UCPath Notice on Upcoming Change to Benefit Premium Deductions
Effective January 2026, there will be changes to how UC deducts benefits premiums from paychecks.
What is changing for Biweekly-paid employees?
Premium deductions for all benefit plans will now align with the current month of coverage instead of being taken one month in advance. For example, UC will take deductions for January 2026 coverage from the Jan. 14 and Jan. 28 biweekly paychecks.
Transition timeline
To adjust to the new timing of benefit premium deductions, please note the following dates and changes:
- UC will continue to deduct December premiums from November paychecks as usual.
- UC will take no premium deductions from the Dec. 3 and Dec. 17 paychecks for the following benefit plans:
- Medical
- Legal services
- Supplemental Health Plans
- Accident
- Hospital indemnity
- Critical illness (spouse and child)
- Employee and Dependent AD&D
- Supplemental Life plans
- Basic dependent life
- Expanded dependent life (spouse and child)
- First biweekly paycheck reflecting the new deduction timing: Jan. 14, 2026
What is changing for Monthly-paid employees?
For those enrolled in voluntary disability plans, currently UC deducts premiums for monthly paid employees in arrears. Beginning in January 2026, UC will deduct voluntary disability premiums during the current coverage month, aligning with how we deduct other benefit premiums. For example, your Jan. 2 paycheck will include the deduction for January 2026 coverage.
Transition Timeline
To adjust to this new timing, your December 2025 voluntary disability premium(s) will be split and collected across two paychecks:
- Oct. 31, 2025
- Dec. 1, 2025
This one-time adjustment ensures your premium deductions will be aligned when the new schedule starts in January. Please note that all other benefit premiums already deduct during the current coverage month and will remain unchanged.
As benefit premium changes take effect in January 2026, UCPath will continue reviewing year-end benefit plan changes to ensure all premiums are up to date. In some cases, a retroactive premium adjustment may be needed, especially if you enter changes due to a recent life event after the payroll deadline.
Contact UCPath
(855) 982-7284
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
ucpath.universityofcalifornia.edu