Benefits FAQ

For support with your Benefits, call 803.432.8416 to contact:

• Shawana Beaufort (shawana.beaufort@kcsdschools.net or ext. 1227) or
• Kelly Wilder (kelly.wilder@kcsdschools.net or ext. 1285).

Complete the Name/Address Change Form and submit it to the Benefits Office along with a copy of your new Social Security card. Once processed, the Benefits Office will notify Finance to update your payroll information and Technology Services (if needed) to update your network, email, and district system accounts.

PEBA requires documentation when adding new dependents. Examples include:

• Long-form birth certificate (for children)

• Marriage license or page 1 of your most recent federal tax return (for spouses)

A full list of required documents is available at: ww.eip.sc.gov. 

If you or your covered dependents have not used tobacco for at least six months, complete the Certification Regarding Tobacco and E-cigarette Use form and return it to the KCSD Benefits Office. PEBA will remove the charge on the first of the month after they receive and process the form.

You may be eligible for retiree health, dental, and vision coverage if you retire from a PEBA-participating employer and meet specific criteria.  Enrollment in retiree insurance is not automatic — you must submit a Retiree Notice of Election form and an Employment Verification Record to PEBA within 31 days of retirement.  Learn more: https://peba.sc.gov/retirees

If you are enrolled in Optional Life, you may choose to continue or convert your life insurance through MetLife.  A Continuation of Group Optional Life Coverage Form or Notice of Group Life Insurance Conversion Privilege Form must be completed and submitted to MetLife within 31 days of retirement.  Basic Life and Dependent Life coverage can also be converted. The KCSD Benefits Office can assist with these forms.

Yes. You may make mid-year benefit changes if you experience a special eligibility situation, such as marriage, birth, adoption, or divorce. You must make the change within 31 days of the event. Log in to MyBenefits to submit changes.

Once you have completed a sick leave bank application and enrolled as a member you will remain a member until you give notification in writing that you no longer wish to be a participating member of the bank.

Log into MyHealth Toolkit to view your digital insurance card, track claims, verify coverage, and find in-network providers.  Visit: https://statesc.southcarolinablues.com

Log into MyBenefits to review your current coverage, dependents, and beneficiaries: 
https://mybenefits.sc.gov

Yes. Beginning January 1, 2026, Caremark will replace Express Scripts as the pharmacy benefits manager for the State Health Plan.

• Learn more: https://peba.sc.gov/pbm
• Caremark transition site: https://caremarkrxplaninfo.com/SCPEBA

If you expect to miss more than 10 consecutive workdays, you should submit a request for leave of absence. KCSD employees can find forms, eligibility details, and instructions on the FMLA page: www.kcsdschools.net/dept/hr/benefits/fmla

Employees who earn sick leave may use up to three sick leave days per year for personal reasons, with prior approval from their supervisor.

Once you have completed a sick leave bank application and enrolled as a member you will remain a member until you give notification in writing that you no longer wish to be a participating member of the bank.

You may be eligible for retiree health, dental, and vision coverage if you retire from a PEBA-participating employer and meet specific criteria.  Enrollment in retiree insurance is not automatic — you must submit a Retiree Notice of Election form and an Employment Verification Record to PEBA within 31 days of retirement.  Learn more: https://peba.sc.gov/retirees

If you are enrolled in Optional Life, you may choose to continue or convert your life insurance through MetLife.  A Continuation of Group Optional Life Coverage Form or Notice of Group Life Insurance Conversion Privilege Form must be completed and submitted to MetLife within 31 days of retirement.  Basic Life and Dependent Life coverage can also be converted. The KCSD Benefits Office can assist with these forms.

No. PEBA awards a maximum of one year of service credit per calendar year, regardless of how many covered employers you work for.  However, your earnings from all covered employers are combined when calculating your Average Final Compensation (AFC) at retirement.

The District has a 403b plan in place as well as the SC Deferred Compensation Program that offers a 401k, 457 and Roth 401k in which employees can save additional money for retirement. 

Yes. KCSD employees may participate in:

• 403(b) plans

• SC Deferred Compensation Program, which offers 401(k), 457(b), and Roth 401(k) options

Learn more: peba.sc.gov/deferred-comp

Log into Member Access for retirement information:
https://online.retirement.sc.gov/MemberAccess/welcome

Yes. KCSD partners with the ALPHA Behavioral Health Center to offer prevention, intervention, and behavioral health services for employees and their families.  Services are confidential.  Learn more on the Benefits page or visit:
https://alphabehavioralhealthcenter.org