Consolidated Benefits (CoBen)

​PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: CoBen provides employees two types of benefits:

• The CoBen Benefit Allowance – A combined employer contribution towards an employee’s health, dental, and vision benefits. The benefit allowance is automatically established in the State Controller’s (SCO) payroll system. No enrollment is required.
• The CoBen Cash Option – Employees who have qualifying group health or health and dental coverage through another source, such as a spouse, may opt to receive cash in lieu of state-sponsored health and dental coverage or in lieu of state-sponsored health coverage only. Departments are responsible for assisting employees who wish to enroll in CoBen Cash by ensuring that the appropriate documents are completed correctly and timely.

Eligible Employees: 

Employees are eligible for the CoBen Benefit Allowance if they are in a position that is half-time or more and fall into the classifications below:

• Bargaining Unit 2, 7, 8, 16, 17, 18, and 19 employees.
• All employees classified as excluded, exempt and confidential except Judicial Council employees, judges and justices.
• Limited-term (LT) or temporary authorization (TAU) employees appointed to a position with a duration of more than six months (for appointments listed above).
• Seasonal lifeguards (Bargaining Unit 7) and seasonal firefighters (Bargaining Unit 8).

The Benefits Administration Manual provides departments with information regarding eligibility, enrollment, and available benefits under the CoBen program.

For policy information and governing authorities, please visit the CalHR HR Manual – 1406 Consolidated Benefits (CoBen).