Benefits Bulletin December 2024

Welcome to the Benefits Bulletin!

Our goal with this monthly newsletter is to communicate benefit changes and keep you up-to-date and informed on approaching deadlines.

Additional Personal Day Benefit for JMU Full-Time Employees

Human Resources is excited to announce that starting January 10, 2025, full-time classified employees and AP Faculty will receive an additional personal day. This day can be used for celebrating a birthday, relaxing, or any other personal reason that benefits the employee.

Employees can use this personal day at their discretion, with supervisor approval. It must be taken as a full 8-hour day and used by January 9, 2026, or it will be forfeited.

For any questions regarding this additional personal day, please contact Reagan Neese, Benefits/Leave Specialist.

Expanded Bereavement Leave Parameters

Starting January 10, 2025, Human Resources will broaden the scope of bereavement leave to cover more loved ones. Each leave year (January 10 – January 9), employees can now use 24.0 hours of bereavement leave for the loss, funeral preparations, and post-death matters of the following individuals and their counterparts in the employee’s spouse or partner's family:

• Spouse or partner
• Children, including step-children
• Siblings, including step-siblings
• Parents, including step-parents
• Grandchildren
• Grandparents
• Aunts and uncles
• Any relative residing in the employee's household
• Biological, adoptive, step, or foster parents, siblings, and children
• Any family member for whom the employee acts in “loco parentis”
• Pregnancy loss experienced by the employee, spouse, partner, or surrogate

This expansion acknowledges the diverse needs of our employees and addresses previously uncovered situations since the bereavement leave policy was first implemented.

For any questions regarding bereavement leave, please reach out to Reagan Neese, Benefits/Leave Specialist.

December's Social Security Column Newsletter

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM SOCIAL SECURITY

We hope your holidays are filled with joy and warmth. During this and every season, we want you to know that we are here to serve you. Did you know that our online services are available to help you do business with us in an easy, convenient, and secure way?

You can create a personal my Social Security account online to:

• Apply for retirement, spouse, or disability benefits.
• Request a replacement Social Security card.
• Check your application or appeal status.
• Request a name change (in some cases you may have to visit your local office).

If you receive benefits, you can use your personal my Social Security account to:

• Change your address. (Social Security benefits only)
• Change your direct deposit information. (Social Security benefits only)
• Instantly get proof of benefits.
• Print your SSA-1099.

If you do not receive Social Security benefits, you can use a personal my Social Security account to:

• Get personalized retirement, spouse, or disability benefit estimates.
• Get your Social Security Statement.
• Get instant proof that you do not receive benefits.

You can use these services on the go or from the comfort of your home. Please visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount to view the services available to you.

If you cannot use our online services, you may be able to use our automated telephone services by calling 1-800-772-1213. Automated services are always available.

Have a safe, happy holiday season and know that we are here for you.

SSA TALKS: CHILD BENEFITS

Kathleen Romig, Senior Advisor in the Office of the Commissioner, joined the latest episode of SSA Talks to discuss the Social Security benefits available to children. These include:

• Survivors benefits for children if their parent dies. For more information, please read our publication titled Survivor Benefits at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10084.pdf.
• Supplemental Security Income (or SSI) for children if they have a disability or blindness and their families have limited income and resources. Visit our SSI webpage at www.ssa.gov/ssi to learn more.
• Child benefits also known as “family benefits” on the record of a parent receiving retirement or disability benefits. For more information, please read our publication titled Benefits for Children at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10085.pdf.
• Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits for Youth with Disabilities for adults who have a disability that began before they reached age 22. These benefits are paid from their parent’s Social Security earnings record. For more information, please read our publication titled Benefits for Children with Disabilities at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10026.pdf.

As an advocate and the mother of a child with disabilities, Kathleen knows well the challenges that children and their families encounter. During the episode she discusses how Social Security benefits and SSI help children. She also explains how we are taking more proactive steps to reach children who may be eligible for our benefits and programs.

You can listen to the episode on our SSA Talks webpage at www.ssa.gov/news/audio-series.html and subscribe to receive alerts about future episodes. You can also listen to previous episodes like “Commissioner O’Malley’s Top Priorities” and “Will Social Security be there when I retire?”.

For more information and news about Social Security, check out our Communications Corner webpage at www.ssa.gov/news.

Please share this with your friends and family – and post it on social media.

WE’RE MAKING IT EASIER TO DO BUSINESS WITH US ONLINE

We’ve listened to your feedback concerning your preference to do business with us online. You want the option to submit forms, evidence, and other information electronically. You also want to sign documents electronically before submitting them.

This year we released eSignature/Upload Documents as an option to submit documents. This new, online service option allows our employees to electronically request, and our customers to electronically submit, 50 forms and nearly 80 types of evidence. This option eliminates the need to mail, fax, or deliver information to a local Social Security office. By streamlining our document submission process and reducing mail, we are improving the way you do business with us.

How Does it Work?

1. Our employee sends the customer a link with the request for the forms and evidence we need to process their application.
2. The customer authenticates by signing in to, or creating, their personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. The customer then reviews the request, completes the form, electronically signs (when signatures are required), and uploads the completed forms and any supporting evidence to our portal.

Note: Customers have 30 days to electronically submit requested information and may receive an email reminder. If the electronic request expires, they can contact our office to ask for a new request or submit the forms and information by mail, fax, or by visiting an office.

To learn more about Upload Documents, visit our FAQ webpage at faq.ssa.gov/en-US/Topic/?id=CAT-01360.

Online Forms and Signature Removal

In addition to the eSignature/Upload Documents option, we are converting many of our frequently used forms to more convenient online versions. Customers will have the option to complete a user-friendly, fillable online form, then electronically sign and submit it.

Some of our frequently used forms now available to sign and submit electronically include:

• SSA-827, Authorization to Disclose Information to Social Security Administration.
• SSA-820/821, Work Activity Reports.
• SSA-632, Request for a Waiver of Overpayment Recovery.
• SSA-634, Request for Change in Overpayment Recovery Rate.

We have removed the signature requirement for 12 of our most used forms. These forms include:

• SSA-L4201, Employer Requesting Wage Information.
• SSA-789, Request for Reconsideration/Disability Cessation Right to Appear.
• SSA-787, Statement of Patient’s Capability to Manage Benefits.

To learn more about the removal of signature requirements from certain Social Security forms, check out our YouTube video Signature Removal from SSA Forms at www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmben-skPo4&t=2s.

Whether you do business with us online, by phone, or in person, we’re committed to making it easier for you. We continue to explore more opportunities to make doing business with us easier. Please share this information with others.

SOCIAL SECURITY’S TOP 10 WEBPAGES FOR 2025

SSA.gov is your best resource to learn about Social Security programs and benefits and conduct business with us. Our website is designed to make it easy for you to find what you need.

Here are our top 10 webpages:

1. my Social Security — You can open a personal my Social Security account to verify your earnings, view your Social Security Statement, get benefit estimates, and more, at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.
2. Social Security blog — You can find the latest Social Security news and updates at blog.ssa.gov. You can easily share these informative articles with others.
3. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) — Do you need answers to Social Security-related questions? Visit www.ssa.gov/faq to find answers to common questions and other valuable information.
4. Retirement application — You can complete and submit your online application for retirement benefits in as little as 15 minutes at www.ssa.gov/retirement.
5. Disability application — You can apply for disability benefits online at www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability.
6. Publications — Visit our online publication library for information about key subjects at www.ssa.gov/pubs (includes audio versions).
7. Medicare — Sign up for Medicare at www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up.
8. Online Services — You can take care of most business with us by visiting www.ssa.gov/onlineservices.
9. People Helping Others — Use these resources to help your family and others in your community at www.ssa.gov/thirdparty.
10. Fraud and Scam Prevention and Reporting — Learn how to recognize and report Social Security fraud and scams at www.ssa.gov/fraud.

Remember, if you need information or want to do business with us, the first place to go to is our website. Please share these top resources with your loved ones.

ATTORNEY FEE CAP INCREASE

Effective November 30, 2024, there will be an increase to the fee cap representatives can charge for help when you do business with Social Security. The maximum dollar amount for fee agreements approved by Social Security will increase from $7,200 to $9,200.

If a fee agreement is not filed, a representative can submit a fee petition after completing work on your claim(s). We’ll review the value of your representative’s services. We’ll also let you know the fee your representative is authorized to charge and collect.

For more information, please read our publication, Your Right to Representation, at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10075.pdf.

Virginia Retirement System Member News

Be sure to read the latest issue of Member News from VRS. Included in this issue is information regarding the transition to Voya Financial as the recordkeeper for VRS defined contribution plans, boosting savings through voluntary contributions, and keeping your account information up to date. Subscribe to Member News directly for the latest updates.

December's Featured Benefit

This month's featured benefit is...

Faculty and Staff Clubs

Are you looking to feel more connected at the university? Do you have hobbies/interests that you enjoy? Then consider joining a faculty and staff club to build friendships with other employees with common interests!

As part of the Balanced Dukes Program, faculty and staff clubs are meant to encourage engagement and community among faculty and staff. Below is a sampling of clubs available to join:

• Adult Fans of Lego (AFOL)

If you are a Master Builder, or if you have never picked up a piece, this is the group for you. We will have different building challenges, you can bring in your MOC’s (My Own Creations), or your favorite sets to show off. This group will meet periodically to get together and show off our lego skills. Contact Veronica Schwitzer, erbvs@jmu.edu.

• Badminton

Did you enjoy playing badminton on the beach as a kid? Do you love playing Pickleball or other racket sports? If so, you may also enjoy playing indoor badminton which is played on the same court using the same net as Pickleball. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert badminton player, this is the group for you. Contact Afzal Upal, upalma@jmu.edu | Adriana Banu, banula@jmu.edu | Sam Suggs, suggsss@jmu.edu

• Dukes 4 Trees

Dukes 4 Trees is a group for fellow tree lovers, walkers, and nature enthusiasts. We will do tree focused walks covering different parts of campus once or twice a month, depending on the season. You may learn a new tree fact, identify a bird (or two) that call campus trees their home, meet fellow Dukes who share these similar interests and get some exercise. We can’t wait to take a walk with you! Contact Ali Sloop, witmanad@jmu.edu | Katie Rankin, rankinkt@jmu.edu

• Foodies Read

Join us for a monthly book club where all selections will have a food-related element. From mouthwatering memoirs to tantalizing culinary mysteries, our book club promises a literary journey that tickles your taste buds. Contact Ashlyn Holz, holzal@jmu.edu | Leigh Ann Bowles, bowlesla@jmu.edu

• JMU Green Thumb Society

This club will allow members to connect and enjoy fellowship across campus. The group will primarily function online, through Teams, in order to offer support/advice to one another, plan & participate in fun plant swaps/events throughout the year, and meet JMU community members who share your love of all things growing. Contact Barbara Shifflett, shifflbm@jmu.edu

• JMU Water Floaters

If you love kayaking, paddleboarding, floating, or just the idea of getting in the water, this is the group for you! From beginners to experts, the JMU Water Floaters will explore the water ways of the valley in tubes, kayaks, paddleboards, or anything that will keep you afloat for several hours. Contact: Kayla Corey, coreymx@jmu.edu

• Noon Ball

Meet up with faculty and staff to play basketball. The group meets at noon on Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays at UREC. Contact Brandon Crenshaw, crenshgb@jmu.edu

• Page & Shenandoah County Faculty & Staff

Connect with other JMU staff and faculty who live in your home county! We welcome JMU staff and faculty living in Page and Shenandoah Counties to become acquaintances and share JMU with their home communities through the Page and Shenandoah County Affinity Group. Along with meeting new neighbors and friends, the group will discuss and share service projects, carpooling, and other activities. Contact Margaret Sloan, sloanmf@jmu.edu

• Pickleball

This group will meet most weekdays (12:00 - 1:00pm) at UREC to play. Join the listserv: UREC-PB_L@LISTSERV.JMU.EDU

• Tennis Group

The tennis group will meet up and play sets/matches on the JMU tennis courts. This is a great way to get practice playing with different people and to challenge and improve your individual skills. Ideally, the faculty and staff that participate in this affinity group will have experience and some level of skill with tennis, as well as a passion and love for the game. Contact Priscilla Jones, jones2ps@jmu.edu

• UNWIND

UNWIND is a fiber arts affinity group for members of the JMU community. We represent all skill levels and many crafts, including knitting, crochet, Tunisian crochet, cross-stitch, and more. We meet to chat and work together on our ongoing projects. No matter your experience level or your craft, join us for friendly conversation and sharing!

UNWIND meets every other Thursday from 5-7 p.m. We meet on-campus during the school year and casually in Downtown Harrisonburg through the summer.

Contact Liana Bayne-Lin, baynelc@jmu.edu | Tanya Laffler, laffleta@jmu.edu

• Walking Groups

Several walking groups have formed on campus at various times. Please reach out to the contact listed below to get the schedule for the walking group that works best for you:

5:30a.m. | Linda Plitt Donaldson –plittdlx@jmu.edu

10:00a.m. | Katrina Spickler – spicklkm@jmu.edu

• Working Parents

The purpose of this community is to provide a space to discuss the unique challenges of “balancing” professional lives and parenthood responsibilities. It welcomes anyone who serves as a caregiver for children (of all ages!). Whether you’re overwhelmed about coming back from parental leave or supporting a high-schooler who’s navigating college applications or lost somewhere in between, this group is for you. Join the listserv to hear about professional development opportunities, advocacy efforts, book clubs, coordinate grown-up only get- togethers, and find community among colleagues. Contact Kathleen Sensabaugh, sensabkb@jmu.edu

• Yoga

Yoga is a lovely way to unwind, relax, or to stretch your body. Yoga is great as a standalone movement or paired with another type of workout. This group is for any yogic skill level from beginner to expert. Main communication will be through a Teams channel. Contact Kayla Corey, coreymx@jmu.ed.

If you have an interest and would like to start a new club, contact Tara Torkelson, Coordinator of Employee Well-Being, at torkeltb@jmu.edu.

Need to Talk with Expert?

• December 17 - FIRM - VA 529, Phil Harris/Caribel Colon - online scheduling
• January 8 - Aflac, Michael Glover - michael_glover@us.aflac.com or 540-997-3201
• January 9 - New York Life, Lisa VanWickler - lvanwickler@ft.newyorklife.com or 434-953-5091

Webinars

• December 12 - How Can I Afford College for My Kids or Grandkids register online or visit TIAA.org/webinars
• January 8 - Legal Resources Seminar - Real Estate Transactions register online

Winter Break and Holiday Pay

The university’s winter holiday break begins Friday, December 20. As we approach the holiday season, please keep in mind that in accordance with Department of Human Resource Management Policy 4.25-Holidays, classified employees must either work on, or be on approved paid leave, the workday before and the workday after the holiday in order to be paid for holiday time.

End of the Year Leave Reminder for Classified Employees

Classified employees should review their current vacation balance with their supervisor and plan to use vacation hours that will exceed their maximum carry-over limit. Excess vacation hours and the 2024 Personal Day (taken in its full eight-hour increment) must be used on or by January 9, 2025, except for the vacation hours accrued on January 9 for the final pay period (12/25/24 through 1/9/25). These vacation hours will be counted in the new leave year’s total vacation leave balance.

Please have all leave requests for the 2024 leave year entered in MyMadison by Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Supervisors will have until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 13, 2025, to approve all requests.

THANK YOU FOR READING!

This bulletin has been brought to you by the JMU Benefits Team. If you have any questions or would like to reach out to us, please give us a call at 540-568-3593, visit us on the web at www.jmu.edu/humanresources/benefits, or email us at benefits@jmu.edu. Look for the Live Chat on our website and reach one of us instantly!