Dear School Business Professionals,
Attached is CalSTRS Directive 2020-06 – Changes to the Definition of “Leave of Absence” (Assembly Bill 2101)
AB 2101 amends Education Code section 22144.3 to remove the requirement that a leave of absence be “expressly authorized” by specific sections of the Education Code, effectively reverting back to the statute as it read prior to January 1, 2016, in regard to other employer-approved leave. Consequently, this change allows remuneration that is paid for any employer-approved compensated leave of absence to be creditable to CalSTRS.
If you have any questions regarding this employer directive, please contact EmployerHelp@CalSTRS.com<mailto:EmployerHelp@CalSTRS.com> .
Regards,
School Business Advisory Services Team Santa Barbara County Education Office
directive2020-06.pdfElectronic Pay Stub
Dear School Business Professionals,
The November payroll will arrive on Monday, Nov. 30 as planned and according to the schedule.
This morning, an erroneous message was sent from a backup server we keep in the event of a disaster and we would have to prepare payroll off-site at another location. The server sent an old message from last year for the November 2019 payroll from the Escape Disaster Recovery server. This problem has been remediated. Please disregard these emails and accept our apology for any confusion this may have caused.
As planned, the Nov. 30, 2020, Electronic Pay Stub will be sent out via email and payday is Monday.
Regards,
School Business Advisory Services Team Santa Barbara County Education Office
__________________________________________________________________________ Please do not reply to this email. This is an unattended mailbox.
November Regular PR delivery/pickup
November 24 & 25 & 30, 2020 Payroll Release Valley and North County – Delivery South County – Pickup/Delivery
Delivery and Pickup of the November Regular payroll is set to take place as scheduled on Tuesday November 24, & Wednesday, November 25, & Monday November 30. Please see below for details.
As a reminder, do not release any employee or vendor warrants prior to the issue date of Monday, November 30, 2020. Districts may mail paper warrants to employees and vendors no sooner than the afternoon of Friday November 27 (not Wednesday). Please be aware there might be delays in delivering mail if employees and vendors do not have a current address in the system. It is also possible there may be delays in deliveries by the U.S. Postal Service depending on their staffing.
Districts not mailing employee warrants may wish to establish safe in-person distribution practices. Districts may also want to consider taking action to review policies for allowing or working with their unions to have payroll direct deposit in place for all employees. Perhaps a direct deposit form can be provided along with each paper warrant distributed to employees on payday.
* South County – Pickup
* Individuals authorized to pick-up payroll may do so from 8:30 until 9 a.m. on Wednesday, November 25 at the County Education Office. If coming at different time call 805.964.4711 ext 5242 when you are here, and we will bring it down to you in the parking lot. * Do not enter the building, we are not accepting visitors at this time. * Please drive to the lower parking lot and proceed to the main entrance for the building. Drive up to our temporary “Pickup Payroll” workstation. Staff will be available to release your payroll to you. Please bring your signed payroll release form or your own pen to sign for the receipt of your documents.
* Goleta – Pickup on 11/24 Tuesday * SELPA – Pickup on 11/25 Wednesday * Carpinteria – Pickup on Monday 11/30 * Hope – on SBCEO Truck 11/24 Tuesday morning * Montecito – Pickup on Monday 11/30 * Cold Spring – Pickup on Wednesday 11/25 * Adelante Charter – Pickup on Monday 11/30 * Peabody Charter – Pickup on Monday 11/30
* Valley and North County drop sites
* Individuals authorized to receive and sign for payroll at designated drop sites can expect delivery as shown below on Tuesday November 24 or Wednesday November 25. * You must plan to be at your designated drop site at the estimated time for the delivery and release of your payroll.
DELIVERY Tuesday 11/24 Estimated time Drop site Additional payrolls at drop site 9:45 a.m. Santa Ynez Valley Un. High Plus – Ballard, College, Los Olivos, Solvang 10:35 a.m. Blochman
10:55 a.m. Family Partner 11:10 a.m. Orcutt
11:55 a.m. Lompoc Plus – Manzanita 12:40 p.m. Santa Maria Jt. Un High
12:55 p.m. Santa Maria-Bonita
DELIVERY Wednesday 11/25 Estimated time Drop site Additional payrolls at drop site 10:00 a.m. SBCEO North County Liaison
10:50 a.m. Vista del Mar 11:05 a.m. Buellton
12:05 p.m. Guadalupe
1:30 p.m. Cuyama
Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time.
Please direct questions about payroll delivery or pickup to Myron Porter mporter@sbceo.org<mailto:mporter@sbceo.org> or 805-964-4710 x 5280 or Richard Weger at rweger@sbceo.org<mailto:rweger@sbceo.org> or 805-964-4710 x 5242 .
Regards,
School Business Advisory Services Team Santa Barbara County Education Office
Reminder – November Regular Payroll
Reminder – November Regular Payroll Submit Payroll by Thursday, November 19 Production begins on Friday, November 20 at 6 a.m.
* Please Submit your Payroll by Thursday, November 19. * Production for the November Regular Payroll begins Friday, November 20 at 6 a.m. for all organizations. See attached calendar. * Adhering to this timeline allows for sufficient time to complete a multitude of steps and meet additional deadlines such as transmitting direct deposit data necessary to issue payroll on payday. * Please plan accordingly to resolve all errors and submit your payroll on time. If one organization has a processing error, this halts production for all districts and charters using the payroll module. This is why it is critical to audit and resolve all errors as data is input into the system and not wait until the last minute.
For questions about the November Regular payroll, please contact:
* Myron Porter mporter@sbceo.org<mailto:mporter@sbceo.org> 1-805-964-4711 x 5280
* Staci Hunter shunter@sbceo.org<mailto:shunter@sbceo.org> 1-805-964-4711 x 5254
* Richard Weger rweger@sbceo.org<mailto:rweger@sbceo.org> 1-805-964-4711 x 5242
* Sheng Xiong sxiong@sbceo.org<mailto:sxiong@sbceo.org> 1-805-964-4711 x 5252
Regards,
School Business Advisory Services Team Santa Barbara County Education Office
State Social Security Administrator Program Newsletter
Below is a newsletter from CalPERS – State Social Security Administrator on Form SSA-1945 Jobs Not Covered by Social Security; and Section 218 Agreements and Rehired Annuitants
If you would like assistance with determining withholding for a specific rehired annuitant contact SSSA by email at sssa@calpers.ca.gov<mailto:sssa@calpers.ca.gov> or call (916) 795-0810.
Regards,
School Business Advisory Services Team Santa Barbara County Education Office
[https://www.calpers.ca.gov/img/sssa-email-subscriptions-small.jpg] About the State Social Security Administrator Program Newsletter
The State Social Security Administrator Program Newsletter provides information about Social Security and Medicare coverage for state and local government employees.
Contact Us
CalPERS – SSSA Program P.O. Box 720720 Sacramento, CA 94229-0720
Email<mailto:sssa@calpers.ca.gov> Phone: (916) 795-0810
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November 5, 2020
State Social Security Administrator Program Newsletter
Fall 2020 Form SSA-1945 – Jobs Not Covered by Social Security
Did you know that Social Security coverage for public employees is dependent on the benefits offered by their employer? There are several categories of coverage or non-coverage that an employer may fit into. For many state and local government employees there may not be a requirement to make Social Security contributions. As such, it is important for government employers to notify their employees of the potential impacts to their Social Security benefit (if they are eligible for one).
Section 419(c) of Public Law 108-203, the Social Security Protection Act of 2004, requires state and local government employers to provide Form SSA-1945 to new employees hired on or after January 1, 2005, in jobs not covered by Social Security.
Form SSA-1945 explains two provisions under Social Security law that could reduce benefits for workers who also receive a pension, based on their work in a position not covered by Social Security:
1. Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP): Can affect the amount of an employee’s Social Security retirement or disability benefit. 2. Government Pension Offset (GPO): Can reduce a Social Security benefit received as a spouse or an ex-spouse. Both provisions reduce, and could even eliminate, whatever Social Security benefit a worker might be eligible for.
For newly hired employees in jobs not covered by Social Security, we highly recommend employers:
* Provide Form SSA-1945 to the employee prior to the start of employment * Obtain the employee’s signature on the form * Maintain the original form in the employee’s file * Submit a copy of the signed form to the pension paying agency
For more information and to download a copy of Form SSA-1945<www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-1945.pdf>, visit the Social Security Administration website<www.ssa.gov/slge/>.
________________________________ Absolute Coverage Section 218 Agreements For Rehired Annuitants
The Social Security Administration recently updated the Program Operations Manual System (POMS)<secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/1930001396> to provide clearer language regarding the tax withholding treatment for retirement system ineligibles, and be more specific about rehired/retired annuitants.
When rehiring an annuitant, you’ll need to determine whether they should contribute to Social Security and Medicare. All employees hired or rehired after April 1, 1986, are mandated to be contributing to Medicare; however, Social Security tax withholding is not as definitive.
To determine Social Security withholding for rehired annuitants, the first question to ask is “Does your agency have a Section 218 Agreement?” If the answer is “Yes,” the next questions is “Which type of Section 218 Agreement coverage groups does your agency have?” The type of coverage group will impact coverage for rehired annuitants.
There are two types of coverage groups: absolute and retirement system. For the purpose of this article, we’ll focus on absolute coverage, sometimes referenced as 218(b)(5). Absolute agreements will automatically extend coverage to rehired annuitants, unless an optional exclusion applies.
This means if your agency has an absolute coverage Section 218 Agreement with no optional exclusions, any positions covered by this agreement would also extend to rehired annuitants. However, if your agency has an absolute coverage Section 218 Agreement with an optional exclusion for part-time positions working less than 1,000 hours per year, any rehired annuitants working less than 1,000 hours per year are not covered by the Section 218 Agreement and the rehired annuitant position is not covered for Social Security.
If you are not sure if your agency has a Section 218 Agreement, which type of an agreement you have, or would like assistance with determining withholding for a specific rehired annuitant, we are happy to assist you. Contact us by email at sssa@calpers.ca.gov<mailto:sssa@calpers.ca.gov> or call (916) 795-0810.
________________________________ Upcoming Webinars
Join us for an interactive presentation to learn more about the State Administrator, Social Security, and Medicare. Register for a webinar<nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.calpers.ca.gov%2Fpage%2Feducation-center%2Femployer-education%2Fsocial-security-medicare-webinars&data=01%7C01%7CVeronica.Silva-Gil%40c…>.
2020 Webinar Schedule Date Topics November 18, 2020 IRS Presentation: Top Audit Findings December 16, 2020 Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) & Government Pension Offset (GPO) View a complete list of webinars on our webpage<www.calpers.ca.gov/page/education-center/employer-education/social-security-medicare-webinars>.
Privacy Policy<www.calpers.ca.gov/page/privacy-policy> | Conditions of Use<www.calpers.ca.gov/page/conditions-of-use> | Accessibility<www.calpers.ca.gov/page/accessibility> | RSS<www.calpers.ca.gov/page/rss> | (c) Copyright 2020 CalPERS
Update<www.calpers.ca.gov/page/email-subscriptions/manage&id=92177741995246845952> your subscription or unsubscribe<www.calpers.ca.gov/page/email-subscriptions/unsubscribe&id=92177741995246845952> from all subscriptions.
CalPERS Headquarters Lincoln Plaza North, 400 Q Street, Sacramento, CA 95811
If you would like assistance with determining withholding for a specific rehired annuitant contact SSSA by email at sssa@calpers.ca.gov<mailto:sssa@calpers.ca.gov> or call (916) 795-0810.
Regards,
School Business Advisory Services Team Santa Barbara County Education Office
[https://www.calpers.ca.gov/img/sssa-email-subscriptions-small.jpg] About the State Social Security Administrator Program Newsletter
The State Social Security Administrator Program Newsletter provides information about Social Security and Medicare coverage for state and local government employees.
Contact Us
CalPERS – SSSA Program P.O. Box 720720 Sacramento, CA 94229-0720
Email<mailto:sssa@calpers.ca.gov> Phone: (916) 795-0810
Follow Us [http://www.calpers.ca.gov/img/facebook.gif]<www.facebook.com/mycalpers> [http://www.calpers.ca.gov/img/twitter.gif]
November 5, 2020
State Social Security Administrator Program Newsletter
Fall 2020 Form SSA-1945 – Jobs Not Covered by Social Security
Did you know that Social Security coverage for public employees is dependent on the benefits offered by their employer? There are several categories of coverage or non-coverage that an employer may fit into. For many state and local government employees there may not be a requirement to make Social Security contributions. As such, it is important for government employers to notify their employees of the potential impacts to their Social Security benefit (if they are eligible for one).
Section 419(c) of Public Law 108-203, the Social Security Protection Act of 2004, requires state and local government employers to provide Form SSA-1945 to new employees hired on or after January 1, 2005, in jobs not covered by Social Security.
Form SSA-1945 explains two provisions under Social Security law that could reduce benefits for workers who also receive a pension, based on their work in a position not covered by Social Security:
1. Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP): Can affect the amount of an employee’s Social Security retirement or disability benefit. 2. Government Pension Offset (GPO): Can reduce a Social Security benefit received as a spouse or an ex-spouse. Both provisions reduce, and could even eliminate, whatever Social Security benefit a worker might be eligible for.
For newly hired employees in jobs not covered by Social Security, we highly recommend employers:
* Provide Form SSA-1945 to the employee prior to the start of employment * Obtain the employee’s signature on the form * Maintain the original form in the employee’s file * Submit a copy of the signed form to the pension paying agency
For more information and to download a copy of Form SSA-1945<www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-1945.pdf>, visit the Social Security Administration website<www.ssa.gov/slge/>.
________________________________ Absolute Coverage Section 218 Agreements For Rehired Annuitants
The Social Security Administration recently updated the Program Operations Manual System (POMS)<secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/1930001396> to provide clearer language regarding the tax withholding treatment for retirement system ineligibles, and be more specific about rehired/retired annuitants.
When rehiring an annuitant, you’ll need to determine whether they should contribute to Social Security and Medicare. All employees hired or rehired after April 1, 1986, are mandated to be contributing to Medicare; however, Social Security tax withholding is not as definitive.
To determine Social Security withholding for rehired annuitants, the first question to ask is “Does your agency have a Section 218 Agreement?” If the answer is “Yes,” the next questions is “Which type of Section 218 Agreement coverage groups does your agency have?” The type of coverage group will impact coverage for rehired annuitants.
There are two types of coverage groups: absolute and retirement system. For the purpose of this article, we’ll focus on absolute coverage, sometimes referenced as 218(b)(5). Absolute agreements will automatically extend coverage to rehired annuitants, unless an optional exclusion applies.
This means if your agency has an absolute coverage Section 218 Agreement with no optional exclusions, any positions covered by this agreement would also extend to rehired annuitants. However, if your agency has an absolute coverage Section 218 Agreement with an optional exclusion for part-time positions working less than 1,000 hours per year, any rehired annuitants working less than 1,000 hours per year are not covered by the Section 218 Agreement and the rehired annuitant position is not covered for Social Security.
If you are not sure if your agency has a Section 218 Agreement, which type of an agreement you have, or would like assistance with determining withholding for a specific rehired annuitant, we are happy to assist you. Contact us by email at sssa@calpers.ca.gov<mailto:sssa@calpers.ca.gov> or call (916) 795-0810.
________________________________ Upcoming Webinars
Join us for an interactive presentation to learn more about the State Administrator, Social Security, and Medicare. Register for a webinar<nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.calpers.ca.gov%2Fpage%2Feducation-center%2Femployer-education%2Fsocial-security-medicare-webinars&data=01%7C01%7CVeronica.Silva-Gil%40c…>.
2020 Webinar Schedule Date Topics November 18, 2020 IRS Presentation: Top Audit Findings December 16, 2020 Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) & Government Pension Offset (GPO) View a complete list of webinars on our webpage<www.calpers.ca.gov/page/education-center/employer-education/social-security-medicare-webinars>.
Privacy Policy<www.calpers.ca.gov/page/privacy-policy> | Conditions of Use<www.calpers.ca.gov/page/conditions-of-use> | Accessibility<www.calpers.ca.gov/page/accessibility> | RSS<www.calpers.ca.gov/page/rss> | (c) Copyright 2020 CalPERS
Update<www.calpers.ca.gov/page/email-subscriptions/manage&id=92177741995246845952> your subscription or unsubscribe<www.calpers.ca.gov/page/email-subscriptions/unsubscribe&id=92177741995246845952> from all subscriptions.
CalPERS Headquarters Lincoln Plaza North, 400 Q Street, Sacramento, CA 95811
State Social Security Administrator Program Newsletter
Below is a newsletter from CalPERS – State Social Security Administrator on Form SSA-1945 Jobs Not Covered by Social Security; and Section 218 Agreements and Rehired Annuitants
If you would like assistance with determining withholding for a specific rehired annuitant contact SSSA by email at sssa@calpers.ca.gov<mailto:sssa@calpers.ca.gov> or call (916) 795-0810.
Regards,
School Business Advisory Services Team Santa Barbara County Education Office
[https://www.calpers.ca.gov/img/sssa-email-subscriptions-small.jpg] About the State Social Security Administrator Program Newsletter
The State Social Security Administrator Program Newsletter provides information about Social Security and Medicare coverage for state and local government employees.
Contact Us
CalPERS – SSSA Program P.O. Box 720720 Sacramento, CA 94229-0720
Email<mailto:sssa@calpers.ca.gov> Phone: (916) 795-0810
Follow Us [http://www.calpers.ca.gov/img/facebook.gif]<www.facebook.com/mycalpers> [http://www.calpers.ca.gov/img/twitter.gif]
November 5, 2020
State Social Security Administrator Program Newsletter
Fall 2020 Form SSA-1945 – Jobs Not Covered by Social Security
Did you know that Social Security coverage for public employees is dependent on the benefits offered by their employer? There are several categories of coverage or non-coverage that an employer may fit into. For many state and local government employees there may not be a requirement to make Social Security contributions. As such, it is important for government employers to notify their employees of the potential impacts to their Social Security benefit (if they are eligible for one).
Section 419(c) of Public Law 108-203, the Social Security Protection Act of 2004, requires state and local government employers to provide Form SSA-1945 to new employees hired on or after January 1, 2005, in jobs not covered by Social Security.
Form SSA-1945 explains two provisions under Social Security law that could reduce benefits for workers who also receive a pension, based on their work in a position not covered by Social Security:
1. Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP): Can affect the amount of an employee’s Social Security retirement or disability benefit. 2. Government Pension Offset (GPO): Can reduce a Social Security benefit received as a spouse or an ex-spouse. Both provisions reduce, and could even eliminate, whatever Social Security benefit a worker might be eligible for.
For newly hired employees in jobs not covered by Social Security, we highly recommend employers:
* Provide Form SSA-1945 to the employee prior to the start of employment * Obtain the employee’s signature on the form * Maintain the original form in the employee’s file * Submit a copy of the signed form to the pension paying agency
For more information and to download a copy of Form SSA-1945<www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-1945.pdf>, visit the Social Security Administration website<www.ssa.gov/slge/>.
________________________________ Absolute Coverage Section 218 Agreements For Rehired Annuitants
The Social Security Administration recently updated the Program Operations Manual System (POMS)<secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/1930001396> to provide clearer language regarding the tax withholding treatment for retirement system ineligibles, and be more specific about rehired/retired annuitants.
When rehiring an annuitant, you’ll need to determine whether they should contribute to Social Security and Medicare. All employees hired or rehired after April 1, 1986, are mandated to be contributing to Medicare; however, Social Security tax withholding is not as definitive.
To determine Social Security withholding for rehired annuitants, the first question to ask is “Does your agency have a Section 218 Agreement?” If the answer is “Yes,” the next questions is “Which type of Section 218 Agreement coverage groups does your agency have?” The type of coverage group will impact coverage for rehired annuitants.
There are two types of coverage groups: absolute and retirement system. For the purpose of this article, we’ll focus on absolute coverage, sometimes referenced as 218(b)(5). Absolute agreements will automatically extend coverage to rehired annuitants, unless an optional exclusion applies.
This means if your agency has an absolute coverage Section 218 Agreement with no optional exclusions, any positions covered by this agreement would also extend to rehired annuitants. However, if your agency has an absolute coverage Section 218 Agreement with an optional exclusion for part-time positions working less than 1,000 hours per year, any rehired annuitants working less than 1,000 hours per year are not covered by the Section 218 Agreement and the rehired annuitant position is not covered for Social Security.
If you are not sure if your agency has a Section 218 Agreement, which type of an agreement you have, or would like assistance with determining withholding for a specific rehired annuitant, we are happy to assist you. Contact us by email at sssa@calpers.ca.gov<mailto:sssa@calpers.ca.gov> or call (916) 795-0810.
________________________________ Upcoming Webinars
Join us for an interactive presentation to learn more about the State Administrator, Social Security, and Medicare. Register for a webinar<nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.calpers.ca.gov%2Fpage%2Feducation-center%2Femployer-education%2Fsocial-security-medicare-webinars&data=01%7C01%7CVeronica.Silva-Gil%40c…>.
2020 Webinar Schedule Date Topics November 18, 2020 IRS Presentation: Top Audit Findings December 16, 2020 Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) & Government Pension Offset (GPO) View a complete list of webinars on our webpage<www.calpers.ca.gov/page/education-center/employer-education/social-security-medicare-webinars>.
Privacy Policy<www.calpers.ca.gov/page/privacy-policy> | Conditions of Use<www.calpers.ca.gov/page/conditions-of-use> | Accessibility<www.calpers.ca.gov/page/accessibility> | RSS<www.calpers.ca.gov/page/rss> | (c) Copyright 2020 CalPERS
Update<www.calpers.ca.gov/page/email-subscriptions/manage&id=92177741995246845952> your subscription or unsubscribe<www.calpers.ca.gov/page/email-subscriptions/unsubscribe&id=92177741995246845952> from all subscriptions.
CalPERS Headquarters Lincoln Plaza North, 400 Q Street, Sacramento, CA 95811