On October 27, we received the following alert from the UCPath Center.

For questions, please contact UCPath Center (UCPC) directly at (855) 982-7284 or Create a UCPC Case. 

Effective January 2026, changes to how benefit premiums are deducted from paychecks will be implemented. These updates will improve the accuracy and efficiency of UC’s benefits and payroll processes.

What is Changing?

For Biweekly Paid Employees

Premium deductions for all benefit plans will now align with the current month of coverage instead of being taken one month in advance. For example, deductions for January 2026 coverage will be taken from the January 14 paycheck. UCPath sent a prior notification to impacted biweekly paid employees on October 10, 2025.

For Monthly Paid Employees (Disability Premiums)

Disability plan premiums will be deducted during the current coverage month rather than in arrears. All other benefit premiums will continue to be deducted during the current coverage month. For example, deductions will be taken from January 2 paycheck for coverage the month of January 2026. UCPath sent a prior notification to impacted monthly paid employees on October 24, 2025.

Transition Timeline

To adjust the timing of benefit premium deductions, please note the following important dates and changes:

Monthly Employees

We will collect disability premiums for December 2025 coverage over two paychecks:

• October 31, 2025
• December 1, 2025 

Biweekly-paid Employees

We will continue to deduct December 2025 premiums from November 2025 bi-weekly paychecks as usual. UCPath will not take benefit premium deductions for the following plans from the December 3, 2025, and December 17, 2025, paychecks:

• Medical
• Legal Services
• Supplemental Health Plans
  • Accident
  • Hospital Indemnity
  • Critical Illness Spouse and Child
• Employee and Dependent AD&D
• Supplemental Life Plans
  • Basic Dependent Life
  • Expanded Dependent Life Spouse and Child

2026 Deduction Schedule

First paycheck reflecting the new deduction timing:

• January 2, 2026 (monthly employees)
• January 14, 2026 (bi-weekly employees)

As benefit premium changes take effect in January 2026, UCPath will continue reviewing year-end benefit plan changes to ensure all premiums are up to date. In some cases, a retroactive premium adjustment may be needed, especially if changes due to a recent life event were entered after the payroll deadline.

Thank You,
UCPath
(855) 982-7284
Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
ucpath.universityofcalifornia.edu