Benefits of Being an OOTB Employee

There are a number of benefits that come with being a W-2 employee. Please review the following information to make sure you are aware of all the benefits that you qualify for. If you have any questions, please contact your OOTB Account Manager. We are always happy to explain things in more detail. We are here for you!

SF HCSO (Health Care Security Ordinance)

The Health Care Security Ordinance is a San Francisco law that requires qualifying employers to make certain health care expenditures on behalf of their employees. For hours worked in San Francisco, eligible employees receive an additional $3.51/hour (as of January 2024) that is deposited into a city-managed medical reimbursement account.

You can use your HCSO funds towards most out-of-pocket medical-related expenses and premiums. Be sure to take advantage, as these dollars can add up! Please review this guide for directions on how to initiate enrollment and access HCSO funds once you have been notified of your eligibility by SF City Option.

HCSO only applies to hours worked in the city of San Francisco and starts accruing after 90 days of employment. To be eligible, you must work at least 96 hours per quarter. OOTB tracks your hours worked in SF and transfers accrued funds to SF City Option on a quarterly basis so they can be deposited into your SF MRA account. If you have already registered for your SF MRA account, funds are available at the end of every quarter once the deposit is made. You will be notified directly by SF City Option by mail once you qualify for this program.

Paid Sick Time

As a W-2 employee, you immediately begin to accrue sick pay with your first hour worked. You must be employed for at least 90 days before you can use your accrued sick time. Sick pay can be taken in one-hour increments, up to a maximum of 8 hours per day. Your sick pay hourly rate will be based on an average of your rates, using a 6-month look back at the time the sick pay request is submitted. You can check your sick hour balance and request to book sick time in the OOTB Employee Portal, under the My Profile tab.

Health Benefits Eligibility

Employees who average more than 130 hours/month during an employer's measurement period will be considered ACA-eligible for health benefits under the Affordable Care Act. OOTB will offer and manage these benefits if and when you become eligible.

FICA, SDI, and Unemployment Insurance

OOTB covers half of your FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) and SDI (State Disability Insurance) taxes and also pays into Unemployment Insurance on your behalf. W-2 employees pay 6.2% Social Security tax and 1.45% Medicare tax on earnings. As your employer, OOTB matches this 7.65% payment.

In comparison, a 1099-compensated worker (independent contractor) is responsible for paying the entire 15.3% (7.65% + 7.65%) on all earnings up to $142,800 and has no one paying into unemployment on their behalf. When work is slow or non-existent (as it was during the covid shutdown), this is a huge benefit to have access to.

Workers’ Compensation

OOTB pays into workers' compensation insurance so you are covered on set. Workers' compensation provides benefits to employees who get injured or sick from a work-related cause. It also includes disability benefits, missed wage replacement, and death benefits.

No More Invoicing! Guaranteed Weekly Paydays!

With our easy-to-use digital timekeeping system, invoicing is a thing of the past. You can submit your work hours quickly and efficiently each day or at the end of each week, along with any producer-approved expense reimbursements. Your payday is guaranteed weekly on each Friday following the week worked.

Employment Verification

When you apply for a loan or credit card, rent an apartment or a house, or buy/lease a car, you will be asked for employment verification. It's much quicker and easier to get approved for a loan or line of credit when you can show proof of regular, verified W-2 wages. OOTB is always happy to provide a letter of employment to a landlord or lender on your behalf.

Commuter Savings Account: Parking & Transit

As an employee, you have access to a Commuter Savings Account after 90 days of employment. You can add pre-tax funds from each paycheck to this account and use them for work-related transportation costs, including parking, tolls, and transit passes. Please reach out to your OOTB Account Manager if you would like to enroll.