Frequently Asked Questions

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Please search or view the Frequently Asked Questions for HR related questions. If you do not see the information you need please reach out to your HR Partner Representative or the appropriate information technology resource.

Human Resources Related Inquiries

Employee Account or Technology Device Related Inquiries

Employee Frequently Asked Questions

How are new hire questions (work location, start date, etc) handled?

• You can ask your HR partner these types of questions. To see who your HR partner is please view our Directory. It is based on what your position is and possibly the topic of your question.

How long does a new hire have to wait to transfer to another location?

• After the 6 month successful probationary period, employees may apply for or request a voluntary transfer during the voluntary transfer posting period according to the support union (I.e. Local 2250, Local 400).
• Responsible Office - The responsible office depends on the position held by the employee. Check our Directory for the appropriate HR representative.

How do I apply for positions within PGCPS?

• Please register in iRecruitment. Once your profile is created you can search job openings, apply easily, and set up notifications for new job openings. iRecruitment will save your information and show you the status of any applications you submit.
• Responsible Office - The responsible office depends on the position held by the employee. Check our Directory for the appropriate HR representative.
• To learn about various positions you can view our Positions Descriptions Directory.
• For assistance with the iRecruitment portal please contact the Help Desk at 301-386-1549.

When will medical benefits start?

• Benefits start the first of the month following your hire date. For example, if you hire date is August 19th and you enroll on August 21st the benefits start September 1. If you enroll on September 19th your benefits also start on September 1.
• Responsible Office - Benefits Services

What is the last day to enroll in benefits to receive coverage the 1st of the month?

• Benefits coverage is effective the first of the month following your hire date. See above for examples.
• Responsible Office - Benefits Services

I am transitioning from a support position to a classroom teacher, will my benefits, sick leave, etc., be transferred to my new status?

• Yes but please log into Benefitfocus during the transition to ensure your benefits, leave, direct deposit, etc is listed and correct in Benefitfocus.
• Responsible Office - Benefits Services

How does the 35-day enrollment of benefits work?

• New employees have 35 days from their date of hire to enroll in benefits. Benefit coverage is effective the first of the month after the date of hire. Enrollment is only available using Benefitfocus.
• Responsible Office - Benefits Services

Does the employer have a contribution to an employee's retirement?

• PGCPS does contribute to the Employees Pension plan.
• Responsible Office - Benefits Services

Which of the dental benefits option has more coverage?

• The only stand alone dental plan is available through Aetna. Details about all of the plans can be found on the Benefits Services website.
• Responsible Office - Benefits Services

Do Maryland state employees pay into social security?

• Yes
• Responsible Office - Benefits Services

How old must you be to begin receiving the pension benefit?

• Age 65 with at least 10 years of service
• Responsible Office - Benefits Services

Are dependent children under age 26 eligible for dental and vision even if they are not a f/t student? 

• Yes, dependent children are eligible for all medical benefits up to age 26 regardless of student or working status.
• Responsible Office - Benefits Services

What is the pension benefit? Is it 60% of salary of the top 2 years?

• It depends on age and years of service at retirement. Details about the pension plan can be found at https://sra.maryland.gov/ 
• Responsible Office - Benefits Services

How long will you need to be employed before qualifying for pension distribution?

• At least 10 years and age 65
• Responsible Office - Benefits Services

Can you waive the insurance if I already have insurance?

• Medical insurance is voluntary. If you don't want the insurance don't enroll.
• Responsible Office - Benefits Services

Does your coverage remain the same if you were employed by PGCPS in another position prior to now?

• It should. Please log into Benefitfocus and check your benefits status to ensure it has not changed or canceled.
• Responsible Office - Benefits Services

What does it mean if you are not seeing "benefits" in Oracle Self-Service?

• The Benefits option is no longer available in not in Oracle Self Service. You must log into Benefitfocus to access your benefit information.
• Responsible Office - Benefits Services

Can my benefits transfer if I already have CareFirst?

• No, You must enroll in the CareFirst plan with PGCPS in Oracle if you want medical benefits as a PGCPS employee.
• Responsible Office - Benefits Services

My pension documents were completed in my previous position, do I need to reapply for a pension and choose beneficiaries?

• If you are properly enrolled you do not need to complete new forms. You can update or change your beneficiary information for you pension at any time by completing the Form 4. The form is available on the retirement agency web page https://sra.maryland.gov/ 
• Responsible Office - Benefits Services

I current receive a pension from MD State Retirement & Pension Agency. Will I still need to fill out the beneficiaries form?

• No, you do not need to complete the Designation of Beneficiary form however you will need to complete the Status of Verification and Application for membership form and note that you are retired and receiving a pension.
• Responsible Office - Benefits Services

When do the flexible spending accounts (FSAs) become effective?

• The first of the month after your date of hire. If you are enrolling as a new hire the FSA plans are only for the rest of 2025. If you would like to enroll in an FSA plan for 2026 you must enroll (or re-enroll) during Open Enrollment between late October and early November.
• Responsible Office - Benefits Services

Is the College Savings Plan different from the Tuition Assistance program offered to employees?

• Yes. The college savings plans are designed to help pay for college in the future.
• Responsible Office - Benefits Services

If I chose a CareFirst plan can I unenroll as long as it is within the 35 days window?

• Yes. New employees are eligible to make changes to benefits during the 35 day new hire window.
• Responsible Office - Benefits Services

How do I withdraw from health insurance?

• Employees can only cancel coverage during their 35 day new hire window, Open Enrollment or if they have a qualifying  life event. Please contact the Benefits office for assistance at pgcps.benefits@pgcps.org
• Responsible Office - Benefits Services

How much is the life insurance?

• The rates for supplemental life insurance vary depending on age and the amount of coverage. A rate calculation sheet is available on the Life Insurance web page.
• Responsible Office - Benefits Services

Where can I find the pricing for health insurance by month or per paycheck?

• The rate chart is available on the Open Enrollment web page.
• Responsible Office - Benefits Services

My spouse is a PGCPS employee, can I be under their health insurance?

• Yes. If they are not a new employee they will need to contact the Benefits office for assistance, pgcps.benefits@pgcps.org
• Responsible Office - Benefits Services

I vested form the Maryland State of Corrections, can I continue under PGCPS?

• Yes. Please contact the Maryland State Retirement Agency at 800-492-5909 to discus how to combine your accounts.
• Responsible Office - Benefits Services

How many hours of leave is accrued each pay period?

• This is outlined in your negotiated agreement which can be found on the Employee and Labor Relations web page.
• Responsible Office - Employee and Labor Relations Office

How do you know if we are a 10-month, 11-month or 12-month employee?

• That should have been included in the new hire and/or internal job offer extended to you. You may reach out directly to your HR Partner regarding the position status for additional clarification.
• Responsible Office - Human Resources

Who do I contact regarding my salary?

• Questions related to salary should be directed to your HR Partner.
• Responsible Office - Human Resources

How do we get out username & password for Oracle?

• You should received your username and password prior to your start date. That will be sent to your personal email address.
• Responsible Office - Human Resources

How do we know our Bargaining Unit (ASASP, PGCEA, etc.)?

• This information is determined based on you position and is identified by the HR Partner at the time of hire.
• Responsible Office - Human Resources

When and where can I pick up my laptop (if applicable)?

• After receiving your PGCPS credentials (Employee Identification Number (EIN), username & password) employees eligible for a device should contact a Technology Distribution Center (TDC) to schedule an appointment. 
  • North County - TDC @DuVal High School Appointment 
  • South County - TDC @Gwynn Park High School, for appointments please call 240-348-6159.
• Responsible Office - Human Resources

What will happen to leave accrued in my previous position?

• If the previous position held was a temporary or substitute position, the leave will not transfer. If transferring from one union to another, email the new union representative.
• Responsible Office - Human Resources - Data Operations

What is the approximate time frame to receive a photo identification badge?

• Badges are processed within 20 working days of the date of hire, however due to a high volume of requests, badges may take additional time.
• Responsible Office - Human Resources - Photo Identification Management

Going from a temporary to a full-time position, will my new id badge use my old photo or will I need to submit a new one?

• You may submit a request for a new badge to hr.escphotoid@pgcps.org. The request should include your name, EIN, work location and position.
• Responsible Office - Human Resources - Photo Identification Management
• What is the email address to provide a photo?
• All inquiries related to photo identification badges should be sent directly to hr.escphotoid@pgcps.org. All correspondence must include your name, EIN, work location and position.
• Responsible Office - Human Resources - Photo Identification Management

I had an id badge in my previous position, will I require a new badge for the same school?

• If you are transition from one permanent position to another you will not require a new badge. However, if the previous position held was a temporary position you will need to send a photo to hr.escphotoid@pgcps.org. Include your name, EIN, work location and position.
• Responsible Office - Human Resources - Photo Identification Management

How will I receive my first check since it takes three (3) pay periods for direct deposit?

• Direct Deposit can take up to 3 pay periods.  When direct deposit is set up, there is a prenote or test transaction process that must take place to ensure the direct deposit information is correct. During this time the employee will receive a manual check. Once the direct deposit information is verified, the next payment will be direct deposited. For additional information concerning direct deposit, contact the Treasury Office at treasury.operations@pgcps.org for assistance. It is your responsibility as the employee to make sure your address is correct and updated so that the paycheck can be mailed to the correct home address.
• Responsible Office - Payroll Services

I am a 10 month employee, will I need to fill out the Sick & Safe Leave so that I get paid over the summer months?

• No, the extended pay option is for 10 month/11 month employees who wish to be paid over the summer months not Sick and Safe leave.
• Responsible Office - Payroll Services

Are timesheets submitted weekly or bi-weekly?

• Please connect with your timekeeper to discuss time submission procedures.
• Responsible Office - Payroll Services

Is there a delay in payment when I change my address?

• All updates can take up to 3 pay periods to process if still receiving a check. Signing up for Direct Deposit is strongly encouraged since your payment is deposited directly into your bank account and it is dependent on mailing time and potential delays.
• Responsible Office - Payroll Services

If I am an active duty military spouse, do I need to fill out a state tax form my spouse's home state of record as well as a non-Maryland resident form?

• Please refer to the Maryland tax page to direct your question for advisement to them https://www.marylandtaxes.gov/
• Responsible Office - Payroll Services

Do I have to complete a new form each year for sick leave bank membership?

• No, once an employee elects to enroll in the sick leave bank, their membership rolls over each year.
• Responsible Office - Union Bargaining Units

What is the waiting period before I can use the sick leave bank?

• For the initial sick leave bank grant and new hires, the waiting period is 6 months. Please contact your union for additional sick leave bank rules.
• Responsible Office - Union Bargaining Units

For Assistance

The best way to receive assistance or make inquiries is by emailing the appropriate Human Resources Representative listed below.