Purpose
The purpose of this bulletin is to provide agency instructions for processing the Downstate Location Stipend.
Affected Employees
Employees in the State University Graduate Student Negotiating Unit (GSNU) – BU28 who meet the eligibility criteria are affected.
Background
Chapter 337 of the Laws of 2019, which implemented the 2019-2023 Agreement between the State of New York and the Communications Workers of America/Graduate Student Employees Union, provides for a location adjustment to employees whose work site is New York City, Suffolk, Nassau, Rockland, Westchester, Dutchess, Putnam, or Orange county.
Each campus is allocated a portion of the Downstate Location Fund based on the number of employees in BU28 to be paid in Administration 26L. Employees who are part time (less than 50%) receive a prorated amount.
Effective Date(s)
The Downstate Location Stipend payment will be processed in the following Pay Period:
| Pay Period | Effective Date | Pay End Date | Check Date |
| Administration 26L | 3/19/2020 | 4/1/2020 | 4/15/2020 |
Eligibility Criteria
Employees who meet the following criteria on 4/1/2020 (Administration PP 26L Pay End Date) are eligible to receive the Spring Downstate Location Stipend:
- Bargaining Unit = 28
- Salary Grade = 980
- Pay Basis Code = BIW, FEE
- Payroll Status = Active or Leave With Pay
- Department = 28059, 28109, 28269, 28589
Agency Actions
Prior to processing, agencies must complete a roster identifying employees who will receive a Downstate Location Stipend and must include the payment amount. The roster must be forwarded to SUNY System Administration. A copy of this roster will be provided to OSC in an Excel format.
To pay the Spring Downstate Location Stipend to eligible employees appearing on the approved roster, agencies must submit the following information on the Time Entry page or the Time Entry Interface (NPAY502) using Earnings Code LOS (or the appropriate non-resident alien earnings code – XLS, YLS, ZLS):
| Earnings Begin Date: | 3/19/2020 |
| Earnings End Date: | Same as the Earnings Begin Date |
| Earn Code: | LOS (or XLS, YLS, ZLS) |
| Amount: | Payment amount appearing on the approved roster |
Miscellaneous Payment Information
The Downstate Location Stipend is pensionable but is not included in the calculation of overtime.
Tax information
These monies are taxable income, will be included in the employee’s taxable gross, and are subject to all employment and income taxes.
These monies will be included in the employee’s taxable gross and will be reported on the employee’s Form W-2.
Payroll Register and Employee’s Paycheck/Advice
The Earnings Code LOS (or the appropriate non-resident alien earnings code) and the amount paid will be displayed on the Payroll Register. The Earnings Description Location Stipend (or the description for the appropriate non-resident alien earnings code) and the amount paid will appear on the employee’s paycheck stub or direct deposit advice.
Questions
Questions regarding eligibility for this payment should be directed to the SUNY System Administration.
Questions regarding this bulletin should be directed to the Payroll Earnings mailbox.
Questions regarding taxes may be directed to the Tax and Compliance mailbox.