Employee Benefits

2026-2027 Employee Benefits Guide

St. Charles Parish Public Schools knows how important it is to provide quality employee benefits to our employees and their dependents. We strive to provide a total benefits package that meets your specific needs as well as the needs of our company. Please take the time to read the following benefits summary. The information enclosed will assist you in deciding the best selection of benefits for you and your family.

Open Enrollment is the time of year when St. Charles Parish Public Schools announces new benefits and changes to current benefits. It is also the time of year when you can make changes to your existing health and insurance benefits without any life event restrictions.

If you have any questions related to the benefits offered by St. Charles Parish Public Schools please contact the Risk Management and Benefits Department at 985-785-3135 or sburas@WeAreSCPPS.org.

Eligibility

You are eligible for St. Charles Parish Public Schools benefits if you are:

• An active full-time employee working 30 or more hours per week (22.5 hours/week for bus operators, bus monitors and child nutrition technicians)

Your dependents are eligible if they are:

• Your spouse and eligible dependents may receive coverage through St. Charles Parish Public Schools. Dependents must meet certain criteria to be eligible. SCPPS will verify dependents prior to the enrollment of your dependents by one of the following documents: birth certificate, hospital birth letter, court order signed by a judge appointing employee as guardian, and/or adoption papers. Eligible children are covered up to age 26. The coverage ends on the last day of the birth month.

You may enroll in benefits:

• Within 30 days of first becoming eligible for benefits
• During the annual Open Enrollment period
• During the plan year, if you experience a Qualifying Life Event

Benefits for new hires will become effective first of the month following 30 days of employment.

Open Enrollment is your once a year opportunity to review your benefit plan elections and make adjustments that meet the needs of you and your family. Changes made during Open Enrollment will go into effect on May 1st.

2026-2027 Employee Benefits Guide

St. Charles Parish School Board offers Accident Insurance through Symetra. Accident insurance provides fixed cash benefits to help cover out-of-pocket expenses and other costs associated with an accidental injury. Enrollment in this policy is voluntary, and 100% of the premium is paid by the employee. To file a claim please contact Symetra at 1-800-497-3699.

St. Charles Parish School Board offers Critical Illness Insurance through Symetra. Critical Illness insurance pays a lump-sum cash benefit directly to the insured following the diagnosis of a covered critical illness or event, including (but not limited to) invasive cancer, heart attack, kidney failure, stroke, permanent paralysis, and major organ transplants. Enrollment in this policy is voluntary, and 100% of the premium is paid by the employee. To file a claim please contact Symetra at 1-800-497-3699.

Equitable's Employee Assistance Program, provided by ComPsych, provides no-cost, confidential support you may access for life's challenges. Services include confidential emotional support, work/life solutions, legal guidance, financial resources, and identity theft services. For Employee Assistance Program support, resources, and information, please call (833) 256-5115 or visit guidanceresources.com and include the Web ID: EQUITABLE3. Please review the "Employee Assistance Program" flyer for more information.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

St. Charles Parish School Board offers Hospital Indemnity Insurance through Symetra. Hospital Indemnity insurance can complement your health insurance to help you pay for the costs associated with a hospital stay. Enrollment in this policy is voluntary, and 100% of the premium is paid by the employee. To file a claim please contact Symetra at 1-800-497-3699.

Long-Term Disability Insurance through Equitable is a district paid benefit for all active, full-time employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in Long-Term Disability at no cost to the employee. Employees must contact the Risk Management and Benefits Department at 985-785-3135 or sburas@WeAreSCPPS.org for information regarding filing a long-term disability claim.

The St. Charles Parish School Board offers medical insurance through UMR. 

Protection Pack is a bundled set of benefits offered through New Benefits that includes identity theft protection, financial wellness, and legal services. Enrollment in this policy is voluntary, and 100% of the premium is paid by the employee. 

You are eligible for St. Charles Parish Public Schools benefits if you are: an active full-time employee working 30 or more hours per week (22.5 hours/week for bus operators, bus monitors and child nutrition technicians).  New hires who are eligible for benefits must enroll within 30 days of employment. Benefits for new hires will become effective the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment. 

St. Charles Parish School Board offers Pet Insurance through Petpartners. Pet insurance helps cover some of the costs of veterinary care for accidents and illnesses. Enrollment in pet insurance is voluntary, and 100% of the premium is paid by the employee. 

How to Submit a Pet Insurance Claim

Short Term Disability Insurance through Equitable pays a weekly benefit in the event you cannot work because of a covered illness, injury, or pregnancy. Enrollment in short-term disability is voluntary, and 100% of the premium is paid by the employee. Employees must contact the Risk Management and Benefits Department at 985-785-3135 or sburas@WeAreSCPPS.org for information regarding filing a short-term disability claim.

Qualifying Life Events

Please be aware that the only time (other than Open Enrollment) you are able to make changes to your benefits is if you experience a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). Examples of QLEs include the birth of a child, adoption, marriage, divorce, or dependent's loss or gain of coverage. In the event of a QLE, please contact the Risk Management and Benefits Department at (985) 785-3135 or sburas@WeAreSCPPS.org. Documentation of the qualifying life event must be received within 30 days of the QLE in order to change your current benefit selections. Please note, proof of qualifying life events are subject to approval by St. Charles Parish Public Schools.  

Qualifying Life Events Include:

• A change in the number of dependents (birth, adoption, death, guardianship);
• A change in marital status (marriage, divorce, death);
• A dependent’s loss of eligibility (attainment of limiting age);
• A change in associate’s, spouse’s or dependents’ work hours;
• A termination or commencement of employment of associate’s spouse or eligible dependent with coverage;
• An entitlement to Medicare or Medicaid;
• Other events as the administrator determines to be permitted or any other applicable guidelines issued by the Internal Revenue Service.

When can I make changes to my insurance coverage?

Changes in coverage may be made during the annual Open Enrollment or if you experience a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). Examples of QLEs include the birth of a child, adoption, marriage, divorce, or dependent's loss or gain of coverage. In the event of a QLE, please contact the Risk Management and Benefits Department at (985) 785-3135 or sburas@WeAreSCPPS.org. Documentation of the qualifying life event must be received within 30 days of the QLE in order to change your current benefit selections. Please note, proof of qualifying life events are subject to approval by St. Charles Parish Public Schools. 
 

Where is my insurance card?

After enrolling, you will receive your UMR member ID card within 10-14 business days. If you do not receive your member ID card within the stated time frame, please contact UMR customer service at 1-800-826-9781.