Resources

Meet the Charities

Childhaven & United Way of King County

Learn about this remarkable organization and its programs that protect and treat infants, young children, and their families. United Way of King County will also be on hand to discuss how its initiatives are making a difference in the lives of young children in our community.

Thursday, June 19
Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Raitt Hall, Room 109
Registration recommended

This is the third in a series of free monthly workshops where guest charities share how giving and volunteers have made a positive impact on their mission. Offered to UW faculty and staff by the UW Combined Fund Drive (UWCFD).

UW Discounts

Summer Reading

Looking for a book for that trek to the beach (or when you’re indoors hiding from the rain)? Browse great savings on book clubs and magazine subscriptions as well as educational materials for kids! The discount program is available to all UW faculty, staff, students, and retirees.

Go to the UW Discounts page and click "View the Discounts." Sign into the SmartSavings website with your UW NetID and password to find great savings.

Take a Break

Henry Art Gallery

Take a break from the rainy days of June by strolling the Henry Art Gallery.

Feast your eyes on Josiah McElheny’s “The Last Shattering Surface” (through August 17) or the photography collection “Somebody” (through August 3), or simply sit and meditate in James Turrell’s Skyspace, “Light Reign,”—a unique place that combines architecture, sculpture, and atmosphere.

Stop for lunch or coffee at the Baci Café after your walk through the galleries.

Benefits & WorkLife Update informs University of Washington faculty and staff of current news and events surrounding Benefits and WorkLife programs. It is published on the first and third Tuesday of the month. Comments and suggestions may addressed to the editor at: benefits@u.washington.edu

Click here to see past issues.

Know Your Benefits

Preparing for the Unexpected—Long Term Disability

Did you know that people between the ages of 35 and 65 are six times more likely to become disabled than to die? If you were to be disabled, how would you pay for food, housing, and other living expenses? Fortunately, as a benefits-eligible UW employee, you already have some long term disability (LTD) insurance through your PEBB-sponsored plan. This Basic LTD Insurance Plan—with premiums paid by the UW—replaces a portion of your income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. It pays a maximum benefit of $240 per month after a 90-day waiting period. The question is—will this be enough?

Eligible employees can expand their LTD coverage by enrolling in PEBB's Optional LTD Plan insurance. The group rate premiums are reasonable and competitive (although you are still encouraged to check individual plans). To enroll, note your retirement plan (Higher Ed or PERS) and elect a waiting period based on cost, need, and risk. In addition, complete an Evidence of Insurability form if you are applying for coverage 31 days after your eligibility date (usually your hire date). Once approved, your premiums will be paid through payroll deduction. Learn more.

Source: Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB)

*Note that LTD benefits are coordinated with other sources of replacement income available to you during periods of disability (such as Workers’ Compensation, Social Security, and retirement plan benefits) to provide valuable protection of your earnings while controlling your premium cost.

Getting Your Affairs In Order

No one ever plans to be sick or disabled. Yet, being prepared and organized can make all the difference in an emergency. Consider the following steps to put your personal affairs in order:

Gather everything you can about your income, property, investments, insurance, and savings.
Check to see that your beneficiary designations are up to date.
Put your important papers and copies of legal documents in one place.
Tell a trusted family member or friend where you put all your important papers.
Give consent in advance for your doctor or lawyer to talk with your caregiver as needed.

To read more about this month's feature,"Getting Your Affairs In Order," go to APS HelpLink Online Toolkit, UW CareLink's web resource. Click here and enter "UW" as the company code. (Also, see related article on "Legal Services" below.)

UW CareLink is the University's faculty and staff assistance program that provides professional support for issues that can affect your personal and work life.

Retirement Plan Check-ups

Have you had a personal retirement plan "check-up" lately? Representatives from our four fund sponsors are available to meet with you and your spouse—either by phone or in-person—to provide general investment information, discuss your savings objectives, or review an existing account.

To schedule your free, in-person appointment with Calvert, Fidelity, TIAA-CREF or Vanguard:

Check our events calendar to find dates in which a fund sponsor will be coming to a location near you.
Note: These are shown as "appt" on the calendar.
Contact a representative of your choice to schedule your free appointment.

For Members of PERS, LEOFF, and TRS Retirement Plans

The 2008 Pension Plan Checkup Edition of the Retirement Outlook newsletter is now available. You can access current and past issues at the Department of Retirement Systems web site: http://www.drs.wa.gov/outlook/active/

Balancing Your Work & Life

A “How To” for Family Caregivers: Caring for Yourself and Those You Love

How will you care for a loved one who is experiencing memory problems? Are you dealing with challenging behaviors, depression, and anxiety that frequently accompany memory loss? Linda Teri, Professor, Psychosocial and Community Health, UW School of Nursing, will discuss strategies and techniques for dealing with these behaviors. Register today for this free, two-part series. (Attend one or both parts.)

UW CareLink: Legal Services

Did you know that a free 30-minute telephone or in-person consultation with a local attorney is available through UW CareLink, our faculty and staff assistance program? You also get a 25% reduction in fees if you retain that network attorney. Call toll free at 1-866-598-3966 to arrange your consultation on a range of civil and consumer issues. Learn more.

Family Caregiver Network

Summer visits with family may surface concerns about elder family members. Bring your questions and concerns to a Family Caregiver Network meeting where you can gather information and ideas from others in similar situations. Meetings are held the last Tuesday of the month from noon to 1:00 p.m. at the Ethnic Cultural Center, 3931 Brooklyn Avenue N.E. The next meeting will be Tuesday, June 24. Register here for this free event.

Hometown Home Loan Program

The Hometown Home Loan Program offers reduced fees on mortgages for University of Washington employees buying or refinancing anywhere in the Puget Sound region. All benefits-eligible UW faculty and staff members may apply. Learn about the program.

Home Remodeling & Renovation Seminar

Learn which improvements add value to your home, whether to hire a contractor or do it yourself, how to start and manage a construction project, and how to pay for everything.

July 9 | Wednesday | Health Sciences| noon - 1:00 p.m. | Register here

Prequalification Appointments

Get your mortgage questions answered! Free half-hour pre-qualification appointments, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., on the first Monday of the month at Seattle, and quarterly at Bothell, Tacoma, and Harborview. Contact the Affinity Lending Center at 206-628-0207 to schedule an appointment.

Husky Summer Celebration Night with the Mariners

Cheer on the Mariners and celebrate your Husky pride! UW faculty, staff, friends and family are invited to purchase tickets for special view reserved section just for UW. A portion of your discounted ticket will benefit UW student scholarships. Giveaways include Seattle Mariners/University of Washington t-shirt and Felix Hernandez bobbleheads to the first 25,000 fans.

Reserve your tickets now:
Friday, July 18, 2008
7:10 p.m.
Cleveland Indians vs. Mariners
Safeco Field
$17 (normally $20)
TICKETS & INFORMATION

Sponsored by the Leadership, Community and Values Initiative, in partnership with the UW Alumni Association.

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