Employee Benefits Questions You Should Ask After a Job Offer

After doing the rounds of interviews, you finally receive an offer. Before you accept, there's a list of things to consider, such as pay, working hours, and benefits.

One of the most important job considerations would be the benefits. Not only could these be a third of your salary, but they could also include healthcare, retirement plans, and learning programs—things that can be helpful in your plans and career choices.

Understanding what you'll receive is crucial before accepting a job offer. Here are some of the employee benefits questions you can ask before negotiating.

5 Employee Benefits Questions

1. How much does it cost?

   Cost means how much the company will take from your salary for taxes and any company retirement plans, such as the 401(k). Part of your salary may also be healthcare premiums for your family members. Knowing how much you'll receive after these deductions will give you an idea of your budget for bills, groceries, and other family costs.

2. When does it start?

   There are some benefits that you don't receive right away, such as your healthcare plan. Some companies grant this right away, and others have a wait time of up to 90 days. The only exception is if the employer is offering group plans.

   According to an article published in the Federal Register, companies can't make workers wait more than 90 days before receiving their group benefits. Aside from this, ask the employer for the start date of any other benefits given in the job offer.

3. Are family members covered?

   Some companies have healthcare for you and can extend it to family members. Others may allow you to spread your coverage but will take a monthly cost from your pay. Ask how many people the plan covers and whom you can add. Benefits coverages save you from spending so much money in case a family member gets sick or has a medical emergency.

   If you're unmarried but have a partner, ask the employer if the plan can cover them. Some companies may ask you to file an affidavit for cases like these.

4. What is the coverage?

   It's essential to ask for the specifics of your healthcare plan. The coverage is a crucial factor in how much money you'll be able to save on medical costs. Some must-haves are dental care, vision or eye care, and disability insurance.

   Others that the company may offer are life, accidental death, or business travel insurance. These are only sometimes guaranteed, though you may negotiate to have these benefits. Having any of these ensures that your family can get money if something happens to you.

5. What are the choices?

   Not all insurance packages offer the same set of benefits. An employer may have different providers for different healthcare benefits. Have them explain what each can provide and if you need to pay more to add other services.

   Carefully think about each choice because you'll most likely need to pay for more insurance. But, unfortunately, that's less money to save, spend on things you need, or pay bills.

Benefits Tilt the Scales

Knowing how to ask about benefits after a job offer is crucial. Though the salary may differ from what you want, a company with great benefits compared to all others may be the right push you need to choose.

Remember to ask who and what your healthcare covers, how much your contributions will be, and what packages are available. The information will help set your expectations and plan your lifestyle moving forward.

Schedule your following interview and see what benefits future employers will offer you at Career.com.