Internal Resources for the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
University at Buffalo (UB)
State Classified Employees Select Holiday Pay Option
Published April 1, 2025
State classified employees declare their preference for holiday pay option by submitting an annual Holiday Pay or Compensation Option form by May 15.
Keeping Your Current Election
If you do not want to change your holiday pay option, no action is required. You do not need to submit a new form.
Eligibility To Elect a Holiday Pay Option
Classified service employees (including those with a management/confidential (M/C) classified title in salary grades M/C 22 and below) who are covered by the New York State Attendance and Leave Rules, are entitled to observe state holidays.
Hired After May 15?
Employees hired after May 15, 2025, should earn holiday pay for holidays worked, except floating holidays, until they are given the opportunity to complete the Holiday Pay or Compensation Option form for the following year.
On Leave Without Pay through May 15?
Employees on leave without pay through May 15, 2025 may submit the Holiday Pay or Compensation Option form to Benefit Services upon return from leave.
Are You an Eligible Veteran or Former Reservist?
Eligible veterans and former reservists may elect a compensation option that is different from their regular election for Memorial Day, Veterans' Day and Independence Day if the employee is a member of one of the following bargaining units:
- Security Supervisors Unit (SSpU)
- Security Services Unit (SSU)
- Agency Police Services Unit (APSU)
To elect a different option, eligible employees will need to complete both the 2025 Holiday Waiver and 2025 Special Holiday Waiver forms.
Working Holidays
If you are required to work on a holiday when the university is open, you will be compensated by additional pay (except for floating holidays) or you may waive this pay and earn compensatory time instead.
Complete the Holiday Waiver Forms
Form Instructions
Eligible Veterans and Reservists
Only complete the Special Holiday Waiver Form if a different compensation option is preferred for Memorial, Independence and Veterans Day. If it is, employees should submit both forms using the instructions below.
- Go the Holiday Pay Waiver form and (if eligible) Special Holiday Waiver form
- Download the PDF form
- Enter the requested information
- Sign
- Save a copy to your desktop
- Name your file: Your Last Name Your First Name
- ex. Smith John
- Upload to the Benefits Secure UB Box Folder or Fax to 716-645-3830
You will see a confirmation if your submission to the UB Box was successful. Employees who submit their forms via fax should save their fax confirmation. Thank you.
Didn't Submit a Holiday Pay or Compensation Form by May 15?
If you do not complete the Holiday Pay or Compensation option form, you will automatically be eligible to receive holiday pay for each holiday you are required to work. You must notify State Payroll each time you are entitled to such extra payment by properly completing and submitting a Pay Voucher for Overtime, Holiday Pay, or Intermittent Inconvenience Pay This form is available on our website or through the Customer Service unit of HR at 716-645-7777.
Contact For Questions
About Policy Issues
Megan Watson
Leaves and Time and Attendance Specialist
State Benefit Services
Phone: 716-645-8173
Email: meganwat@buffalo.edu
