Benefit Details
How does the TransitMatch benefit work?
The TransitMatch benefit provides eligible Commonwealth employees a 50% reimbursement of qualified transit expenses to commute to and from work (up to a $150 per month reimbursement). Employees enroll using the Voya enrollment form and specify their total monthly transit contribution. If submitted by the monthly payroll calendar deadline, this amount will be deducted from the employee’s paycheck and available through the Voya debit card. The card can then be used to purchase transit tickets or passes either online or in person. If eligible for the TransitMatch benefit, employees will receive a 50% reimbursement (up to a $150 monthly reimbursement) in the same paycheck as their funding contribution.
What transit expenses are covered by the TransitMatch benefit?
The Voya debit card can be used to purchase transit tickets or passes online or in person for the MBTA and other qualified transportation providers.
How can I know if my form of transit is covered?
Please contact Voya at 877-353-9442 with any questions about which forms of transit are covered.
Can employees receive a reimbursement for parking expenses?
No, parking expenses are not included in the TransitMatch benefit. Employees may still contribute funds pre-tax to the Voya qualified transit benefit plan for parking expenses, but these contributions are not eligible for the 50% reimbursement.
Eligibility Requirements
Who is eligible to participate in the TransitMatch benefit?
Eligible employees currently include:
- NAGE (Units 1, 3, 6)
- AFSCME and SEIU Local 888 (Unit 2)
- SEIU Local 509 (Units 8 & 10)
- MOSES (Unit 9)
- MassDOT Units A, B, C, D, and E
- Managers, confidential employees and unclassified employees in participating departments
I'm a confidential employee. Am I eligible?
Confidential employees in participating departments are eligible for the TransitMatch benefit.
I’m an unclassified employee. Am I eligible?
Unclassified employees in participating departments are eligible for the TransitMatch benefit.
I'm a post-retiree employee. Am I eligible?
Post-retiree employees are not eligible for the TransitMatch benefit.
I'm a contracted employee. Am I eligible?
Contracted employees are not eligible for the TransitMatch benefit.
Making Contributions
How much will the Commonwealth reimburse of my transit expenses?
The Commonwealth will reimburse 50% of the employee's monthly transit expenses, up to a maximum of $150 reimbursed per month. For example, if an employee has monthly transit expenses of $300, the employee will contribute $300, and the Commonwealth will reimburse the employee $150 in the same paycheck the contribution is made.
How much lead time is needed to ensure the funds are available?
It may take 3 to 6 weeks between initial enrollment and when the funds are available on the Voya debit card, depending on the date of enrollment. View the Contributions Calendar to see the enrollment deadline for each month.
What if my transit expenses exceed the maximum monthly reimbursement from the Commonwealth?
If transit expenses exceed the Commonwealth's maximum reimbursement, the employee will cover the additional amount through a paycheck deduction. For example, if an employee has monthly transit expenses of $325, the employee will contribute $325 and the Commonwealth will reimburse $150.
When should I enroll in the Voya transit benefit to have funds available for transit purchases?
View the Contribution Calendar to see when funds become available based on when the employee submits their enrollment form for the TransitMatch benefit.
If the Commonwealth will reimburse 50% of my transit expenses, what amount should I enter into the Voya registration form?
Employees should enter the full cost of their monthly transit-related expenses in the Voya enrollment form. The Commonwealth will automatically reimburse 50% of that amount, up to a $150 reimbursement per month. Once your Voya debit card is funded, you can use the card to purchase transit tickets or passes online or in person.
I am currently contributing towards my monthly transit expenses through Voya. Do I have to sign up for the TransitMatch benefit?
No further action is necessary if you are already contributing to the Voya transit account. All eligible employees currently contributing to transit expenses through the Voya qualified transit benefit program will be automatically enrolled in the TransitMatch benefit to receive a 50% reimbursement on their monthly transit expenses up to $150/month.
How are the transit contribution and reimbursement taxed?
Per IRS regulations, the employee's contribution (up to the defined limit) is made on a pre-tax basis and the reimbursement is taxable.
How much can I contribute towards my transit expenses pre-tax?
As of January 2025, the maximum monthly pre-tax contribution per IRS guidelines is $325.00. If the employee’s total monthly expenses exceed this amount, any remaining amount over $325 will be entered post-tax.
Can I change my contribution throughout the year?
Yes, employees may make changes to their designated transit contributions at any time throughout the year by changing the contribution amount on the Voya enrollment form. Depending on when the change is submitted, the updated contribution will generally take effect the following month.
How do I unenroll in the program?
To unenroll, submit a new Voya enrollment form with $0 as the transit contribution amount.
How long will the TransitMatch contribution continue from my paycheck?
The payroll contribution towards transit expenses will continue until the employee makes a change through the Voya enrollment form or leaves Commonwealth employment.
When I sign up for the transit benefit, will Voya send me the pass or ticket I use for public transit?
No, Voya will send a debit card to employees who enroll in the program. The card should be used purchase the public transit tickets/passes.
Can I load the Voya debit card to the wallet on my cell phone?
Yes, you can add the Voya card to Apple Pay for iPhone or Google Pay for Android.
When I leave state service will my Voya transit debit card balance be cashed out?
No, any balances on the Voya transit debit card can only be used for transit expenses and will not be cashed out. Employees should notify Voya immediately when they plan to depart employment from the Commonwealth.
I see some references to Benefit Strategies, is that the same thing as Voya?
Voya recently acquired Benefit Strategies, so employees may encounter references to both Voya and Benefit Strategies.
Additional Resources
Enrolling with VOYA
How do I enroll in the Voya transit account?
Eligible employees can enroll online using the Voya enrollment form Voya enrollment form specifying their total monthly transit expenses.
Will I be reimbursed for the administrative fee associated with the program?
Yes, active participants will be reimbursed the monthly $1.50 administrative fee charged to fund the program.
How do I obtain my Voya debit card once I have submitted my enrollment form?
For employees who have never contributed to the transit program, once an employee sets up an account with Voya, debit cards (set of 2) will be sent to the employee address via the U.S. Postal Service.
For employees who are enrolled in the Voya qualified transit benefit program, use the Voya debit card that was already sent. If a new card is needed, employees should please contact Voya directly. Refer to the section below on Contacting Support for help.
Is there an App for Voya?
Yes, the Voya Health Account Solution App allows users to check their transit balances, report a debit card lost or stolen and submit for reimbursements. These same features can also be accessed by logging into the Voya website.
Contacting Help
Who do I contact if I need support?
For questions about how to enroll in the program or if for issues with a Voya debit card, please contact Voya at 877-353-9442 during office hours of 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM ET, Monday to Thursday, and 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET on Friday or visit the Voya website dedicated to Commonwealth Employees.
Employees who have enrolled in the transit benefit program who are not seeing contributions into their Voya account, should contact their department payroll office to confirm that the enrollment form was received, and their paycheck deduction was processed in HR/CMS.
| Last updated: | December 10, 2024 |
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