FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility FAQs
Am I eligible for CSEA Member Benefits?
You are ELIGIBLE if you are a dues-paying member of one of the following Affiliates. If you are a member, you pay dues directly to your affiliate, not to CSEA.
- SEIU Local 1000, representing rank-and-file state workers
- ACSS, representing state managers, supervisors and confidentials
- CSUEU, representing CSU non-academic staff
- CSEA Retirees, Inc., representing retired state workers
I am an affiliate member, but I don't pay dues. Am I eligible to receive benefits?
No. If you do not pay dues, you are not eligible to receive member benefits.
Do I have to be a member to purchase the insurance plans?
Yes. Our benefits are only for CSEA Affiliate Members and their dependents.
How do I know if I am a member?
Go to the Request Account page. Enter your email address. If you are a valid member who is eligible to receive member benefits, your Member ID/Username will appear in the Account Information box. If you are not an eligible member, or if we do not have an account for you, the module will notify you that there is no account found for your email address. If you think this is an error and you know that you are a valid member eligible for benefits, you can Request a New Account or you can call Member Benefits and speak with a representative at 1-800-952-5283.
What is my member ID number?
Go to the Login page. Enter your email address. If: 1) you are a valid member who is eligible to receive member benefits; and 2) we have your email address on file; then 3) your Member ID/Username will appear in the Account Information box. Once you know your username, you can reset your password by clicking the Reset Password button. If you think this is an error and you know that you are a valid member eligible for benefits, click the Request a New Account button. Enter your account information and our staff will verify your membership status. You can also call Member Benefits and speak with a representative at 1-800-952-5283.
What is my username and password to buy tickets?
Go to the Login page. Enter your email address. If: 1) you are a valid member who is eligible to receive member benefits; and 2) we have your email address on file; then 3) your Member ID/Username will appear in the Account Information box. Once you know your username, you can reset your password by clicking the Reset Password button. If you think this is an error and you know that you are a valid member eligible for benefits, click the Request a New Account button. Enter your account information and our staff will verify your membership status. You can also call Member Benefits and speak with a representative at 1-800-952-5283.
Tickets FAQs
If I buy tickets online, can I pick them up the same day??
If you purchase a ticket from a park that is listed as eTickets, you will be able to print your tickets on the same day of purchase. Parks listed as eTickets cannot be purchased in the Member Benefits office. eTickets are purchase and print-on-your-own.
There are a few parks that do not offer the eTicketing. Therefore, tickets for those parks must be pre-purchased from the Member Benefits Division. You will have the option of picking up the non-eTickets from the Member Benefits Division in Sacramento, CA or have them mailed to you (shipping and handling charges may apply).
The Member Benefits Division is open Monday – Friday (excluding holidays), 8AM – 4PM for ticket sales.
Can someone else pick up the tickets that I purchase?
It is best to call the Member Benefits Division to place your order and notify the representative that you will designate someone else other than yourself for pick-up. That person must show picture ID and sign for receipt of the order.
Can I purchase the tickets using someone else's credit card (i.e. friend/relative)?
No – Discounted tickets/certificates are only available to members of CSEA's Affiliates.
I accidentally ordered the wrong tickets. Can I switch my order?
No – All sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges.
I ordered tickets but they have not arrived. Can you help?
Please call the CSEA Member Benefits Division at 916.326.4283 or 1-800-952-5283.
Can I purchase tickets at the gate and still get the Member Benefit discount?
No – Discounted tickets must be purchased in advance. Hard tickets will be mailed to you and eTickets must be printed out prior to park entry.
Must I be present when tickets are used?
No.
Can I buy tickets and give them away as gifts?
Yes – Discounted tickets/certificates must be purchased by the member and can be given to anyone as a gift. Payment online must be made by the member’s credit card.
Services FAQs
Are there any discounts for... health clubs, home repair, streaming tv/movie services, etc?
Details of all our discount plans are described on the website. If what you want is not listed there, we don't offer it.
However, we're always on the lookout for new deals, so if you have a suggestion please let us know!
Also, vendors periodically change their corporate strategies. Something that's not available today may be available next month or next year. And something we offer today may be gone tomorrow.
Are my dues-paying fees used for advertising and these benefits?
No. The Member Benefits program is self-sustaining. Revenue exceeding the cost of operation is remitted back to our Affiliates.
My company has a great service to offer. How do we become a vendor?
We love to hear new suggestions! The CSEA Member Benefits Committee meets regularly to review our service offerings. Please call us at at 1-800-952-5283.
I have a question about my retirement fund. Can you help?
CSEA can't offer any advice about any retirement fund you may have. If you are an active or retired employee of the State of Calfornia, contact CalPERS with any and all questions about your retirement fund.
If you are a member of the California State Retirees, their staff may be able to help you.
Purchasing Power says I am not in their system. What do I do now?
Once a month, CSEA sends a roster of qualified members to Purchasing Power. If you recently became a member, you may not be on the current list. Please contact Member Benefits at (800) 952-5283.
Members must belong to one of the following organizations:
- SEIU Local 1000
- Calfornia State Retirees
- California State University Employees Union
- Association of California State Supervisors
To be eligible for Purchasing Power benefits, you must be employed by the State of California, have been a permanent full-time employee for at least 9 months, 18 years of age, earn at least $16,000 per year and must have a bank account or credit card (to be used in case of non-payment via payroll deduction).
I don't want to use Purchasing Power. Do you have any other payroll deduction plans?
No. If you want to have your purchase deducted from your monthly check, Purchasing Power is the only option right now.
I just signed up for group Legal Services. Where can I find a list of providers?
CSEA has partnered with Legal Club of America. You can find information about attorneys on their website.
How do I rent a car?
CSEA partners with several nationwide car rental companies. Just use the correct code when renting the vehicle. Visit our Car Rentals page for current discounts and partners.
Insurance FAQs
Do I have to be a member to purchase the insurance plans?
Yes, our benefits are for members (and their dependents) of CSEA's Affiliates.
How much does insurance cost?
Please call CSEA Member Benefits at (800) 952-5283. We do not publicize that information on the website. You must speak to a Member Benefits Representative.
What are my current insurance benefits?
Please call CSEA Member Benefits at (800) 952-5283. You must speak to a Member Benefits Representative to obtain this information.
How can I update or change the beneficiaries on my insurance plan?
Please call CSEA Member Benefits at (800) 952-5283. You must speak to a Member Benefits Representative to change beneficiary information.
How can I find out if my deceased (father, mother, spouse, dependent, etc) had a CSEA-Sponsored insurance plan?
Please call CSEA Member Benefits at (800) 952-5283. You must speak to a Member Benefits Representative to obtain this information.
Why did the amount of money deducted on my paycheck suddenly change?
Please call CSEA Member Benefits at (800) 952-5283. You must speak to a Member Benefits Representative to obtain this information.
Can I keep my insurance plan(s) if I cancel my membership?
In most cases, the answer is no. Most CSEA policies are group insurance plans and require that you remain a member to keep your coverage. Some policies are individual plans and retaining your membership is not required. Please review your policy for complete details.
Can I receive a refund on my insurance policy if I decide I don't want coverage after all?
Refund procedures vary by insurance policy, but in many instances you will have a 30-day free look period when you can cancel your coverage and receive a full refund. Please review your policy to see if it applies to the coverage you purchased.
Are domestic partners covered?
If you have questions about criteria, please contact the coverage provider referenced in your policy.
Can I sign up for coverage online?
Some products are available online, but many products require a signature. In most instances we have downloadable applications for products that require a signature.
When will my coverage go into effect?
The date that your coverage goes into effect varies by insurance product. You should review individual product materials to obtain this information.
How do I cancel my current coverage?
If you would like to cancel an insurance policy with CSEA, we would recommend that you contact us or our insurance partners first to make sure that is the most appropriate action given your particular circumstances. The coverage you cancel may not be available in the future. If you still want to cancel your coverage, you will need to do so in writing. Please include your full name, current address, phone number (work and home), social security number, and one sentence stating which insurance you want to cancel. You must date and sign the letter and return it in person or through the mail (we need your original signature).