Employee Benefits
Benefits Offered
Putnam County is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. If you are paying off your student loans while working full-time for Putnam County you may be eligible to apply. The Personnel Department would be happy to certify your application.
This is a voluntary IRS 457 retirement plan available to all employees in a budgeted position (CSEA, PBA, PCSEA, PuMA, and Management). Investment options are available to best meet individual needs.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) reduce taxable income and reimburse out-of-pocket healthcare and dependent care expenses (e.g., co-pays, dental, vision, daycare) on a pre-tax basis. Plan ahead and save money - open enrollment is your annual chance to elect or change FSA contributions for the upcoming year. Employees are able to enroll upon hire, or during the open enrollment period - typically in October of each year.
Explore the criteria for different kinds of leaves of absence, including but not limited to FMLA, Serious Family Illness, Short Term Disability and Long Term Disabilty leaves.
Accidents occasionally happen. While work related injuries are infrequent and most often are minor, the potential for more serious injury cannot be eliminated. The proper course of action for an injury that occurs during working hours necessarily depends on its type and the severity.
All Putnam County employees are eligible to enroll in the New York State Retirement System (NYSLRS). Enrollment is mandatory upon hire for any employee in a budgeted role AND for any employee working 30 or more hours per week. All "Temps" working under 30 hours per week have the option to enroll or decline enrollment.
Click the button below to find important information and guides on planning for retirement.
Frequently Asked Questions Guide
Additional Questions?
Health Insurance -
The Empire Plan
Health Insurance -
MVP Health Care
Dental and Vision - CSEA, PBA, and PCSEA
Dental and Vision -
PuMa and Management
Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
Flexible Spending
Accounts
*External Site
BENEFITS-AT-A-GLANCE
BY GROUP
CSEA EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Health Insurance
Eligibility begins the 1st of the month following 30 worked days. Enrollees must work a minimum of 30 hours per week. We offer the choice of either a PPO or an HMO to all employees.
Effective January 1, 2026, all qualifying employees contribute 17% of their monthly premium.
New employees must have 25 years full-time service credit to qualify for retiree health benefits (25 years County service time OR at least 12 years Allowable service time + 13 years County service time).
Dental / Vision
Eligibility begins 1st of the month following 30 worked days. This benefit is covered 100% by Putnam County. Enrollees must be covered by the CSEA contract.
Vacation Time
Time is accrued in increment1s per paycheck.
Employees accrue as follows:
- 10 days during years 1-3
- 15 days during years 4-8
- 20 days after 9 years
The maximum accumulation is 40 days.
Personal Time
Employees accrue as follows*:
- 1 day from 60-120 days
- 2 days from 120-240 days
- 3 days from 240 days – 8 years
- 4 days after 9 years
Unused days are rolled into Sick time at the end of the year.
*Personal Time is proated upon seperation from service
Sick Time
Time is accrued in increments per paycheck.
Employees accrue 10 days per year. The maximum accumulation Is 180 days.
Compensatory Time
Compensatory time is allowable in lieu of overtime at the applicable rate as per the CSEA contract.
NYS Retirement System
This plan is mandatory for full time employees. An enrollee’s membership tier determines the plan benefits.
Flexible Spending Plan
Eligibility begins 1st of the month following 30 workdays.
This plan is voluntary, and contributions are made by the employee.
NYS Deferred Compensation Plan
This is a voluntary IRS 457 retirement plan. Investment options are available to best meet individual needs.
PBA EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Health Insurance
Eligibility begins the 1st of the month following 30 worked days. Enrollees must work a minimum of 25 hours per week and earn $15,000 per year. We offer the choice of either a PPO or an HMO to all employees. Buyout is 20% of the Empire Individual annual rate.
Effective January 1, 2026, all qualifying employees contribute 17% of their monthly premium.
New employees must have 25 years full-time service credit to qualify for retiree health benefits (25 years County service time OR at least 12 years Allowable service time + 13 years County service time).
Dental / Vision
Eligibility begins 1st of the month following 30 worked days. This benefit is covered 100% by Putnam County. Enrollees must work a minimum of 25 hours per week and earn $15,000 per year.
Vacation Time
Employees accrue as follows:
- 10 days after 1 full year (prorated in the first year)
- 15 days after 3 years
- 20 days after 8 years completed
Time is taken in the year following the year in which it was earned
The maximum accumulation is 40 days.
Personal Time
Employees accrue as follows:
- 1 day after 120 days worked
- 2 days after 120-240 days worked
- 3 days after 240 days – 5 years worked
- 4 days after 5 years worked
Unused days are rolled into Sick time at the end of the year.
Sick Time
Time is accrued in increments per paycheck.
Employees accrue 10 days per year. The maximum accumulation Is 180 days.
Compensatory Time
In lieu of payment for overtime, time off is allowed at 1.5 hours for each hour of overtime worked.
NYS Retirement System
This plan is mandatory for full time employees. An enrollee’s membership tier determines the plan benefits.
Flexible Spending Plan
Eligibility begins 1st of the month following 30 workdays.
This plan is voluntary, and contributions are made by the employee.
NYS Deferred Compensation Plan
This is a voluntary IRS 457 retirement plan. Investment options are available to best meet individual needs.
PCSEA EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Health Insurance
Eligibility begins the 1st of the month following 30 worked days. Enrollees must work a minimum of 25 hours per week and earn $15,000 per year. We offer the choice of either a PPO or an HMO to all employees. Buyout is $1,100 per year.
Effective January 1, 2026, all qualifying employees contribute 17% of their monthly premium.
New employees must have 25 years full-time service credit to qualify for retiree health benefits (25 years County service time OR at least 12 years Allowable service time + 13 years County service time).
Dental / Vision
Eligibility begins 1st of the month following 30 worked days. This benefit is covered 100% by Putnam County. Enrollees must work a minimum of 25 hours per week and earn $15,000 per year.
Vacation Time
Time is accrued in increments per paycheck.
Employees accrue as follows:
Non-Department Heads15 days per year during the first three years and 20 days per year thereafter.
Department Heads – 20 days per year.
The maximum accumulation is 40 days
Personal Time
Employees accrue as follows:
- 1 day after 120 days worked
- 2 days after 120-240 days worked
- 3 days after 240 days – 5 years worked
- 4 days after 5 years worked
Unused days are rolled into Sick time at the end of the year.
Sick Time
Employees accrue 10 days per year. Correction Officers/Sergeants accrue 1 day per month. The maximum accumulation
Is 180 days.
Compensatory Time
In lieu of payment for overtime, time off is allowed at 1.5 hours for each hour of overtime worked.
NYS Retirement System
This plan is mandatory for full time employees. An enrollee’s membership tier determines the plan benefits.
Flexible Spending Plan
Eligibility begins 1st of the month following 30 worked days. This plan is voluntary, and contributions are made by the employee.
NYS Deferred Compensation Plan
This is a voluntary IRS 457 retirement plan. Investment options are available to best meet individual needs.
PuMA EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Health Insurance
Eligibility begins the 1st of the month following 30 worked days. Enrollees must work a minimum of 30 hours per week. We offer the choice of either a PPO or an HMO to all employees. Buyout is $1,000 flex credit or $700 cash.
Effective January 1, 2026, all qualifying employees contribute 17% of their monthly premium.
New employees must have 25 years full-time service credit to qualify for retiree health benefits (25 years County service time OR at least 12 years Allowable service time + 13 years County service time).
Dental / Vision
Eligibility begins 1st of the month following 30 worked days. This benefit is covered 100% by Putnam County. Enrollees must work a minimum of 30 hours per week.
Life, AD&D, LTD
Eligibility for Basic Term Life Insurance, Basic Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, and Long Term Disability, begins 1st of the month following 30 worked days.
Enrollees must work a minimum of 30 hours per week. Benefit is 100% Employer paid.
Vacation Time
Time is accrued in increments per paycheck.
Employees accrue as follows:
- 15 days per year during the first three years.
- 20 days per year thereafter.
The maximum accumulation is 40 days.
Personal Time
Employees accrue 4 days per year. The days are pro-rated in the first year and thereafter credited at the beginning of the calendar year.
Unused days are rolled into Sick time at the end of the year.
Sick Time
Employees accrue 1 day per month. The maximum accumulation Is 180 days.
NYS Retirement System
This plan is mandatory for full time employees. An enrollee’s membership tier determines the plan benefits.
Flexible Spending Plan
Eligibility begins 1st of the month following 30 workdays.
This plan is voluntary, and the County contributes
$2,000.00 to full time employees working 30 hours per week and $1,000.00 to part time employees working 15 hours per week.
NYS Deferred Compensation Plan
This is a voluntary IRS 457 retirement plan. Investment options are available to best meet individual needs.
MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Health Insurance
Eligibility begins the 1st of the month following 30 worked days. Enrollees must work a minimum of 30 hours per week. We offer the choice of either a PPO or an HMO to all employees.
Effective January 1, 2026, all qualifying employees contribute 17% of their monthly premium.
New employees must have 25 years full-time service credit to qualify for retiree health benefits (25 years County service time OR at least 12 years Allowable service time + 13 years County service time).
Dental / Vision
Eligibility begins 1st of the month following 30 worked days. This benefit is covered 100% by Putnam County. Enrollees must work a minimum of 30 hours per week. These plans are available as either an Individual and Family option.
LIfe, AD&D & LTD
Eligibility for Basic Term Life Insurance, Basic Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, and Long Term Disability, begins 1st of the month following 30 worked days.
Enrollees must work a minimum of 30 hours per week. Benefit is 100% Employer paid.
Vacation Time
Time is accrued in increments per paycheck.
Employees accrue as follows:
Non-Department Heads15 days per year during the first three years and 20 days per year thereafter.
Department Heads – 20 days per year.
The maximum accumulation is 40 days
Personal Time
Employees accrue 4 days per year. The days are pro-rated in the first year and thereafter credited at the beginning of the calendar year.
Unused days are rolled into Sick time at the end of the year.
Sick Time
Employees accrue 1 day per month. The maximum accumulation is 180 days.
NYS Retirement System
This plan is mandatory for full time employees. An enrollee’s membership tier determines the plan benefits.
Flexible Spending Plan
Eligibility begins 1st of the month following 30 workdays.
This plan is voluntary, and the County contributes
$2,000.00/year* to full time employees working 30 hours per week and $1,000.00/year* to part time employees working 15 hours per week.
*prorated to your start date
NYS Deferred Compensation Plan
This is a voluntary IRS 457 retirement plan. Investment options are available to best meet individual needs.
Your Contract
Leaves of Absence
If you are faced with a health condition that causes you to miss work, whether it is because of your own serious health condition or to care for a family member with a serious health condition, you may be able to take up to 12 weeks of job-protected time off under the FMLA. If you take FMLA leave, your employer must continue your health insurance as if you were not on leave (you may be required to continue to make any normal employee contributions). As long as you are able to return to work before you exhaust your FMLA leave, you must be returned to the same job (or one nearly identical to it). Time off under the FMLA may not be held against you in employment actions such as hiring, promotions or discipline. Even if you don’t want to use your paid leave, your employer can require you to use it during your FMLA leave.
Employees must have been employed by Putnam County for at least one year and worked 1250 hours, excluding any paid leave time in order to be eligible.
Employees that know they will be out for an extended period of time due to a medical reason, including maternity/paternity leave, must notify their department and Personnel by completing the general leave form. The Personnel department will subsequently reach out to the employee regarding medical certification and next steps.
Serious Family Illness leave is a three day leave period for unrepresented management and some union employees. Please see your contract to determine eligibility.
Eligible employees may take three paid days, without using accruals, to care for and/or assist with a seriously ill family member. These three days are per immediate family member. Employees that are requesting this leave should complete the general leave form and provide it to their department head with a brief description of why they are making their request. They do not need to go into specific medical details. Department heads should then send this request to the Personnel Officer for final approval.
Employees that know they will be out for an extended period of time due to a medical reason, including maternity/paternity leave, must notify their department and Personnel by completing the general leave form. The Personnel department will subsequently reach out to the employee regarding medical certification and next steps.
Employees that are experiencing a long health related absence may qualify for Short Term Disability for up to 6 months. During this time, employees are held at the employee rate for health benefits. Employees that are out on medical leave and have or will shortly exhaust their sick time accruals can apply by completing the attached form. Be sure to have your doctor sign the form and include any necessary medical information.
Management and PuMA employees enrolled in The Hartford may be eligible for Long Term Disability. Employees must first complete short term disability and then submit a claim for long term disability.
Employees that are removed from the payroll and are not on FMLA or Short-term disability leave are responsible for 100% of the cost of their health, dental, and vision benefits. Failure to pay may result in cancellation. If you believe you will be going out on an extended leave and will be responsible for the full cost of your benefits, please email
Workers Compensation
Accidents occasionally happen. While work related injuries are infrequent and most often are minor, the potential for more serious injury cannot be eliminated. The proper course of action for an injury that occurs during working hours necessarily depends on its type and the severity. For a more serious injury, the first step is always to get medical attention/treatment as quickly as possible. For a minor injury or accident, a supervisor should first be contacted (circumstances permitting), then first aid or medical treatment secured.
An Employee Report of Work-Related Injury Form should be completed if an employee is injured on the job. The Employee Report of Work-Related Injury Form is available on the Putnam County Intranet Site on the Risk Management page. The completed form should be emailed within 24 hours to Mat Bruno, Risk Manager at
The original form should be completed in full. Questions 14 & 15 should state how much time the employee lost due to the work-related injury. The form is to be signed by the employee, preparer, supervisor, and department head and sent through interoffice mail to Risk Management. If the employee is filing for Workers’ Comp and has lost time due to the work related injury, a C-11 Form must be completed upon his/her return to work or whenever it is requested (For long term injuries, the Workers’ Compensation Board will periodically request a new C-11). A C-11 Form can be found on the Putnam County Intranet Site on the Risk Management page under “Workers Compensation Forms”.
In order to ensure that the employee is not charged for sick time associated with a work related injury, it is suggested that the employee present a signed doctor’s note to their department head stating the recommended date the employee can return to work and if there are any additional work restrictions. Law enforcement employees in the Sheriff’s Office may also qualify for 207(c) Workers’ Compensation claims for injuries incurred in the line of duty. Please check your collective bargaining agreement for additional details
If you are injured at work, please complete the two attached forms. Be sure to have the accident form signed by not only the injured employee but also by their Supervisor or Department Head.
Planning for Retirement
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NYS Retirement System Tiers 3 and 4 Member Infographic
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NYS Retirement System Tier 5 Member Infographic
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NYS Retirement System Tier 6 Member Infographic
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Putnam County Retirement Timeline
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Putnam County Retirement Frequent Asked Questions Guide
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New to a full-time position? Complete the enrollment form and submit to the Personnel Department
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Employees retiring with Retiree Health Coverage should review the Medicare and NYSHIP guide for important information
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If you are entitled to retiree health insurance but are opting to not enroll
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If you are in PCSEA and retiring - be sure to complete the Sick Time Election Form
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Putnam County Resolutions regarding retiree health insurance
*External Site
Mission Statement
Our mission is to administer, in a fair and equitable manner, the provisions of New York State Civil Service Law and Putnam County Civil Service Rules with respect to the offices and employments in the classified service of Putnam County and the civil divisions therein, which include the towns, villages, school districts, libraries and special districts.
It is Putnam County Personnel Department’s responsibility to ensure Putnam County taxpayers of a public workforce qualified for their jobs pursuant to the principles of selection according to merit and fitness as set forth in Article 5, §6 of the New York State Constitution.
Contact Personnel
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Office | 845.808.1650
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Email |
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Address | 110 Old Route 6 Bldg. #3
Carmel, NY 10512