HR FAQs
How do I update my personal information (address, name change, phone number, etc)?
For City employees: changes can be reported to the Human Relations Office or the Payroll department.
For School employees: changes can be reported to the School Department- Human Resources Office (155 Merrimack Street 4th Floor). If you have benefits, please also report any changes to the Human Relations Office in City Hall.
What are the City’s working hours?
The City is open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 8AM- 5PM; Tuesday 8AM-8PM and Friday 8AM-12PM.
How do I obtain a copy of my paycheck or w2?
You may request a copy of your paycheck or W2 directly with the City Auditors Office (1st Floor City Hall- Room 27) or call 978-674-4080.
What is Form 1095-B?
IRS Form 1095-B provides information about your health insurance coverage, who was covered, and the coverage effective date. This form is provided by the GIC.
Beginning in the 2019 tax year, the federal penalty for failing to enroll in health insurance was discontinued. Accordingly, individual tax payors do not need this form since they no longer have to report or certify on their federal returns whether they had health insurance during the tax year. As a result, the GIC does not mail the 1095-B form to members since it is no longer needed for tax filing.
How do I request a copy of my Form 1095-B?
GIC members who still want a copy of their Form 1095-B can request one by contacting the GIC directly at 617-727-2310 or mailing your request to: GIC, PO Box 556, Randolph, MA 02368.
What is Form 1095-C?
IRS Form 1095-C provides information about the offer of health insurance coverage if you were a full-time employee of an Applicable Large Employer (i.e. employers with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees) at any time during the last year. This form is provided by the City of Lowell.
How do I request a copy of my Form 1095-C?
Since Form 1095-Cs are no longer mailed out. Employees may request them using the following methods:
Email: humanresources@lowellma.gov
Mailing Address: Human Relations Office
Attn: Nancy Do
375 Merrimack Street- Room 19
Lowell, MA 01852
Phone: 978-674-4105
What is the 1099-HC?
The 1099-HC form is a Massachusetts tax document which provides proof of health insurance coverage for Massachusetts residents. Every Commonwealth of Massachusetts resident who has health insurance will receive a 1099-HC form.
How do I request my 1099-HC?
This form is provided by your health insurance carrier and not the City or the GIC. Please contact your insurance carrier directly for a copy of your 1099-HC.
What is the difference between the 1095B, 1095C and 1099-HC forms?
Form 1095-B is a federal tax document and provides information about your health insurance coverage, who was covered, and the coverage effective date. This form is provided by the GIC. To obtain a copy, a request must be submitted to the GIC. See FAQ “How do I request a copy of my Form 1095-B?”
Form 1095-C is a federal tax document and is provided to any full-time employee. This form is issued by the City and will be available by March for the prior tax year. Beginning the 2025 tax year, Form 1095-C will no longer be mailed to employees. To obtain a copy, a request must be submitted. See FAQ “How do I request a copy of my Form 1095-C?”
Form 1099-HC is a Massachusetts tax document which provides proof of health insurance coverage for Massachusetts residents. Every Commonwealth of Massachusetts resident who has health insurance will receive a 1099-HC form. This form is provided by your health insurance carrier by January 31st. To obtain a copy, please contact your insurance carrier.
Please note Massachusetts has its own insurance mandate and penalties that have been unaffected by the change in Federal law. Please consult with your tax professional when filing taxes.
When will I receive my tax documents related to health insurance?
Form 1095-B is due to employees by March 2, 2026 for the 2025 tax year.
Form 1095-C is due to employees by March 2, 2026 for the 2025 tax year.
Form MA 1099-HC is due to employees by January 31st for the prior tax year.
How do I apply for a job?
Interested candidates may apply for City jobs using the online application system. To view the current vacancies, please visit the Employment Opportunities page.
I am already employed by the City, how do I apply for a job?
Employees currently employed by the City or School department must login through Employee Self Service (ESS). If you do not have access to ESS, please contact City Hall MIS for assistance at 978-674-4099. Returning applicants should login in through ESS.
I don’t remember my username or password to login to apply for a job. How do I gain access again?
Please click on the “LOG IN” button and select the “Forgot your username” to have your username emailed to the email address on file or “Forgot your Password” to reset your password.
When will I be contacted regarding a job I applied for?
Should additional information be requested, candidates will be contacted via the phone number and/or email provided at the time of applying.
How can I check on the status of my application?
Candidates may view their application status on the Employee Applicant portal.
What benefits/coverages are City of Lowell employees eligible for?
The City offers a comprehensive benefits package. Please visit the City of Lowell Human Relations webpage to review all benefit offerings.
Where can I find information about the cost of my health insurance coverage?
Costs for healthcare benefits are available on the City’s HR Employment Benefits webpage or can be viewed here.
How do I enroll or make changes to my benefits?
As a new hire, you have 5 days to enroll and must contact the Human Relations Office for a benefits packet.
If you have a qualifying event, you may enroll with the City’s insurance within 30 days of the qualifying event. Qualifying events may include involuntary loss, marriage, birth, divorce, etc.
You may also enroll during the open enrollment period which usually runs from April through May. Changes do not become effective until July 1st.
When is open enrollment?
Open enrollment is typically April through May. Exact dates will be announced by February.
I am a Lowell Public School employee, where can I sign up for benefits?
All benefits for City and School employees are handled by the Human Relations Office in City Hall. New School Department employees have only five (5) days to enroll in benefits. School employees enrolling for the first time should contact the Human Relations Office and will require an Eligibility Form which can be obtained from the School Human Resources Office (155 Merrimack Street 4th Floor).
Can I sign up for benefits online?
Employees can use the GIC’s portal called MyGICLink to enroll in medical insurance only.
All other benefits (dental, vision, FSA, etc) require an enrollment form to be completed and submitted directly to the Human Relations Office.
Can I use MyGICLink Member Benefits Portal for Annual Enrollment to change my plan?
Yes, Existing GIC members can update GIC Medical benefits using MyGICLink Member Benefits Portal.
Information on Registration and Login Instructions can be found by visiting the GIC website.
I don't see the option to enroll in Dental/ Vision on the MyGICLink Portal. How can I enroll in Dental/Vision?
Dental and Vision enrollment and plan change forms should be submitted directly to the Human Relations Office. We do not participate in the dental and vision plans offered through the GIC. The City has its own plans offered by Delta Dental and EyeMed Vision.
Email forms to: HRBenefits@lowellma.gov
How do I sign up for a 457B plan?
Employees who wish to enroll in a 457B Deferred Compensation plan can contact the providers directly. A listing of the 457 providers can be found here.
How do I make changes to my 457B plan contributions?
Employees currently enrolled in a 457B plan can contact their plan advisor directly to update/change contribution amounts.
How do I sign up for a 403B plan?
403B plans are for School Department employees only. Employees who wish to enroll in a 403B Deferred Compensation plan should contact the School Human Resources Office for a complete listing and information on how to enroll.