As we approach the end of the calendar year, non-exempt (hourly) employees should be aware of an important and favorable detail regarding year-end employee benefit plan deductions. Due to the structure of the hourly payroll cycle, the 2025 calendar year includes 53 pay weeks.
As a result, the final hourly pay period of the year, covering Dec. 25, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2025, and paid on Jan. 7, 2026, will not include deductions for employee benefits, including health insurance, life insurance, and Flexible Spending Account contributions.
Deductions associated with 2026 benefit plan elections will begin with the Jan. 14, 2026, paycheck. This applies only to hourly employees. All benefit plan elections will remain effective as of Jan. 1, 2026.
As always, we encourage all employees to review their paychecks carefully. Questions regarding earnings or deductions should be directed to the Payroll Service Center. Questions related to benefit plan elections should be directed to HR Shared Services. Both offices can be reached at 315.443.4042.