Are you prepared to navigate difficult unemployment compensation claims?
During these unprecedented times, unemployment is a likely result. A trusted unemployment program is vital to the protection of your school board and school entity. By enrolling in the BUCS program, you will have the assurance that our team is prepared and ready to support you when necessary. In the event of a claim, the BUCS program ensures budget stability, claims management support and assistance during the appeals process, providing members with experienced representation at hearings. This program is provided with support from Interstate Tax Services, Inc.
The BUCS program offers basic and comprehensive coverage so your district can apply for the option most suitable to its needs.
- Schools pay Annual administrative fee + 100% of their employees’ unemployment compensation claim payments.
- Schools receive expert claims administration through Interstate Tax Services, Inc.
- Schools receive experienced representation at hearings.
- Schools’ paperwork burden is reduced.
- Schools participating in the program will not pay contributions to the state unemployment compensation fund.
- Annual administrative fee is $4.00 per employee for 2024, billed on or after January 1 of each year.
- On a quarterly basis, the state sends invoices to Interstate for the amount due from the school for unemployment claim payments.
- Interstate Tax Services, Inc. reviews the state’s invoice before providing the invoice to the school for payment. The school then pays the invoice amount directly to the state.
Complete the BUCS Basic enrollment form.
- Annual minimum program premium and maximum premium.
- Losses will be billed quarterly.
- Outside of the minimum premium, you are paying for only your actual losses with the added assurance of Stop Loss insurance coverage.
- Interstate reviews the state’s invoice before providing the invoice to PSBA Insurance Trust for payment. PSBA Insurance Trust then invoices participating schools.
- Once Stop Loss has been reached, PSBA makes all payments to state for the school for 3x the Stop Loss or to a maximum of $750,000, whichever comes first.
Click here to complete the BUCS Comprehensive enrollment form.
- 30 teacher strikes converted to a lockout by court action resulting in a $120,000 claim
- Lack of funding and enrollment closes tech school doors, causing a $75,000 claim
- Support staff collects unemployment benefits while teachers on strike, causing a $180,000 claim
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the effective dates for BUCS Comprehensive?
The BUCS Comprehensive program runs July 1 – June 30.
What are the effective dates for BUCS Basic?
The BUCS Basic program runs January 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025.
How much does BUCS Comprehensive cost?
Each participant’s program is individually underwritten with guidelines including claims history.
How much does BUCS Basic cost?
The 2024 rate is $4.00 per employee.
Does the BUCS Basic program include unemployment claims reviews?
Yes, all unemployment claims are reviewed for accuracy by the experts at Interstate Tax Services, Inc. Representation by experienced professionals at unemployment hearings is included. These benefits can help ease the administrative burden on participant school entities.
Does BUCS Basic include insurance coverage?
No, only BUCS Comprehensive includes insurance coverage for unemployment claims.
How does BUCS Comprehensive work?
Each school entity pays an annual administrative fee, plus 100% of their unemployment compensation claims with added assurance of stop loss insurance coverage. Much like health insurance, this stop loss acts like a deductible. Once the stop loss is met, the program takes over and pays 3x the stop loss amount or a maximum of $750,000, whichever comes first.
What benefits do participants in the program receive?
All unemployment claims are reviewed for accuracy by the experts at Interstate Tax Services, Inc. Representation by experienced professionals at unemployment hearings is included. These benefits can help ease the administrative burden on participant school entities.
How does BUCS Comprehensive give me budget peace of mind?
Your individualized program will have a minimum premium (administrative fee) and a maximum premium (stop loss) to allow you to budget for unexpected unemployment claims with confidence.
My district participates in BUCS Comprehensive. Do we still need to pay our claims directly to the state?
Schools participating in the program will not pay contributions to the state unemployment compensation fund. PSBA Insurance pays the state on your behalf and then invoices participants for their claims.