Benefits Overview
As a permanent, full-time New York State employee you will be eligible for a variety of attractive benefits.
Telecommuting
Most positions are eligible for a hybrid work schedule, which includes a mix of in-office and telecommuting work days with Agency approval.
Health Care, Leave and Retirement
Vacation, holiday, sick and personal leave
As a full-time employee, you earn 13 days of paid vacation leave during the first year of employment, with added bonus days on completion of years 1 through 7. After seven years of State service, your vacation leave increases to 20 days annually. You also earn five days paid personal leave and 13 paid holidays annually. Paid sick leave varies depending on negotiated contracts with employee unions.
NYS Civil Service Attendance and Leave Benefits
Health Care Coverage
As a State employee, you and your family can choose from a variety of quality health plans available at an affordable, low premium cost through enrollment in the Empire Plan or Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs). You are also provided family dental and vision plans at no cost through either a union Employee Benefits Fund or a State-administered program.
Retirement Plan
The New York State Employees’ Retirement System is designed to provide income after retirement from State service. The plan also provides supplemental benefits such as loan privileges, disability retirement benefits, and death benefits for eligible employees. The amount of pension is determined by total years of service and final average salary.
Payroll Deduction Savings Plans
The New York State Deferred Compensation Plan affords you, as an employee, the option to invest a portion of your salary for retirement on a tax-deferred basis, and New York’s 529 College Saving’s Program allows you to save for your children’s education.
New York State Flex Spending Account (FSA)
The New York State Flex Spending Account (FSA) offers you three opportunities for pre-tax savings that you contribute to annually:
- Dependent Care Advantage Account to cover costs for childcare, elder care or care for disabled dependents
- Health Care Spending Account to cover costs for health-related expenses not reimbursed through insurance.
- Adoption Advantage Account for expenses related to the adoption of an eligible child.
Life and Disability Insurance
You may choose to purchase a group term life insurance policy. If you participate in the Management Confidential (M/C) Income Protection Plan, you will be covered for short-term and long-term disability benefits.
Other Programs
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The Employee Assistance Program is an assessment and referral service that connects employees with local service providers and support services to address their personal needs.
Professional Development
Through DPS-sponsored and external training and development programs, DPS is dedicated to providing staff with professional development opportunities to help them reach their full potential.
Tuition Assistance Program
Tuition assistance and reimbursement opportunities are offered through DPS and negotiated agreements with employee unions. The programs provide financial assistance for employees to improve job skills, performance, and career opportunities by enrolling in courses at participating New York State educational institutions.
Loan Forgiveness
State employees may be eligible for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program after 120 qualifying payments.