CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER TO EMPLOYERS — July 21, 2014 TO: All Certifying Officers, Human Resource Directors, and Benefits Administrators participating in the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) and School Employees' Health Benefits Program (SEHBP) FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Behavioral Health Claim Reimbursements Reconsidered The attached Certifying Officer Letter and form have been issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits. Information is provided for filing a claim reconsideration with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey for certain professional behavioral health services. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of benefits for employees. If you need to review previous e-messages, they are available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions At the home page, go to “Online Services — Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC)” and then on the EPIC page select “Archive of E-Messages.” PLEASE NOTE: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER TO EMPLOYERS — July 21, 2014 TO: Certifying Officers, All State-administered Retirement Systems FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Compliance with Internal Revenue Code - Maximum Pension Loan Balances The attached Certifying Officer Letter and Fact Sheet #81, Loans regarding the maximum pension loan balance has been issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of benefits for employees. If you need to review previous e-messages, they are available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions At the home page, go to “Online Services — Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC)” and then on the EPIC page select “Archive of E-Messages.” PLEASE NOTE: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER TO EMPLOYERS — July 21, 2014 TO: Certifying Officers of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Pension Contribution Rate Change for PERS and TPAF The attached Certifying Officer Letter and check message refers to the May 2013 certifying officer letter, pursuant to Chapter 78, P.L. 2011, Pension and Health Benefit Reform, PERS and TPAF employee pension contribution rates should have increased from 6.78% to 6.92% of salary with the first paycheck on or after July 1, 2014. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of benefits for employees. If you need to review previous e-messages, they are available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions At the home page, go to “Online Services — Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC)” and then on the EPIC page select “Archive of E-Messages.” PLEASE NOTE: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. E-MAIL MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS — July 15, 2014 TO: State Biweekly Certifying Officers FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Tax$ave Seminars for your Employees The annual open enrollment for the New Jersey State Employees Tax Savings Program (Tax$ave 2015) will be conducted from October 1 through October 31, 2014. Tax$ave consists of three components:
Upon request, WageWorks will provide educational employee seminars at your workplace to explain the Tax$ave Flexible Spending Accounts. Contact WageWorks today to request a seminar for your employees! To schedule a seminar with a WageWorks representative, please complete and return the attached Tax$ave Seminar Request Form no later than August 1, 2014. Seminars are about 60 minutes in duration and include time for questions and answers. These seminars have proven to be very successful educational tools and we strongly encourage you to make one available to your employees (please note that we ask for a minimum of 25 employees). NOTE: Full-time employees of the State (paid through the Centralized Payroll Unit), State universities, and State colleges — provided that they are also eligible to participate in the New Jersey State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) — may participate in Tax$ave. Additional information about the Tax$ave Open Enrollment will be provided to employers and employees at a later date. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE Certifying Officers should forward this message to their Human Resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of Tax$ave benefits for employees. Current and archived messages are available for viewing on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions At the home page, go to “Online Services — EPIC for Employers” and then select “Archive of E-Messages” on the EPIC page. PLEASE NOTE: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. For more information about EPIC or to update your information contact the Division’s Employer Education Unit at (609) 292-7524 or send e-mail to the Division of Pensions and Benefits at: https://www.state.nj.us/treas/pensions/epicmail.shtml Attachment: Tax$ave Seminar Request Form E-MAIL MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS — July 14, 2014 TO: Certifying Officers, Human Resource Representatives, and Benefit Administrators FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: New Location for Retirement Workshops, Additional Dates Available for your Employees The Division of Pensions and Benefits has upcoming dates for Retirement Workshops designed for employees who plan to retire anytime within the next two years. Both live classroom sessions and online webinars are available. Register at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/workshop-intro.shtml New Location: Please note our new northern New Jersey location at Raritan Valley Community College, Branchburg, NJ Retirement Workshops provide a step-by-step look at the retirement process. We explain retirement benefits, beneficiary options, group life insurance, and how to submit the retirement application online using MBOS. Loan repayment provisions and the taxability of pension are discussed along with health benefits coverage in retirement. As time permits, the workshop concludes with a question and answer period. Please make this information available to your employees. Retirement Workshops for PERS and TPAF Members
Register early, as seats are limited http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/workshop-intro.shtml Online Retirement Webinars — Can’t make it to a Workshop? Online Retirement Webinars are also available. Save time, travel, and find out everything you need to know about retirement on your own computer. A complete list of webinar dates and registration links can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/workshop-intro.shtml Introduction to MBOS training classes for your employees pair up perfectly with our Workshops and are available for the following dates:
ADDITIONAL TRAINING DATES Additional workshop and webinar dates for 2014 will be posted later in the year. For a complete list of employee pension training opportunities, visit the Division of Pensions and Benefits’ Workshop Registration page at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/workshop-intro.shtml DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE Certifying Officers should make this information available to their employees, and forward this message to their Human Resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension and benefits for employees. Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER TO EMPLOYERS — July 8, 2014 TO: State College and University Certifying Officers, Human Resource Directors, and Benefits Administrators participating in the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Affordable Care Act — Classification of Full-time Employees The attached Certifying Officer Letter is being issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits to State Colleges and Universities to inform employers with updated information regarding the Affordable Care Act and the classification of full-time employees. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER Certifying Officers should forward this letter to their Human Resources staff and any other staff members responsible for administration of pension benefits for your employees. The letter is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm If you cannot open the attached PDF file, links to this Certifying Officer Letter can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtmlIf you need to review previous e-messages, they are available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions At the home page, go to “Online Services — Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC)” and then on the EPIC page select “Archive of E-Messages.” Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER TO EMPLOYERS — July 1, 2014 TO: Certifying Officers of State Colleges and Universities FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Fiscal 2015 Alternate Benefit Program Default Designated Service Provider The attached Certifying Officer Letter is being issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits to State Colleges and Universities to inform Alternate Benefit Program (ABP) participating employers of the Fiscal 2015 Alternate Benefit Program default designated service provider. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER Certifying Officers should forward this letter to their Human Resources staff and any other staff members responsible for administration of pension benefits for your employees. The letter is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe via a link at: http://www.state.nj.us/acrobat.htm If you cannot open the attached PDF file, links to this Certifying Officer Letter can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epic-messages.shtmlIf you need to review previous e-messages, they are available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions At the home page, go to “Online Services — Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC)” and then on the EPIC page select “Archive of E-Messages.” Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. E-MAIL MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS — June 30, 2014 TO: All Cycle 2 Certifying Officers FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: 2nd Quarter 2014 IROC (Cycle 2 Locations) IROC NOTICE This notice is to advise that your 2nd Quarter 2014 Internet-based Report of Contributions (IROC) is ready for processing. The IROC is accessed through the Employers Pension Information Connection (EPIC), the secure and fast method for pension information and processing. The Certifying Officer at your employing location has the ability to grant IROC access to other staff persons by using the “Security” function in EPIC. If you have questions about how to use EPIC, please contact the Division’s Employer Education Unit for EPIC help at (609) 292-7524. You can also get help from the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epickit.htm or by clicking the “EPIC User’s Guide” button on your EPIC home page.
Employers who use the IROC have reported that this method is easier and much more efficient; for many it reduces the completion time by half or more. If you are new to using the IROC, it will only take a few minutes to learn the new method and we believe you will find it very much worth your while. At the Division, we truly appreciate the dedication and hard work you bring to your job administering your employees’ pension and benefits. We also want to thank you in advance for your cooperation in making the change to this online reporting system. We hope you will find that using the IROC will greatly improve your quarterly reporting experience.DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE Certifying Officers should make this information available to their employees, and forward this message to their Human Resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension and benefits for employees. Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER TO EMPLOYERS — June 18, 2014 TO: State Biweekly Certifying Officers, State Monthly Certifying Officers FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Health Benefit Contribution Percentage Change - State Employees The attached Certifying Officer Letter and check message regarding the health benefit contribution percentage change for State biweekly and State monthly employees has been issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension benefits for employees. If you need to review previous e-messages, they are available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions At the home page, go to “Online Services — Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC)” and then on the EPIC page select “Archive of E-Messages.” Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. E-MAIL MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS — June 11, 2014 TO: Certifying Officers FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Upcoming Internet Report of Contributions (IROC) Training Sessions The Division of Pensions and Benefits has upcoming dates for Internet Report of Contributions (IROC) Training sessions. Both live classroom sessions and online webinars are available. Please make this information available to your employees. Classroom Sessions:
Register for training at: https://wwwnet1.state.nj.us/treasury/dpb/PBOSRENROL/SemRegHome.aspx Webinars:
Register for training at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/training-intro.shtml ADDITIONAL TRAINING Additional training sessions will be posted. For a complete list of employer training opportunities, visit the Division of Pensions and Benefits’ Registration page at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/training-intro.shtml DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE Certifying Officers should forward this message to staff members who are responsible for the completion of the quarterly report of contributions for employees. Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. E-MAIL MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS — June 11, 2014 TO: All Cycle 1 Certifying Officers FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: 2nd Quarter 2014 IROC (Cycle 1 Locations) IROC NOTICE This notice is to advise that your 2nd Quarter 2014 Internet-based Report of Contributions (IROC) is ready for processing. The IROC is accessed through the Employers Pension Information Connection (EPIC), the secure and fast method for pension information and processing. The Certifying Officer at your employing location has the ability to grant IROC access to other staff persons by using the “Security” function in EPIC. If you have questions about how to use EPIC, please contact the Division’s Employer Education Unit for EPIC help at (609) 292-7524. You can also get help from the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epickit.htm or by clicking the “EPIC User’s Guide” button on your EPIC home page.
Employers who use the IROC have reported that this method is easier and much more efficient; for many it reduces the completion time by half or more. If you are new to using the IROC, it will only take a few minutes to learn the new method and we believe you will find it very much worth your while. At the Division, we truly appreciate the dedication and hard work you bring to your job administering your employees’ pension and benefits. We also want to thank you in advance for your cooperation in making the change to this online reporting system. We hope you will find that using the IROC will greatly improve your quarterly reporting experience.DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE Certifying Officers should make this information available to their employees, and forward this message to their Human Resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension and benefits for employees. Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. E-MAIL MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS — June 5, 2014 TO: Certifying Officers, Human Resource Representatives, and Benefit Administrators FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Additional Retirement and MBOS Workshop Dates and Locations for Your Employees Please make this information available to your employees. Due to the overwhelming response for our Retirement and MBOS Workshops, we have scheduled additional dates at the following locations. Reserve a seat now! Retirement Workshops for PERS and TPAF Members
Limited seats are still available at the following locations for Police and Fire Members. Retirement Workshops for PFRS Members
Register early, as seats are limited http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/workshop-intro.shtml Introduction to MBOS training classes for your employees pair up perfectly with our Workshops and are available for the following dates:
We’re always interested in new locations that are willing to host workshops.
Certifying Officers should make this information available to their employees, and forward this message to their Human Resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension and benefits for employees. Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — May 29, 2014 TO: Certifying Officers, Human Resource Directors, and Benefits Administrators participating in the State Health Benefits Program and School Employees’ Health Benefits Program FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Survey ONLY for SHBP and SEHBP Participating Locations that Offer a Private Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM) Beginning in 2014, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires certain health plans to comply with cost-sharing limits with respect to their coverage of essential health benefits. The cost-sharing limits include (1) a maximum allowed deductible; and (2) an overall annual cost-sharing limit, also called an out-of-pocket (OOP) maximum. Cost-sharing includes any expenditure required by or on behalf of an enrollee with respect to essential health benefits, such as deductibles, co-payments, co-insurance and similar charges. It excludes premiums and spending for non-covered services. For 2014, the OOP maximum cannot exceed $6,350 for self-only coverage and $12,700 for family coverage. In 2015, the cost-sharing limits will include prescription drug coverage. Your location has chosen to participate in the SHBP/SEHBP, but has chosen to use a private Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM) to administer your prescription drug program. Therefore, please complete the attached survey, and return it to the Division by July 1, 2014. This information is needed so that the SHBP/SEHBP can remain compliant with the requirements of the ACA and determine the best course of action as it relates to adhering to the combined health and prescription drug OOP maximums in 2015. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension benefits for employees. If you need to review previous e-messages, they are available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions At the home page, go to “Online Services — Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC)” and then on the EPIC page select “Archive of E-Messages.” Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — May 27, 2014 TO: Certifying Officers (PERS, TPAF, and PFRS) FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Online Authorization of Scheduled Deductions Only for Purchase of Service Credit The Division of Pensions and Benefits is implementing significant changes to the authorization of scheduled payroll deductions for the purchase of service credit for members of the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS), Teachers’ Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF), and Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS). ONLINE PURCHASE AUTHORIZATION FOR SCHEDULING PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS Once a member applies for a purchase online through their personal account with the Member Benefits Online System (MBOS) and the Division of Pensions and Benefits determines that service credit is eligible for purchase, a letter quoting the cost to purchase service is mailed to the member. In order to complete the purchase the member must authorize the purchase and indicate the payment method before the date specified on the cost quotation letter — the member is allowed 90 days from the date of the purchase quote to authorize the purchase. Effective May 2014, members who wish to authorize payroll deductions will now have the option to return the paper Purchase Authorization form or use the ‘Purchase Authorization’ online application accessible online through MBOS. Additionally, if the member wants to increase the amount of payroll deductions towards the purchase of service credit, or decrease the amount of service credit they wish to purchase, they may also complete the ‘Purchase Authorization’ online via MBOS. Members wishing to submit a personal check or a rollover as payment for the purchase of service credit cannot use the online application via MBOS at this time and must submit a paper Purchase Authorization along with the payment. If a member does not want to authorize the purchase of service credit, no response is required. MBOS ACCESS The Member Benefits Online System (MBOS) is a set of Internet applications that allow registered retirement system members access to their pension account information.MBOS provides members with the fastest, most efficient method for requesting a purchase. Confirmation of receipt of an application is provided to the member on screen and by e-mail. Employees who are new to MBOS can access MBOS after they register with both the MyNewJersey Web site and MBOS. Registration is free; however, the registration process requires several steps and new users should carefully follow the MBOS Registration Instructions. If, after following the MBOS Registration Instructions, an employee still needs assistance registering for or using MBOS, they should call the MBOS Help Desk at (609) 292-7524 or send an e-mail with the subject line "MBOS E-mail". Exceptions to Online Purchase Authorization
Note: For members who were previously on a leave of absence and return to active employment, the pension account must be updated to reflect the return to employment in order to schedule deductions via the MBOS ‘Purchase Authorization’ application. If the member’s account has not yet been updated to reflect that the member has returned to employment a lump sum payment will be required to purchase service credit. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION For additional information about the purchase of service credit, see: Fact sheets and handbooks are available for viewing or printing on the Division of Pensions and Benefits Web site at: www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension benefits for employees. If you need to review previous e-messages, they are available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions At the home page, go to “Online Services — Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC)” and then on the EPIC page select “Archive of E-Messages.” Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. E-MAIL MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS — May 23, 2014 TO: Certifying Officers, Human Resource Representatives, and Benefit Administrators FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Additional Retirement Workshop Dates for Employees Please make this information available to your employees. Due to the overwhelming response for our Retirement Workshops, we have scheduled additional dates at the following locations. Reserve a seat now! Retirement Workshops for PERS and TPAF Members
Retirement Workshops for PFRS Members
Register early, as seats are limited http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/workshop-intro.shtml Online Retirement Webinars — Can’t make it to a Workshop? Online Retirement Webinars are also available. Save time, travel, and find out everything you need to know about retirement on your own computer. A complete list of webinar dates and registration links can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/workshop-intro.shtml Introduction to MBOS training classes for your employees pair up perfectly with our Workshops and are available for the following dates:
Certifying Officers should make this information available to their employees, and forward this message to their Human Resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension and benefits for employees. Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. E-MAIL MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS — May 9, 2014 TO: Certifying Officers, Human Resource Representatives, and Benefit Administrators FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Additional Retirement Workshop Dates for Employees Please make this information available to your employees. Due to the overwhelming response for our Retirement Workshops, we have scheduled additional dates at the following locations. Reserve a seat now! Retirement Workshops for PERS and TPAF Members
Retirement Workshops for PFRS Members
Register early, as seats are limited http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/workshop-intro.shtml Online Retirement Webinars — Can’t make it to a Workshop? Online Retirement Webinars are also available. Save time, travel, and find out everything you need to know about retirement on your own computer. A complete list of webinar dates and registration links can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/workshop-intro.shtml Introduction to MBOS training classes for your employees pair up perfectly with our Workshops and are available for the following dates:
DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE Certifying Officers should make this information available to their employees, and forward this message to their Human Resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension and benefits for employees. Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. E-MAIL MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS — April 23, 2014 TO: Certifying Officers, Human Resource Representatives, and Benefit Administrators FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Retirement Workshops and Webinars for Employees Do you have employees who are looking for information about retirement? The Division of Pensions and Benefits has upcoming dates for Retirement Workshops designed for employees who plan to retire anytime within the next two years. Both live classroom sessions and online webinars are available. Register at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/workshop-intro.shtml Retirement Workshops provide a step-by-step look at the retirement process. We explain retirement benefits, beneficiary options, group life insurance, and how to submit the retirement application online using MBOS. Loan repayment provisions and the taxability of pension are discussed along with health benefits coverage in retirement. As time permits, the workshop concludes with a question and answer period. Please make this information available to your employees. Retirement Workshops for Public Employees and Teachers Classroom Sessions for PERS and TPAF Members
Online Webinars for PERS and TPAF Members
Register at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/workshop-intro.shtml Retirement Workshops for Police and Firefighters Classroom Sessions for PFRS Members
Online Webinars for PFRS Members
Register at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/workshop-intro.shtml ADDITIONAL TRAINING DATES Additional workshop and webinar dates for 2014 will be posted later in the year. For a complete list of employee pension training opportunities, visit the Division of Pensions and Benefits’ Workshop Registration page at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/workshop-intro.shtml DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE Certifying Officers should make this information available to their employees, and forward this message to their Human Resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension and benefits for employees. Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. E-MAIL MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS — April 23, 2014 TO: Certifying Officers, Human Resource Representatives, and Benefit Administrators FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: New - MBOS Training Classes for Employees Do your employees need help using or registering for the Member Benefits Online System (MBOS) to access their personal pension and health benefit information. Our Introduction to MBOS training provides step-by-step instructions on how to register for MBOS and use its applications. Employees must now use MBOS to submit a Loan or Purchase Application, designation or update beneficiary information, view their Personal Benefit Statement, obtain an Estimate of Retirement Benefits, or submit the Retirement Application. Every employee needs to register for and be able to use MBOS. Register at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/workshop-intro.shtml#mbosworkshop Introduction to MBOS training is available as either live classroom sessions or online webinars on these upcoming dates: INTRODUCTION TO MBOS Classroom Sessions for all Members
Online Webinars for all Members
Register at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/workshop-intro.shtml#mbosworkshop ADDITIONAL TRAINING DATES Additional training dates for 2014 will be posted later in the year. For a complete list of employee pension training opportunities, visit the Division of Pensions and Benefits’ Registration page at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/workshop-intro.shtml DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE Certifying Officers should make this information available to their employees, and forward this message to their Human Resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension and benefits for employees. Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — April 7, 2014 TO: Certifying Officers, State and County Colleges and Universities FROM: Nancy Ronaghan, Defined Contribution Plans Manager, Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: Alternate Benefit Program Membership Numbers Now Seven Digits The Alternate Benefit Program (ABP) currently provides a six-digit membership number to identify its participants, for example: “9-00000”. The Division of Pensions and Benefits has recently determined that ABP membership numbers are nearing the end of the sequence for the six-digit format and an additional digit will be required for future membership numbers; therefore, the current format will be modified from a six-digit number to a seven-digit number. EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITY Beginning on April 9, 2014, all past and future member numbers for ABP will use the new seven-digit format. Current ABP membership numbers will have a “0” placed after the leading “9-“ in order to create a seven-digit number. Upon implementation, all future communications from ABP participating employers with the Division of Pensions and Benefits must include the seven-digit membership number. This includes the Covered Lives Report that is forwarded to the Division of Pensions and Benefits in June that details all ABP participants that are covered by Group Life Insurance. Note: The ABP Enrollment and Inquiry applications via the Employer Pensions and Benefit Information Connection (EPIC) system will be unavailable to employers on Tuesday, April 8, while the system is undergoing maintenance and should be available on Wednesday, April 9. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION For additional information, please contact the Division of Pensions and Benefits’ Office of Client Services at (609) 292-7524 or by e-mail. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension benefits for employees. If you need to review previous e-messages, they are available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions At the home page, go to “Online Services — Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC)” and then on the EPIC page select “Archive of E-Messages.” Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. E-MAIL MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS — March 28, 2014 TO: All Cycle 2 Certifying Officers FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: 1st Quarter 2014 IROC (Cycle 2 Locations) IROC NOTICE This notice is to advise that your 1st Quarter 2014 Internet-based Report of Contributions (IROC) is ready for processing. The IROC is accessed through the Employers Pension Information Connection (EPIC), the secure and fast method for pension information and processing. The Certifying Officer at your employing location has the ability to grant IROC access to other staff persons by using the “Security” function in EPIC. If you have questions about how to use EPIC, please contact the Division’s Employer Education Unit for EPIC help at (609) 292-7524. You can also get help from the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epickit.htm or by clicking the “EPIC User’s Guide” button on your EPIC home page. The Certifying Officer and Supervising Certifying Officer are the only persons to receive correspondence about IROC; Employers who use the IROC have reported that this method is easier and much more efficient; for many it reduces the completion time by half or more. If you are new to using the IROC, it will only take a few minutes to learn the new method and we believe you will find it very much worth your while. At the Division, we truly appreciate the dedication and hard work you bring to your job administering your employees’ pension and benefits. We also want to thank you in advance for your cooperation in making the change to this online reporting system. We hope you will find that using the IROC will greatly improve your quarterly reporting experience. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE Certifying Officers should make this information available to their employees, and forward this message to their Human Resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension and benefits for employees. Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. E-MAIL MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS — March 17, 2014 TO: All Cycle 1 Certifying Officers FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: 1st Quarter 2014 IROC (Cycle 1 Locations) IROC NOTICE This notice is to advise that your 1st Quarter 2014 Internet-based Report of Contributions (IROC) is ready for processing. The IROC is accessed through the Employers Pension Information Connection (EPIC), the secure and fast method for pension information and processing. The Certifying Officer at your employing location has the ability to grant IROC access to other staff persons by using the “Security” function in EPIC. If you have questions about how to use EPIC, please contact the Division’s Employer Education Unit for EPIC help at (609) 292-7524. You can also get help from the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/epickit.htm or by clicking the “EPIC User’s Guide” button on your EPIC home page. The Certifying Officer and Supervising Certifying Officer are the only persons to receive correspondence about IROC; Employers who use the IROC have reported that this method is easier and much more efficient; for many it reduces the completion time by half or more. If you are new to using the IROC, it will only take a few minutes to learn the new method and we believe you will find it very much worth your while. At the Division, we truly appreciate the dedication and hard work you bring to your job administering your employees’ pension and benefits. We also want to thank you in advance for your cooperation in making the change to this online reporting system. We hope you will find that using the IROC will greatly improve your quarterly reporting experience. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE Certifying Officers should make this information available to their employees, and forward this message to their Human Resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension and benefits for employees. Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — March 6, 2014 TO: Certifying Officers of the Public Employees' Retirement System FROM: Public Employees' Retirement System Board of Trustees SUBJECT: State Representative Elected to the Public Employees’ Retirement System Board of Trustees The attached Certifying Officer Letter has been issued by the PERS Board of Trustees to announce the election of William O’Brien to a three year term, effective July 1, 2014, as the State Representative to the PERS Board of Trustees. The PERS Board of Trustees requests that the attached letter be prominently posted in your workplace as official notice to PERS State employees of the election results. Additional information about the 2014 PERS Board of Trustee Elections is available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/pers-board-election.shtmlDISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension benefits for employees. If you need to review previous e-messages, they are available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions At the home page, go to “Online Services — Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC)” and then on the EPIC page select “Archive of E-Messages.” Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. CERTIFYING OFFICER LETTER — March 6, 2014 TO: Certifying Officers of the Public Employees' Retirement System FROM: Public Employees' Retirement System Board of Trustees SUBJECT: Municipal Representative Elected to the Public Employees’ Retirement System Board of Trustees The attached Certifying Officer Letter has been issued by the PERS Board of Trustees to announce the election of Brian Currie to a three year term, effective July 1, 2014, as the Municipal Representative to the PERS Board of Trustees. The PERS Board of Trustees requests that the attached letter be prominently posted in your workplace as official notice to PERS municipal employees of the election results. Additional information about the 2014 PERS Board of Trustee Elections is available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/pers-board-election.shtmlDISTRIBUTION OF THIS LETTER Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension benefits for employees. If you need to review previous e-messages, they are available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions At the home page, go to “Online Services — Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC)” and then on the EPIC page select “Archive of E-Messages.” Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. E-MAIL MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS — January 28, 2014 TO: Certifying Officers, Human Resource Representatives, and Benefit Administrators FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits SUBJECT: EMPLOYEE WORKSHOPS AND WEBINARS — NEW DATES FOR 2014 New dates for Employee workshops and webinars have been posted to the Division of Pensions and Benefits Web site. Available classes include large or small group Retirement Workshops and our NEW Introduction to MBOS Workshop. Most classes are provided through a choice of Classroom Sessions and live online Webinars. NEW – Introduction to MBOS provides step-by-step instructions on how to register for the Member Benefits Online System (MBOS) and its use by active employees. MBOS allows registered users access to their personal pension and health benefits coverage information and online tools including: designation of beneficiary; applications for pension loan, purchase of service credit, retirement, or withdrawal from the system; and the Personal Benefit Statement (PBS) which is now only available online. Retirement Workshops and Webinars provide a step-by-step look at the retirement process. We explain your benefits, beneficiary options, group life insurance, and how to submit your application. Loan repayment provisions and the taxability of your pension are also discussed along with health benefits coverage in retirement. As time permits, the workshop concludes with a question and answer period. Small Group Retirement Counseling sessions are available for PERS and TPAF members who plan to visit our office to obtain information immediately before filing for retirement. Attendees are provided with an official Estimate of Retirement Benefits which will be explained along with the retirement application process — including use of the online application through the Member Benefits Online System. Benefit options, the taxability of your pension, and health benefits coverage after retirement are also discussed, and attendees have an opportunity to ask the counselor individual questions after the session. Group sessions are held at the Division's office at 50 West State Street, Trenton, New Jersey, on selected days and seating is limited to ensure that our staff can provide a high level of personal service. For a complete list of workshops and available dates, visit the Division of Pensions and Benefits’ Workshop Registration page at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/workshop-intro.shtml ADDITIONAL WORKSHOP DATES Posted dates list the workshops which available through June 2014. Additional dates for 2014 will be posted later in the year. Watch for new listings at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/workshop-intro.shtml DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE Certifying Officers should make this information available to their employees, and forward this message to their Human Resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension and benefits for employees. Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. E-MAIL MESSAGE TO EMPLOYERS — January 28, 2014 TO: Certifying Officers, Human Resource Representatives, and Benefit Administrators FROM: New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits, Employer Education Unit SUBJECT: EMPLOYER PENSION AND HEALTH BENEFITS TRAINING DATES FOR 2014 New dates for Employer Pension Training and Health Benefits Training have been posted to the Division of Pensions and Benefits Web site. Training is available to any personnel who are responsible for the administration of pension and benefits at your employing location. Training options include both Classroom Sessions and live online Webinars on the following topics:
Classes and webinars are available for State, Local Government, and Local Education employers. For a complete list of training and available dates, visit the Division of Pensions and Benefits’ Employer Training Web page at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/training-intro.shtml ADDITIONAL DATES AND TRAINING TOPICS Posted dates list training opportunities available through June 2014. Additional dates for 2014 will be posted later in the year. Watch for new listings at the Division of Pensions and Benefits’ Employer Training Web page at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/training-intro.shtmlDISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE Certifying Officers should forward this message to their human resources staff, benefit administrators, and any other staff members responsible for the administration of pension benefits for employees. If you need to review previous e-messages, they are available on the Division’s Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions At the home page, go to “Online Services — Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC)” and then on the EPIC page select “Archive of E-Messages.” Please note: It is important that the Certifying Officer’s e-mail address is kept current with the Employer Pensions and Benefits Information Connection (EPIC) to assure the accurate and timely delivery of this information. Update your information using the Employer Demographics application in EPIC. |
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Copyright
© State of New Jersey, 1996-2013
Division of Pensions and Benefits
PO Box 295
Trenton, NJ 08625-0295
Last Updated: July 22, 2014