Welcome to Your Health Benefits Journey!

Starting a new job is exciting—your health coverage should be simple too. This checklist gives you everything you need to enroll, set up accounts, and access resources.

Before you enroll, join the Health Insurance presentation during our New Employee Welcome (N.E.W.) session. It’s your chance to hear directly from a Health Insurance representative, get important details, and ask questions so you can make informed decisions. Your HR team should have already registered you for this session, which takes place on your first official day.

After attending N.E.W., follow the steps below to stay compliant and make the most of your benefits!

❗Important:

All full-time GVI employees are required by law (3 V.I.C. § 634) to either:

• Enroll in the USVI Government’s Group Health Insurance Program, OR
• Provide proof of coverage under a recognized health insurance plan.

Step 1: Create Your Bentek Account

Bentek is the USVI Government’s online benefits enrollment and management system. It’s designed to make managing your benefits simple, secure, and convenient, giving you 24/7 access to your health insurance information—including enrollment, updates, and plan details.

Before you start, confirm with your HR team that you’ve been added as an authorized Bentek user.

• ✅ Go to Bentek to create your account:
  • Username format: firstname.lastname (Example: John.Doe)

Learn more:

• Watch: Bentek’s Create an Account video
• Read: Bentek’s Quick Tips flyer

Step 2: Enroll for Insurance Coverage 

1. ✅ Log in to Bentek with your username and password.

2. ✅ Click “New Hire Enrollment” to select your insurance benefits.
   If you have alternate medical coverage, follow the instructions to upload your proof of coverage.

Important Tips for Using Bentek:

• Be sure to click "I agree" and then "Submit" for your selections to be saved to Bentek.
• Use the Back and Next buttons at the bottom of each page to navigate.
• Avoid using your browser’s back, forward, or refresh buttons—they may log you out.

Learn more:

• Visit: The GVI Health Insurance Benefits page
• Watch: The Open Enrollment video on the Bentek Videos page.
  (Click the “Help” or “?” icon on Bentek’s homepage to access the video.)
• Review: Bentek’s Beneficiary Designation Quick Guide

Step 3: Set Up Your myCigna Account

✅ Once enrolled in the GVI plan, create your myCigna account:

• Website: www.myCigna.com
• Mobile App: Available on Apple App Store, Google Play, and Amazon App Store.

Additional Resources

Need help understanding health coverage terms?

• View: Glossary of Health Coverage and Medical Terms – HealthCare.gov
• Download: Complete Glossary PDF

(Note: The definitions provided by HealthCare.gov are for educational purposes and may differ from your plan’s terms.)

Get Started: Set Up Your Pay & Time Tracking Today!

To make sure you get paid on time and keep your schedule accurate, follow these quick steps. This guide walks you through everything—from completing essential forms to setting up your time and attendance account—so you can hit the ground running.

Step 1: Complete These Required Forms

• ✅ Employment Eligibility Form (I-9)
• ✅ Federal Withholding Form (W-4)
• ✅ Direct Payroll Deposit Authorization Form

Submit all completed forms to your agency’s HR office.

Note: Your agency may have additional forms for you to complete, or you may have already completed some of these as part of your pre-employment package. Check with your HR office to confirm.

Step 2: Set Up Your Time & Attendance

The Government of the Virgin Islands (GVI) uses a time and attendance system designed to make tracking your work hours simple and accurate.

Your HR team will coordinate with the Department of Finance to add you to the system your agency currently uses.

• ✅ Once you receive your initial login credentials, create a new password immediately for security.

System Features

• Clock In & Out Easily – Record your time using secure biometric options.
• View & Verify Your Timecard – Check your hours anytime to ensure accuracy.
• Manage Leave Requests – Submit and track vacation or sick leave with just a few clicks.
• Stay Compliant – The system automatically applies your agency’s pay policies, reducing errors.

💬 Need Help?

• Report any technical issues with the time and attendance system to your HR team.

Step 3: Activate Your Employee Self-Service (ESS) Account

Your ESS account gives you access to your paycheck details, W2 information, W4, and other important information.

1. ✅ Contact the Human Resources Information Technology (HRIS) helpdesk via phone (340-714-5049) to have your ESS account verified and activated.
2. ✅ Keep Your Contact Information Up to Date:
3. • Addresses – Home and mailing (must be local addresses in ESS)
   • Email Address – Ensure it’s current and accessible
   • Phone Numbers – Update work and personal numbers
   • Emergency Contacts – Verify names and details

Learn more:

• Visit Help Desk | USVI Division of Personnel (dopusvi.org).

Resources

• Calendars | Department of Finance - View the Payroll Calendar and Finance Calendar

Plan Today, Enjoy Tomorrow: Your Retirement Journey Starts Here!

Planning for your future is just as important as the work you do today. The Virgin Islands Government Employees Retirement System (GERS) is here to help you build a secure and rewarding retirement.

Get Started

1. Submit your completed GERS Membership Record form
2. Set up your GERS Member Self-Service account for easy access to your retirement information

About GERS

What is GERS?

GERS is a defined benefit plan designed to help support you after your career with the GVI. Both you and the GVI contribute to this program throughout your employment.

Your retirement benefit is calculated based on:

• Your age at retirement
• Your years of credited service
• Your salary history

Membership Rules:

Mandatory membership: Any person who becomes an employee of the Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands shall become a member of the System as a condition of employment on the date of appointment.

Any person who re-enters Government service, may elect not to be a member of the System if the person is 60 years of age or older and is not receiving a retirement annuity from the System

Learn more:

• About GERS – Learn more about the system
• Active Members - Includes contribution rates for Tier I & Tier II employees
• GERS FAQs – Answers to common questions about benefits and more

Resources & Support

Contact GERS – Includes information on hours of operation and various contact options

Watch: How to Read Your Annual Statement - Tutorial for active members of the GERS

GERS Calendar of Events – Stay updated on Member Education workshops & other GERS events

The Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.

Our goal is to provide a supportive workplace where every employee can succeed.

Help Us Understand Our Workforce

To help us collect important statistical information, we invite all GVI employees to complete our Voluntary Self-Report of a Disability Form.

This form simply lets us know if you:

• Have a disability
• Have ever had a disability
• Or do not have a disability

Participation is completely optional.

✅ Complete the Voluntary Self-Report of a Disability Form

Need an Accommodation?

We provide reasonable accommodations so employees with disabilities can perform essential job functions and participate fully in all programs and activities.

If you need an accommodation, simply complete the Request a Reasonable Accommodation Form.
(Your request will be emailed directly to your agency’s HR office.)

✅ Request a Reasonable Accommodation 

Resources:

• Office of the Territorial ADA Coordinator (website)
• GVI Harassment Prevention Resources – Quick Links

Starting a new role is exciting—and we’re here to make sure you have the tools and knowledge to succeed. As part of your onboarding, you’ll complete a few essential trainings and explore resources designed to help you grow in your career.

Mandatory Trainings

✅ New Employee Welcome (N.E.W.)

Start strong with N.E.W.—our official orientation for new and rehired GVI employees. This program introduces you to the GVI’s mission, structure, and workplace expectations while covering essentials like benefits, payroll, time and attendance, performance standards, and career growth opportunities.

N.E.W. includes mandatory Harassment Prevention training to promote a respectful workplace. Learn how to recognize, prevent, and respond to harassment while reinforcing the GVI’s commitment to compliance with federal and territorial laws.

• If you are new or returning to GVI service, your HR team should have already registered you to participate in N.E.W. on your first official day.

✅ GVI Security Awareness Training

Stay cyber-smart! This mandatory training, managed by the Bureau of Information Technology (BIT), helps you recognize threats and keep GVI systems secure.

• Required for employees with a “vi.gov” email account
• Delivered as a series of online modules

✅Once you receive your “vi.gov” email account, visit Training Assignments - Microsoft Defender or look for an email from cybersecurity@vi.gov with your assigned courses.
❗Always verify the sender and check the validity of the email before clicking any links.

Professional Development Opportunities

Learn. Grow. Thrive.

Take advantage of programs and resources designed to help you build skills, advance your career, and achieve your goals.

Visit Strategy and Organizational Development

Building a Culture of Excellence

We are committed to creating a workplace where respect, cooperation, and professionalism thrive. This section provides you with resources to help you understand what’s expected and how we work together as one team to serve our community.

Why These Guidelines Matter

Our policies set clear standards for performance and conduct. They ensure fairness, consistency, and unity across all departments—so everyone knows what to expect and how to succeed.

What You Need to Know

• These resources outline the core expectations for all employees.
• Your agency will also provide additional policies specific to your department—please review and follow those carefully.
• By embracing these standards, you help maintain a professional environment where everyone can excel.

Key Resources

• Employee Handbook – Your go-to guide for workplace policies and procedures.
• Code of Ethical Conduct | No Gift Policy– Principles that uphold integrity and accountability.
• Sexual Harassment Policy – Defines prohibited conduct and protections to ensure a safe, respectful workplace.
• Collective Bargaining Agreements – Important details for union-represented employees.
• Performance Evaluation System – Our structured online process for assessing your performance and conduct, setting goals, and supporting your professional growth.

You’re not just starting a job—you’re joining a team that shapes the future of our islands. Every role matters, and yours helps deliver services that improve lives across the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Executive Budget

To hit the ground running, it’s important to understand how our government works and where we’re headed. That’s why we encourage you to explore the Executive Budget for Fiscal Year 2026—it’s more than numbers; it’s our vision in action.

Learn More About the Executive Budget

The Executive Budget provides:

• Territory Overview – Learn about the U.S. Virgin Islands and its unique structure.
• GVI Mission, Vision & Purpose – Discover the guiding principles that shape our work and future.
• Government Organization – Explore how agencies and departments are structured.
• Agency Missions & Scope – Understand what each department does and why.
• Division Functions – See how different divisions contribute to our goals.

Why This Matters to You

The Executive Budget is your guide to understanding priorities and making an impact:

• See the Big Picture – Know where resources are focused and why.
• Connect Your Role – Understand how your work supports our mission.
• Stay Ahead – Anticipate changes and align with strategic goals.
• Empower Your Contribution – When you know the plan, you can make a difference.

Stay Connected with the GVI

• Government House: Official Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
• Government Access Channel 27 (YouTube)