The American Institute of Physics (AIP) offers a wide variety of benefits and services to its employees. Every attempt has been made to maximize the options available, while maintaining a low cost to the employees. Please consult the Human Resource department if you have any questions.
Eligibility
All regular full-time and regular part-time employees are eligible for enrollment in the following benefit plans on the first day of the month after hire.
- Regular full-time employees — All regular full-time employees work 40 hours per week.
- Regular part-time employees — All regular part-time employees work at least 30 hours per week.
Medical Insurance
Eligible employees have a choice between:
Aetna (NY & MD employees)
HIP (NY employees only)
The cost for this benefit is paid by AIP and by employees through salary reduction contribution on either a pre-tax or post-tax basis.
Summary comparisons:
Medical Benefits Comparison 2010 - NY
Medical Benefits Comparison 2010 - MD
Dental Insurance
Employees are eligible to choose Aetna for their dental coverage. The cost for this benefit is paid by AIP and by employees through salary reduction contribution on either a pre-tax or post-tax basis.
Vision Insurance
Eligible employees who enroll in the vision insurance plan are covered by Vision Service Plan. The cost of this benefit is paid by AIP and by employees through salary reduction contribution on either a pre-tax or post-tax basis.
Basic Life Insurance
AIP provides life insurance for each employee through Reliance Standard Life Insurance. Coverage is equal to twice annual earnings to a maximum of $700,000. For the beneficiary change form, click here.
Additional Life Insurance/AD&D/Travel
AIP provides Travel Insurance for employees who travel due to work. Employees also have the option of purchasing Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance.
Retirement Plan - TIAA/CREF 401 (a)
AIP's regular retirement plan is administered by TIAA-CREF. AIP contributes an amount equal to 10% of gross salary for all eligible regular full-time and part-time employees. The eligibility period is one year for employees hired at 21 years of age and older.
Hourly and cottage employees see Human Resources for details.
There is no employee contribution to this retirement account.
For more information, go to the TIAA/CREF homepage
Supplemental Retirement Annuity - TIAA/CREF 403 (b)
AIP also offers a supplemental retirement program for all employees, with no waiting period. This optional tax deferred program is also administered by TIAA-CREF. Under this plan, employees may elect to contribute a portion of their salary, on a pre-tax basis, to a supplemental retirement account. Employees become eligible for the 403(b) plan the first of the month following their hire date.
There is no contribution by AIP to an employee's 403 (b) account.
Direct Deposit
AIP pays its employees on a bi-weekly basis through Direct Deposit, which avoids the delays that can be caused by mail delivery or out of town checks, ensuring that employees receive their paychecks in a timely manner. To establish Direct Deposit, employees simply fill out the AIP Direct Deposit Request Form, attach a voided check, and submit it to Human Resources. In addition, you also have the option of selecting up to two different bank accounts for splitting your deposit. It generally takes 2 pay periods to establish Direct Deposit. For the Direct Deposit form, click here.
Flexible Spending Account
Employees may elect to have money deducted from their paychecks on a pre-tax basis to pay for dependent care ($5,000 maximum per year) and uncovered medical expenses ($5,000 maximum per year) through www.CBIZ.com. Manage your account at www.myflexonline.com.
Calculate how much you can deduct.
Domestic Partner Health Insurance Coverage
AIP offers medical and dental/vision coverage through its insurance carriers to same sex and opposite sex domestic partners of its active employees. The difference in premium between the rate for single coverage and the rate for the employee plus the domestic partner will be charged on an after-tax basis. In addition, these benefits would also be extended to the children of the domestic partner.
Read more about eligibility, applying for enrollment.
Tuition Assistance Program
It is a policy of AIP to encourage employees to extend their knowledge by enrolling in educational programs. Educational expenses are not subject to Federal Income Tax Withholding. For further information and an application, click here.
U.S. Savings Bond Program
Employees may elect to have money deducted from their paychecks to purchase U.S. EE and/or I Savings Bonds in several denominations.
Childcare Centers
The Childcare Centers in Maryland and in Melville are non-profit organizations that provide full-time, on-site childcare for infants through preschoolers, six weeks to five years old. Employees of AIP in Melville and ACP in College Park are eligible for priority enrollment on an equal basis.
The ACP Childcare Center in College Park is dually accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). It is licensed and regulated by the State of Maryland Childcare Administration, which reviews its operation annually to ensure that all regulatory standards are met. The center's capacity allows for a total of 18 children (six infants and 12 toddlers and preschoolers) segregated by age into separate rooms, one for infants, and the other for toddlers and preschoolers. Hours of operation are 8:00am to 6:00pm, Monday through Friday. The American Institute of Physics manages the ACP Childcare Center.
The AIP Childcare Center in Melville is licensed and regulated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, which reviews its operation regularly to ensure that all regulatory standards are met and re-licenses the Center every two years. The Center's capacity allows for a total of 29 children (8 infants, 9 toddlers and 12 preschoolers) segregated by age into separate rooms - one for infants, one for toddlers and another for preschoolers. Hours of operation are 7:45 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
Fitness Center
On-premises at the Institute for all AIP/Society employees free of charge. Hours of operation 7:00 am - 7:00 pm. Monday - Friday. All AAPM employees are required to pay a $35.00 monthly fee, which can be deducted from their bi-weekly paycheck. For the Fitness Center waiver form, click here.
SmartTrip/TransitChek
Employees using mass transit for commuting to and from work may purchase SmartTrips/TransitCheks on a pre-tax basis to a maximum of $230 per month, up to the maximum of $2,760 per year. For authorization form, click here.
Credit Union Membership
The Bethpage Federal Credit Union on Long Island is available to AIP employees living in New York. Membership benefits are offered to employees interested in completing a brief application. Please stop by the Melville Human Resources office for more information or to complete the enrollment process.
College Park employees who joined the IR Federal Credit Union in the past have full lifetime membership with that credit union. Due to a change in the credit union charter, the IRFCU changed to the Fed Choice Federal Credit Union and no longer accepts new member applications from employees of AIP.
College Park employees can take advantage of membership with the SECU Credit Union. With a large office located on Greenbelt Road, this credit union is available to meet your banking needs. The Human Resources department in College Park has applications and brochures for anyone interested in joining.
Employee Assistance Program
INOVA Employee Assistance offers face-to-face assessment, short-term counseling and referral services to employees and their household members. Their Work Life services are designed to assist in locating resources such as child, elder or pet care. In addition, they can help you locate educational resources or services that will assist you in improving your overall health and well-being. Finally, they offer a convenience service that can locate anything from home maintenance or real estate professionals to theatre or sporting event tickets.
Employees and household members can call Inova Employee Assistance for help at 1-800-346-0110, or you can search their Work Life services online. They also offer a Legal and Financial Library with numerous articles on important legal and financial matters, as well as sample legal documents.