Understanding Your Sign-On Reward: What to Expect and When
This article answers the most common questions about MU Health Care’s Sign-On Incentive Program, including when payments are made, what affects eligibility, and how to access the policy and bonus tracking app. If you’ve received—or expect to receive—a sign-on reward, this is your go-to guide for understanding how it works.
Description
When you join MU Health Care in an eligible role, you may be offered a sign-on reward as part of your recruitment package. This article explains how the Sign-On Incentive Program works, including how and when payments are issued, and outlines your responsibilities to remain eligible.
Program Overview
MU Health Care offers sign-on rewards to attract top talent to hard-to-fill and high-need roles. This reward is paid in two installments:
- First Installment: Paid by the third paycheck following your start date
- Second Installment: Paid by the third paycheck following your one-year work anniversary
These payments are included in your regular paycheck, not issued separately.
Eligibility Requirements
To receive either installment, you must:
- Be in an Eligible Position (0.75 FTE or greater in an approved job title)
- Maintain active employment status
- Remain in an Eligible Position from your start date through the date of payment
Employees are only eligible to receive a sign-on reward once, with a few exceptions. If you separate from MU Health Care or move into a non-eligible position before either installment is processed, you will not receive that installment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will I receive my first payment?
You’ll receive the first installment of your sign-on reward within one month after your start date, deposited into the same account as your regular paycheck. This timeframe may vary slightly due to payroll processing schedules, most employees will see this payment included by the third paycheck after their start date.
Q: When will I receive my second payment?
The second installment is paid within one month after your one-year anniversary date. For clarity, most employees will see this payment included by the third paycheck after their anniversary date.
Q: Is the reward a separate check?
No. Reward payments are included in your regular paycheck.
Q: Do I need to notify anyone to receive the second payment?
No action is required from you unless your employment status changes. HR and Payroll automatically track and process the installment, provided all eligibility conditions are met.
Q: What if I do not receive my reward by the third check following my start date or 1-year anniversary date?
If your third check was issued without your reward payment included, please submit an AskHR ticket to notify HR and Payroll of non-payment.
Q: What if I transfer to a different role before the second payment?
You must remain in an Eligible Position to receive the second installment. If you transfer to another Eligible Position, you remain eligible. If you transfer to a non-eligible role or leave the organization, you forfeit the remaining payment.
Q: Can I receive both a sign-on reward and relocation assistance or retention rewards?
No. If you accept a sign-on reward, you cannot receive relocation assistance or participate in any Recruitment & Retention Rewards Program until after you’ve received the final installment of your sign-on reward.
Q: I transferred from a PRN or student role—am I eligible?
Some exceptions apply. See the policy for specific criteria related to transfers from PRN, Tiger Flex, or other roles.
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