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October 30, 2007
A Message from Judith W. Boyette, Associate Vice President--Human Resources
and Benefits, Regarding Southern California Fires
On behalf of the University's human resources community, I wish to express our
deep concerns to those of you who have been affected by the fires in the Southern
California region. I hope that the following information will be of help
during this difficult time. We will update this information in the coming days
if further information becomes available.
General
For urgent benefits issues, the best resources are your health
and welfare plans.
You can find telephone numbers on the UC HR/Benefits At
Your Service website--(select "Directories
and Contacts" under “Quick Links” at the top of the page). For
information about personnel matters such as administrative leave, or to find
out if emergency loans may be available from special funds, visit your campus
website or call your campus Benefits
or Human Resources Office.
U.S.
Post Office Information About Mail Delivery in Southern California
Prescription Drugs and Medical Care
If you were evacuated and need prescription drugs, your medical
plan may have special arrangement for early refills. Please call the plan for more information.
For members of UC-sponsored medical plans who may be transferred from facilities
affected by the fires: Medical plans will follow county Emergency Management
System (EMS) plans and will work with transferring and accepting facilities to
ensure transition of care and patient safety. Additional information will
be posted here as it becomes available.
A+ Auto & Home Insurance
For those of you with A+ Auto & Home Insurance managed by
California Casualty: If you have been forced to evacuate your
home, suffered smoke damage or suffered other, fire-related damage,
please call the customer service center at 1-800-800-9410. Press
4 when prompted and you will be transferred to a claims specialist.
403(b) Plan--Emergency Loans or Hardship Withdrawals
Employees with money in UC’s 403(b) Plan may borrow their
own funds for emergency needs or, if ineligible for a loan, they
may be able to take a hardship withdrawal.
Plan participants can apply for a 403(b) loan via the Fidelity
website--or
by phone (1-866-682-7787). Checks are processed within five to
seven days.
Participants who don't qualify for a 403(b) loan (for example,
they have taken another loan within the last 12 months) may apply
for a 403(b) hardship distribution by calling Fidelity (1-866-682-7787).
457(b) Unforeseen Emergency Withdrawals
Participants in the 457(b) Plan may be eligible for an emergency
withdrawal. Call Fidelity for more information and to
apply for the withdrawal. The process usually takes about
10 days to 2 weeks.
Employee Assistance Program
The UC Employee Assistance Program (EAP) will support faculty
and staff members who suffer a loss as a result of the fires.
Employee Assistance personnel are trained in Critical Incident
Stress Management (CISM) and can provide information and support
materials to you and your family.
Campus EAP Contact Numbers
UC San Diego
Faculty and Staff Assistance Program
(858) 534-5523
UCSD Health Services (Medical Center)
Managed Health Network (MHN) EAP
1-888-426-0023
UC Irvine
Faculty and Staff Counseling Program
(949) 824-8355
UC Irvine Medical Center
Employee Assistance Program
(714) 456-7605
UC Los Angeles
Staff and Faculty Counseling Center
(310) 794-0245
UC Riverside
Employee Assistance Program
1-800-266-0510
UC Retirement Plan Questions
If you have questions about your retirement plan benefits, you may call Customer Service at 1-800-888-8267 or email them at customer.service@ucop.edu.