What are benefits classes?
Some companies want to set different contribution amounts or different waiting periods for different groups of U.S.-based employees. These groups are called benefits classes. Please note a company can only change these classes once annually, during health insurance renewals.
Enabling benefits classes is an optional step, and it comes with serious compliance considerations. The majority of our customers do not use benefits classes.
Watch this short video for a deeper understanding of Benefits Classes:
How do I set up benefits classes?
While selecting the insurance plans your U.S.-based employees will have access to, either for the first time or during your annual renewal, you’ll have the option to manage benefits classes as part of the insurance dashboard. Follow the instructions on that page to turn on benefits classes, edit the names of your different classes, assign each employee to the appropriate class, and finally, set the waiting periods and contribution amounts for each class.
How am I allowed to group my employees?
To protect against discrimination, there are many regulations dictating how employers can group U.S.-based employees in benefits classes. Make sure you understand the rules before enabling them for your company. Please note that if the available benefits, eligibility requirements, and employee premium costs are not the same for all eligible employees, you could put at risk the Section 125 pre-tax benefits for higher-paid employees. Each employer is responsible for ensuring that its insurance class system complies with any applicable nondiscrimination requirements and, if applicable, does not negatively impact the employer’s strategy for complying with the ACA employer mandate.
How can I change an employee's benefits class?
Master Policy
You can change a U.S.-based employee's benefits class directly in Justworks by navigating to Manage > Employees > Job Information. In the ‘Current Position’ box, you will see the employee’s current benefits class. To change this, click the blue ‘Edit’ pencil. Once clicked, you will first need to check the box that affirms you would like to change the employee’s benefits class.
Once checked, you can proceed by clicking ‘Save and Edit Benefits Class.’ On the next screen, you'll have to select the date for which the benefits class change will go into effect. Keep in mind that since you can only make changes effective for the first of the following month, the dropdown will give you the option to make the change effective as of the first of forthcoming months. Once you select which benefits class to move your employee to, click 'Save' at the bottom.
You can also change an employee's benefits class during a compensation change. Learn more about Updating an Employee’s Compensation.
Open Market Plans
Benefit classes can only be edited during open enrollment. Once you’ve clicked Get Started, you will be prompted to Add and Name Your Benefit Class > select your Benefit Class waiting period > and Assign Employees to this new Benefit Class.
*Setting Benefit Classes Visual Example for Open Market Plans
*Setting Benefit Classes Visual Example for Open Market Plans
Once checked, you can proceed by clicking ‘Save and Edit Benefits Class.’ On the next screen, you'll have to select the date for which the benefits class change will go into effect. Remember that since you can only make changes effective for the first of the following month, the dropdown will give you the option to make the change effective as of the first of forthcoming months. Once you select which benefits class to move your U.S.-based employee to, click 'Save' at the bottom.
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Disclaimer
This material has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, legal or tax advice. If you have any legal or tax questions regarding this content or related issues, then you should consult with your professional legal or tax advisor.