[November 19, 2008]

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.

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
  Employee Assistance Program
  (800) 433-2320



• 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 Santa Barbara
  Academic and Staff Assistance Program
  (805) 893-3318

UC Retirement Plan Questions
If you have questions about your retirement plan benefits, you may call Customer Service at 1-800-888-8267 or by email.

• The information presented in these news archive articles may no longer be current. Please note the date when the article was first published.