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Human Resources - Employee Benefits

Wellness/Sustainability Account

Effective April 1, 2008 a new benefit was introduced for eligible employees who are members of AESES, IUOE and UWFA, and for eligible excluded support and academic employees. The purpose of the Wellness/Sustainability account is to encourage healthy living for employees as well as better health for our communities and the environment by helping to offset the cost of physical activity, wellness programs, recycling, sustainable transportation, etc.

This benefit is administered by the University and claim forms should be forwarded to the Human Resources Department.

For information relating to Claiming Benefits, Co-ordination of Benefits, Exclusions, Family Member Eligibility, e-service, etc. please go to the Health Benefits Home Page.


Benefit Amount

Eligible UWFA Main and Academic Excluded Employees:

Maximum claim amount for 2012: $75


Eligible Executive Employees:

Maximum claim amount for 2012: $100


Eligible AESES, IUOE and Support Staff Excluded Employees:

Maximum claim amount for 2012: $100


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Eligible Reimbursement

Reimbursement under the Wellness/Sustainability Account includes but is not limited to the following items.  Refer to the Wellness & Sustainability Claim form for the complete list of eligible items.

Wellness

  • Membership at the Duckworth Centre or another fitness centre held in the employee's name
  • Formal instruction for a physical activity or recreational centre program with a wellness focus
  • Specific types of fitness equipment
  • Weight management program fees (excluding food) offered by accredited practitioner, for the employee
  • Non-Prescription smoking cessation aids

Sustainability

  • Bus passes and tickets
  • Home composters
  • CFL light bulbs (net of any rebates)
  • Programmable thermostats
  • Personal bicycle and replacement parts
  • Carbon offsets purchased from a recognized carbon offset vendor

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Carbon Offset

Carbon Offset is a voluntary program whereby you calculate and assign a cost to your carbon emissions with the aid of an on-line carbon calculator. Carbon offsets are simply credits for emission reductions achieved by projects elsewhere, such as wind farms, solar installations, or energy efficiency projects.

For more information on carbon offsets please go to the following:


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Program Details

The Wellness/Sustainability Account is a taxable benefit. Reimbursement under the Wellness/Sustainability Account will be added to your taxable earnings and will be subject to Income Tax, Canada Pension Plan and Employment Insurance deductions.

Credits will be available on a calendar year basis, with no carryover of either credits or eligible expenses.

A completed Claim Form with receipt(s) should be submitted to Human Resources when your claim amount for the year has reached at least $25, or at the end of the calendar year, irrespective of the amount.

Please note that if you are claiming for membership at the Duckworth centre that is being paid by payroll deduction, the claim should not be submitted until the deducted amounts have reached the amount of the claim.

Reimbursement will be made on the next available pay period following the receipt of your Claim Form in Human Resources.  Please note that you will not receive a separate cheque; the amount of the Wellness/Sustainability reimbursement will be added to your pay (it will appear under earnings as WELL TXB).

Due to the taxable nature of the program, current year claims must be submitted for reimbursement in time to be processed for the final pay of the calendar year.  Please refer to the Wellness & Sustainability Claim form for the current year's claim deadline.


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Wellness/Sustainability Account Exclusions

The following exclusions are specific to the Wellness/Sustainability Account.  For General Exclusions that apply to all health benefits please refer to the Health Benefits Home Page.

  • Any expenses for services and supplies rendered by a person who is ordinarily a resident in the employee's home or who is a Close Relative of the employee

  • Expenses for services or supplies for spouse, dependents or other family members

  • Fees or expenses for clubs/organizations where the singular focus is not on physical activity

  • Fees or expenses for services associated with use of a fitness facility (e.g. locker room fees)

  • Services offered by health practitioners that could be payable under a provincial health plan, the University of Winnipeg group health plans or the Health Spending Account

  • Fees for services incurred prior to the effective date of the program.

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