Payroll, Benefits and Retirement

The UT System offers an extensive benefits package that includes comprehensive health insurance, retirement, paid time off and more. Behind the scenes, our payroll team manages pay schedules, direct deposit and more — ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time.

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Contact Us

Office of Payroll, Benefits and Retirement

400 W. Summit Hill Drive (Physical)
UT Tower 11th Floor
Knoxville, TN 37902

(865) 974-5251

Payroll

Direct deposit, tax withholding, W-2s and fee waiver taxation are just a few key payroll functions. Most related tools and details pertain to current employees and are available on the UT System intranet.

Group Insurance

Health, dental, vision and life insurance benefits, administered through TN Partners for Health, are available for eligible employees.

Retirement Services

All regular, full-time employees must participate in one of the state of Tennessee’s retirement plans. Regular, part-time employees may join a retirement plan. Those who elect to participate are subject to the same terms and conditions as members with mandatory participation.

  • Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System

    Employer contribution is 4% of eligible compensation to a Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) defined benefit plan and 5% to the 401k. Mandatory employee contribution is 5 percent of compensation.

  • Optional Retirement Program

    The Optional Retirement Plan (ORP), available for faculty and exempt staff, is a “defined contribution” retirement plan, which means the amount of retirement benefits will be determined by the member’s account balance. This includes 401k, 403b and 457 deferred comp. Vendors in the ORP are VOYA and TIAA.

Emotional Well-Being

Emotional Well-Being Solutions (EWS) provides free, confidential support to help employees and their families navigate personal and professional challenges. Available to all benefits-eligible employees — regardless if they participate in the Group Insurance Program — EWS offers short-term counseling, financial and legal resources and educational seminars across the state. Spouses and dependent children also are eligible for services.