FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
VOLUNTARY CASH SEPARATION INCENTIVE (VCSI)
1. What are the eligibility requirements for participating in the VCSI program?
 Full-time, non-temporary employees
 SERS/STRS eligibility requirements are:
a. 5 years of service credit at age 60; or
b. 25 years of service credit at age 55; or
c. 30 years of service credit at any age
 Eligibility period is from July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014
2. What is the timeframe for expressing interest in the VCSI program and for
signing the Letter of Intent?
 The open window for picking up a VCSI packet and signing the Letter of
Intent runs from July 1, 2013 through August 30, 2013.
3. When do I have to separate employment?
 If you are eligible to retire at the time the incentive is officially offered on
July 1, you must separate employment within six months (no later than
December 31).
 If you are not eligible to retire when the incentive is officially offered on July
1 but will be become eligible by June 30, 2014, you must separate
employment within six months from the date of eligibility. For example:
a. If you are eligible August 1, 2013, you must separate employment on
or before January 31, 2014.
b. If you are eligible June 15, 2014, you must separate employment on or
before December 15, 2014.
4. Can I extend the date of my separation beyond six months?
 An extension will only be granted if an employee is identified as a “key
employee” and asked by the College to extend his/his separation date beyond
six months.
 For information regarding Phased Retirement, please refer to the Policy and
Procedures Manual under Chapter 3-Personnel Services, 3-39 - Phased
Retirement.
5. Explain the 45 day wait period.
 Once you receive the Participation form and Agreement and General Release
form, you will have 45 days from that date to make a decision and return the
signed forms. The 45 day timeframe is due to The Older Workers Benefits
Protection Act (OWBPA).
 If the 45th day falls on a weekend or holiday, you must submit your form by
the following business day.
6. After I make a commitment to participate in the VCSI program by signing
the Participation form and Agreement and General Release form, is there a
timeframe in which I can change my mind and back out of the program?
 You will have seven (7) days from when you sign the Agreement and General
Release form to retract your decision.
 If the seventh days fall on a weekend or holiday, you will have until the
following business day.
 You must submit a formal written notice to retract your decision.
7. Is my effective date for separation based on my CSCC anniversary date or
my eligibility retirement date?
 Your effective date for separation is based on the date you are eligible to retire
from the retirement system.
8. Do I have to retire from the retirement system if I participate in the VCSI
program?
 No, you do not have to retire; however, you do have to separate employment.
9. What information is needed to prove I am eligible to participate in the
VCSI?
 An annual statement from the retirement system or a letter from the retirement
system verifying your years of service.
 If you have only been employed by CSCC, we can print your employment
history record to show proof of eligibility.
10. When will I receive the Incentive payment?
 You will have three options to select from for your incentive payment.
a. With your final regular paycheck. If your final pay is April 30, 2014,
you can receive your VCSI payment on that date.
b. The next pay after your final regular paycheck. If your final pay is
April 30, 2014, you can receive your VCSI payment on May 15, 2014.
c. Two pays after your final regular paycheck. If your final pay is April
30, 2014, you can receive your VCSI payment on May 30, 2014.
11. Can we receive the payment in two different payments or over the next two
years?
 No, you will be paid out all at once. We will work with you to determine the
best date.
12. How much of my cash incentive can I roll into my 403b/457 account?
 The 2013 employee deferral amount is $17,500. If you are age 50 or above,
you can defer an additional $5,500.
 2014 employee deferral amounts will be available closer to the end of the
2013 calendar year.
 Contact your financial advisor, tax accountant or 403b/457 carrier for
additional information.
13. How much notice should I give my supervisor before separating
employment?
 We recommend letting your supervisor know at least 30 days prior to
separating.
14. Will I be able to retain my life insurance benefits?
 Information pertaining to your insurance benefits is included in the VCSI
packet.
15. When will my health insurance benefits end?
 Your health insurance benefits will end on the last day of the month in which
you separate employment.
16. How much sick and vacation time will I receive payment for?
 All employees are paid 25% of their current sick leave balance to a maximum
of 45 days.
 Staff and Administrators are paid up to a maximum of 480 hours for vacation.
17. Will I be paid out for Personal Business Leave?
 You must work through December 31st to be paid your personal business
leave up to a maximum 16 hours.
18. Will taxes be taken out of the cash incentive? If so, how much?
 In general, there is a requirement to withhold taxes. General information will
be discussed in your initial meeting; however, we cannot offer tax advice.
19. Can I return to work at a later date if I participate in the VCSI program?
 While reemployment with the college is not guaranteed, if you retire at the
time of separation, you must satisfy a two month separation period from the
effective date of your retirement before returning to work at the College. You
may not return to work under the same position without approval from the
President.
 Contact SERS and STRS for reemployment guidelines.
20. I have time with another retirement system, does that count?
 Yes, any time with one of the five Ohio Public Retirement Systems counts
towards your retirement. (OPERS, STRS, SERS, Police and Fire Retirement
System, State Highway Patrol Retirement System)
21. The retirement system does not have record of some of my earlier years
worked at CSCC, how can I prove I have worked during that time?
 Request a Certification of Service for Non-Contributing Service Form from
the Retirement System.
 Submit the form to Twila Wiley to research the prior unreported service.
22. I was on a leave of absence for a period of time, can I purchase that time to
increase my years of service?
 Yes, you will need to contact the retirement system to figure out the cost and
to complete the documents. The purchase may be payroll deducted.
23. Which job titles classify as Administrators?
 Supervisor and above.
24. Who do I contact to assist me with this process?
 Twila Wiley; ext. 2422; twiley4@cscc.edu
 Deborah Robinson; ext. 2177; drobins5@cscc.edu
25. What is the contact information for the retirement systems?
 STRS: 1-888-277-7877 www.strsoh.org
 SERS: 1-866-280-7377 www.ohsers.org
 OPERS: 1-800-222-7377 www.ohpers.org