FY26 Benefits Overview for Postdocs and NRSA Fellows (effective July 1, 2025)
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Description
There are three categories of postdocs at Penn based upon funding source: postdoctoral researcher (supported from a research grant), NRSA-postdoctoral fellow (supported by an individual or institutional National Research Service Award), and postdoctoral fellow (supported by a private foundation, non-profit charitable organization, or other sources).
Benefits
Benefits for Postdoctoral Researchers and Fellows: As of July 1, 2025, Postdoctoral Researchers Postdoctoral Fellows, and NRSA Fellows are eligible for the postdoc benefits plan through Penn Human Resources. All postdocs are required to either waive or enroll in these benefits during their onboarding or open enrollment. As of July 1, 2025, NRSA Fellows will no longer receive any benefits through Gallagher Services.
The table below summarizes eligibility for benefits based on postdoc category.
| Benefit | Postdoctoral Researcher/Fellow | NRSA Fellow |
| Medical Coverage (including fertility) coverage begins on day 1 of appt. all options meet J-1 requirements | HMO POS PPO | HMO POS PPO |
| Dental Coverage | Metlife Dental | Metlife Dental |
| Vision Coverage | Davis Vision Plan VSP | Davis Vision Plan VSP |
| Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance | Eligible | Eligible |
| Short-term Disability | Eligible | Not eligible* |
| Long-term Disability | Eligible | Not eligible* |
| Basic Life Insurance | Eligible | Eligible ($50,000) |
| 403(b) Tax-deferred Annuity | Eligible | Not eligible* |
| Dependent Care Spending Account | Eligible | Not eligible* |
| NRSA Childcare Allowance | Not eligible | Eligible |
| Employee Assistance Program | Eligible | Eligible |
| Penn COBALT (mental health resource) | Eligible | Eligible |
| Back-Up Family Care | Eligible through Penn HR | Support available through Penn Family Center |
| Parking Benefit | Eligible | Eligible (w/ post-tax contribution) |
| Commuting Program | Eligible | Not eligible* |
| FICA tax | Eligible | Not eligible* |
| Gym membership discount | Eligible | Eligible |
| Biometric screenings | Eligible | Eligible |
* Under IRS guidance, the University is not permitted to treat NRSA fellows as university employees and participate in pre-tax employee benefits.
Important Links
Penn Human Resources – Benefits for Postdoctoral Researchers and Fellows: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay/postdoctoral-researchers-and-fellows
Penn postdoc policy: https://almanac.upenn.edu/volume-69-number-37#of-record-policy-for-postdoctoral-trainees-at-the-university-of-pennsylvania-v69-n37
Related FAQs
I have other questions about the benefits. Who do I contact?
For postdoc researchers and fellows contact Health Advocate at 1-866-799-2329 or the Penn Employee Solution Center. NRSA Fellows should contact Gallagher Services at UniversityServices.GBS.PDinsPlan@ajg.com.
What benefits are available to postdocs?
Postdoctoral Researchers and Fellows are eligible for the Penn Postdoc Benefits plan. NRSA Fellows are eligible for benefits through Gallagher Services.
What happens to my benefits if funding for my postdoc position changes?
If your funding changes from NRSA to non-NRSA funding (or vice versa) you will need to switch benefits plans. You will be contacted by either Penn HR through Workday or Gallagher Benefits Services, depending on whether your support will be from NRSA or Non NRSA funds.