Expand AllClick here for a more accessible versionHow do I change my personal information?
First, you should contact the Social Security Administration if you plan to change your name. The name on your Social Security card must match the name on payroll records. When you receive your updated Social Security Card, submit a copy to the HR Service Center. This will update your name not only with your benefits provider, but with retirement, payroll, and insurances as well. You can use ESS or call the HR Service Center to update your address, phone number and your emergency contact information.
Can my ex-spouse or ex-stepchild(ren) remain covered on my PEBTF plan?
No. An ex-spouse or ex-stepchild(ren) cannot remain on your PEBTF plan after divorce. Visit ESS and select the PEBTF Benefits Enrollment tile to remove dependents. If you fail to report the divorce timely, you may be held responsible for any benefit service costs incurred by your ex-spouse and/or former stepchildren. You may call PEBTF at 800.522.7279 for further discussion on medical claims while going through a divorce.
I lost my health, prescription, dental and vision coverage due to a divorce. Can I enroll in PEBTF benefits?
Yes. As long as you are benefits eligible, you may enroll in the PEBTF plans at any time. Please review the information on benefit plans available on ESS or at www.pebtf.org. Visit ESS and select the PEBTF Benefits Enrollment tile to begin the process.
Beginning in 2021, you can set aside a portion of your pre-tax earnings through payroll deduction to help pay for eligible out-of-pocket health care expenses by enrolling in a Health Care Flexible Spending Account. If you want to learn more or have questions, call Businessolver at 833.628.0580 or visit the Employee Resource Center >Benefits or www.myHRonline.pa.gov.
Are there other insurance programs I should review?
The commonwealth offers several optional insurance programs you may want to consider. If you already participate in any of these plans, you should review your current choices to ensure they continue to meet your needs. You may purchase additional life insurance for yourself or your eligible dependents. You may also purchase short-term and/or long-term disability coverage.
For more information, please contact Prudential at 800.893.7316 or visit the website for commonwealth employees. For detailed information or to enroll in critical illness insurance, please contact MetLife at 877.755.7480 x2001 or visit the website for commonwealth employees.
How do I update my beneficiaries?
You may be enrolled in other plans offered by the commonwealth. You should review your designated beneficiaries.
If you have questions, you may contact each provider directly or complete and follow the submission instructions on the forms provided below:
Should I change my tax withholding?
Adding dependents could affect the amount of taxes you pay. You may want to speak with a financial consultant to discuss your situation. If you would like to change your filing status and withholding, you may do so in ESS under Payroll Information. You may contact the HR Service Center by phone or complete a new Form W4 and submit it to the HR Service Center.
Is there anything else I should consider?
Other things to think about include updating your Direct Deposit if you decided to make any banking changes. You may make the change via ESS under Payroll Information or return a completed Direct Deposit Authorization Form to the HR Service Center.
If you need to change your emergency contacts, add a temporary mailing address, or change your permanent home address, you may execute these changes through ESS or by calling the HR Service Center.
The commonwealth offers the State Employee Assistance Program (SEAP) to most employees and their family members. SEAP helps with a variety of personal issues including, substance abuse, mental health, family issues, legal and financial consultations. SEAP can be reached 24/7 at 800.692.7459.