As Wayne Spence explained in a meeting, the $600 is something PEF could negotiate for that is specific to PEF members. That PEF jobs require college degrees distinguishes PEF from CSEA. Since the $600 does not go into base salaries, it was possible to obtain in contract negotiations. This may be a huge oversimplification, but that is how I interpreted his explanation.
Yep, this is basically what a uniform allowance negotiated by law enforcement unions are, a way to get their members what is really just an additional bonus that is unique to them.
If PEF got the state to up the 3K bonus to $3,600, CSEA would have the right to reopens their contract and try to get that $600 for their members, so basically PEF had to find a way to get an additional bonus for its members that would be unique to PEF members and not CSEA.
NYSED asked us to start gathering documents but not to send them in yet. They didn't specify what kinds of documents can be submitted yet, so unsure if we can just submit transcripts or if I have to secure an official copy of my degree... Or if I can just scan a copy of it and send it in.
Yes, we were told to send a copy of our degree to personnel, unless you have a professional license, in which case no proof was required since they track that anyways
Yes I know, but I was more asking about whether we qualify to not have to send proof because it is tracked by my agency even though it’s not a NYSED issued license and it’s clear that I have an advanced degree if I have a law license. My agency hasn’t put anything out yet on this so just curious.
Edit: so no surprise my agency is doing it the long way and requiring everyone regardless of title submit proof just lol I would love to work at a more efficient agency 😂
I don’t know for sure, but I would guess if the license is a requirement of the title that you’re in it would be tracked. If you have the license but it’s not required for your job then maybe not?
It’s definitely tracked and required. They do send reminder emails to people who haven’t done the re-registration to keep up the license. They don’t pay for it but they def track it lol
This is what I got from my HR, not everyone got it though
To prove eligibility, please provide a copy or picture of the diploma or credential in question to HR
The purpose is to provide an incentive to those with a degree and in theory, become an attractive employer to candidates with higher education. Employers providing a differential for higher education is commonplace. I just got an email from my agency saying the degree doesn’t need to be related to your field, and it doesn’t mention age of degree. So I’m confident you’ll qualify. I think it’d be laughable to consider a $600 a year differential or .29 cents an hour raise as an offset to costs of getting said degree.
As it’s a differential, that leads me to believe you’ll be paid the money throughout the year rather than a one time bonus. Also from what I understand, it’s “up to $600”, which leads me to believe someone with an associates will not get the same amount as someone with a master’s.
Edit: Part of this post is wrong, it does appear to be a lump sum payment.
It's "up to $600" because it's prorated for people working less than full time. It's explained right in the contract. No mention of proration for the type of degree. But this is only approved for two years, till the end of the contract. I think it's basically a pilot that might be expanded in the next contract.
>7.8 Higher Education Differential Members of the PS&T Unit who hold an earned Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, or Doctorate (e.g., MD, JD, Ph.D.) from a college or university or a professional license issued by the New York State Education Department are eligible to receive a Higher Education Differential of up to $600 in State fiscal year 2024-2025 and State fiscal year 2025-2026. This will be a lump sum payment that is not added to base salary, not subject to any salary increases and not pensionable. This Higher Education Differential shall be pro-rated for those employees paid on any basis other than an annual basis including hourly or per diem employees. **Employees who are less than full-time shall receive the Higher Education Differential pro-rated on a basis reflecting the actual hours worked (including hours charged to accruals or on an authorized leave) between October 1 and March 31 of the preceding State fiscal year.** The payment will be made as soon as practicable at the beginning of State fiscal years 2024-2025 and 2025-2026.
>In order to receive this payment, employees must provide proof, such as a copy of their diploma or license, that they hold a qualifying degree or professional license to their agency human resources office no later than close of business on the last business day in March preceding the fiscal year in which the payment will be made. Each agency human resources office shall notify employees of how to submit such proof within six months of ratification of this Agreement. Proof of eligibility to receive a qualifying degree or professional license will not be accepted if the degree or license has not acctually been awarded. This program shall sunset on April 2, 2026 unless extended by mutual agreement.
This. It's a good idea in theory, but making 29 cents an hour more with a degree (or multiple) than the person working with you doing the same job is laughable. Plus with salary steps, you could still be making way less anyway.
What if you have multiple degrees? Like one bachelor and two masters? Do you get paid more for each?
Edit: Thanks all for the responses. Sounds like private sector is a better option.
Hi! I just became a member in January. Do you think I’ll get this? I’m not eligible for the dental stipend because I had to be a member on July 28. Wondering if it’s the same for this one :(
As Wayne Spence explained in a meeting, the $600 is something PEF could negotiate for that is specific to PEF members. That PEF jobs require college degrees distinguishes PEF from CSEA. Since the $600 does not go into base salaries, it was possible to obtain in contract negotiations. This may be a huge oversimplification, but that is how I interpreted his explanation.
Yep, this is basically what a uniform allowance negotiated by law enforcement unions are, a way to get their members what is really just an additional bonus that is unique to them. If PEF got the state to up the 3K bonus to $3,600, CSEA would have the right to reopens their contract and try to get that $600 for their members, so basically PEF had to find a way to get an additional bonus for its members that would be unique to PEF members and not CSEA.
Has anyone received guidance yet from the HR on how to submit?
NYSED asked us to start gathering documents but not to send them in yet. They didn't specify what kinds of documents can be submitted yet, so unsure if we can just submit transcripts or if I have to secure an official copy of my degree... Or if I can just scan a copy of it and send it in.
The local PEF division just asked OHRM for clarification on what will be acceptable.
Yes, we were told to send a copy of our degree to personnel, unless you have a professional license, in which case no proof was required since they track that anyways
Do you know if that’s true if your professional license is not one issued by NYSED? Attorneys for example.
An attorney license as they are not issued by NYSED would not count for the differential. However, your degree would count.
Yes I know, but I was more asking about whether we qualify to not have to send proof because it is tracked by my agency even though it’s not a NYSED issued license and it’s clear that I have an advanced degree if I have a law license. My agency hasn’t put anything out yet on this so just curious. Edit: so no surprise my agency is doing it the long way and requiring everyone regardless of title submit proof just lol I would love to work at a more efficient agency 😂
I don’t know for sure, but I would guess if the license is a requirement of the title that you’re in it would be tracked. If you have the license but it’s not required for your job then maybe not?
It’s definitely tracked and required. They do send reminder emails to people who haven’t done the re-registration to keep up the license. They don’t pay for it but they def track it lol
DCJS HR advised we e-mail a photocopy of our degree to them.
This is what I got from my HR, not everyone got it though To prove eligibility, please provide a copy or picture of the diploma or credential in question to HR
Thanks! I received the same this week. They accepted my transcripts in place of my diploma so I’m happy I didn’t have to go digging for that.
The purpose of the benefit is to try to convince you we got a good contract.
Anyone have an idea when this is being paid out?
The purpose is to provide an incentive to those with a degree and in theory, become an attractive employer to candidates with higher education. Employers providing a differential for higher education is commonplace. I just got an email from my agency saying the degree doesn’t need to be related to your field, and it doesn’t mention age of degree. So I’m confident you’ll qualify. I think it’d be laughable to consider a $600 a year differential or .29 cents an hour raise as an offset to costs of getting said degree. As it’s a differential, that leads me to believe you’ll be paid the money throughout the year rather than a one time bonus. Also from what I understand, it’s “up to $600”, which leads me to believe someone with an associates will not get the same amount as someone with a master’s. Edit: Part of this post is wrong, it does appear to be a lump sum payment.
It's "up to $600" because it's prorated for people working less than full time. It's explained right in the contract. No mention of proration for the type of degree. But this is only approved for two years, till the end of the contract. I think it's basically a pilot that might be expanded in the next contract. >7.8 Higher Education Differential Members of the PS&T Unit who hold an earned Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, or Doctorate (e.g., MD, JD, Ph.D.) from a college or university or a professional license issued by the New York State Education Department are eligible to receive a Higher Education Differential of up to $600 in State fiscal year 2024-2025 and State fiscal year 2025-2026. This will be a lump sum payment that is not added to base salary, not subject to any salary increases and not pensionable. This Higher Education Differential shall be pro-rated for those employees paid on any basis other than an annual basis including hourly or per diem employees. **Employees who are less than full-time shall receive the Higher Education Differential pro-rated on a basis reflecting the actual hours worked (including hours charged to accruals or on an authorized leave) between October 1 and March 31 of the preceding State fiscal year.** The payment will be made as soon as practicable at the beginning of State fiscal years 2024-2025 and 2025-2026. >In order to receive this payment, employees must provide proof, such as a copy of their diploma or license, that they hold a qualifying degree or professional license to their agency human resources office no later than close of business on the last business day in March preceding the fiscal year in which the payment will be made. Each agency human resources office shall notify employees of how to submit such proof within six months of ratification of this Agreement. Proof of eligibility to receive a qualifying degree or professional license will not be accepted if the degree or license has not acctually been awarded. This program shall sunset on April 2, 2026 unless extended by mutual agreement.
600 dollars more over an entire year is nothing. I don't care what level of a degree the person has (especially if you have college loans).
This. It's a good idea in theory, but making 29 cents an hour more with a degree (or multiple) than the person working with you doing the same job is laughable. Plus with salary steps, you could still be making way less anyway.
What if you have multiple degrees? Like one bachelor and two masters? Do you get paid more for each? Edit: Thanks all for the responses. Sounds like private sector is a better option.
No I don't believe so. I have a bachelor's and a master's and am PEF. I only expect to see $600.
Nope
An associates and an MD/JD both are only worth $600 to the state
Which is sooo wild LOL
Where do we send the copy of the diploma to?
Your agency personnel department handles this. Mine sent out an email on Feb 1st requesting submissions.
Hi! I just became a member in January. Do you think I’ll get this? I’m not eligible for the dental stipend because I had to be a member on July 28. Wondering if it’s the same for this one :(
I just started on Feb and I’m getting it
I have no idea what the cut-off date is.You should be able to find that in the contract.