Employee Benefit Rates

Most contract college accounts are not charged benefits directly. In certain instances though, the university is required to reimburse the State of New York for contract college benefits, and accounts are charged the applicable federal or non-federal rate. These instances occur when:

• Services are provided under sponsored agreements, except those performed directly for the State of New York and funded by the state’s general purpose operating or capital funds.
• Services are paid for with restricted gifts, except those received from university alumni (as individuals, foundations, or corporations), for endowment, or from endowment income.
• Services are provided by contract college employees to the endowed divisions of the university.

There are two benefit levels. Per the conditions established by New York State there is no “minimum” benefit rate.

• Full Benefit Rate: The rate charged to salary expenditures associated with most employees (i.e. those eligible for benefits or mandated coverage). Includes all Full and Minimum Benefit Rate object codes listed in the Endowed table above.
• Zero Benefit Rate: The rate charged to salary expenditures associated with employees who are generally exempt from mandated coverage (e.g., registered students during the academic year) and are not eligible for any other employee benefits). Includes all Zero Benefit Rate object codes listed in the Endowed table above, plus 5041.