Detroit teachers getting 3% state refunds this week

Refunds for retiree health-care paycheck deductions — incorrectly taken from about 14,000 teachers and other school employees who worked for Detroit Public Schools — are being made available this week by the district.

Current Detroit Public Schools Community District employees are receiving the state refunds through standard payroll processes, such as direct deposit or “ALine Card,” the district said on its website.

Retirees of the district will receive the refund by mail to the home address on file with the state Office of Retirement Services, or a current home address if provided to human resources with DPSCD. Former employees who verified a home address will get a refund check mailed to a home address, officials said.

Those who did not verify a home address will have a check available for pickup from the Fisher Building this Monday through Friday, DPSCD officials said. Valid photo ID is necessary to pick up your check. Starting March 26, the Healthcare Trust Refund will be available from DPSCD Payroll Department during regularly scheduled business hours.

Survivors of deceased employees can contact healthcare.refund@detroitk12.org to get additional information on required information to process a refund.

The refunds are part of a $550 million coming back to 274,742 former and current Michigan teachers and other school employees for retiree health care paycheck deductions deemed unconstitutional by the state Supreme Court in December. It affects school employees who worked between July 2010 and September 2012.

Doug Pratt, spokesman of the Michigan Education Association, said Monday he is not aware of a coordinated effort for all districts to return the money this week.

“As we’ve checked around the state, it seems to be random. Some teachers have heard nothing from their districts, some have received letters saying the refund process has begun, while others have received a check already,” Pratt said.

JChambers@detroitnews.com

Hours and location for refund pick-up

7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday in the basement of the Fisher Building, 3011 W. Grand Blvd.

8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday on the 11th Floor Fisher Building

Starting March 26, the refund will be available from DPSCD Payroll Department during regularly scheduled business hours.