must request from the institution’s bursar that the tuition fees be displayed separately.

Q. Will PTS cover nursery school or pre-kindergarten?
A. No, nursery school and pre-kindergarten are not covered under the PTS Policy.

Q. If my child needs to repeat a year will PTS cover a second year of kindergarten?
A. Yes. If a child's school recommends that a child repeat a grade, a PTS will cover a second year of a grade on a one-time per child basis, requiring related documentation of the school's recommendation must be provided as part of your PTS application to repeat a year.

Q. How is qualifying family income determined?
A. The total tax you pay is subtracted from your taxable income, resulting in the qualifying family income, which is used to determine the percentage of tuition covered (10%-35%). The most recent year's federal, state and city income tax return(s) of the child’s family are used.

Note: Does not apply to PTS for The School at Columbia University.

Q. What if I do not wish to submit tax return information?
A. If you do not submit tax return information, your PTS will be 10% of the school's tuition. (Established Administrative Practice)

Note: Does not apply to PTS for The School at Columbia University.

Q. What happens if my employment status changes?
A. If you have a status change that is one of the following: layoff, involuntary termination, involuntary transfer to part-time employment, voluntary resignation or voluntary transfer to part-time employment, leave of absence, promotion to Officer, retirement or death, please consult the PTS Policy; or contact the Columbia Benefits Service Center by sending an email to [email protected] or by calling 212-851-7000.

Q. I’ve retired from Columbia University; do my children remain eligible for this benefit?
A. To retire with this benefit, an Officer must be 55 years or older and have completed ten (10) years of Full-Time continuous benefits-eligible service (as an Officer after) age 45. You are eligible for the benefit in effect at the time the PTS Application is submitted. Retired Officers Primary Tuition Scholarship applications can be found on the webpage under Resources.

Q. How do I apply for the PTS-NYC Private School benefit?
A. Please refer to the PTS Checklist: NYC Private Schools. The following forms and documentation must be completed and submitted to EBPA as part of your Primary Tuition Scholarship (PTS) benefit. PTS applications without the required documentation will not be processed until all required documentation is received. This documentation must be submitted each primary school year. Required documentation for your application includes:

• Form: Tuition Scholarship Outside of Columbia University for Dependent Children, specifically the Primary Tuition Scholarship (PTS) – Eligibility & Application Form (Active Officers: Save to pdf your writeable PTS Form from CUBES; Retired Officers: use the PTS Application Form).
• Copy of the itemized tuition bill, along with official documentation of any grants and/or scholarships your child is receiving. The tuition bill must include the school's mailing address.
• Financial Information: Copies of the prior year’s federal, state and, city tax returns for the child’s family, if applicable.

Note: Applications can be submitted no earlier than June 1 for the start of a new primary school year.

Q. How do I apply for the PTS benefit for the School at Columbia University?
A. Please refer to the PTS – The School at Columbia Checklist. The following forms and documentation must be completed and submitted to EBPA as part of your Primary Tuition Scholarship (PTS) benefit. PTS applications without the required documentation will not be processed until all required documentation is received. This documentation must be submitted each term. Required documentation for your application includes:

• Form: Tuition Scholarship Outside of Columbia University for Dependent Children, specifically the Primary Tuition Scholarship (PTS) – Eligibility & Application Form (Active Officers: Save to pdf your writeable PTS Form from CUBES; Retired Officers: use the PTS Application Form).
• A copy of the first page of your Enrollment or Re-Enrollment contract from The School at Columbia, confirming your child's seat.

Note: Applications can be submitted no earlier than June 1 for the start of a new primary school year.

Q. Where do I find the forms and how do I provide the documentation?
A. All forms are on CUBES, under the Tuition tab and the HR website.

Q. How long does it take EBPA (PTS benefits administrator) to process a completed application and to send the PTS award payment to the college?
A. Please allow up to 15 business days for EBPA to process your PTS application for benefits payment. EBPA PTS payments are sent via U.S. mail.

Q. If I have questions about my PTS application or the status of the payment processing, who can I call?
A. EBPA CU Tuition Scholarship Tracking - You can also register to track the status of your application with EBPA. Applications will be available for tracking 2-3 business days after they are submitted through the portal.

Q. How will I know the PTS payment has been made to my child’s school?
A. EBPA CU Tuition Scholarship Tracking - You can also register to track the status of your application with EBPA. Applications will be available for tracking 2-3 business days after they are submitted through the portal.

EBPA will send you a PTS Claims Payment Notification letter by mail confirming the PTS amount paid to your child’s school.

Additional questions, please contact EBPA at https://www.ebpabenefits.com/contact-us or call EBPA Customer Service at 1-888-456-4576.

Q. When should I submit the Reimbursement form?
A. You should submit the application to EBPA as early as possible, preferably before the beginning of a school year. 

Note: EBPA cannot process applications for the upcoming primary school year before June 1 each year.

Q. What is the Primary Tuition Scholarship (PTS) benefit and whom does it cover?
A. The PTS benefit pays 50%* your dependent child’s tuition in grades K-8 at The School at Columbia University.

• If you were hired on or before 7/1/2011 and both parents are eligible Officers – you can receive two scholarships simultaneously, adding up 100% for grades K-8 at The School at Columbia.
• If you were hired after 7/1/2011 and both parents are eligible Officers – you can receive one scholarship per child.

*Note: Beginning in the 2024-25 academic year, the PTS will pay 60% of your child’s tuition for grades K-8 at The School at Columbia University. Families with multiple children enrolled at TSC will receive an additional 5%, equal to a 65% benefit, for each sibling enrollee after the first child.

Q. Who is eligible for the PTS benefit?
A. You are eligible if you are a regular full-time Faculty or Officer of the University (including Officers of Instruction, Administration and Libraries, and Research). Both you and your child must live within the five (5) boroughs of New York City.

If you are a visiting Officer of Instruction or Research, or you are a Postdoctoral Clinical Fellow, you are not eligible for PTS.

Q. When will my child be eligible for the PTS benefit?
A. Immediately. There is no waiting period.

Q. How is the academic year defined for PTS?
A. The academic year for PTS runs from September to June (10 Months).

Q. What if I am newly hired after the start of the school year?
A. You will be partially covered for a school year. You will receive a percentage of the PTS, based on your month of hire.

Q. How do I apply for the PTS benefit for the School at Columbia University?
A. Please refer to the PTS – The School at Columbia Checklist. The following forms and documentation must be completed and submitted to EBPA as part of your Primary Tuition Scholarship (PTS) benefit. PTS applications without the required documentation will not be processed until all required documentation is received. This documentation must be submitted each term. Required documentation for your application includes:

• Form: Tuition Scholarship Outside of Columbia University for Dependent Children, specifically the Primary Tuition Scholarship (PTS) – Eligibility & Application Form (Active Officers: Save to pdf your writeable PTS Form from CUBES; Retired Officers: use the PTS Application Form).
• A copy of the first page of your Enrollment or Re-Enrollment contract from The School at Columbia, confirming your child's seat.

Note: Applications can be submitted no earlier than June 1 for the start of a new primary school year.

The VRSP is a defined contribution 403(b) plan that lets you contribute toward your retirement savings through convenient payroll deductions. You are eligible to participate on your date of hire and can contribute on a pre-tax and/or a Roth after-tax basis up to the IRS annual limit.  If you contributed to a 403(b) or 401(k) plan at a previous employer on either a pre-tax or Roth basis, you can roll over your contributions to the VRSP.

You can select from a wide choice of investment funds for your contributions through the investment carrier you select, either Vanguard or TIAA.  Please contact the carriers directly to review the investment choices available to you via their contact information below.

• The Vanguard Group: vanguard.com; 800-523-1188
• TIAA: tiaa.org/columbia; 800-842-2252

The University offers retirement planning workshops several times a year that are designed to give participants an overview of the financial and retirement planning process. The workshops provide education on several topics including, taxation, income requirements and estate planning. You may register on the Benefits website under “Events.”

In addition to the workshops, the University’s investment carriers provide one-on-one counseling. You can register at the appropriate vendor websites.

• The Vanguard Group: www.meetvanguard.com; 800-662-0106, ext. 14500
• TIAA tiaa.org/moc; 800-732-8353

The Office of Faculty Retirement supports all Columbia faculty on all campuses.  You can find Information on: planning for future retirement, initiation of immediate or phased retirement, and activity following retirement. Go to faculty-retirement.columbia.edu for more information.

Annual Benefits Salary is the greater of a) the base salary in effect on each July 1; or b) the prior 12 months’ gross compensation, to June 30. It is calculated as of July 1 each year and goes into effect the following January 1. Your Annual Benefits Salary is used to determine your life insurance coverage and eligibility for the Child Care Benefit.

Log in to CUBES and click the Alerts tab to find the Dependent Verification page to upload documentation. Or send via secure fax to 844-301-7225. If you do not have access to scan or fax documents, contact the Columbia Benefits Service Center for instructions.

Log in to CUBES and go to your Profile. Select "Life Insurance Beneficiaries," then click and follow prompts, or change your allocated percent for existing beneficiaries. Remember to save your updates.

Go to Directory and Benefits Vendors, and keyword filter for Dental Providers, the links will direct you to external provider search sites.

You can search for in-network providers, and confirm the network status of providers on UHC’s Find a Doctor or Facility page.

Scroll down the page to "Columbia University Medical Providers" or "Columbia University Behavioral Health Providers” for a list of Columbia doctors who provide in-network services through UHC only for Columbia’s employees and their dependents.

Preventive care includes routine well exams, screenings and immunizations intended to prevent or avoid health problems. Go to Preventive Care for more information.

Under the Choice Plus 80 and 90 plans, deductible and coinsurance apply for labwork and radiology, even if done as part of an office visit. 

For SSA and TWU-member Choice In-Network plans, outpatient lab and radiology will incur a $150 copay if done in a hospital. Alternatively, if you use a free-standing facility outside of the hospital, you will be covered at 100%. 

For Non-Union Support Staff in the Choice Plus 100 plan, the deductible will apply for lab and radiology completed in a non-hospital setting. If done in a hospital, a $150 copay will apply. 

For the Choice In-Network and Choice Plus 100 plans, it is important to note that there is no copay if you use certain designated New York-Presbyterian (NYP) hospital locations for outpatient lab and radiology services. 

Yes, once you reach the in-network out-of-pocket maximum, the Plan covers 100% of in-network covered expenses. Your in-network deductible, coinsurance and medical and prescription copays apply to the out-of-pocket maximum. Your out-of-network expenses will also accumulate toward your in-network out-of-pocket maximum. 

Eligible expenses are determined in accordance with the Claims Administrator's reimbursement policy. For more information, contact UHC at 800-232-9357.

Call 855-427-4682 to speak to a patient care representative, specialty-trained pharmacist or nurse, 24/7. BriovaRx, the OptumRx specialty pharmacy, delivers specialty medications by mail. If you use any other pharmacy, you will be responsible for the entire cost of the medication.

Basic vision coverage is included if you elect Columbia-provided medical coverage. To search for a vision provider, log in to myuhc.com, go to the “Coverage & Benefits" tab, scroll to Vision and click on "Find a Vision Provider."

If you visited an out-of-network provider, complete a UHC Out-of-Network Vision Claim Form and mail or fax—with related receipts—to UHC.

Dependent Care FSA funds can pay for eligible dependent day care expenses.

Healthcare FSA funds can pay for eligible healthcare expenses.

Learn more about Support Staff FSAs

Unused Dependent Care FSA funds are forfeited at the end of the calendar year (you have until March 31 of the following year to submit).

A monthly dollar amount of your choice, up to the annual IRS limit, is deducted pre-tax from your pay.

Learn more about Transit/Parking Reimbursement 

Pre-tax deductions for University and New York-Presbyterian (NYP) parking spaces are separate from the EBPA T/PRP benefit.

You may participate in both programs if you also park outside of the University or NYP space for work purposes and your combined pre-tax deductions do not exceed the monthly IRS limit.

Unused T/PRP contributions roll over for use in future months, but you cannot use more than the IRS limit in any given month. However, you may never be reimbursed for transit or parking expenses in an amount above the monthly IRS limit. 

Example: Your monthly railroad ticket costs $330 and you contribute the monthly maximum IRS allowable amount of $315. You go on vacation for the entire month of July and do not stop contributions. Your T/PRP August balance would be $600 but, per IRS regulations, you can only use $315 per month. You could stop contributions for a month, to bring down your balance to $0. This is especially important to remember if you are considering leaving the University.

If you do not incur enough eligible expenses before you leave the University, to bring your balance to $0, you will forfeit any unused funds.

Q. What does the Tuition Exemption Benefit cover?
A. The Tuition Exemption Benefit for Support Staff applies during the academic year to undergraduate or graduate classes at Columbia University, Barnard College, and Teachers College. Eligible dependents may receive the unused portion of a Support Staff member's benefit, but only at Columbia. The academic year is from September to May.

Q. Does the Tuition Exemption Benefit cover courses taken during the Summer Term?
A. Yes, at Columbia only. Summer courses at Barnard College and Teachers College are not covered.

Q. How is tuition paid?
A. When you submit your eligibility form to the school's billing department, your tuition will be exempt, and you will see a Tuition Exemption Benefit credit on your Student Account.

You are responsible for paying all fees—for example, course fees and textbook and residence fees, where applicable.

Q. Can I take classes during work hours?
A. If you are taking courses during working hours, you must have your supervisor's approval recorded on your Tuition Exemption form.
 
Q. Do I have to be accepted and enrolled in the school I wish to attend to be eligible for tuition exemption?
A. Yes, to receive the Tuition Exemption Benefit, you must be first accepted and enrolled in the school you wish to attend. Consult your Collective Bargaining Agreement or the Tuition Exemption Policy to confirm what's covered.

To Print Your Proof of Eligibility – Log in to CUBES with your UNI and password. Select "Actions," then "Print Your Tuition Eligibility Form." Next, click "Tuition Exemption - For Yourself," then complete and sign, save to pdf to submit form.

Submit the form to your school's billing office as follows:

Q. What is meant by degree matriculation?
A. Degree Matriculation refers to being officially accepted and enrolled in a degree program. You must be first be accepted and enrolled in the school you wish to attend before you may use the Tuition Exemption Benefit.

Q. Are Post-baccalaureate certificate programs covered?
A. Yes. Please note, Certificate of Professional Achievement programs are non-degree Post-baccalaureate, Certificate and Advanced Certificate Post-baccalaureate programs, maybe considered degree programs, it is the responsibility of the Support Staff member to research and confirm. Please confirm your tuition exemption benefit coverage, up to 7 points per term.

Q. What courses are not covered under the Tuition Exemption Benefit for Support Staff or their family members?
A. For courses that are not covered under the Tuition Exemption Benefit, go to your union's Tuition Exemption Overview page, where you can view "Courses Not Covered include."

• All short-term, intensive and fee-based courses in which the instructor is paid based on the number of students registered in the course
• Non-Credit Courses
• Courses with no point/credit value
• Applied music courses (i.e., musical instrument instruction)
• Course numbers beginning with the letter "Q" or "N," unless such a course is taken to fulfill a degree requirement
• Any courses you audit

Q: If I am laid off, how will it affect my eligibility for Tuition Exemption?
A: Tuition Exemption for that term will not be revoked. However, Tuition Exemption will not be granted for any additional term, unless you are reinstated. Please refer to the Support Staff Tuition Policy for additional status changes and how they affect your Tuition Exemption Benefit.

Q. Can I drop a course without losing the Tuition Exemption benefit?
A. Yes, you can drop a course. However, each term, to avoid any possibility of financial responsibility and to avoid having the course count toward your Tuition Exemption Benefit limits, you must arrange with your school and the Registrar to drop the course before the end date of the Change of Program Period, see Academic Calendar.

Q. What courses are not covered under the Tuition Exemption Benefit for spouses?
A. Courses not covered include:

• All short-term, intensive and fee-based courses in which the instructor is paid based on the number of students registered in the course
• Non-Credit Courses
• Courses with no point/credit value
• Applied music courses (i.e., musical instrument instruction)
• Course numbers beginning with the letter "Q" or "N," unless such a course is taken to fulfill a degree requirement
• Any courses you audit

Q. Can my spouse drop a course without losing the Tuition Exemption benefit?
A. Yes, your spouse can drop a course, however, they need to arrange with the School and the Registrar to drop it before the End Date of Change of Program Period, see Academic Calendar, to avoid any possibility of financial responsibility and to avoid having the course count toward their Tuition Exemption course limits.

Q. When are my children eligible for Tuition Exemption benefits?
A. Eligibility of your children to receive Tuition Exemption benefits depends on your years of service, as there are waiting periods for Support Staff who are non-union and those covered by a collective bargaining contract. Waiting periods are as follows:

Two (2) years of continuous employment for Support Staff before children are eligible for the Tuition Exemption Benefit:

• Non-Union Support Staff
• Local 2110 UAW
• 1999 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East SSA area (Medical Center)
• Local 199 SEIU (Clerical & Cafeteria Units)
• MEBA
• MM&P

Four (4) years of continuous employment for Support Staff before children are eligible for the Tuition Exemption Benefit:

• Local 100 UNITE HERE (Faculty House)
• TWU Local 241 (Maintenance & Custodial and Security Officers)

Q. Does my child have to meet certain eligibility requirements?
A. Yes, provided you are a full-time or part-time Support Staff member, or the spouse of a full-time or part-time Support Staff member. Eligible children must be:

• Matriculated in a Bachelor's or Master's Degree Program only; and
• Be your biological child, adopted child, stepchild, or under your legal guardianship.

To receive Tuition Exemption, your child must also be matriculated into an undergraduate or graduate program at Columbia only, and will be eligible only for the unused portion of your Tuition Exemption benefit, based on your Support Staff Group, full-time or part-time, What's Covered for Children. Please refer to your Collective Bargaining Agreement for specifics.

Q. Can my child take courses as a non-matriculated student at Columbia?
A. Yes, as long as your child has completed high school and is registered as a degree candidate at an institution outside of Columbia, they may be able to obtain admission as a non-matriculated student at Columbia. Proof of matriculation status at the other school is required.

Note: Your child must present to Student Financial Services a letter on the external institution's letterhead, Student in Good Standing, stating good standing and that the course being taken is to fulfill part of the child's academic program. See Sample Letter.

Q. Can my child drop a course without losing the Tuition Exemption benefit?
A. Yes, your child can drop a course; however, they will need to arrange with the School and the Registrar to drop it before the close of the end date of the Change of Program Period, see Academic Calendar, to avoid any possibility of financial responsibility and to avoid having the course count toward the Tuition Exemption course limits.

Taxation on the value of any Tuition Exemption Benefit for a dependent child’s* graduate-level education is treated as part of the Support Staff's taxable income by the federal government and therefore Columbia University will withhold taxes.

*Note: The value of any Tuition Exemption Benefit for a same-sex domestic partners' child(ren) is treated as part of the Support Staff's taxable income by the federal government and therefore Columbia University will withhold taxes

Q. How do I apply for Tuition Exemption?
A. You must be accepted and enrolled in the school you wish to attend. You must complete the application process each term, by submitting your "Tuition Exemption – For Yourself" form and/or your family member, "Tuition Exemption – For Eligible Dependent" form, with related materials, to the appropriate school office by the end date of the Change of Program Period. The timing is important to ensure your Student Account reflects the Tuition Exemption Benefit credit, to avoid late fees.

Q. How do I determine my eligibility and that of my family members?
A. Log in to the CUBES, landing page, click on the Tuition tab, if you are currently eligible, your Tuition Exemption forms with be listed.

Q. What if my graduate courses are job related?
A. If you are enrolled in graduate-level courses or a graduate degree program that is related to your job, you must complete a Job-Related Graduate Education Certification form and send it to your supervisor to certify your course of study is job-related per the JRGEC Policy, in compliance with the IRS criteria. Once certified, your supervisor must submit to Student Financial Services before the end of the Change in Program Period to avoid your benefit being taxed above the Federal annual limit of $5,250 per year. Please be sure to attach your Tuition Benefit Eligibility Form, and then submit it as follows:

Q. What if the name of my family member does not appear on my Tuition Exemption form in the CU Benefits Enrollment System?
A. Only dependents that have been verified with the Columbia Benefits Service Center will be displayed on the Tuition Exemption—for Your Dependents Form. You will need to submit proof of relationship to the Columbia Benefits Service Center, which may consist of the following:

• Spouse – marriage certificate
• Dependent child – birth certificate, adoption papers or guardianship papers

Once your dependent status is verified with the Benefits Service Center, you will be able to print out the Tuition Benefit Eligibility Form for the appropriate dependent.

The VRSP is a defined contribution 403(b) plan that lets you contribute toward your retirement savings through convenient payroll deductions. You are eligible to participate on your date of hire and can contribute on a pre-tax and/or a Roth after-tax basis up to the IRS annual limit.  If you contributed to a 403(b) or 401(k) plan at a previous employer on either a pre-tax or Roth basis, you can roll over your contributions to the VRSP.

You can select from a wide choice of investment funds for your contributions through the investment carrier you select, either Vanguard or TIAA-CREF.  Please contact the carriers directly to review the investment choices available to you via their contact information below.

• The Vanguard Group: vanguard.com; 800-523-1188
• TIAA: tiaa.org/columbia; 800-842-2252

The University offers retirement planning workshops several times a year that are designed to give participants an overview of the financial and retirement planning process.  The workshops provide education on several topics including, taxation, income requirements and estate planning. You may register on the Benefits website under “Events.”

In addition to the workshops, the University’s investment carriers provide one-on-one counseling.  You can register at the appropriate vendor websites.

• The Vanguard Group: www.meetvanguard.com; 800-662-0106, ext. 14500
• TIAA tiaa.org/moc; 800-732-8353

The Office of Faculty Retirement supports all Columbia faculty on all campuses.  You can find Information on: planning for future retirement, initiation of immediate or phased retirement, and activity following retirement.

Go to faculty-retirement.columbia.edu for more information.