Overview of Employment Benefits

The University of Kentucky is proud to offer a vast variety of benefit plans. The benefits offered by the University provide security against the high cost of illness, injury and disability. University benefits also assist you in saving money today through tax savings plans and for the future through various retirement savings options.

Health Insurance

UK plans are self-insured. There are a variety of plan designs from which to choose, including PPO, HMO and EPO plans. There is an indemnity plan offered for employees who travel extensively or live outside the state of Kentucky.

Dental Insurance

There are five dental plans offered by two carriers, UK Dental and MetLife. All plans offer a benefit towards basic preventive services.

Life and AD&D Insurance

Basic life insurance coverage in the amount of $10,000 is provided at no cost. Additional term life insurance may be purchased in an amount up to three times an employee's annual salary. AD&D may be purchased to pay in the case of an accidental death or serious injury.

Health & Wellness

UK's wellness program with onsite facilities is dedicated to help assist employees achieve a higher quality of life and take preventive life changing measures.

Flexible Spending Accounts

Eligible health care and dependent care expenses may be paid with tax-free dollars.

Retirement plan

UK contributes 10% of base salary to a retirement account in addition to an employee's 5% tax-deferred contribution. All contributions are immediately 100% vested. Voluntary tax-deferred contributions may be added as well.

Employee Education Program

UK will waive up to 18 credit hours per academic year.

REFER

The REFER program offers a free initial assessment/consultation and then refers an employee to an appropriate service or resource where individual needs may be met. REFER assists employees who are seeking help with personal, couple, or family concerns.

Elder Care

Onsite resource center provides support and tools with employees faced with the need to provide care for parents or older family members.

Voluntary Benefits

Additional benefits are available to purchase with automatic payroll deductions. Benefits include long term care, universal life, short-term disability and cancer insurance.

Paid Time Off

Employees begin with 10-15 vacation days per year and enjoy 11 paid holidays. Vacation leave increases up to 20 days per year. Staff accrue one day of total disability leave (sick leave) per month.

This site has been designed to summarize the benefit plans and every attempt has been made for accuracy. The actual provisions of each benefit plan will govern if there is any inconsistency between this site and UK 's policies and contracts. Benefits eligibility is also determined by employee status (regular or temporary, part-time or full-time).