
Get access to everything you need – plan documents, contact information, plan information, in-network provider search, and more!
Get access to everything you need – plan documents, contact information, plan information, in-network provider search, and more!
All full-time employees, part-time assistant store managers, and part-time distribution center associates are eligible for benefits.
For plans that offer dependent coverage, you can also enroll the following family members:
Dependent Proof of Relationship
To bring your crew aboard your benefits, you’ll need to provide proof of relationship documents—like a marriage license, birth certificate, or the Domestic Partner Affidavit Form. If you don’t provide the necessary documents, your dependent’s benefits will be canceled.
You can upload documents to our self-service enrollment tool, UKG. If you need help, email our Benefits Team at benefits@hottopic.com.
Domestic Partner Contribution Rates
Health benefits are governed by federal tax rules, which recognize legal spouses and dependent children as qualified dependents. That means the amount that Hot Topic pays for their health coverage is excluded from your taxable income.
Domestic partners and their children, however, are not automatically considered qualified dependents. Unless your domestic partner meets the criteria outlined in Internal Revenue Code Section 152, the amount Hot Topic pays for their coverage is added to your taxable income. You’ll also pay for their coverage using after-tax dollars.
Because of this difference in tax treatment, there are separate paycheck contribution rates for domestic partners and their children. See the Cost of Health Coverage – Domestic Partner section on page 10 of your 2026 benefit guide for a full list of rates.
For questions about dependent eligibility or tax status, contact the Benefits Team at benefits@hottopic.com.
You can enroll in or update your benefits:
Qualifying Life Events
Qualifying life events for you and your dependents include:
Any benefits changes you make must be consistent with the qualifying life event. Changes will be effective the first of the month after the event. (There is a 30-day waiting period for benefits changes related to a promotion.)
We know—most people aren’t fluent in benefits speak. To help you cut through the noise, below we’ve translated some common benefits terms to help you understand what’s what.
MEDICAL/GENERAL TERMS
Coinsurance: This is the percentage you’ll pay out-of-pocket for a covered service. For example, if you have a 30% coinsurance for diagnostic visits, that means you’ll pay 30% of the bill and the plan will pay the remaining 70%.
Copay: A copay is a set dollar amount you’ll pay a provider at the time of service.
Deductible: The amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your plan will begin to pay for services. Not all services are subject to a deductible. Usually, it’s for specific services like out-of-network care or hospital visits. Our plan summary tables show which services have a deductible, and which services don’t.
Explanation of Benefits (EOB): The statement you receive from the insurance carrier that explains how much the provider billed, how much the plan paid, and how much you owe. Generally, you should not pay a provider bill until you’ve received and reviewed your EOB (except for copays).
In-Network: Providers (doctors, hospitals, labs, etc.) who are part of your health plan’s network and agree to charge negotiated rates. In-network services typically cost less than out-of-network services.
Out of Network: Providers (doctors, hospitals, labs, etc.) who are not part of your health plan’s network. Out-of-network services typically cost you more than in-network services. With some plans, such as HMOs and EPOs, out-of-network services are not covered at all.
Out-of-Pocket Costs: Healthcare costs you pay using your own money at the time of service. These include things like coinsurance, copays, and deductibles.
Out-of-Pocket Maximum: The most you’ll pay out-of-pocket for covered services in a year. Once you reach your out-of-pocket maximum, the plan covers 100% of eligible expenses.
Preventive Care: Preventive care includes routine health services—such as annual checkups, screenings, and immunizations—designed to help you stay healthy and detect potential health issues early. These services are typically covered at 100% when you use in-network providers, meaning there’s no cost to you.
Prior Authorization: A requirement that your provider gets approval from your health plan before a specific service, procedure, or medication is covered. This helps ensure the treatment is medically necessary and covered under your plan.
PRESCRIPTION DRUG TERMS
Quantity Limits: A restriction on the amount of medication you can receive at one time or over a certain period. These limits are based on safety guidelines and standard dosing practices.
Specialty Pharmacy: Provides special drugs for complex conditions, like multiple sclerosis, cancer, and HIV/AIDS.
Step Therapy: A process where you may need to try one or more lower-cost, proven medications before your plan covers a more expensive or newer drug. It’s designed to promote safe, effective, and affordable treatment options.
Tier 1: These medications offer the best value for your money. They’re mostly generics that are just as effective as brand-name drugs but cost less, making them your most affordable option.
Tier 2: These drugs include a mix of generics and brand names. They may cost more than Tier 1 but still offer solid value. Choosing Tier 2 over Tier 3 can help you manage your out-of-pocket costs.
Tier 3: These are typically brand-name drugs and some generics that come with the highest price tag. Ask your doctor if a Tier 1 or Tier 2 option could work just as well for your needs.
DENTAL TERMS
Basic Services: Generally include coverage for fillings and oral surgery.
Endodontics: Commonly known as root canal therapy.
Implant: An artificial tooth root that is surgically placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Many dental plans do not cover implants.
Major Services: Generally include restorative work like crowns, bridges, dentures, inlays, and onlays.
Orthodontia: Some dental plans offer Orthodontia services for children (and sometimes adults too) to treat alignment of the teeth. Orthodontia services are typically limited to a lifetime maximum.
Periodontics: Diagnosis and treatment of gum disease.
Pre-Treatment Estimate: An estimate of how much the plan will pay for treatment. A pre-treatment estimate is not a guarantee of payment.

Benefits are more important than ever and we encourage you to spend extra time evaluating your benefit options. As such, we have partnered with EOI Service Company so you can enroll with the guidance of a professional benefit counselor.
It is essential you speak with a benefit counselor to learn more about your benefit options. During your confidential appointment, the benefit counselor will:
You can also enroll on your own anytime you're eligible.
Log in: n32.ultipro.com
Once logged in: Menu > Myself > Benefits > Select your enrollment event
Need help? Email benefits@hottopic.com
We are pleased to offer a comprehensive benefits program, that offers you choice and flexibility, so you can take charge of your physical, financial, and emotional well-being. For detailed information about each of the benefits plans and programs available to you and your family, please click on the down arrow for each benefit listed below.
We offer multiple medical plan options through UnitedHealthcare (UHC) and Kaiser Permanente (CA only), so you can choose the coverage that best fits your needs.
Plan Options
What’s Included
*Kaiser Permanente HMO Plan for California employees only
Administered by OptumRx
Prescription drugs can be expensive. Be a smart consumer and shop for the best rates. Prescription coverage is included with all medical plans.
Administered By
Here are Some Pro Tips
Administered by Delta Dental
Hot Topic and Delta Dental want to keep you smiling for a lifetime! When you elect dental coverage through Delta Dental, you’ll have access to a large network of dentists dedicated to keeping your smile healthy and bright.
Hot Topic offers three dental options through Delta Dental:
Important: You will not automatically receive a member ID card from Delta Dental.
To access your dental plan details and ID card, register at deltadentalins.com or download the Delta Dental mobile app.
Administered by VSP
Hot Topic and VSP help you keep your vision sharp! We offer three plan options: Vision Core, Vision Buy-Up, and Vision Premium.
Note: You may only enroll in the Vision Core plan if you and/or your dependents are enrolled in a Hot Topic medical plan.
Why Eye Health Matters
Did you know 80% of learning happens through the eyes? Protect your vision with the plan that fits your needs.
Extra Savings Through VSP
Eyeconic is the only place where VSP members can shop online for contacts and eyewear with their VSP insurance in-network.
Personalized: As a VSP-owned company, Eyeconic seamlessly connects VSP vision benefits to your account.
Simple: Save time and money on quality eyewear with a few easy clicks.
Administered by The Standard
Hot Topic provides financial protection for you and your family through Life, AD&D, and Disability Insurance.
Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
Supplemental Life Insurance
Short-Term Disability (STD)
Core Long-Term Disability (LTD)
Cost: STD and Core LTD are company-paid for full-time employees working 32+ hours/week.
Note: California employees may not be eligible for STD due to State Disability Insurance (SDI).
Administered by Navia
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) let you set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible health or dependent care expenses—lowering your taxable income and saving you money.
Important: FSAs are use-it-or-lose-it benefits. Any unused funds after the plan year and grace period (March 15, 2027) will be forfeited, so plan carefully!
How to Use:
Administered by GoNavia
The GoNavia Commuter Benefit lets you pay for work-related parking and transit expenses using pre-tax dollars, reducing your taxable income and saving you money.
Eligible expenses include:
Administered by Voya
Hot Topic offers voluntary Accident Insurance through Voya to help protect your finances when unexpected injuries happen.
What It Covers
Accident Insurance pays a cash benefit if you experience a covered injury, such as:
Included Services & Treatments
This benefit provides financial support for both the injury and related medical services, helping you manage unexpected costs.
Administered by Voya
Critical Illness Insurance provides a lump-sum cash benefit if you’re diagnosed with a covered condition—helping you manage expenses that your medical plan may not cover. Use the payment for anything you need, such as:
Covered Conditions Include:
This benefit offers financial flexibility when you and your family need it most.
Administered by Voya
Hospital Indemnity Insurance provides a cash benefit if you’re admitted to the hospital for a covered illness, injury, or pregnancy. This benefit helps offset costs your health plan may not cover and can supplement disability income if you’re out of work.
How It Works
This coverage offers financial support for both planned and unexpected hospitalizations, giving you flexibility to manage expenses during recovery.
Administered by Chubb
Life Insurance with Long-Term Care gives you peace of mind with benefits that protect you and your family—both now and in the future.
What It Includes
Enrollment Advantage
During Open Enrollment and as a new hire, you can enroll up to the Guaranteed Issue amount without answering medical questions.
Administered by Nationwide
Keep your furry, feathery, and scaly friends healthy while saving on vet bills!
What’s Covered
Key Features
Not Covered: Pre-existing conditions, boarding, and grooming.
Administered by GradFin
GradFin helps you navigate the complex world of student loans with personalized guidance and expert strategies.
What You Get
Take control of your student debt with expert support designed to save you time and money.
Administered by LegalEASE
Protect yourself and your family with affordable legal coverage through LegalEASE. Gain access to a national network of attorneys for everyday legal needs at discounted rates.
What’s Covered
LegalEASE provides expert guidance when you need it most—helping you navigate life’s legal challenges with confidence and peace of mind.
Hot Topic and BoxLunch employees enjoy exclusive savings across a wide range of products, experiences, and services.
In Store Discounts
Hot Topic Associates
BoxLunch Associates
Additional Perks
TicketsatWork
Enjoy exclusive discounts on concerts, movie tickets, amusement parks, hotels, memberships, and more.
Register at ticketsatwork.com using company code HOTTOPIC1 to start saving.
Administered by Fidelity
With our 401(k) plan, you can chart a course toward retirement that aligns with your financial goals. Once enrolled, a personal account will be established in your name, funded by:
We add to your retirement savings by matching 50% of the first 4% you contribute to the plan.
Eligibility
To participate in the plan, you must be age 21 or older and have completed one month of service with us. Currently, employees in Puerto Rico are not eligible to participate.
Vesting
You are 100% vested in your account on the day you start contributing. That means you fully own your contributions and our company match from day one.
How to Enroll
Visit myfidelitysite.com/hottopic and click “Register as a new user.” After you set up your account, you can designate your contribution amount and investment allocations. Your deductions will start the first of the month after you enroll.
You can update your contributions and investments at any time. Some funds have trading restrictions which may limit the frequency and amount of money you can move between funds. Once made, your changes will be reflected in the next payroll cycle.
Contribution Options & Limits
You can contribute funds on a pre-tax or Roth basis, which each have different tax implications.
Pre-Tax Contributions: Made with pre-tax dollars, which lowers your taxable income now and saves you money when you file your taxes for the current year. However, when you withdraw that money in retirement, you’ll have to pay income taxes on those withdrawals.
Roth Contributions: Made with after-tax dollars. This means you pay taxes on the money you contribute now. The benefit is that any Roth contributions grow tax-free, and you don’t have to pay income taxes when you withdraw that money for qualified expenses during retirement.
The IRS limits how much you can contribute to your 401(k) each year. In 2025, the limit is $23,500. If you’re 50 or older, you can contribute an extra $7,500 as a catch-up contribution. This catch-up contribution increases to $11,250 per year if you’re between the ages of 60 and 63. The IRS has not yet released 2026 limits. We will alert you and update these materials when 2026 limits are officially announced.
Beneficiary Designation
When you set up your account, don’t forget to designate a beneficiary. This helps ensure your money goes to a person of your choice if you pass away. Without a beneficiary, your estate can go into probate, which can cost your surviving family members and friends time and money.
Get Medicare Support
Most people become eligible for Medicare at age 65. If you’re approaching eligibility, our SGIA benefit offers free consulting to help you understand the different parts of Medicare, compare plans, and avoid common enrollment pitfalls. Making sure you enroll in Medicare properly is an essential part of retirement planning.
To get started, contact SGIA at info@sgiamedicare.com or 888-284-3314.
Hot Topic offers multiple ways to take time off and recharge:
Holidays
Bereavement
Volunteer Time Off
Jury Duty
Leaves of Absence
Sick Pay
Flex Time Off (FTO) & Vacation
Hot Topic offers a variety of work/life benefits designed to support you both on and off the job:

Available to All Employees
Hot Topic provides mental health and wellness resources at no cost to you or your dependents.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Hot Topic Mental Health Foundation
Real Appeal (UHC Members)
Real Appeal is a 52-week, no-cost online weight loss program included with your UHC benefits.
Features:
Enroll at: enroll.realappeal.com
Rally® (UHC Members)
Rally helps you move more, eat better, and stress less.
Get started at: myuhc.com
Wellness Coach (Kaiser Members)
Partner with a coach to create a custom plan for:
Schedule at no cost:
Healthy Lifestyle Program (Kaiser Members)
Free tools and encouragement to help you:
Start with a Total Health Assessment and share results with your doctor.
Learn more: kp.org/healthylifestyles
Expecting a baby? Congratulations—how exciting! Below is a checklist of what to do if you or one of your dependents are pregnant.
Enroll in the Maternity Support Program
If you’re enrolled in one of our medical plans, you and your spouse are eligible to participate in the maternity support program. Visit the links below to enroll.
Get Your Gift!
Reach out to benefits@hottopic.com for your exclusive Hot Topic new parent gift.
Plan Your Leave
Email HTLOARequests@hottopic.com to start planning your leave for when baby arrives.
Maven Maternity Support
Maven provides free, 24/7 virtual support for pregnancy and postpartum care to UHC medical plan members and their partners. Connect with OB-GYNs, mental health providers, lactation consultants, pediatric sleep coaches, and other specialists via video visits or secure messaging. A dedicated Care Advocate can offer personalized guidance day or night, helping you navigate everything from creating a birth plan and managing infant sleep to returning to work and supporting your mental health. The platform also includes on-demand classes, support groups, and clinically vetted articles. To get started, visit mavenclinic.com/join/getstarted or download the Maven Clinic app.
This is your primary opportunity to make benefit elections for the upcoming year. Changes to your benefits outside this timeframe are only allowed if you experience a qualifying life event and submit a request within 30 days of that event.