As part of our commitment to supporting the well-being and success of our workforce, the Department offers a comprehensive benefits package. From pension plans to health coverage options, our employees enjoy access to a range of benefits.

In addition, we offer tax-deferred savings programs, workers’ compensation, and temporary disability insurance — all aimed at helping employees balance their work and personal lives. Explore the various benefits available to ensure you make the most of your employment.

Pension

Employees Retirement System (ERS)

Employees appointed for any period exceeding three months and serving in positions requiring at least one-half of full-time equivalent are members of the Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) under a contributory, non-contributory or hybrid retirement plan as prescribed by state law as of the date of employment.

Health Benefits

Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund (EUTF)

Eligible employees may enroll in benefit plans offered by the state’s EUTF. Plans for medical/chiropractic, prescription drug, dental and vision, require co-payments by the employer and the employee. The monthly premium for the group life insurance is paid for solely by the employer; however, the employee must enroll to receive coverage. Information about the plans and rates are provided in the EUTF Open Enrollment Guide for Active Employees. 

During the plan year, when certain qualifying events occur mid-year, employees may be able to enroll, change or cancel their EUTF benefit plans. The following are common qualifying events: acquisition of other coverage, adoption, birth, civil union, death of spouse or dependent, divorce, domestic partner, legal guardianship, loss of coverage, marriage, new eligible student, return from authorized leave of absence, or retirement of spouse who is a state or county employee. Employees have 30 days from the eligible event to submit an original enrollment form and any applicable supporting documents to the Department’s Employee Benefits Unit. You may reach EUTF at 808-586-7390 (Oʻahu) or 800-295-0089 (Neighbor Islands) for more information.

Premium Conversion Plan Option (PCP)

Under the PCP program, eligible employees may increase their take-home pay by having the employer deduct the cost of their health benefits premiums from their pay before taxes are withheld. You can learn more at the state’s Department of Human Resources Development site.

HealthCare.gov

The Hawaiʻi Health Connector was terminated in 2016 to comply with the federal government’s request to switch to HealthCare.gov.

​Tax-Deferred Programs

​Tax-Sheltered Annuity Program

Employees are eligible to participate in the Tax-Sheltered Annuity Program offered by the Department. Employees may make pre-tax contributions through payroll deductions and provide supplemental income to regular retirement benefits. Contact the Employee Benefits Unit at 808-441-8311 for more information.

State’s Deferred Compensation Plan

Known as the Island $avings Plan, eligible state employees may participate in this voluntary pre-tax retirement savings plan offered by the state. For more information, visit the Island $avings Plan website or view an informational flyer​.

Flexible Spending Account

The state’s Island Flex flexible spending account offers two ways to reduce employees’ federal and state withholding taxes and social security taxes:

1. Medical Flexible Spending Account (Medical FSA) allows employees to pay eligible out-of-pocket unreimbursed health care expenses on a before-tax basis.
2. Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (Dependent Care FSA) allows employees to pay for eligible dependent care expenses on a before-tax basis.

Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan for Part-Time Employees

The state offers a PTS Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan for part-time, temporary and seasonal/casual employees of the state, who are not eligible to participate in the state’s ERS. Employees’ contributions to this PTS Plan replace contributions to Social Security. For more information, employees may contact the plan’s third-party administrator Comprehensive Financial Planning Inc. at 808-596-7006 (Oʻahu) and 800-600-7167 (Neighbor Islands) or visit their website.

Flex Park

Allows employees to deduct eligible parking fees from pre-tax money. Eligible parking fees are those for parking assignments in a lot administered by the state Department of Accounting & General Services. For more information, visit the Department of Human Resources Development site.

Workers’ Compensation

The state workers’ compensation law provides benefits to employees who suffer a work-related injury or illness, including the payment of medical expenses as the nature of the injury/illness requires for as long as reasonably needed, wage replacement, permanent disability or permanent partial disability, rehabilitation, services of an attendant, disfigurement, and funeral and burial allowance. A portion of wages may be paid if employees are unable to work due to the work-related injury or illness. 

Additionally, employees are able to supplement their workers’ compensation benefits with available sick and vacation leave credits. There is a mandatory three-day waiting period starting from the first day of disability, as certified by a licensed physician. Workers’ compensation benefits are provided at no cost to employees. For more information, employees should contact the Workers’ Compensation Unit at 808-441-8484.

Temporary Disability Insurance

Employees who suffer a non-work related injury or illness may be eligible for temporary disability benefits. These benefits replace a portion of the wages up to a maximum of 26 weeks, if all requirements are met. There is a mandatory seven-day waiting period starting from the first day of disability. Employees must exhaust all accumulated unused sick leave credits before receiving these benefits. These benefits are provided at no cost to eligible employees. For additional information, contact the Employee Benefits Unit at 808-441-8311.