Cost of Living Adjustment – Archive
In April, eligible Georgia Southern employees will begin receiving a $5,000 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) recently approved by Governor Brian Kemp and state legislators. These increases will continue into FY 2023.
The majority of pay adjustments will be completed in April, but there are many unique situations, such as mid-year hires, job changes, and leave statuses, that will require manual pay adjustments into May.
Who is eligible?
The $5,000 salary increase is for all active, regular, benefits-eligible faculty and non-academic staff at Georgia Southern. The increase will be prorated based on full-time equivalency (FTE). Employees not receiving benefits, including temporary workers and those working less than 30 hours per week, are not eligible for the increase. There may be exceptions to the eligibility population based on unit structure and funding.
When will payments be issued?
- Eligible employees paid biweekly will see the increase and one-time supplemental payment in their April 22 paychecks.
- Eligible employees paid monthly will see the change in their April 29 paychecks.
On April 1, 2022, we will be providing eligible employees a letter in their MyGeorgiaSouthern portal with specific information regarding the payments they will receive.
This is a very complex and fluid process, and we appreciate your patience as we work through implementing these salary adjustments. We know the past several years have been challenging, and we are committed to the well-being of our people. This salary adjustment, along with other compensation initiatives Georgia Southern has recently made, are positive steps forward in helping our people feel appreciated and valued. We will continue to provide you with additional information as it becomes available.
How will the increase be distributed?
For eligible employees to receive up to a $5,000 increase — prorated based on standard work hours and number of pay periods of active employment — for FY22, a salary adjustment will be awarded prior to June 30, the end of this fiscal year, in the following manner:
- In April, eligible employees will receive a one-time pay supplement of up to $3,750 based on the number of pay periods an individual was employed by the state between July 1, 2021, and April 1, 2022, and standard work hours.
- The remaining balance, up to $1,250, will be included on the normal payment schedule to finish out the fiscal year.
- The ongoing increase for FY23 will be applied and appropriately distributed across the pay calendar.
The one-time payment is subject to all applicable FICA taxes, federal income tax, and state income tax.
FYA22 Distribution Schedule
| Date | 12 Month Exempt | 10 Month Exempt |
|---|---|---|
| April 29 | $3750 supplemental payment* | $3750 supplemental payment* |
| $416.666667 increase | $500 increase | |
| Regular salary | Regular Salary | |
| May 31 | Regular Salary | Regular Salary |
| $416.666667 increase | $750 increase | |
| June 30 | Regular Salary | Not applicable |
| $416.666667 increase | Not applicable |
| Date | 12 Month Non-Exempt | 10 Month Non- Exempt |
|---|---|---|
| April 22 | $3750 supplemental payment* | $3750 supplemental payment* |
| Hourly rate increase of $2.40385 | Hourly rate increase of $2.40385 | |
| May 6 | Hourly rate increase of $2.40385 | Hourly rate increase of $2.40385 |
| May 20 | Hourly rate increase of $2.40385 | Hourly rate increase of $2.40385 |
| June 3 | Hourly rate increase of $2.40385 | Hourly rate increase of $2.40385 |
| June 17 | Hourly rate increase of $2.40385 | Hourly rate increase of $2.40385 |
| July 1 | Hourly rate increase of $2.40385 | Hourly rate increase of $2.40385 |
The increase for FY23, which begins July 1, 2022, will be distributed throughout the regular pay schedule. Employees will receive updated notification regarding this increase in their MyGeorgiaSouthern portal in late June.
Eligibility FAQs
The $5,000 salary increase is for all active, regular, benefits-eligible faculty and non-academic staff at Georgia Southern. The increase will be prorated based on standard work hours. Employees not receiving benefits, including temporary and those working less than 30 hours, are not eligible for the increase. There may be exceptions to the eligibility population based on unit structure and funding
Temporary workers such as students, rehired retirees, and temps are not eligible.
Employees working less than 30 hours (less than .75 FTE) are not eligible.
Yes, provided they are fully benefits-eligible, working 30 hours (.75 FTE) or greater.
Yes, 9/10-month employees are eligible for the pay supplement. If a 9/10-month employee’s employment begins before or during August 2021, they will be eligible for the full supplement payment. If hired after August, the supplement will be prorated, same as all other full-time employees. In addition, a 9/10-month employees will receive the increase to their base salary during the months of April and May.
Yes. If both the previous position and the current position meet the eligibility requirements, the employee is eligible for the supplement.
The USG Service Date will be utilized to determine their proration for the supplemental pay, if needed.
If employees remain in an active payroll status for at least one day during the pay period associated with the payment date, the employee is eligible for the pay supplement. If employees terminate before the pay period begin date, they are NOT eligible.
Non-exempt (Bi-weekly paid)
- Pay Period Begin: 4/3/2022
- Pay Period End: 4/16/2022
- Check Date: 4/22/2022
Exempt (Monthly paid)
- Pay Period Begin: 4/1/2022
- Pay Period End: 4/30/2022
- Check Date: 4/29/2022
Yes, grant funded employees are eligible for the pay supplement.
Contact your divisional leadership and they will assist you with your concern.
In alignment with the State of Georgia’s approach, the supplemental payment will be processed and paid as a separate payment and will be taxed at supplemental rates established by Federal and State taxing agencies. These rates include 22% Federal withholding, 6.2% OASDI withholding (social security), 1.45% Medicare withholding, and State withholding. This could have personal tax implications. Please consult with your tax advisor if there is a need to adjust for the change in withholding.
Employees who are paid monthly will receive the salary increase, benefits increase and premium increase for short-term disability (STD), long-term disability (LTD), and supplemental life insurance (SLF) coverage reflected in the 4/30 pay.
Employees who are paid on a bi-weekly basis will receive the salary increase effective 04/03; however, the corresponding benefit and premium changes to STD, LTD, and SLF coverage will be reflected in the 05/06 pay date.
Last updated: 5/3/2023