Knox County Tennessee

New Hire Orientation

If you are a new employee or if your hours have increased to at least the minimum amount of 18.5 hours per week; you will automatically become a participant in the Knox County Employee Benefit System.

Depending on where you work (Knox County Government, Knox County Elected Officials or Knox County Schools (Classified) your supervisor will have you attend an orientation session for completion of benefits administered by our office.

Retirement Enrollment
Eligible employees include new hires and anyone with an eligible status change. All eligible employees will have a mandatory 6% withheld for retirement and the employer matches 100%.

As an employee eligible for retirement:

  • You will be asked to indicate the additional percentage (above the mandatory 6%) of your pay you want directed into your account.
  • Your investments will automatically be invested in the Balanced Investment Style and will remain there until you make a change.
  • Name a beneficiary. This is the person who will receive your money in the event of your death while you are a plan participant. You may name anyone to be your beneficiary. If you are married and become divorced while actively employed, your spousal beneficiary will automatically be revoked. You are responsible for updating your beneficiary after the date of your divorce.

Voluntary Retirement 457 Plan Contributions
You will be asked to indicate any additional voluntary contribution (above the mandatory 6%) you want directed into your choice of Plans. The choice of Plans is listed below:

  1. Knox County Voluntary 457 Plan:
    1. Indicate how you would like your account invested.
    2. Name a beneficiary. This is the person who will receive your money in the event of your death while a participant. . If you are married and become divorced while actively employed, your spousal beneficiary will automatically be revoked. You are responsible for updating your beneficiary after the date of your divorce.
  2. Knoxville Teachers Federal Credit Union 457 Plan (KTFCU)
    1. You will be required to complete 2 forms:
      1. Knox County Retirement Enrollment Form giving us authorization to deduct your contribution and;
      2. KTFCU Enrollment Form
  3. (As a requirement of KTFCU, you or a family member must be a member of the KTFCU before enrolling, you will also be required to contact a KTFCU Representative to complete the enrollment process).

    (As a requirement, you must contact a Security Benefit Representative to complete the enrollment process).

  4. Nationwide Retirement Solutions:
    1. You will be required to complete 2 forms:
      1. Knox County Retirement Enrollment Form giving us authorization to deduct your contribution and;
      2. Nationwide Retirement Enrollment Form
  5. (As a requirement, you must contact a Nationwide Representative to complete the enrollment process).

Questions
If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of the benefits administered by the Knox County Retirement & Pension Board Office you may contact us at (865) 215-2323.