What You Need to Know
2026 Annual Open Enrollment: Going on Now!
The 2026 Annual Benefits Open Enrollment period will run from Saturday, November 1 through Sunday, November 30, 2025. During this time you may review and change your benefit elections. Any changes made to your benefit elections will be effective January 1, 2026. Informational sessions are scheduled to highlight upcoming changes and provide an opportunity to address your questions. Please see times and registration below.
Utilize UNI Works to make all changes, please plan accordingly so you can navigate the system. Job Aids are available to help you navigate Open Enrollment in UNI Works:
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account: Limit Increase Coming in 2026
For the first time in 40 years, the contribution limits for the Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA) will increase, effective January 1, 2026.
New Annual Limits for 2026
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Reminder: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), including Dependent Care FSAs, are UNI’s only benefit plan that must be re-elected each year during Open Enrollment.
Take advantage of this increase to maximize your tax savings in the upcoming year!
Open Enrollment 2026 Informational Sessions
Human Resource Services will be offering several informational sessions about Open Enrollment and your 2026 benefits. Led by the HRS Benefits Team, these sessions will highlight upcoming changes and provide an opportunity to address your questions. Advance registration is required.
IRS Form 1095-C for 2025 Tax Year
As part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), employers must provide IRS Form 1095-C to employees who were offered or enrolled in employer-sponsored health insurance in 2025. The University will make the 2025 Form 1095-C available electronically in UNI Works before the March 2, 2026 deadline.
Form 1095-C includes confidential information about employees eligible for UNI health insurance in 2025 and, when applicable, enrolled dependents. To reduce mailing errors and protect your information, please log in to UNI Works and select the “Receive electronic copy of 1095-C” option. You can follow the 1095-C Form Job Aid for guidance.
Forms will appear in the Benefits and Pay App once they are ready. Human Resource Services will notify campus by email when they become available.
You do not need Form 1095-C to file your 2025 tax return, though you should keep it with your tax records. UNI will report your 2025 health insurance coverage directly to the IRS. For more information, visit the HRS supporting webpage.
Upcoming Events
| Event | Description | Registration |
|---|---|---|
One Ingredient, Four Ways 11/4 | noon - 1 p.m. | Join UNI’s very own Lisa Smith and Stacey Runde for a fun and informative workshop designed to help you build healthy eating habits without the stress. Whether you’re looking to improve your nutrition, simplify meal planning, or just get inspired with fresh ideas, this session will provide you with practical, actionable tips for everyday success. | Click to Register |
What is EAP? 11/5 | 11 - 11:30 a.m. | Join us as Teresa Belden, with Employee and Family Resources, takes a deep dive into what the Employee Assistance Program has to offer. | Click to Register |
Open Enrollment 2026 Informational Session 11/6 | 2 - 3 p.m. | Human Resource Services will be offering several informational sessions about Open Enrollment and your 2026 benefits. Led by the HRS Benefits Team, these sessions will highlight upcoming changes and provide an opportunity to address your questions. | Click to Register |
Confidential Biometric Screening 11/7 | 7 - 9 a.m. | All benefit eligible employees may participate in one free biometric screening per academic year. For more information, and to register, visit the confidential biometric screening webpage. | Click to Register |
New Hire Orientation 11/12 | 8:05 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. | New Hire Orientation is scheduled monthly to assist and welcome Merit and P&S staff to UNI. This session provides the opportunity for staff to learn about the university's history, mission, policies and procedures, as well as employee benefits. | Click to Register |
Open Enrollment 2026 Informational Session (Zoom) 11/12 | 2 - 3 p.m. | Human Resource Services will be offering several informational sessions about Open Enrollment and your 2026 benefits. Led by the HRS Benefits Team, these sessions will highlight upcoming changes and provide an opportunity to address your questions. | Click to Register |
Open Enrollment 2026 Informational Session 11/18 | 10 - 11 a.m. | Human Resource Services will be offering several informational sessions about Open Enrollment and your 2026 benefits. Led by the HRS Benefits Team, these sessions will highlight upcoming changes and provide an opportunity to address your questions. | Click to Register |
Finding Peace in Polarized Times: Navigating Family Holiday Gatherings 11/19 | 10 a.m. | As we head into the holiday season, gathering with family can bring joy—and tension. Join Employee & Family Resources, our EAP vendor, as they explore how resilience and self-care ease holiday stress, as well as gain practical strategies and tips for setting healthy boundaries and improving communication in challenging times. | Click to Register |
Learn About the TIAA Roth Contribution 11/20 | 11 a.m. | Join TIAA in learning more about TDA Plans and the after-tax Roth option. You'll learn:
| Click to Register |
Weekly Campus Walk Every Friday | noon - 12:30 p.m. | Faculty and staff, join your colleagues by walking your way to a healthier you on a weekly campus walk. Promote your physical and mental health by adding up to 2,000 steps into your day, and connect with others across campus. | Click to Register |
Retirement Webinars
Register for upcoming webinars hosted by TIAA and IPERS.
Did You Know?
Need Financial Guidance? EAP Can Help.
Facing a financial challenge or simply want expert advice? Through UNI’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee & Family Resources (EFR) offers benefit-eligible employees and their household members a free 30-minute consultation with a certified financial expert.
This is just one of many services available through EFR. Additional support includes:
- Confidential counseling
- Peer support
- Legal consultation
- Child and elder care resources
- Identity theft assistance
- Life and first responder coaching
Take advantage of these valuable resources. Visit our EAP webpage to learn more and get started today.
Daylight Savings Time and Sleep
Daylight Savings Time ended on November 2. While gaining an extra hour of sleep might sound great, the shift can throw off your routine and impact both the amount and quality of your sleep. Even small changes in sleep patterns can take a toll on your physical and mental well-being.
This month, take a moment to evaluate your sleep habits. Are you getting enough rest—and is it truly restorative?
Employee & Family Resources (EFR), our EAP provider, hosted a webinar on healthy sleep habits. Click here to watch and learn more.
Monthly Motivator
With the holiday season approaching, it’s important to stay mindful of your goals while still enjoying the festivities.
This month, Employee & Family Resources (EFR) reminds us that it’s okay to savor our favorite holiday foods and drinks—as long as we keep our overall wellness in mind. To help you stay balanced, EFR offers five practical tips to stay on track while still celebrating the season.
Recognizing Our Retirees
Doug Case
Information Technology Specialist | IT-Client Services
31 Years of Service
doug.case@uni.edu