February 14, 2025 — Eligible members will receive their next Higher Education Differential (HED) lump sum payment of $600 in their April 23 (Administration) or May 1 (Institution) paychecks, though there may be some variation due to agency processing of eligibility information.
In order to receive the 2025 HED, new employees, newly eligible employees, and employees who submitted proof last year that is no longer current, such as an expired professional license, must submit proof to their agency by March 31, 2025 in accordance with agency instructions, of a college/university (associate’s or higher) degree, or a valid and current professional license issued by the State Education Department. Photocopies are acceptable. Employees who received the differential last year will generally not need to submit proof this year, except as noted above.
“This benefit is the first of its kind that PEF negotiated in the 2023-2026 PEF/State Agreement,” said President Wayne Spence. “The Higher Education Differential highlights the level of education and skill required of the professional, scientific, and technical workers in our unique union.”
In the rare situation that a copy of a degree cannot be obtained after good faith efforts, such as it was destroyed and the institution no longer exists, members should reach out to their field representative for assistance.
The higher education degree can be from a foreign or domestic college or university and there is no requirement that the institution be “accredited.”
More details can be found in this Payroll Bulletin or in Article 7.8 of the 2023-2026 PEF/State Agreement.