Purpose
To provide instructions for processing the 2016 Discretionary Award.
Affected Employees
Employees designated management or confidential in the State University of New York – BU13 who meet the eligibility criteria and are selected by the campus president
Background
Chapter 340 of the Laws of 2013 provides for a one-time lump sum bonus payment distributed at the discretion of the campus president.
Effective Date(s)
The 2016 Discretionary Award should be processed in the Administration Pay Period 7L, Paychecks dated 07/27/16
Eligibility Criteria
Employees selected by the campus president who meet the following criteria on 06/30/16, on the effective date of 07/01/16 and the pay end date of 07/13/16 are eligible to receive the one-time lump sum bonus payment.
- Bargaining Unit = 13
- Salary Grade = 980
- Pay Basis Code = ANN, BIW, HRY, FEE
- Payroll Status = Active or Leave With Pay
Agency Actions
Prior to processing, agencies must complete a roster identifying employees who will receive a 2016 Discretionary Award and must include the payment amount. The roster must be signed by the campus president and forwarded to the SUNY System Administration. A copy of the roster will be provided to OSC in an Excel format.
To pay the 2016 Discretionary Award as a lump sum payment to employees appearing on the approved roster, agencies must submit the following information on the Time Entry page or the Time Entry interface (NPAY502) using Earnings Code SMR.
| Earnings Begin Date: | 07/01/16 |
| Earnings End Date: | Same as the Earnings Begin Date |
| Earn Code: | SMR |
| Amount: | Payment amount appearing on the approved roster |
Miscellaneous Payment Information
The Discretionary Award is pensionable but is not included in the calculation of overtime.
Tax Information
The SUNY Discretionary Award (Earnings Code “SMR”) is taxable income subject to employment and income taxes and will be taxed using the Supplemental Optional Flat Rate Method.
Payroll Register and Employee’s Paycheck/Advice
For those employees receiving a lump sum payment, the Earnings Code SMR and the amount will be displayed on the Payroll Register. The Earnings Description SUNY Merit Award – M/C and the amount will appear on the employee’s paycheck stub or direct deposit advice.
Questions
Questions regarding eligibility for this payment should be directed to SUNY System Administration.
Questions regarding this bulletin should be directed to the Payroll Earnings mailbox.