New employees to the State of Texas have a 90 day wait for health coverage. After that time, the state pays 100% for a full time employee's health coverage and one half of the premium for a part time employee. Dependent coverage is also offered and the state pays part of the premium. Other insurance benefits include dental coverage, disability coverage, term life and accidental death and dismemberment. There is no waiting period to enroll in this coverage. Full time employees earn 96 hours of sick leave each year of state service and will earn a minimum of 96 hours a year of annual leave. As employment service continues, an employee's annual leave accrual increases and the employee may also be eligible for longevity pay. The State Auditor's Office maintains the State Holiday Schedule.
State employees are required to participate in the retirement program after a 90 day waiting period. State statute allows for the purchase of this waiting period service at the "actuarial present value" at a later date. The employee contributes 6% of their gross salary to the retirement program and the state matches the employee's contribution. The retirement program and insurance program are administered by the Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS). Supplemental retirement plans are also available through a Deferred Compensation Plan (457) and Texa$aver (401K).
The Texas Department of Insurance has some benefits unique to the agency. These non-monetary benefits presently include flexible work hours, compressed work weeks, longevity service and other recognition awards and an employee assistance program. TDI also offers employees participation in the Texas Legal Protection Plan (TLPP) an employee-paid legal insurance program.
For more information, call the Texas Department of Insurance Human Resources office at 463-6578.
Location - Another Perk
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) is located in the Hobby State Office Building at 4th and Guadalupe Streets in the heart of Austin's downtown "warehouse" district, two blocks from Town Lake and its natural environment of hike- and-bike trails. Within short walking distance of the building are many different types of restaurants, coffee houses and shops. Also close by are banks, the U.S. post office, public library, gyms, dry cleaners and other conveniences.
The State Capitol and other government offices are a short drive away or accessible by free public transportation (the 'Dillo). Employees will find several bus stops within walking distance around the Hobby Building. For details about bus routes and rideshare opportunities, please visit http://www.capmetro.org.
The Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) is approximately three minutes from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport at 7551 Metro Center Dr., Suite 100 (one block from the intersection of Riverside Drive and Ben White Boulevard). The expansive building houses DWC as well as the Office of Injured Employee Counsel (OIEC). The entire facility is nestled by a lengthy hike-and-bike trail as well as several neighboring hotels and office complexes. The Capital Metro bus stop is located one-half mile from the building.
TDI also maintains field offices around the state. TDI's Windstorm division has offices along the Texas coast in Angleton, Bay City, Beaumont, Corpus Christi, Harlingen, LaMarque, Mont Belvieu and Port Lavaca. TDI's Financial program has offices in San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston. The State Fire Marshal's Office also has employees stationed throughout the state. There are 24 field offices to serve injured employees in these cities: Abilene, Amarillo, Austin, Beaumont, Bryan, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Denton, El Paso, Ft. Worth, Houston East, Houston West, Laredo, Lubbock, Lufkin, Midland, Missouri City, San Angelo, San Antonio, Tyler, Victoria, Waco, Weslaco and Wichita Falls. All claims-related information is maintained in a separate facility at the Records Center in Austin.
Return to Top
Employee Activities
TDI offers a variety of year-round employee events that include Wellness activities and other educational and holiday programs.
Wellness activities include an annual Health Fair and holiday luncheon, an on-going Mileage Club exercise program, on-site blood donations every eight weeks, weekly Meals on Wheels team deliveries, a year-round Work on Wellness (WOW!) educational program, and brown bag presentations that discuss health and wellness related topics and encourage healthy lifestyle behaviors.
Texas Department of Insurance
