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Computer Loan Plan
To actively encourage enhancement of computer
skills for employees and their families, Smith offers a loan program toward the purchase
of a computer for personal use. The interest rate is the prime rate minus 2% at the
time you take out the loan. In addition, the Smith Computer Store offers discounted
prices to employees. For information on a computer loan contact the Smith College
Controllers Office at (413) 585-2220.
Domestic Partner Coverage (same sex)
Smith's definition of family embraces today's
diversity by offering benefit eligibility to same-sex partners who share a long-term
commitment relationship.
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that
same-sex couples can legally marry in Massachusetts effective May 17, 2004. As of
this date, Smith College will provide benefits to same-sex married couples in the
same way as other married couples, with the exception of those benefits granted under
federal law. Because same-sex marriages are not recognized under federal law, all
pre-tax deductions (health and dental premiums) will continue to be subject to imputed
federal tax. Retirement monies will not be automatically granted to a same-sex spouse
in the event of the employee’s death if the spouse is not listed as a beneficiary
with the employee’s retirement account. Finally, Flexible Spending Accounts
still will not cover same-sex partners. Other than these exceptions, same-sex married
couples will be eligible for all benefits just as opposite-sex married couples are,
including not being subject to the imputed Massachusetts tax for health and dental
premiums.
Smith College will continue to keep its domestic partner
definition in place. There are several reasons for this decision which are highlighted
below.
- The federal government does not recognize
same-sex marriage; therefore in order to offer benefits to same-sex couples we
must have a domestic partner definition in place.
- We can not reasonably expect all same-sex
couples to get married immediately upon the effective date of the new legislation.
- We have to consider the possibility that
this ruling could be overturned; therefore keeping the
domestic partner definition in place for same-sex couples will make for a smoother,
more seamless transition if the ruling is overturned.
- Our dental carrier is not currently recognizing the
May 17 ruling because the Division of Insurance has not made any amendments regarding
it at this time. We need to have the domestic partner definition in place to
continue to provide dental benefits to same-sex couples.
Based on the new Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
ruling we will be amending our domestic partner definition to include the following
eligibility requirement:
- If you were married, your marriage would not be recognized
by the federal government.
Employees may add their same-sex
spouse to their benefit plans by providing a copy of their marriage certificate and
completing the applicable benefit enrollment form(s) within 30 days of the date
of the marriage. If an employee currently covers a domestic partner but gets married,
Human Resources will need a copy of the marriage certificate to stop imputing Massachusetts
taxes.
If you have any questions please feel free
to contact Lynn Cocco at extension 2273.
Employee Discount Program
Smith partners with several vendors in the
Northampton area to provide an Employee Discount Program. All discounts offered
are individual by the respective vendors. Smith College and Staff Council in no way
endorse or specifically support the patronage of the vendors listed.
NOTE: these discounts vary widely from
vendor to vendor. Often the discount does not apply to all store items. Call ahead
or ask whether the discount applies before making your purchase.
Questions about the Employee Discount Program
should be directed to Judith Roberge in College Relations.
Long-Term Care Insurance
Smith faculty and staff may choose to supplement their
benefits package with long-term care insurance
coverage offered through the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.
This voluntary benefit helps cover nursing home and home health care
expenses. Employees and their family members are eligible for a five percent group discount. Premiums are paid directly to the carrier.
For more
information, contact Martha Hand at (800) 492-3553, ext. 28602 or visit www.metlifeltc.com/muw.
People's Institute
Smith offers back-up child care on days when
school is closed such as snow days and public school vacations. For more information
on this child care benefit please call (413) 585-2273.
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