HR news
COBRA subsidies extended by President Obama
On December 21, 2009, President Obama signed a new law that increased the maximum period for receiving the COBRA premium subsidy from nine to 15 months. It also extended the COBRA premium reduction eligibility period for two months (until February 28, 2010; previously December 31, 2009). Employers must issue a notice describing the new subsidy rules to all individuals who were or are assistance-eligible individuals on or after October 31, 2009, or who are terminated from employment on or after October 31, 2009.
Display the ComplyRight™ COBRA Notice Poster in your workplace to inform employees about the new COBRA subsidy changes.
See all COBRA separation products.
IRS releases 2010 Form W-4
The recently released 2010 W-4 forms are now available. All new employees must complete a Form W-4 when beginning a new job. If not, you must process taxes as if the employee were single with no withholding allowances.
Get your 2010 Form W-4s here.
FLSA changes expected under the DOL’s Semiannual Regulatory Agenda
The Department of Labor has released its Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, which highlights the various regulations the agency plans to review in the next 12 months. The DOL is proposing 90 rules for 2010, including:
- The Wage and Hour Division (WHD) updating FLSA recordkeeping guidelines to require employers to share certain minimum wage and overtime pay details with employees.
- The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) seeking comments for a proposal that would strengthen affirmative action requirements and increase job opportunities for veterans and the disabled.
- OSHA obtaining feedback on its proposed standards for airborne infectious diseases — and whether they adequately protect workers.
Stay in compliance with FLSA time and pay laws with the ComplyRight™ Time & Pay Kit.
Employers may see higher immigration fees and Form I-9 changes in 2010
According to the Semiannual Regulatory Agenda published by the Department of Homeland Security, two key regulations are scheduled for review or development in the next 12 months: 1) a proposal by the DHS’s Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to adjust the fees for the bureau’s immigration and naturalization benefit applications and petitions (which would help cover the USCIS’s operating costs and ensure timely and efficient processing), and 2) changes to the types of identity and employment authorization documents employees may present when completing Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, as well as rules regarding the electronic signature and storage of Form I-9.
Verify employment eligibility for new hires with the latest Form I-9.