Q:  When is payday?

 A:  Payday for regular/permanent employees is once a month: the District’s last calendar working day of the month.  Payday for overtime, extra hours, and substitutes is once a month: the 10^th of the month, but it may vary from the 9^th to the 11^th of the month if the 10^th falls on a weekend.  Time sheets are due to your supervisor or at your work site on the first working day after the 15^th of the month and must be signed by your supervisor.  Payroll checks for regular/permanent employees are distributed at your worksite unless you make other arrangements.

Q:  Is there a Credit Union available?

 A:  Yes.  Golden1 Credit Union, MOCSE and Valley First Credit Union all have offices in Turlock and Modesto.  We can check with Stanislaus County Office of Education for approval if you are affiliated with a credit union not listed. You must contact the credit union office to set up payroll deductions for our school district.  Payroll deductions will not automatically continue from your prior school district, even if you previously worked in Stanislaus County.

Q:  Can my check be automatically deposited?

A:  Yes.  An automatic deposit form is included in this packet and should be returned to the payroll office (District Office, upstairs, room 214).

Q:  Am I covered by disability insurance?

A: State Disability Insurance (SDI) does not cover you unless you are part of the TC/AFT Classified Employee bargaining group.  Private disability insurance / income protection plan is available and can be paid for through payroll deduction; see your bargaining unit representative or the American Fidelity sales representative to complete paperwork for enrollment and payroll deduction authorization.  Under the CSEA contract, American Fidelity Disability coverage is mandatory.

Q:  What is the PERS deduction from my check?

 A:  PERS is the acronym for Public Employee Retirement System (www.calpers.ca.gov).  All classified employees working 4 hours or more contribute to PERS at a rate of 7% annually.  PERS is tax deferred until retirement benefits are withdrawn.  PERS members are also required to pay Social Security and Medicare tax. 

 Q:  What is STRS?

A:  State Teachers Retirement System (www.calstrs.ca.gov) - All certificated employees working half time or more contribute to STRS at a rate of 8% annually.  STRS is tax deferred until retirement benefits are withdrawn.  New STRS members are also required to pay Medicare tax.

 Q:  What are Medicare and OASDI (Social Security) Taxes?

A:  All employees who are not subject to a retirement system are required to pay Social Security and Medicare Tax.  The contribution will make you eligible for social security benefits and Medicare coverage upon reaching federal retirement age requirements.

 Q:  What is a TSA (403b)?

 A:  A 403b is a Tax Shelter Annuity which is a tax deferred retirement plan available to employees of public educational institutions.  You may set up a monthly payroll deduction for deposit into a TSA.  All TSA companies must be registered with CalSTRS effective 7/1/2004.  Federal and state taxes are deferred until funds are withdrawn at retirement age.  If you are interested, please check online for an approved 403b company at www.403bcompare.com  - this will give you the official list.  The District also offers a 457b plan through Nationwide Retirement Solutions and AIG/VALIC.