As we approach the launch of our new pension administration system, Phoenix, we want to provide you with the latest updates and final action items to ensure a smooth transition

Phoenix Go-Live Timeline & System Access

We are going live with Phoenix the week of April 14–18, 2025.

• Authorized HR/payroll representatives will receive an email from MOSERS on or around April 14 with instructions on how to set up account access and log into Phoenix.
• It is critical that you log in to the new system as soon as possible during the first week (April 14–18) to resolve any access issues before payroll reporting begins.
• If your agency has newly hired or assigned HR/payroll representatives, they must complete the Access Authorization Form to gain access.

Special Message to SAM II Employers – Action Required Before Go-Live

ATTENTION SAM II EMPLOYERS:

As we prepare for the transition to our new pension administration system, Phoenix, we need to inform you of an important payroll update that requires your immediate attention.

Phoenix will determine employees’ eligibility for MOSERS retirement benefits based on their FTE status in SAM II. If an employee is listed as 50% FTE or more in SAM II, Phoenix will consider them eligible for MOSERS benefits, and retirement contributions will be taken from their payroll starting with the April 1-15 pay period.

Here is what you need to do to avoid errors and prevent unnecessary retirement contribution deductions for your employees:

1. Update Non-Benefit Eligible Employees: If you have employees who are not eligible for MOSERS benefits but are listed as 50% FTE or more in SAM II, please change their status to 49% FTE or less before Phoenix goes live.
2. If FTE Status Should Not Be Changed: If you need to keep a non-benefit-eligible employee’s FTE at 50% or more in SAM II, email employers@mosers.org to have the employee added to the Upload Override Table in Phoenix. This will prevent the error from appearing on payroll reports for that employee.

This is a new requirement, so make sure these steps are followed and take action as soon as possible to ensure a smooth transition to Phoenix. Thank you for your assistance with this important matter!

Final Pre-Cutover Action Items

To ensure a smooth transition, the following items must be completed before go-live:

Employee Status Changes Due by April 4

• Employee Status Change Forms for leaves of absence, returns from leave, transfers, and terminations effective March or earlier must be submitted by Friday, April 4.
• Employee status changes occurring in April will be processed directly in Phoenix.

Payroll Discrepancy Resolution

• Local Employers: Please continue addressing outstanding items on the Aged Accounts Receivables Report and Terminated Report.
• SAM II Employers: Promptly respond to any payroll discrepancy emails from MOSERS. Cleaning up payroll discrepancies now will help ensure a smooth first payroll report in Phoenix.

SEBES Enrollments

Please continue to make sure that new benefit-eligible employees are entered into SEBES on their hire date or as soon as possible to maintain data accuracy. However, note that the MOSERS portion of SEBES will not be accessible to employers or employees starting the evening of Friday, April 11, through Sunday, April 13.

Payroll Reporting in Phoenix – Key Reminders

• Payroll Report Review Required: HR/payroll representatives must review their reporting group’s payroll report in Phoenix each pay period to ensure accuracy.
• Timely Submission is Critical: Phoenix cannot accept a new payroll report until the report for the prior pay period has been submitted. Each pay cycle is a time-sensitive task that requires prompt action.
• LTD Contribution Shutoff for SAM II Employers: Employees eligible for normal retirement do not qualify for long-term disability (LTD) benefits through MOSERS. Phoenix will automatically stop LTD contributions for these employees. If an employee notices the employer-paid LTD contribution is missing, it is likely because they are eligible for normal retirement through MOSERS.
• LTD Contribution Shutoff for Local Employers: Local employers must continue to turn off LTD contributions for employees eligible for normal retirement.

Employer Training – Thank You & Next Steps

Employer training sessions are now complete. Thank you for your time and attention during these sessions. Training recordings and materials will be shared as soon as possible for those who need a refresher.

Post Go-Live Online Office Hours & Support

MOSERS will announce post-go-live online office hour dates and times to provide additional support and answer questions. More details will be shared at go-live. However, you can always contact employer services at employers@mosers.org or (800) 827-1063, option 2.

Thank you for your continued partnership and attention to these final steps as we transition to Phoenix!