NEW HIRE EXPERIENCE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL
Q: How do I get my ID badge?
A: If you work at a high school or middle school, your campus can generate your ID badge. If you work at an
elementary school, ID badges are usually made at the beginning of the school year. If your campus cannot
provide you with a badge, you can get a badge made at the Human Capital Management Building at 3807
Ross Ave.
Q: Who do I contact for assistance with the Biometric clock set-up?
A: You can set up your biometric clock account at the Human Capital Management building at 3807 Ross Ave.
Email [email protected] for specific questions or to make an appointment for Biometric clock setup.
Q: As an employee, I am required to “acknowledge district policy”? How do I acknowledge policy?
A: All employees are required to acknowledge district policy annually. New hires must acknowledge policy
within 15 days from their hire date. Employees can acknowledge district policy through Oracle Self Service.
1. Log in to Oracle using your EAD username and password
2. Click “DISD Employee Self Service”
3. Click “DISD Annual Policy Acknowledgement”
4. Click Continue” and follow the instructions provided
Q: How do I change my district public access settings?
A: Log on to Oracle.
1. Click “DISD Employee Self Service”
2. Under “Employee Self Service,” click “DISD Public Information Access Form”
3. Choose either “NO: keep information confidential” or “YES: allow public release” for each option
4. Click “Submit”
Q: Since PDAS training is no longer offered, what has taken its place?
A: Teacher Excellence Initiative (TEI) has taken the place of PDAS training for district teachers. Please to go
dallasisd.org/tei to find out more information.
Q: Who do I contact with additional questions about TEI?
A: Contact [email protected] or view an infographic here.
Q: How do I set up my voicemail on my campus phone?
A: There are specific phone instructions in your orientation materials that provide step-by-step instructions on
phone set up. If you require further assistance you can contact the IT Service Desk at (972) 925-5630.
Q: Who do I contact with additional questions about onboarding or orientation?
A: Contact [email protected]
TECHNOLOGY
Q: How do I retrieve my initial user data?
A: From a district computer:
1. Go to inet.dallasisd.org/depts/hr
2. Click “Dallas ISD connect”
3. Click “Password finder for new hire”
4. Provide the following information:
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NEW HIRE EXPERIENCE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
a. Last Name
b. Last 4 digits of your Social Security #
c. Birth Month (use numbers)
5. Click “Submit”
6. The following items will display:
a. Employee Number
b. Full Name
c. Username
d. E-mail address
e. Temporary EAD and Oracle passwords
Q: How do I create a new EAD password?
A: From a district computer:
1. Go to password.dallasisd.org
2. Enter your EAD username and temporary EAD password (provided in the initial user data retrieval)
3. Click “Login”
4. Click “Please click this link or contact the IT Service Desk at (972) 925-5630” and then click “Ok”
5. Enter your temporary password again, enter a new password; confirm the new password.
Password Requirements
 Must contain at least eight (8) characters
 Must contain at least one number
 Must contain at least one upper-case letter (A-Z)
 Must contain at least one lower-case letter (a-z)
 Must contain a special character (ex. # @! *? $)
 Cannot contain any part of your username
 Cannot contain two consecutive letters or numbers (ex. password)
6. Click “Change Password”
7. Answer all challenge questions. (We highly recommend writing down your answers for future reference.)
8. Click “Save” and “Logout”
Q: What if I forget my EAD password?
A: Your email password and EAD password are the same.
To reset your EAD password:
1. Go to password.dallasisd.org
2. Click “forgot my password”
3. Enter your username
4. Answer your challenge questions (note challenge question answers are case sensitive and must be the
exact answers you provided during your initial password set up) and follow the instructions provided
5. If you unable to retrieve your password, IT Services can reset your password over the phone. (972) 9255630
Q: How do I change my EAD password?
A: To change your password at any time, you can go to password.dallasisd.org, login using your EAD username
and EAD password, click “Change your password,” then Click “OK” and follow the instructions provided
Q: What is my Oracle username and password? How do I create a new Oracle password?
A: Your Oracle username is your EAD username. Your initial Oracle password is your social security number
without dashes or spaces.
1. From a district computer go to inet.dallasisd.org
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NEW HIRE EXPERIENCE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
2.
3.
4.
5.
Click “Oracle Login”
Enter your EAD username
Enter your initial Oracle password (your social security number without dashes or spaces)
The system will prompt you to create a new password. Follow the instructions provided.
Q: How do I reset my Oracle password?
A: You can reset your Oracle password using the Biometric clock.
1. At a biometric clock station, press the “password reset” icon
2. Press “reset Oracle password”
3. Enter your employee ID number and swipe your finger
4. Your Oracle password will be reset to you social security number without dashes or spaces.
Q: How do I access my district email account?
A: Email is accessed through outlook.com/dallasisd.org. Your email address is your EAD Username
@dallasisd.org and your password is your EAD password.
Q: How do I reset my district email account password?
A: Your email password and EAD password are the same. To reset your EAD password, go to
password.dallasisd.org, login and click “change password”
Q: How do I access Curriculum Central?
A: Go to curriculum.mydallasisdonline.org and login using your EAD username and EAD password
Q: Who do I contact for questions regarding Curriculum Central?
A: Contact [email protected].
Q: Who do I contact for help with Gradespeed and Chancery?
A: Your campus data controller must create your schedule in Chancery. Contact your campus data controller for
help setting up your account.
Q: How do I access MyDataPortal?
A: Go to mydata.dallasisd.org and log on using your EAD username and EAD password.
Q: Who do I contact with additional questions about MyDataPortal?
A: Contact [email protected].
Q: Who do I contact for all other technical related issues?
A: You can contact the IT Service Desk at (972) 925-5630.
PAYROLL
Q: I am changing from a substitute teacher to a full-time teacher. Do I need to fill out a new Direct Deposit Authorization and
W4 Form?
A: Yes. You will have a new assignment record in payroll for the full-time job. Information from the old
assignment is not automatically transferred to the new assignment record. You do not have to attach a voided
check to the Direct Deposit Authorization Agreement if you write “Changing positions” on the top of the Direct
Deposit form to indicate to payroll that the account information is already on file. We will verify account and
routing numbers against those on the old assignment.
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NEW HIRE EXPERIENCE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What if I don’t have a check or routing information provided by the bank?
A: Payroll must receive a voided blank check or a document from the bank that gives routing and account
information. If you don’t have either of these, you need to wait to submit your Direct Deposit Authorization
Form until you can submit the form with the proper backup. If this information is not provided by the first pay
period, you will automatically be set up with a cash pay account.
Q: What if I change banks or close my account and do not open another account?
A: Please notify payroll immediately so the change can be entered for the next pay cycle. Failure to notify
payroll could result in your funds going to your closed account. In the event this occurs, payroll cannot reissue
your check until the bank used by the district notifies the payroll department that the funds have been received
back in DISD’s account. This could delay reissue of your check by as much as a week. If you have opened a
new account, a new deposit advice is required. If you have not opened a new account, you should fax or email
payroll at [email protected] to let us know your account has been closed. If you cancel direct deposit,
you will automatically be set up with a cash pay account.
Q: I would like to know more about the cash pay card. Is there more information available?
A: Yes. There is a manual available here.
Q: When are paydays and how do we receive our checks or deposit advices?
A: Monthly paydays are on the 15th of each month. If the 15th falls on a weekend or holiday, payday is moved
forward to the last working day prior to the 15th. Biweekly paydays are every other Friday. The pay period
consists of the two week Friday-Thursday period that ends the week prior to payday.
Q: What if I’ve begun at my campus and I still cannot clock-in using the biometric? How do I take care of this?
A: Until all your records are completely inputted into Oracle you may be unable to clock-in and out using the
biometric clock. If you forget to clock-in or cannot access the biometric clock, there is a form you can fill out:
Non-Exempt Attendance Report (this form is for support or bi-weekly staff) OR Exempt Attendance Report (this
form is for professional and administrative staff). You can get both forms from your campus office manager.
Q: What if I want to change my W4 withholding information later on?
A: You can submit a new W4 whenever you like. You have to make the change before the 1st of each month.
After that date, changes may not be effective until the following month.
Q: How many sick days will I receive?
A: You can calculate your sick days with this formula:
(𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝐷𝑎𝑦𝑠)
𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡 𝐷𝑎𝑦𝑠
10
= 𝑆𝑖𝑐𝑘 𝐷𝑎𝑦𝑠
EX: A new hire teacher starting late and actually working 100 of 193 contract days would compute:
100/(193/10) = 5.18 𝑆𝑖𝑐𝑘 𝐷𝑎𝑦𝑠
Q: Notice of Assignment- Where can I view my Notice of Assignment and Salary?
A: An employee can review his/her Notice of Assignment by logging on to Oracle's DISD Employee Self Service
and clicking on “DISD Print Notification of Assignment and Salary.”
Q: How do I contact the payroll department?
A: Contact the payroll department by email at [email protected] or you can leave a message with the
HD Connect Message Center at (972) 925-4200. Calls and emails received by 4pm should receive a same day
response. Calls and emails received after that time will receive a response on the next business day.
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NEW HIRE EXPERIENCE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
COMPENSATION
Q: How can I calculate my monthly gross salary if I am a late hire and my salary is prorated?
A: For monthly employees who were hired after the start of the year, the salary is prorated as follows:
𝐴𝑛𝑛𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑆𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑦
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝐷𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑥(𝑅𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑘𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠)
= 𝐺𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠 𝑀𝑜𝑛𝑡ℎ𝑙𝑦 𝑆𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑦
𝑅𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑃𝑎𝑦𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠
EX: For a teacher hired on April 9, 2012 with an annual salary of $45,100, the monthly salary payments are
calculated as follows:
$45,100
𝑥(39 [𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝐴𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑙 9 𝑡𝑜 𝐽𝑢𝑛𝑒 1])
193
= $1,822.70 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑡ℎ
5 𝑝𝑎𝑦𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠
Q: Will I receive equal salary payments for the year?
A: Yes. When the prorated salary amount due to an employee for the school year is determined, that amount is
divided into equal payments spread over the remaining months of the school year. Following the initial year, a
new-hire employee will work the entire school year. Then the annual salary amount is divided by 12 to get the
monthly gross salary.
Q: When is my last paycheck for the school year?
A: No matter when you are hired, the last paycheck for the school year is the August paycheck. Even if you are
in a job where your actual workdays end in June, your paychecks will continue through August. The first check
for the new school year is in September, even if you begin your workdays for the new school year in July or
August.
Q: When will my salary be adjusted if I turn in service records or advanced degree transcripts for salary credit?
A: If your salary is on the step system and is determined by what degree you have and the years of experience
you have, your salary will be adjusted back to your hire date if you submit service records or transcripts within
60 days of your hire date. The same rule applies if you receive an advanced degree after you are hired. If you
submit an official transcript within 60 days of the date you receive that degree, your salary will be adjusted
back to the date you received the degree. If any transcripts or service records are received later than 60 days
from your hire date, your salary adjustment will be effective the date the transcript or service record is received
by Human Resources. If you receive an advanced degree after you are hired, but you do not submit an official
transcript until after the 60 day time limit, your salary will be adjusted effective the day the official transcript is
received by Human Capital Management.
Q: Where can I find additional information about compensation procedures?
A: You can find additional compensation information at dallasisd.org/Page/2151. There you will find the Salary
Handbook that has all of the salary schedules. There is also a handbook called Compensation Guidelines that
gives our compensation policies and procedures. The third handbook is the Supplemental Earnings Handbook
that describes all of the stipends that the District pays and who is eligible.
Q: How do I contact in the compensation department?
A: You can find additional compensation information at dallasisd.org/Page/2151. You can also send them an
email at [email protected]. Additionally, you can call Kristian Coopwood, the compensation manager,
at (972) 925-4255 or email [email protected] with any additional inquiries. For specific questions
about supplemental pay or stipends, call Bian Philip at (972) 925-4255 or email [email protected].
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NEW HIRE EXPERIENCE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Q: What credentials do I need to become a principal in Dallas ISD? How do I apply for a principal position?
A: Master’s Degree, Texas Mid-management/Principal certification and three years teaching or administrative
experience. All vacancies are posted on the DISD website at applitrack.com/dallasisd/onlineapp
Q: What professional development is available to me during the school year?
A: The Teaching & Learning Center offers a wide variety of professional development classes throughout the
school year. To view a calendar of upcoming professional development classes, visit: dallasisd.org/Page/1406
To look at class details, simply click on the event on the calendar. To register for a class, click on the event you
are interested in, sign-in using your EAD username and password where it says “register,” and follow the
instructions. Contact information is listed for each session if you have questions or want additional details
about the class before registering.
Q: What other opportunities for leadership in education are available in the community?
A: Leadership ISD is a 10-month program that aims to prepare aspiring and proven leaders to impact the
academic achievement of all students through informed volunteer engagement. To find out more visit
leadershipdisd.org. The Teaching Trust offers various leadership opportunities including a Master’s in
Education-Educational Leadership with Urban School Specialization granted through SMU and a fellowship
program. For more information and how to apply visit teachingtrust.org. Check back soon for additional
leadership and professional development opportunities!
BENEFITS (GENERAL)
Q: How do I Enroll for benefits?
A. You can enroll online, or call the Benefits Outlook Service Center at 1 (866) 840-3473, weekdays from 7
a.m. to 7 p.m. Central time, except holidays.
For online enrollment:
Login at disdatyourservice.org and Click on Enrollment in the Resource Center. All the information you need to
enroll can be found on the Web site. You only have 31 days from your active start date to enroll for benefits.
Q. What should I do if I call the Benefits Outlook Service Center and am told that my Employee ID is not in the Oracle system?
A. Due to processing, there may be an Oracle setup lag time. Contact your staffing manager, who is responsible
for ensuring that your required data is entered into Oracle. As a new hire, you can enroll for benefits without
having an Employee ID in Oracle
Q. How can I print a temporary proof of insurance card?
A. Call the Benefits Outlook Service Center to confirm that you’ve been added to the provider’s system and
then visit disdatyourservice.org. Within the Quick Links section, go to the Health section. Click on Print a
Temporary BCBS ID Card. NOTE: Aetna may require several weeks to process and mail your permanent ID card(s).
Q. Do I need to enroll?
A. If you want to participate in the current year’s benefits program, you must enroll within 31 calendar days
after your first day of employment. If you don’t enroll within this 31-calendar-day period, you will not have any
voluntary benefits coverage. If decide not to enroll, you MUST submit a Declination Certification form to the
Benefits department.
Q. Do I need to do anything if I don’t enroll in the TRS-ActiveCare plan?
A. Yes. If you choose to waive TRS-ActiveCare medical coverage for yourself or any dependents, you MUST
complete the Declination Certification form and send it to the Dallas ISD Human Capital Management office. If
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NEW HIRE EXPERIENCE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
the form is not on file then your request to add yourself or your dependents to the Medical Plan later in the
year may be denied.
Q. What about my deductions – when will they begin?
A. Depending on when you make your elections and processing timelines, there is a possibility that as a new
hire, your first paycheck will not reflect payroll deductions for the benefits coverage you selected during new
hire enrollment. New employees may experience retroactive deductions to cover the pay period(s) not
deducted. Please review your online statement of earnings or paycheck stubs carefully.
Q: Can I enroll for benefits at home?
A: Yes, you can enroll for benefits from any computer that has an Internet connection by logging in to
disdatyourservice.org. Click on the “Welcome, LOG IN” box, visit the Enrollment Center, and then click on
Enroll/Change Your Benefit Selections.
Q: Who do I contact for additional help with benefits?
A: Visit disdatyourservice.org or contact your campus Benefits Coordinator. You can also call the Benefits
Outlook Service Center weekdays at 1 (866) 840-DISD (3473) from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central time, except
holidays. English and Spanish-speaking representatives are available to assist with your benefit questions.
Q: Where do I get more information about the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) of Texas Pension Plan?
A: For detail information regarding the TRS Pension Plan, visit the TRS Web site at trs.state.tx.us or call TRS at
1 (800) 223-8778
BENEFITS (SPECIFIC)
457(b) S.M.A.R.T. Plan
Q: What is the Dallas ISD 457(b) S.M.A.R.T. Plan?
A: The Dallas ISD S.M.A.R.T. 457(b) Plan is an employer sponsored tax-deferred savings and investing
opportunity that allows you to save and invest for retirement. When you elect to participate in the plan, the
Dallas ISD will set aside a portion of your salary on a pre-tax basis.
Q: Who is eligible to participate?
A: All Dallas ISD employees are eligible to participate in this Plan and you have the added benefit of being able
to enroll at any time, subject to payroll processing deadlines.
Q: How much can one contribute to the S.M.A.R.T. Plan?
A: In 2014, you may contribute up to $17,500. If you are age 50 or older, you may be able to contribute
additional amounts. Maximum contribution amounts are subject to change based on the IRS regulations.
Q: What are some of the features and benefits of the S.M.A.R.T. Plan?
A: Benefits of contributing to the S.M.A.R.T.:
1. Your contributions are pre-tax which reduces your taxable income and may reduce the amount you pay in
income taxes.
2. The contributions and any earnings are tax-deferred.
While employed at the Dallas ISD, TRS service credits can be purchased using money from your S.M.A.R.T Plan
account, and you may also take loans from your account. After your employment with the Dallas ISD ends,
there are flexible options for withdrawals from your account. And, unlike the 403(b) and other retirement plans,
distributions from the 457(b) Plan before age 59 1/2 are not subject to the IRS 10% early withdrawal penalty.
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NEW HIRE EXPERIENCE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Can I contribute to both a 403(b) tax-deferred annuity plan and the Dallas ISD 457(b) S.M.A.R.T. Plan?
A: Yes, you can. You are allowed to contribute a maximum of $17,500 in 2014 to each plan. In addition, there
is no minimum contribution limit when you enroll in these plans. A key to successful long-term retirement
planning is to start saving now and to consistently set aside money for the future. Your S.M.A.R.T. Plan provides
a great opportunity to do this.
Q: When do I pay taxes on my contributions?
A: Your contributions and investment earnings are tax deferred. You pay taxes only when you withdraw money
(take distributions) from your account.
Q: Can I rollover my 403(b) accumulations into this 457(b) S.M.A.R.T. Plan?
A: Under current IRS rules, you cannot transfer your existing 403(b) account into the Dallas ISD 457(b)
S.M.A.R.T. Plan. However, if you have an IRA or a retirement plan from a previous employer, those funds may
be rolled over into the Dallas ISD 457(b) Plan. You can also discontinue contributing to the 403(b) plan and
start contributing to the S.M.A.R.T. Plan.
Q: What happens to my money if I leave the Dallas ISD?
A: You have several options. You can: leave your money in the 457(b) plan and continue access to the
investment options you have chosen OR choose from a variety of payout options suited to your retirement
needs. For example, you can withdraw all of your account at once or in partial payments, or choose from a
number of annuity payout options, or consolidate your 457(b) account with other eligible retirement
investments that accept such rollovers.
Q: What information is provided to help me learn more about tax-deferred saving and planning for retirement?
A: The Great-West Retirement Services Web site offers an education section where you can learn about
retirement planning concepts such as tax-deferred investing, mutual funds, asset allocation, risk tolerance and
more. DreamTrackerSM, Paycheck Comparison and College Planner are Planning Tools available to help you
evaluate your savings goals. As a plan participant you will also receive quarterly Financial Footnotes newsletter
with information and ideas to help make you a more knowledgeable investor.
Q: How often will I receive information from Great-West Retirement Services regarding my investments?
A: Once you set up your account with Great-West Retirement Services, you will receive quarterly statements.
You have easy access to your personal account information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via Great-West
Retirement Services' phone voice-response system, KeyTalk®, and Web site. Our plan consultants are also
available by phone to answer any questions you may have.
Q: How do I enroll or find out more about the 457(b) S.M.A.R.T. Plan?
A: Go to disdatyourservice.org, from the home page. Click the Enroll in 457(b) S.M.A.R.T. Plan link under the
Enrollment Center. This will take you to a page with a link to the Great-West Retirement Services Web site.
403(b) Tax Sheltered Annuity (TSA) Plan
Q: What is the 403(b) Tax-Sheltered Annuity (TSA) Plan?
A: A 403(b) TSA is a payroll reduction retirement savings plan. It provides a method for saving pre-tax dollars by
contributing monthly to a 403(b) annuity offered by a participating vendor.
Q: How does the 403(b) TSA work?
A: You must first select an investment company from the Dallas ISD approved 403(b) vendors and establish an
account with the company. You decide the amount of money to invest either on your own or in collaboration
with your broker, financial advisor, accountant, tax advisor, or other such professional. You complete
8
NEW HIRE EXPERIENCE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
enrollment and the Salary Reduction Agreement online. The amount you choose to invest will be deducted
from your salary each pay period on a pre-tax basis. Changes to the agreement must be submitted online or by
calling the Dallas ISD's 403(b) Administrator's toll-free number at 1 (800) 943-9179. Requests to start,
change, or stop contributions must be received no later than the 15th of the month to take effect the following
month. Salary reduction amounts will stop at the end of the month of your effective date of separation from
employment or 8/31 if you completed your contract or calendar of work days. Dallas ISD reserves the right to
cancel this agreement at any time at its discretion in order to comply with district policy or to comply with
federal or state laws. Dallas ISD will send the money to your designated investment company for investment.
No federal income taxes are withheld from your contributions or investment earnings. You will not pay taxes
until you withdraw your funds.
Q: How do I choose a TSA vendor?
A: Go to disdatyourservice.org
1. From the homepage, select Retirement and Savings,
2. Click on Retirement Center, then select 403(b) Tax Sheltered Annuity (TSA) Plan
3. Under “For More Information” click on “Region 10 RAMS Web site” on the right side of the page
4. Click on “403(b) Vendors” on the left side of the Region 10 RAMS site
5. Select “Approved Vendor List”
6. Choose a vendor from the list and click on “contact information” to the right of the vendor name.
7. Click the link to the TRS Web site and find the vendor you have selected, then call the vendor’s toll-free
number or visit their Web site for instructions on how to set up a 403(b) account.
Q: How do I begin the process?
A: Select a TSA vendor and establish a 403(b) account in your name.
Once your account is set-up with the selected vendor, to disdatyourservice.org and click on “Enroll in the
403(b) Tax Sheltered Annuity (TSA) Plan” from the Enrollment Center on the home page.
Q: What do I need to know when working with TSA vendors?
A: Never sign a blank form, of any kind, given to you by a vendor or vendor's representative. Always carefully
review all forms and documents that require your signature. Do not let anyone make changes on your W-4
form. The signature on the W-4 form must be yours. You must submit W-4 forms personally to the Payroll
Department or through Oracle Self-Service. If you make any changes, you select with the clear understanding
that you may be required to pay increased federal income taxes for the tax year in which you make the change.
Q: What fees are associated with a TSA plan?
A: Ask the vendor or the vendor's representative for a list of all investment information including all fees
involved (if any), with your account.
Q: How much may I contribute to the 403(b) TSA?
A: Maximum contribution limits are determined by the IRS. For 2014 (Jan.-Dec.), the maximum contribution is
$17,500. If you are age 50 or older, you may be able to make an additional annual catch-up contribution of
$5,500 for 2014.
Q: What happens to my contribution?
A: The administrator will forward your contribution to your selected investment company. Your investment
company should send you a statement summarizing your account's financial activity. Ask how often the
statement will be mailed to you. Most companies send them quarterly.
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NEW HIRE EXPERIENCE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Does the TSA affect my Teacher Retirement or Social Security pension benefits?
A: No. Eligible compensation is used for the calculation of benefits under these plans.
Q: What happens if I change employers?
A: Your account is portable and can be rolled over into a 403(b) tax-sheltered plan if your new employer is a
non-profit entity and qualifies to offer tax-sheltered annuities. Also, you may place the account on a paid-up
status and continue to receive interest earnings and/or investment gains or losses on your account until you
request a withdrawal (distribution).
Q: Can I borrow money from my TSA?
A: The Dallas ISD Plan allows individuals to borrow the lesser of (1) $50,000 (reduced by any other outstanding
loans), or (2) 50% of the account balance in a TSA. Other restrictions can limit the amount borrowed. Contact
your vendor representative, agent or broker for more information. Then provide the distribution authorization to
JEM Resource Partners for approval.
Q: When may I take distribution (withdraw) my money from TSA?
A: According to IRS regulations, any contributions that you make to your TSA account after December 31,
1988, and any earnings on the total account value that accumulates after December 31, 1988, may be
withdrawn only under one or more of the following circumstances: separation of service, attainment of age 59
1/2, your death or disability, or financial hardship. A 10% penalty tax may be assessed by the IRS in
accordance with the IRS guidelines for certain early withdrawals. Please check with your financial or tax advisor
for details.
457(b) FICA Alternative Plan
Q: Who is eligible for the Dallas ISD 457(b) FICA Alternative Plan?
A: You are eligible to participate in the Plan if you are an active employee and are not eligible to participate in
the TRS Pension Plan. The FICA Alternative Plan offers an alternative to Social Security when you are not
eligible for TRS membership.
Q: What are the advantages of participating in the Dallas ISD 457(b) FICA Alternative Plan?
A: The 7.50% contribution to the Dallas ISD 457(b) FICA Alternative Plan will be deducted from your paycheck
on a pretax basis, so you are not taxed on the gross amount. Funds will remain tax sheltered until they are
withdrawn. Unlike Social Security withholding, if your employment with Dallas ISD ends, you may withdraw
funds subject to the Internal Revenue Code distribution guidelines under a 457(b) Deferred Compensation
Plan.
Q: How do I participate in the Dallas ISD 457(b) FICA Alternative Plan?
A: Enrollment in the Plan is automatic. Employees have the option to opt out of the plan. To opt out of the Plan,
employees must complete the Election to Opt Out of the Dallas ISD 457(b) FICA Alternative Plan Form and
return it to the Dallas ISD Benefits Department. The Election to Opt Out form will be mailed to your home by the
Plan Administrator. You must elect to opt out within fourteen days from the date of notification if you do not
want to participate in the Plan.
Q: Do I still pay the Medicare portion of FICA?
A: Yes, Medicare withholding will be made from your paycheck in addition to the 7.50% contribution to the
Dallas ISD 457(b) FICA Alternative Plan.
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NEW HIRE EXPERIENCE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Who is the administrator of the Dallas ISD 457(b) FICA Alternative Plan?
A: Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS) is the trust administrator of the Dallas ISD 457(b) FICA Alternative
Plan.
Q: Where are the funds invested?
A: The funds will automatically be invested in a Trust designed to obtain the maximum return on investments
while minimizing investment risk. The investments in the Trust will be managed by a Dallas ISD advisory
committee and TCG Advisors, LP. The investment portfolio will be a combination of fixed interest and equity
investments.
Q: How do I find out how much money is in my account?
A: You will receive annual statements from PARS outlining your account activity. You may also call PARS to
receive your account balance at 1 (800) 540-6369 or visit pars.org.
Q: May I change my mind about opting out of the plan once I make my decision?
A: No. You have a one-time irrevocable opportunity to opt out of the 457(b) FICA Alternative Plan. The election
to opt out of the plan and not receive the benefits includes any future period of eligible employment with the
district.
Q: How do I withdraw or rollover my money?
A: Upon termination of employment, attainment of retirement age, or in the event of permanent disability or
death, you will have access to your account. You will also have access to your funds if you have a change of
employment status at Dallas ISD to a position covered by TRS if there have been no contributions to the
account for two years and the account balance is less than $5,000. If the account balance is greater than
$5,000, the account will only be eligible for distribution due to termination, retirement, death or disability.
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