Postdoc Fellows Benefits
Classifications
Boston University provides a number of benefits for postdoctoral fellows (non-employee postdocs). Non-employee postdocs are paid a stipend by an externally-funded training grant, or directly by a foreign country or institution of origin, and are engaged in a temporary and a defined period of mentored advanced training and professional development following completion of a doctoral degree program.
Stipend Payments
At this time, all non-employee stipend payments will be dispersed using our SAP payroll platform. This gives these postdocs access to several features within BUworks that were not traditionally available to them:
- Display and update home and emergency address data
- View salary statement and enroll in direct deposit
- Apply for and manage MBTA pass and parking enrollment
- Direct debit of postdoc out-of-pocket costs associated with enrolling in Aetna health care plans or monthly MBTA passes
- Stipend payments received at a consistent time and frequency (last day of the month)
Non-employee postdocs will not receive a 1099 form from Boston University. Their December salary statement (available in BUworks) should be used for estimating quarterly taxes and for filing purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I view my salary statements?
How do I set up of change my Direct Deposit?
How do I update my address and emergency contact?
Health Insurance
Starting January 2023, non-employee they will be on BU’s Blue Cross Blue Shield plan, if they elect to do so. For more information about insurance rates and enrollment, email us at postdocs@bu.edu.
Dental Insurance
Starting January 2023, non-employee postdocs can get dental benefits through BU’s Blue Cross Blue Shield plan if they elect to do so. For more information about insurance rates and enrollment, email us at postdocs@bu.edu.
Discounted dental services are available to non-employee postdocs at the Boston University Dental Health Center, located at 930 Commonwealth Avenue. Please note that this is not considered dental insurance, and discounts are available only at the 930 Commonwealth Avenue facility. Discounts cannot be extended to family members. There is no enrollment process necessary; simply make an appointment and show your BU ID at the office. This discount is for self-pay patients only (those who already have dental insurance coverage are not eligible).
Subsidized MBTA Passes
Non-employee postdocs can receive a discounted MBTA pass due to a subsidy from the Office of the Provost. Note that the subsidy is considered taxable income and the payment is made using after-tax income. Not sure which pass applies to you? Try the MBTA’s Trip Planner or Fare Finder features.
To purchase a subsidized MBTA pass, log in to your BUWorks portal, click “Employee Self Service” tab, “Campus Services”, then Apply/Manage MBTA Pass, and make your selection. Any changes must be made by the 10th of the month.