Payroll & Benefits FAQs

The list below outlines the frequently asked questions about Payroll.

 

• When will I receive my first check?
• The first check for the 25-26 school year will be September 2nd. 

 

• Will I be paid once or twice a month?
  • All employees are paid on a semi-monthly schedule. The schedule can be found under Payroll Resources on the district website. 

 

• How do I update my direct deposit?
  • There are 2 ways to update your direct deposit. 1. Process the update in Frontline Central; instructions on how to do this are available under Payroll Resources. 2. You can visit the Payroll Department to complete a direct deposit authorization form in person. 

 

• Who do I contact if I have a question about my time, creating absences, or accrual balances?
  • You should first reach out to your campus secretary/timekeeper. If your secretary/timekeeper is not available or is unable to help, reach out to payroll by email at [email protected] or call 832-668-7020.
    

The list below outlines the frequently asked questions about Benefits. 

 

•  When will I have access to the enrollment site to complete my enrollment?
  • New Hires are added to the enrollment system within the first 7 days of your hire date (first day on duty).  Once you are added, you will receive an email from Frontline Central with a link that includes the benefit enrollment site login link and the credentials that should be used to log in.  

 

• If my first day on duty for the 25-26 school year was in July, do I need to complete open enrollment? 
  • Yes. If your first day on duty was sometime in July, you will have to complete a new hire enrollment AND an open enrollment. July starts will receive an email later today (Friday) or on Monday that will explain why you will need to complete 2 enrollments.
• Can I make changes to my benefits after my new hire enrollment or open enrollment?  
  • Changes can be made mid-year only if you are experiencing a qualifying life event such as adding a newborn, gaining coverage elsewhere, or losing coverage elsewhere. One thing to keep in mind is that you will only have 30 days as of the event date to make changes to your benefits. If the change is not processed within the 30 days, your next opportunity to make the change will be during open enrollment for the new plan year 26-27. 

 

• Who do I contact if I need to make a change to my benefits due to a major life event? 
  • Notify benefits via email at [email protected] if you need to process a major life event or have questions about a life event. 

 

• By when do I need to complete my enrollment? 
  • New hires have 31 days as of their hire date to complete their enrollment. If your hire date (first day on duty) is 8/6/25, you have until 9/4 to complete your enrollment. New teachers who were para's last year will need to complete open enrollment by August 15th. 

 

• Can I talk to an FFGA representative to assist with enrollment? 
  • Yes, you are welcome to come to our On-site Enrollment assistance next week.  The FFGA representative will be on-site Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The call center will also be available for Deer Park employees the week of 8/11-8/15. If you prefer to complete the enrollment over the phone, call 855-765-4473 to talk to an FFGA representative. Hours of operation will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  (This information is available in the employee benefits center and on our district website under 25-26 Benefits Open enrollment)

 

• When do my benefits become effective? 
  • Benefits will become effective on the 1st of the month following your hire date. For example, if you were hired to start duty on 8/5/25, your benefits will become effective on 9/1/25. 

 

• Will premiums be due for the first month even if I didn't use the benefits because I completed the enrollment, in the month that benefits should have started? 
  • Yes, premiums for the elected benefits will be due for the month in which coverage begins, regardless of when the enrollment is completed during the 31 days. 

 

• If I had short-term disability in my previous district, and I enroll in disability through DPISD, can I submit a claim for an upcoming surgery or pregnancy?
  • Unfortunately, it will more than likely be considered a pre-existing condition if you already have a medical history for said surgery or pregnancy. The good news is that our disability plan (American Fidelity disability) has a clause to provide limited benefits for pre-existing conditions.  With that being said, we can try to submit a claim; however, if it is deemed pre-existing, benefits will only be approved for up to 4 weeks. 

 

• Who do I contact if I have a benefits question?
  • All benefit-related questions should be submitted via email to [email protected].