Benefits and Funds
See below for a list of benefits and funds that are available to workers in our contract. Email gsoc@actuaw.org if you have questions that aren’t answered below or if NYU has missed your benefits!
Health and Dental Care
GSOC workers receive 95% off the premium for their NYU student health insurance.
Who’s eligible?
All GSOC workers who do not have health insurance covered another way (e.g., though a doctoral funding package). This benefit only applies during semesters you work a GSOC position. For example, if you work in the Fall but not the Spring, you will only receive the benefit for the Fall.
How do I apply?
This benefit is processed automatically; there is no application. However, make sure you sign up for the NYU student health insurance during enrollment.
Please note, if you waive NYU health insurance for the entire academic year in the Fall, you will not be able to enroll in the Spring. Be mindful of this when deciding whether to waive the NYU student health insurance.
How do I receive this benefit?
There are two ways to receive this benefit:
1) You can pay for the health insurance premium 100% upfront and wait for NYU to reimburse you 95%. Make sure you have direct deposit set up in your Bursar’s account (note this is a different account than PeopleSync so you need to set it up in both places). If you do not have direct deposit set up, a check will be mailed to your local address listed in Albert.
2) Pay 5% of the premium upfront and NYU will remove the balance once they confirm you’re working a GSOC position. We recommend this option to avoid having to wait for a reimbursement. The Bursar’s office should not place any holds on your account because of this balance. If they do, email us and we will ensure the hold is removed.
Please note, when you enroll for NYU student health insurance you can sign up for the full academic year or enroll one semester at a time. Since NYU applies this benefit each semester, if you sign up for the full academic year, you will not receive the full refund at once. For example, if you are working in the Fall, you will receive the 95% discount for the Fall but will be 100% responsible for the Spring cost. Once the Spring semester begins, the 95% discount will then be applied if you are still working a GSOC position. To avoid waiting a semester for the discount, you can enroll in health insurance at the beginning of each semester rather than once for the entire academic year.
GSOC workers receive the Stu-Dent dental plan at no cost.
Who’s eligible?
All GSOC workers that work at any time during the academic year. This means you are covered for the entire academic year, even if you only work for part of it. For example, if you only work a GSOC job in the Fall, you still have access to the Stu-Dent plan until the end of that academic year.
How do I sign up?
There’s no application or sign up – all you need to do is schedule an appointment. The dental clinic receives a list of GSOC workers, so they know who’s covered. They may ask to see your appointment letter so make sure you have it available when you go to your appointment.
What if I paid for the Stu-Dent plan upfront?
If you paid for the Stu-Dent plan upfront, you will receive a reimbursement for 100% of the cost approximately a month and a half after your start date. If you are expecting a reimbursement and have not received it within two months of your start date, please email us so we can ensure you receive it.
GSOC workers can receive a reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred under the NYU student health insurance plan or under the Stu-Dent plan. Fill out the form here.
Who’s eligible?
Any GSOC worker that works at least one position during the academic year.
How do I apply?
Complete this form by November 1 the following academic year. For example, the application for expenses from the 2025/2026 academic year is due November 1, 2026.
NYU calculates your expenses by contacting the NYU student health insurance and the Stu-Dent office. You do not need to submit any receipts or proof of these expenses.
How do I receive the reimbursement?
You will receive your reimbursement via PeopleSync. You will see a line item for “Health Care Subsidy” in your paycheck. The reimbursement is taxed at a higher rate because it is considered “bonuses/supplemental wages.” You will likely get a refund for this higher tax when you file taxes for that year.
When will I receive the reimbursement?
The out-of-pocket fund is dispersed once a year around mid-February/early-March. This covers the previous academic year. For example, the reimbursement sent in February 2026 covered the 2024/2025 academic year.
This means you may wait up to a year and a half from the time you paid the expense to the time you are reimbursed. For example, if you paid for an appointment in September 2024 you aren’t reimbursed until February 2026. This is something we want to change in our new contract because no one should wait that long for a reimbursement!
What’s my expected reimbursement?
The exact reimbursement depends on how many people apply to the fund and their total medical and dental expenses. In prior years we have been able to reimburse workers 100% of their out-of-pocket costs, but it is not guaranteed as the fund may be exhausted.
GSOC workers who purchase dependent (e.g., spouse, partner, child, etc.) health insurance coverage under the NYU student plan can apply for up to a 90% reimbursement of the premium cost. Fill out the form here.
Who’s eligible?
All GSOC workers who purchase decedent health coverage through the NYU student plan. When you enroll dependent(s) they must have the same level of coverage that you sign up for. For example, if you sign up for the Comprehensive health plan, all your dependents must sign up for the same plan (they cannot enroll in the Basic plan). Similarly, if you sign up for the Bic health plan, all your dependents must sign up for the same plan (they cannot enroll in the Comprehensive plan).
This benefit only applies during semesters you work a GSOC position. For example, if you work in the Fall but not the Spring, you will only receive the benefit for the Fall.
How do I apply?
In addition to enrolling your dependent(s) in NYU student health plan, you need to apply every semester. You can find the application here. The due date for Fall coverage is January 8 and the due date for Spring/Summer coverage is August 21.
When do I receive my reimbursement?
You will receive the reimbursement approximately one month after the application period closes.
Please note you must pay 100% of the premium cost upfront. This is different from the 95% health insurance premium discount for GSOC workers where you have the option of only pay 5% upfront.
What’s my expected reimbursement?
This benefit will reimburse up to 90% of the premium cost. The exact amount depends on how many people apply to the fund. In prior years we have been able to reimburse workers the full 90%, but it is not a guarantee.
Paid Time Off
GSOC workers in hourly positions receive vacation days. If they do not use all their vacation days they will receive a payout for unused time.
Who’s eligible?
GSOC workers in hourly positions. If you submit a timesheet, you are considered an hourly worker.
If you do not submit a timesheet, you are considered a semesterly worker and receive a service bonus instead of vacations days/vacation payout. Please see the Service Bonus section for details.
How do I apply?
This benefit is applied automatically based on the following calculation: Workers accrue one (1) “vacation day” for every four (4) consecutive weeks worked. A “vacation day” is equal to 5% of the total hours worked over those four consecutive weeks.
If you want to use your vacation days during the semester, contact your supervisor and ensure the time is entered in PeopleSync as a vacation day.
If I don’t use my vacation days, how do I receive my vacation payout?
If you do not use all of your vacation days, you will receive a payout after the semester ends. The payout is sent via PeopleSync and you will see it as a line item on your paystub. Note that vacation payouts are taxed at a higher rate because they are considered “bonuses/supplemental wages.” You will likely get a refund for this higher tax when you file taxes for that year.
When do I receive my vacation payout?
Vacation payouts are usually sent about a month and a half after the semester ends. If you are expecting a payout and have not received it within two months after the semester ends, please email us so we can ensure you receive it.
GSOC workers in semesterly positions receive a service bonus worth 7% of their total compensation from the semester.
Who’s eligible?
GSOC workers in semesterly positions. If you do not submit a timesheet, then you are considered a semesterly worker. Additionally, there is a one semester eligibility requirement for this benefit. For example, if you worked a semesterly job for the first time in the Fall, you will not receive a service bonus. However, you will receive a service bonus for all subsequent semesterly positions.
If you do submit a timesheet, you are considered an hourly worker and receive vacations days/payout instead of a service bonus. Please see the Vacation Days and Vacation Payouts section for details.
How do I apply?
This benefit is sent automatically after the semester ends.
How do I receive my service bonus?
You will receive the service bonus after the semester ends. The bonus is sent via PeopleSync and you will see it as a line item on your paystub. Note that service bonuses are taxed at a higher rate because they are considered “bonuses/supplemental wages.” You will likely get a refund for this higher tax when you file taxes for that year.
Service bonuses are 7% of your total compensation from the semester. Double check to ensure your service bonus is not low. If it is, email us to ensure you get the correct amount.
When do I receive my service bonus?
Service bonuses are usually sent about a month and a half after the semester ends. If you are expecting a service bonus and have not received it within two months of the semester ending, please email us so we can ensure you receive it.
Over an academic year, GSOC workers are entitled to seven (7) paid sick days, three (3) paid personal days, and if applicable, three (3) paid bereavement days.
How do I use my paid leave?
Speak with your supervisor to use your paid leave
If you are an hourly worker, you will also designate these hours as paid leave on your timesheet in PeopleSync.
If you are a semesterly worker, you are not required to find coverage for days you are out – this is the responsibility of your supervisor. We have received reports of departments mandating workers find replacements. If this happens to you, please email us so we can assist. Additionally, if you are a GSOC worker who covered another GSOC worker while they were on leave, you should be compensated for this work. Please email us if you are not paid for this coverage.
Parent and Guardians
GSOC workers can apply for up to six (6) weeks of paid parental leave in a 12-month period, to bond with their newborn child, newly adopted child, or new foster care child.
How do I apply for leave?
Submit an application at least 30 days before your leave.
Who’s eligible?
GSOC workers who have worked at least one semester before starting parental leave.
GSOC workers with children under 18 can apply for an annual childcare subsidy. This benefit is in addition to the childcare subsidy you can receive through NYU. Find the form here.
Who’s eligible?
GSOC workers that have children under 18 and worked at least one GSOC position in the calendar year they are applying for. For example, if you are applying for the 2025 cycle, you must have worked a GSOC position in 2025.
How do I apply?
Please complete this application, due January 31 of the following year. For example, if you are applying for the 2025 cycle, the application is due January 31, 2026.
The application must be notarized. The NYU StudentLink Center offers free notary services.
When do I receive the subsidy?
While the exact date can change from year to year, the fund is usually distributed around March 1.
What’s my expected reimbursement?
The childcare subsidies are calculated by taking the total fund and dividing it by the total number of children in the applicant pool. Therefore, the exact reimbursement depends on how many people apply to the fund and the total amount of children. If you have multiple children, you will receive a subsidy for each child. For example, a worker with two children will receive double the subsidy compared to a worker with one child.
In prior years reimbursements have ranged between approximately $2,400 to $4,000 per child, with an average of approximately $3,200 per child. However, the amounts can change from year-to-year.
GSOC workers with children can access Bright Horizons Enhanced Family Support Benefits, including, but not limited to, a free membership to sittercity.com. See here for more details.
How do I sign up?
Register and create a profile by hitting “Join Today” and entering your N number.
International Students
International GSOC workers can receive a reimbursement for accounting and legal assistance.
Who’s eligible?
International GSOC workers who are resident or non-resident aliens for tax purposes and worked any time during the academic year.
What expenses are eligible?
Tax and legal expenses associated with an international worker’s status are eligible. This fund is meant to off-set additional expenses international workers must pay that their domestic worker counterparts do not.
Note that fees for visa services and SprintTax are not eligible for this fund
How do I receive the reimbursement?
Submit this application by November 1 the following academic year. For example, the application for expenses from the 2025/2026 academic year is due November 1, 2026.
The application must be notarized. The NYU StudentLink Center offers free notary services.When do I receive the reimbursement?
While the exact date can vary from year-to-year, reimbursements are usually sent within two
When do I receive the reimbursement?
While the exact date can vary from year-to-year, reimbursements are usually sent within two months of the application closing.
What’s my expected reimbursement?
The exact reimbursement amount depends on how many people apply to the fund and their total expenses. In prior years we have been able to reimburse worker 100% of their out-of-pocket costs, but it is not guaranteed as the fund may be exhausted.
Miscellaneous
GSOC workers are compensated $150 per day if they are required to attend pre-semester training.
How do I receive this compensation?
The training compensation should automatically be reflected in the first paycheck of the semester. If it is not, email us for assistance.
GSOC workers that are required to travel as part of their position, should be reimbursed any expenses.
How do I receive a reimbursement?
Reach out to your supervisor before and after the required travel to generate a reimbursement link. You will need to provide documentation of expenses.
GSOC workers can enroll in NYU’s group legal plan offered to other NYU employees. Currently it costs $16.50 per month.
How do I sign up?
You must apply within 31 days of the start date listed on your appointment letter. Sign up via the “Benefits Resource Center” which you can access through NYUHome.
GSOC workers can access NYU’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at no cost. See here for details.