University of Georgia

One-time $2,000 Pay Supplement for State of Georgia Employees

03.26.2026

The State of Georgia has approved a one-time pay supplement of $2,000 for state employees, including the University System of Georgia (USG).

We are grateful to the Governor and legislature for including USG employees in this initiative. University Human Resources and Payroll staff are working now to review and validate payroll data to process these payments, and we sincerely appreciate their efforts as well.

Faculty and staff in regular, benefits-eligible positions (30 or more standard hours per week) who were hired on or before July 1, 2025, and who remain employed in the same status as of the processing date of April 8, 2026, will receive the supplement. All UGA employees who meet the eligibility criteria will receive this payment regardless of the funding source for their position. Eligible faculty and staff will receive the supplement as a separate check on the following dates, which are consistent with existing dates for payroll checks:

  • Biweekly employees on April 17, 2026
  • Monthly employees on April 30, 2026

Any emails or other messages asking employees to validate their pay or banking information to receive this supplement are scams or fraud attempts and should be reported to the Office of Information Security via email to [email protected].

 

2026 One-Time Supplemental Payment Faculty and Staff FAQs 
What is the one-time pay supplement?

State officials determined that State agencies will provide a one-time supplement of $2,000 to all State employees in regular, benefits-eligible positions (30 or more standard hours per week).

Who is eligible for the one-time pay supplement?

The $2,000 one-time supplement is for all regular full-time benefits-eligible employees active on July 1, 2025 (regular status with standard working hours of 30 hours or more) and still in a full-time status as of the review deadline of April 8, 2026. Part-time employees working less than 30 hours per week, temporary employees, and those no longer active after April 8th are not eligible.  

When will eligible employees receive the one-time supplement payment?

The one-time supplement will be paid in a separate payment with a payment date of 4/17/26 for bi-weekly paid employees and 4/30/26 for monthly paid employees. 

Is the supplement “retirement eligible”?

No, the one-time supplement is NOT eligible for retirement. 

How will the supplement be taxed?

Payments will be subject to all applicable FICA Taxes, Federal Income Tax, and State Income Tax.  In alignment with the State of Georgia’s approach, the supplemental payment will be taxed at supplemental rates established by Federal and State taxing agencies. These rates include 22% Federal withholding, 6.2% OASDI withholding (social security), 1.45% Medicare withholding, and State withholding. State rates will vary by state.  

Will the one-time supplement be prorated for those with standard working hours of less than 40 hours?

No, there will be no prorated payments.  All eligible employees (regular status with standard working hours of 30 hours or more) will receive the full supplement. 

If an employee terminates prior to the payment date, is the employee still eligible for the one-time supplement payment?

Eligible employees must still be employed and in an active pay status on April 8th to receive the payment.  

If an employee is in a paid leave status, will they receive the payment?

Yes, eligible employees on paid leave will receive the one-time payment in accordance with the above referenced payment dates. 

If an employee is in an unpaid leave status, will they receive the payment?

Certain employees in an unpaid leave status could be eligible for the supplement depending upon the specifics of their situation.  Employees should contact University Human Resources upon return from their leave to determine if they qualify to receive the payment.   

Does an individual who was eligible as of 7/1/2025 at another state of Georgia agency (including another USG institution) and then transfers into an eligible position at a USG Institution qualify for the supplement?

Individuals employed in an eligible position by another state of Georgia agency on 7/1/25 who transfer to an eligible position within USG institution without a break in service qualify for the supplement.  

Are grant funded employees eligible for the supplement payment?

Yes, grant funded employees are eligible for the supplement payment.  

Will the supplement payment be included on employees' W-2?

Yes, the supplement payment is considered taxable income and will be included in the appropriate taxable wage boxes on an employee’s W2.  

For any additional questions or concerns, please contact University Human Resources at [email protected].  

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