Brief Summary of Benefit

Effective Date

Holidays

Independence Day
Labor Day
Veteran’s Day
Thanksgiving (2 days)
Christmas (2 days)
New Year’s Day
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday
Good Friday
Memorial Day

The Holiday Schedule is revised every year.  Some departments are required to operate for some holidays.  Specific information may be obtained from the department head.

Immediately

Vacation Leave

Less than 2 years          10 days per year
2 – 5 years                    12 days per year
5 – 10 years                  15 days per year
10 – 15 years                18 days per year
15 – 20 years                21 days per year
Greater than 20 years  24 days per year

Service credit for vacation leave accruals may be granted to new employees with prior government or Henderson County service.

Immediately begin earning

Sick Leave

12 days per year
(earned in hourly increments bi-weekly)
Unused sick leave from qualifying governmental entities may be transferred to Henderson County (maximum transfer of 30 days).

Immediately begin earning

Bereavement/Funeral Leave

Eligible for up to 3 consecutive days at regular pay with no deduction from other leave balances due to death of specified relatives.

Immediately

Health and Dental Insurance

All employees pay $27.50 per pay period for employee only medical insurance premiums.  This premium is discounted to $0 for full time employees qualifying for the “wellness discount.”  This results in the full cost of employee only health & dental insurance premiums being paid by Henderson County.  Part-time employees’ health & insurance premiums are pro-rated.  Employees have the option to cover dependents.  Employees are responsible for dependent insurance premiums. Employees choose between two benefit plans: Blue Options PPO and Blue Options HDP/HSA.

First day of the month after completing 30 days of employment

Health Savings Account

Employees may choose a Health Savings Account as their health/dental option.  An account is opened for employees participating in the Blue Options HDP/HSA plan.  The County will contribute a pro-rated amount into the participant’s account on the first day of the month following 30 days of employment.  Participating employees may also choose to contribute pre-tax dollars into this account via payroll deductions.

First day of the month after completing 30 days of employment

Retirement

Participation in the North Carolina Local Governmental Employees’ Retirement System (NCLGERS)/North Carolina Local Governmental Law Enforcement Officers’ Retirement System (NCLEORS) is mandatory.  An employee contributes 6% of his/her salary to their retirement account. The County contributes a percentage as required by the Department of State Treasurer.

Immediately

Death Benefit

If an employee dies while actively employed or within 180 days of the last day for which salary was paid, a lump sum payment equal to the 12 months’ salary in a row during the 24 months before an employee’s death.  Payment is one times salary but no less than $25,000 and no more than $50,000.

Effective after participating in the NCLGERS/NCLEORS for one year.

Deferred Compensation Programs

401(k)

Tax-deferred investment opportunities

Employee may begin participation immediately

457 (b)

Tax-deferred investment opportunities

Employee may begin participation immediately

County 2% match

If an employee is contributing 2% or more of his/her base salary, Henderson County will contribute 2% of his/her base salary

After 6 months of employment

Flexible Spending Accounts

Pre-taxed accounts which may be used to pay for health care expenses not covered under an insurance plan and/or certain dependent care expenses

First day of the month after completing 30 days of employment
Program runs from July 1 – June 30

Direct Deposit

Automatic deposit of an employee’s paycheck to his/her personal checking or savings account

Upon completion and processing of Direct Deposit Authorization Form

Voluntary Insurance Products

Offers products such as life insurance, short-term disability, accident, cancer, etc. on an employee pay basis

First day of the month after completing 30 days of employment

Employee Assistance Program

Professional assistance to help employees resolve problems which are affecting the employee and/or the employee’s family; On-line Work-Life  Center

Immediately

COBRA

Continues health benefits for separating employees and families for 18 months or up to 36 months for certain circumstances

Upon termination of health benefits due to separation from employment or other qualifying condition

Credit Union Membership

Banking options

Immediately

Wellness Clinic

Free on-site clinic for employees
Hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Immediately