Big changes are coming on July 1, 2021, as UC delivers on our commitment to family-friendly policies, programs and benefits.

After a thorough review by faculty, staff and key stakeholders across UC, the Pay for Family Care and Bonding (PFCB) program has been approved by President Michael V. Drake, M.D., and will be available as of July 1. Also effective July 1, UC’s new Adoption Assistance Plan will reimburse faculty and staff who are expanding their families through adoption for some of their related expenses.

“We’re proud and excited to bring Pay for Family Care and Bonding and adoption assistance to UC’s faculty and staff,” said Interim Vice President of Systemwide Human Resources Cheryl Lloyd. “Employees need and deserve support to take care of their family members. Like other top employers around the country, we know that family-friendly policies make it possible for our faculty and staff to bring the best of themselves to work.”

Pay for Family Care and Bonding

UC’s Family and Medical Leave (FML) provides job protection when employees need time off for a number of reasons, consistent with federal and state law. The PFCB program gives employees the option to replace some of the income they would otherwise lose during their approved leave. Employees who qualify for PFCB can receive 70% of their eligible earnings for up to eight workweeks per calendar year.

To qualify, the Family and Medical Leave must be taken in a block of one workweek or more, for any of the following purposes:

• Caring for a family member with a serious health condition
• Bonding with a new child
• Military Caregiver Leave
• Qualifying Exigency Leave

PFCB is not an option when FML is taken for an employee’s own serious health condition or pregnancy disability.

During PFCB, UC will continue to cover its share of premium costs for health and welfare benefits. Employees cannot use any paid leave accruals (such as sick leave, vacation or PTO) while they are being paid through PFCB.

UC’s Adoption Assistance Program

UC’s Adoption Assistance Plan reimburses those who are eligible (faculty and staff with Full, Mid-Level or Core benefits) for up to $5,000 of expenses related to adoption. There’s no need to enroll, and all expenses for the Plan are paid by the University.

Here’s how it works: As you go through the adoption process, keep receipts for eligible expenses — such as attorney fees and court costs, travel expenses, counseling fees and home suitability study fees. After the adoption is final, you can work with WEX, the plan administrator, to verify the adoption and submit claims for reimbursement.

Questions?

See the Pay for Family Care and Bonding page and the Adoption Assistance Plan page to learn more. For questions about your situation, please contact the leave administrator at your location.

Visit Family Friendly Resources for Faculty and Family Friendly Resources for Staff to learn more about all of UC’s programs, policies and resources that are here to support you and your family.

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