Employee Information

Welcome to the Peabody Public Schools

1.       W-4 Forms:              Federal and State

Note:  Employees of the City of Peabody are not subject to FICA       (Social Security tax), however, all new employees are subject to the Medicare portion of the Social Security tax.  This deduction shows as MED on your paycheck and is equal to 1.45% of your gross pay.

2.     Form SSA-1945          Statement Concerning Employment in a Job Not Covered by Social Security                                    

3.     RETIREMENT:             Massachusetts Teachers’ Retirement

Enrollment in Teachers’ Retirement is accomplished by using an online enrollment form.  Enclosed is the “Your Mandatory Online MTRS Enrollment Assignment” that gives you instructions as how to complete the enrollment process.

                                       The Peabody Municipal Retirement Board

Enrollment in the Municipal Retirement Board is accomplished by completing the “New Member Enrollment Form.”  The form allows a newly hired employee to apply for membership in a pubic retirement system.  Certain information on this form must be provided by the Payroll/Human Resources Department.  This process must be completed before you can receive your first check
 

INSURANCE: 

4  A. The City of Peabody offers, by contract, a basic $5,000 term life insurance policy.  The City pays half and the employee pays half.  The Insurance Company is The Boston Mutual Life Ins. Co.

If you do not want this coverage write, “waive” on the enrollment form and sign the form.  If at a later time you decide that you want this coverage, be advised that you will have to complete an insurability form and the Company may request a physical exam at that time.

The Boston Mutual also offers additional term life coverage.  An application is enclosed. 

B. Colonial Life offers short-term disability insurance paid for by payroll deduction.  For information call:  Joanne Davidson at 1-877-208-5433

C.  Permanent Life Insurance (cash value policy) is available through Concord Heritage Insurance.  An agent will contact all new employees in October/November.

D.  Cancer insurance is available through American Heritage Insurance Co.  An agent will contact new employees regarding this coverage in October/November.

5.     HEALTH                      Health Insurance is a Pre-tax deduction benefit.                                            For Family Plans, a copy of your marriage certificate and birth   
                                        certificates for each dependent are required.

         A.  HMO BLUE            HMO Blue is a Health Maintenance Organization product of Blue 
                                       Cross/Blue Shield.  In this plan, you need a Primary Care Physician
                                       (PCP) and all your medical care must go through the PCP.  You cannot
                                       go to another doctor without first getting a referral from your PCP. 
                                       Family members do not need to have the same PCP. 

                                       Included:  a book of all participating doctors and hospitals, an
                                       application, an overview of what is covered.     

        B.  BLUE CARE ELECT   Blue Care Elect is a Preferred Provider Organization product of Blue
                                       Cross/Blue Shield. In this plan, you do not need a PCP but can use any
                                       doctor participating in the plan.  You have the option of going to a
                                       doctor not in the plan or network. But you will be subject to
                                       a deductible and then the Plan would pay 80% of the reasonable
                                       charge.

                                       An overview of this coverage is enclosed.  If you are interested in Blue
                                       Care Elect we will provide you with additional information.

                                       If you do not want to enroll in a health plan at this time, please write,
                                       “WAIVE” on the form, sign, and return the form to the payroll office.
                                       
                                       In May of each year, you may enroll in a plan or change plans during
                                       an Open Enrollment period. 

6.   DENTAL                      Dental Insurance through The Guardian is a pre-tax deduction.  Once
                                      enrolled in the plan, you must stay in for the remainder of that plan
                                      year.  In January of each year, you may change programs, terminate
                                      coverage, or begin coverage during an Open Enrollment period.  An
                                      enrollment form is included.  If you do not want this coverage, please
                                      indicate on the form that you do not elect to take this coverage at this
                                      time, sign the form, and return to the payroll office. 

7.  FLEXIBLE SPENDING      Included is an informational pamphlet regarding this pre-tax program.  It
                                     is up to you to contact the Cafeteria Plan Advisors to take advantage  of this program. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:                                                                 

·         DIRECT DEPOSIT is available and a form is enclosed.  It will take at least two payroll periods before direct deposit goes into effect. 

·         Peabody Municipal Federal Credit Union
15 Chestnut Street   (978) 532-1385 

·         We participate in the U.S. Savings Bonds – Payroll Savings Plan.  An enrollment application is enclosed. 

·         Tax Sheltered Annuities – a list of participating companies
                                                is included in this packet. 

·         Sick Time – Dependent on contract. 

·         Method of payment – Dependent on contract.