Employee Benefits

This is your annual opportunity to review your current coverages, explore USG’s options and decide which benefits will fit your needs for 2026.

2026 Open Enrollment Resources

Monday, October 27 through Friday, November 7
Complete your 2026 enrollment elections and certifications through OneUSG Connect –Benefits by Nov. 7.

• Virtual Support
  Appointments available via OneUSG Connect – Benefits for those needing help reviewing healthcare options. Limited slots, available only during Open Enrollment.
• Benefits Fair
  All employees are invited to attend the Georgia Southern Benefits Fairs. The fairs will be held on the Statesboro Campus on September 30th and the Armstrong Campus on October 13th. Additional information will be mailed home before Open Enrollment begins. All employees are encouraged to attend to learn about 2026 plan changes and other USG benefits. Information will also be mailed prior to Open Enrollment.
• How to Elect Benefits
  To enroll in USG Healthcare and Voluntary Benefits, visit OneUSG Connect – Benefits, and select Manage My Benefits. Learn more on the USG 2026 Open Enrollment site.
  The changes you make during Open Enrollment will be effective on January 1, 2026. 
• 2026 Benefits Comparison Guide
  View the 2026 online comparison guide or keep reading to learn more about Open Enrollment resources.

How to Enroll and Get Support

1. Schedule a Virtual Benefits Counselor Session

USG is offering one-on-one sessions with Virtual Benefits Counselors who can review your benefit options, answer your specific questions, and help you make your decisions.

• Schedule Your Appointment: Visit benefitsgo/USG to access the appointment scheduler. Appointments are available in 45-minute slots, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• How it Works: You will receive a Microsoft Teams link for your scheduled video call. During the session, you will need to log into the OneUSG Connect – Benefits portal and share your screen.
  • Please Note: The counselor will guide you through the enrollment pages as you make your selections, but they will not complete your enrollment for you.

2. Georgia Southern In-Person Labs

Our campus HR teams are providing hands-on support.

• Statesboro Campus (Drop-In Support): The Statesboro HR team will host drop-in support labs. Stop by the HR Offices anytime between October 27 and November 7 during normal business hours.
  • Extended Hours: We will be open from 5 PM – 7 PM on Tuesday, October 28, and Wednesday, November 5.
• Armstrong Campus (Scheduled Support): For employees on the Armstrong campus, we are offering support sessions by appointment only.
  • Schedule your Armstrong appointment here.

3. Enroll on Your Own (Self-Service)

If you are comfortable enrolling on your own:

• Online: Click here to log in to the OneUSG Connect – Benefits website.
• By Phone: Call OneUSG Connect – Benefits at 844-587-4236 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Required Actions

All employees enrolled or enrolling in 2026 Healthcare Coverage must complete the two required certifications, both the Tobacco Certification and Working Spouse Certification. These certifications are mandatory. If these surcharges are deducted in January, no refunds will be given. 

Learn more about the USG policy on certifications >

Tobacco Certification

You must confirm if you or your covered dependents (spouse and children 18+ on the plan) use tobacco. If anyone uses tobacco or does not complete the certification, there will be an extra charge of $150 per month for each person.

Working Spouse Certification

You need to confirm if your spouse has access to healthcare through their employer. If they do and you still cover them under your USG plan, a $150 monthly fee will apply. If you don’t complete the certification, a $150 fee will be added automatically, and no refunds will be given.

Important Reminders

Shared Sick Leave

During open enrollment, you can join the shared sick leave program OR contribute more to the leave pool if you’re already a member!

Find out more information and apply here.

Moving from FSA to HSA

If you change from an HC-FSA one calendar year to an HSA the next calendar year, IRS rules state that your HC-FSA balance must be zero on Dec. 31 or you will not be able to contribute to your new HSA until April 1 (after the grace period is over).

Cares Grant

GS offers small grants to faculty, staff & retirees to assist them during a time of severe, temporary & unforeseen financial hardship. This grant is available throughout the year.

You can find more information about the cares grant here.

Employee Assistance

This program is free for employees. The EAP offers professional help for work or personal issues. Acentra Health also provides work-life resources, like financial counseling, pet services, and dependent care referrals. All services are confidential and cost you nothing.

Access the EAP and learn more here.