INITIAL CONTACT - SAMPLE TEXT

NOTE: The text below is intended as template text that can be used to contact an employee, either via email or paper mail. Feel free to modify as you see fit.

Full Layoff

Our office received notice that your employment with the University is scheduled to end due to layoff on. We realize that your status could change, however, we believe it is important that you have timely information about your benefits should this layoff occur.

The enclosed document, How Layoff Impacts Your Benefits, provides an overview of coverage end dates and continuation and conversion options for the benefit plans you may carry. You should refer to your layoff letter to determine if earned paid leave hours will be paid out to you when your employment ends.

(Include if the employee carries SGH)

You must complete and return the enclosed form Health Insurance Premium Payment at Layoff (UWS 40) to our office at least 14 calendar days before your official layoff date. To understand your options regarding health insurance upon layoff, closely review the following sections of the enclosed How Layoff Impacts Your Benefits document:

  1. State Group Health Insurance & Employer Contribution Towards Premiums After Layoff;
  2. Using Sick Leave Credits to Pay for Health Insurance Premiums during Layoff after Employer Contribution Towards Premium Ends;

Please contact me to arrange a time to discuss your benefits at layoff, including options regarding your Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) account and/or if you need any continuation or conversion forms. Benefit continuation is not automatic; action must be taken before you stop working if you would like to continue/convert your current benefit enrollments.

Note: If you have found another position, or if your position has been extended, please notify me right away by email or by phone .

Partial Layoff – Drop below 50%

Our office received notice that your appointment percentage will decrease due to layoff effective. We realize that your status could change, however, we believe it is important that you have timely information about your benefits rights should layoff occur.

This partial layoff will cause your appointment to reduce below 50 percent. Therefore, you will be required to begin paying the less than half time premium rate for your health insurance coverage for the coverage month following the FTE change (payroll month of the change in FTE).

In addition, paid leave and Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) contributions and creditable service will be earned at a lower rate. Please refer to the enclosed Benefit Impacts-Less than Full-Time Employment for further details. In addition, you may want to review your other benefits to ensure you will have sufficient income for all monthly deductions.

You are welcome to schedule an appointment with me if you would like to discuss your specific benefits. If you are not able to come into our office we can connect by phone or email.

Note: If you have found another position, or if your position has been extended, please notify me right away by email or by phone .

Partial Layoff – Remain above 50%

Our office received notice that your appointment percentage will decrease due to layoff effective. We realize that your status could change, however, we believe it is important that you have timely information about your benefits rights should layoff occur.

The reduction will not impact the premium you pay for health insurance coverage. However, paid leave and Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) contributions/creditable service will be earned at a lower rate. Please refer to the enclosed Benefit Impacts-Less than Full-Time Employment for further details. In addition, you may want to review your other benefits to ensure you will have sufficient income for all monthly deductions.

You are welcome to schedule an appointment with me if you would like to discuss your specific benefits. If you are not able to come into our office we can connect by phone or email.

Note: If you have found another position, or if your current percentage has been extended, please notify me right away by email or by phone .