The following web page answers questions employees may have about losing benefit eligibility or leaving employment at UNI.

Health, Dental, & Vision Coverage

Health, dental, and/or vision coverage ends the last day of the month in which the appointment is no longer benefit eligible, or the last day of the termination month, whichever comes first. As long as you are currently enrolled at the time of separation, you have the option to continue your health, dental, and/or vision coverage through the COBRA provisions. COBRA allows you and/or your covered dependents to continue coverage for up to 18 months. For the COBRA premiums, please view the COBRA web page.

Flexible Spending Accounts

Participation ends on the last day of the month in which you leave employment. You will have the option to continue paying for access to your Health Care Flexible Spending account with after-tax dollars through COBRA provisions. The cost to continue using your contributions depends on the amount of money you have claimed for the current plan year and the amount you elected. Human Resource Services will communicate the premium to you in your COBRA packet.

Life Insurance

Your life insurance coverage ends on the day the appointment is no longer eligible, or the date of termination, whichever comes first.

Voluntary Term Life Insurance

Your Voluntary Term Life coverage ends the day after your last day worked.

Long Term Disability Coverage

Long Term Disability coverage ends on the day the appointment is no longer eligible, or the date of termination, whichever comes first. There are no options for continuing coverage.

TIAA

Terminating Before Retirement (Under Age 55)
You must be vested to be eligible for 100 percent of the total contributions to your TIAA. You can leave your money with TIAA as long as you would like. You can receive withdrawals from your account or roll it into an IRA. If you withdraw funds before age 59.5, they may be subject to an additional 10% early withdrawal penalty.

Retirement (Over age 55)
If you retire after reaching age 55, the 10% tax penalty will not apply. There are numerous withdrawal options including annuities. You must be vested to be eligible for 100 percent of the total contributions to your TIAA. For more details, visit the TIAA website.

Please contact TIAA Customer Service at 800-842-2776, or the TIAA Coralville office by calling 319-356-8000, or visit the TIAA website if you have any additional questions.

IPERS

You are always entitled to 100 percent of your contributions and interest earnings. When you become vested, you have a right to a portion of your employer’s investment based on your years of service. To find the refund value of your IPERS account or to receive a benefits estimate, please call 800-622-3849 or visit the website.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

You will have access to the EAP through the end of the month in which you are leaving employment. EAP offers initial assessment/referral and short-term counseling for employees and/or their family members.

Stress, Mental Health, and Grief Services

Many of us can face challenges every day that can be stressful, overwhelming, and cause strong emotions. Visit our Stress, Mental Health, and Grief Services webpage for services that may be useful to you and/or your family.

Unused Accrued Vacation

You will receive pay for all accrued vacation. The total compensation will be the number of hours accrued on your last day of employment multiplied by your hourly wage. Payout is subject to Federal and State income tax withholding, FICA and Medicare tax and TIAA. IPERS is not withheld.

Sick Leave

You will not be paid for unused sick leave accruals unless you retire from the university.

Frequently Asked Questions

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