Temporary Employee FAQs

What deductions should a non-benefited temporary employee expect?
All non-benefited temporary employees' earnings are subject to Federal and Massachusetts State taxes.  Non-students are required to pay Alternative Retirement and the FICA Medicare portion of Social Security.  During the summer months, student employees who are not enrolled in six credits are also required to pay both Alternative Retirement and FICA Medicare.
Student employees may apply for an exemption if they meet BOTH of the following criteria:
     1- Enrolled in 6 credits or more at UMass Lowell
     2- Will not work 37.5 hours per week at UMass Lowell
Note: Some international students may be exempt without meeting the above criteria.

What is  Mandatory Alternative Retirement and FICA Med?
All non-benefited employees are automatically enrolled in the OBRA Deferred Compensation Plan. The plan is an alternative to Social Security coverage as permitted by the federal Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 (OBRA).  The mandatory contribution is 7.5% of gross earnings each pay period. All non-benefited employees must also pay the 1.45% Medicare portion of FICA.

What is the university policy for student employment?
In order to be eligible for a student hourly contract, a student must be enrolled as a full time student for the semester.  When school is in session, eligible students are allowed to work a maximum of 22 hours per week.  Students may work a maximum of 37.5 hours when school is not in session.
Please note: International student employees must follow immigration guidelines regarding working hours.
 
When do I report hours worked, and when are paychecks issued?
Employees report time on a weekly basis, and paychecks are issued biweekly. This Pay Period Dates spreadsheet contains the following information regarding payroll periods: Sunday Begin Date, Saturday End Date, and Pay Date.

top