Employee Benefits Overview

Amended: 11/29/2023

Provided by: Department of Human Resources

Related Links and Resources

• Collective bargaining agreements  
• Faculty: Faculty should refer to the handbook of their primary school affiliation for guidance.
• Postdoctoral Scholars Handbook

• Benefits Information, Links and Resources

This policy applies to all eligible staff, limited term staff, postdoctoral scholars, faculty, or any other members of the Tufts community who are paid directly by Tufts University, or who work under faculty or postdoctoral scholar handbooks, or who are otherwise covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

In addition to good working conditions and competitive pay, it is the University’s policy to provide a combination of retirement and other benefits to all eligible employees. 

In keeping with this goal, each benefit program has been carefully devised.  These benefits include a tax-qualified 401(a) plan and medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death & dismemberment, disability, healthcare flexible spending accounts, among others (see link above for full roster of benefits and benefits eligibility).

The specific provisions of these plans, including eligibility and benefits provisions, are summarized in each plan’s summary plan description (“SPD”).  SPDs may be revised from time to time. Additionally, the official plan documents are available for review upon request. In the determination of benefits or other matters under each plan, the terms of the official plan documents shall govern over the language of any descriptions of the plans, including SPDs.

Further, the University (including the officers and administrators who are responsible for administering the plans) and/or any designated plan or claims administrator retain full discretionary authority to interpret the terms of the plans as well as full discretionary authority with regard to administrative matters arising in connection with the plans and all issues concerning benefit eligibility and entitlement.

While the University intends to maintain these plans, it reserves the absolute right to modify, amend, or terminate these plans, and any benefits thereunder, at any time and for any reason, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.

Questions regarding these and all other benefits may be directed Tufts Support Services via TSS@tufts.edu.