UPS is known for offering strong health and retirement benefits — including for part-time workers, which is rare among large employers. This guide explains UPS health coverage (TeamCare and other Teamster plans), how part-timers qualify, and how the UPS pension works alongside the 401(k).
This is an independent guide. Health and pension plans vary by your union local, fund and location — confirm details with your plan, HR or the UPSers portal. We are not affiliated with UPS.
UPS health benefits at a glance
Health coverage for union (Teamster) UPS employees is provided through Teamster health funds — most notably TeamCare (Central States) — rather than a single company plan. Which fund covers you depends on your region and local. Typical coverage includes:
- Medical & hospitalization (often through Blue Cross Blue Shield)
- Prescription drugs (e.g., Express Scripts)
- Dental and vision (e.g., Davis Vision)
- Hearing and behavioral / mental health
A major selling point: many UPS plans carry low or no monthly premium for the employee, which is unusual today.
Do part-time UPS employees get benefits?
Yes — this is one of the biggest reasons people take a part-time UPS job. Part-time package handlers can receive medical, prescription, dental, vision, hearing and behavioral-health coverage. Eligibility is based on the hours you work over a set determination period, and benefits typically begin after a waiting period. The exact hour thresholds and start dates depend on your fund and local, so check your plan’s rules.
One thing to note: some part-time packages do not include extras like weekly disability, life or accidental death & dismemberment insurance that full-time plans may carry.
Health funds vary by region
Because coverage runs through different Teamster funds, your plan name and details depend on where you work — for example TeamCare in many central states, TeamstersCare in New England, and the Teamsters Western Region & Local 177 plan elsewhere. Always use your specific fund’s website and member materials for accurate copays and networks.
The UPS pension
Separate from the 401(k), eligible UPS union employees earn a defined-benefit pension — a guaranteed monthly income in retirement, based on your years of service and contribution rates. Like health coverage, the pension is administered through Teamster funds that vary by local and region.
- Guaranteed for life: a defined-benefit pension pays a set monthly amount, with the investment risk carried by the plan — not you.
- Vesting: you must work a minimum number of years to qualify (vesting requirements vary by plan, commonly in the range of five to ten years).
- By location: your plan may be Central States, Western Conference, New England, or the UPS/IBT full-time plan, among others.
Pension vs. 401(k): how they work together
The pension and the UPS 401(k) Savings Plan aren’t competing — they’re complementary. The pension gives you a guaranteed base income; the 401(k) adds tax-advantaged growth you control, with any employer contributions on top. Together they form your retirement foundation.
How to check your benefits
You can review your enrollment, plan documents and pension service credit through the UPSers portal and your fund’s member website. For a wider look at perks, see our UPSers benefits overview.
What about management employees?
Non-union, salaried staff are covered by a UPS company medical plan rather than a Teamster fund, and newer management hires generally save through a 401(k) with company contributions instead of a traditional pension. Check the UPSers benefits portal for your specific options.
Frequently asked questions
Do part-time UPS employees get health insurance?
Yes — part-time UPS employees can receive medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage through a Teamster health fund, once they meet their plan’s hours-based eligibility and waiting period.
What is TeamCare?
TeamCare (Central States) is one of the main Teamster health funds covering UPS employees, providing medical, pharmacy, dental, vision and more. Your specific fund depends on your region and local.
Does UPS still offer a pension?
Yes — eligible union employees earn a defined-benefit pension (guaranteed monthly retirement income) through Teamster funds, separate from the 401(k). Management hires more often rely on a 401(k) with company contributions.
Is the UPS pension separate from the 401(k)?
Yes. The pension is a defined-benefit plan that guarantees monthly income, while the 401(k) is a separate savings account you contribute to and control. They work together.
Related: UPSers Benefits · UPS 401(k) Plan · UPS PTO & Vacation · UPSers.com Portal.
