What is benefits admin software?

Managers, human resources (HR) personnel and employees can use this software to manage company benefits such as parental leave or paid time off. Admin systems are typically cloud-based and downloadable via a mobile app, enabling your team to manage benefits from anywhere.

Combined with the automation of tasks, such as enrollment and eligibility assessment, these tools can save time, reduce paperwork and potentially save your HR team time. Admin software may also include extra tools, such as attendance tracking and PTO management.

15 top benefits administration tools for employers

The following examples break down the top employee benefits management software. By weighing the benefits of each one, you may find a system to streamline processes and improve employee efficiency.

1. BambooHR

BambooHR is a widely used software system with high user ratings. Featuring applicant tracking, onboarding tools, e-signature and time-off tracking, this program provides various tools in one place.

Your team can download the mobile app for additional convenience. BambooHR software removes data management clutter to free up your team. This award-winning software may suit employers who want to organize their HR data and limit spreadsheets.

Key features:

• Email alerts and reminders

• Employee self-service with a company calendar and mobile app

• Two available packages: Essential and Advantage (applicant tracking, onboarding and offboarding)

• Training via videos and webinars

Price: BambooHR uses a per-employee, per-month pricing model.

2. BSwift

BSwift offers cloud-based technology to help administrative companies manage their employees’ health and wellness benefits. This enrollment software helps team members assess their needs and is accessible via Android, iPhone or desktop. Features such as COBRA administration and ACA reporting can help companies streamline management procedures.

Key features:

• Enrollment for active and retired employees

• Employee homepage

• Mobile app

• Connections to benefits vendors and insurance carriers

Price: Interested employers must contact BSwift for a quote.

3. Collage HR

Collage HR is a leading HR management platform for small and midsize businesses. It lets your team conveniently manage onboarding, vacation time and more. By syncing payroll with your benefits provider and HR information, this software can reduce errors and increase efficiency.

Collage HR also assists with health insurance administration, online benefits enrollment and disability insurance administration. This software tends to work well for companies with fewer than 200 employees.

Key features:

• Employee recordkeeping

• Digital onboarding

• HR reporting

• Recruiting

• Performance management

Price: Core HRIS, Payroll Sync and Benefits Sync are available at different prices.

4. Dayforce

Dayforce collates data from workers’ employment records to help your company make informed decisions. Intended for companies with up to 6,000 employees, this cloud-based benefits software provides real-time updates and calculations to help you stay ahead. With a focus on flexibility, you can apply Dayforce to several administrative needs, from life insurance to retirement plan management.

Key features:

• Continuous pay calculation

• All data stored in a single application

• Actionable insights to manage daily operations

• Accessible via web or mobile app

Price: Quotes vary. The amount typically decreases if you select the payroll-only option and forego other features.

5. GUSTO

Designed for modern employers, GUSTO is a cloud-based software that prioritizes navigation and technical support. It incorporates robust automation features and an accessible interface to help employers and employees stay informed about benefits programs.

Users can track vacation days and 401(k)s in the same place and designate a portion of their paycheck to charity. GUSTO works well for small businesses looking for affordable, personalized benefits software to help retain employees long-term.

Key features:

• Full-service payroll

• Advanced employee finance tools

• Access to certified HR experts

• Medical, vision and dental coverage management

• Compliance help

Price: You can visit GUSTO’s website and register to receive an accurate price quote for your business.

6. Hibob

Hibob, founded in 2016, allows employers to create a data hub where employees are assessed for auto-enrollment in benefits programs and payroll information is organized. This UK-based system is one of the best HR software programs for start-ups and fast-growing companies looking to manage employee benefits, hours and workflows.

Key features:

• Streamlined onboarding

• Benefits, time off and employee attendance tracking

• Workflow, payroll reports and compensation management

Price: Amounts vary based on individual quotes. A free 14-day trial is available for new users.

7. Humi

Humi is built for midsize companies with up to 1,000 employees. The software offers various features, including onboarding, PTO tracking and 360-degree reviewing. A simple interface with multiuse capabilities means you can consolidate processes into one, easy-to-use system.

Key features:

• Payroll and income tax management

• Advanced applicant tracking system

• Payroll and HR integration to manage employee benefits

• Performance reviews and surveys

• Employee time-off management

Price: Each company is quoted individually based on their needs, and a free trial is available.

8. Paylocity

Paylocity is a web-based system that manages payroll and tracks attendance. Your team can access the system anywhere through a computer or mobile app. This benefits software can be useful for small or large benefits administration companies and empower employees to manage their HR data. For larger clients, Paylocity can integrate with other HR systems.

Key features:

• Data insights

• Payroll integration

• Peer recognition and video messaging

• Workforce management

• Employee self-service

Price: Contact Paylocity for a custom quote.

9. PLEXIS

PLEXIS helps self-insured employer groups worldwide manage claims and carry out benefits administration. This software is ideal for companies managing health plans, international insurers, TPAs and government payers. In addition to offering a web-based software, PLEXIS Payer Platforms can be installed on Windows.

Key features:

• Unique training approach to empower HR staff

• Testing support

• Data conversion

• Experienced implementation team to facilitate the transition

Price: Monthly or yearly payment options are available, but quotes vary for each organization. Contact PLEXIS for a quote.

10. Rise

Rise is a humanistic platform designed to eliminate the clinical aspects of HR work. This system consolidates payroll, HR and benefits management into a single program with an accessible interface. Rise also has a support staff that provides assistance and a payroll administrator who simplifies the process.

Key features:

• Ability to automate T4s, remittances and ROEs

• High-level reporting and filtering

• Automated payroll

• Time-saving synchronized management tools

Price: For specific monthly pricing, contact Rise for a quote via their web form.

11. ScalePEO

ScalePEO can help your HR team by eliminating time-consuming and repetitive administrative tasks. Onboarding, benefits management, compliance and payroll are smoothly incorporated into a single interface. For smaller companies seeking cloud-based solutions, ScalePEO’s powerful system might be the right choice.

Key features:

• Payroll

• HR Tools all in one place with 24-hour web access

• Easily managed benefits to attract and retain quality employees

• Labor law, tax and compliance assistance

Price: ScalePEO uses a per-user pricing model.

12. ThrivePass

ThrivePass focuses on increasing employee engagement with a user-friendly portal that lets employees manage their benefits in one place. A dedicated account manager helps reduce your team’s workload, while built-in employee reward programs potentially strengthen morale. This cloud-based software can be accessed from any device, making it easy for employees to view their rewards and benefits.

Key features:

• TPA Services to help employees understand benefits

• Team challenges and fitness reimbursements to encourage wellness

• Rewards to motivate your staff

• Data automation

• Continuing education and other academic benefits

Price: Pricing is based on the number of employees. Specific pricing for your company is available with a quote via their website.

13. UKG Pro

UKG Pro is a US-based software that can transform the way your employees work. With proactive guidance and insight, this program helps elevate your employees’ voices and improve your HR department’s service.

UKG Pro is a global human capital management solution and benefits software suite that connects employees with HR through surveys, talent management and payroll tracking. It offers online benefits enrollment for administrators and features useful tools, including compensation management and business intelligence metrics.

Key features:

• Tools to create a positive workplace culture

• Global workforce management

• Flexible HR tools to manage payroll and talent on a single platform

Price: This is a subscription-based payment program, but users must request a quote from UKG for specific pricing.

14. Vestwell

Vestwell is a digital benefits software platform that strives to eliminate complications when delivering 401(k) plans to employees. Vestwell focuses on small companies and aims to lower their benefits management fees.

The program can also help companies address staffing challenges and build cost-effective benefits plans, encouraging workers to develop long-term careers. Vestwell users generally enjoy easy onboarding with a streamlined, modern interface. Plus, flexible plan designs allow for changes as your company grows.

Key features:

• Fiduciary oversight

• Streamlined administration

• Full scalability on your terms

• Customizable investing

• Modern, easy-to-navigate digital platform

Price: Vestwell’s pricing is available through a direct quote via their website.

15. VBA Software

VBA Software promises higher service levels at lower costs. This software’s features range from online payments and cost containment systems to fraud detection tools.

Virtual Benefits Administrator Software is best for small to midsize companies with 25 to over 1,000 employees looking for a simple solution for their HR and payroll needs. This benefits admin software is cloud-based and includes an online web portal for employees.

Key features:

• Claims platform to manage health plans in one location

• Customizable plans and benefits

• Ancillary services, such as insurance premium billing and built-in commissions

• Total control of your administration system

Price: Pricing is available as a quote for your company via their website. Prospective customers can sign up for a free trial.

Choosing the right benefits admin software

Key abilities to look for in benefits admin software may include:

• Integrated payroll systems: These tools eliminate the need for manual payroll data entry, possibly reducing mistakes and discrepancies in your financial reports and speeding up the process.

• Event management workflow: This can help you determine how frequently to update employee data.

• Compliance management: This feature can help your HR staff comply with HIPAA, COBRA and other regulations.

• Cloud-based technology: Cloud-based systems can help ensure your data is stored securely.

• Employee self-serve functions: These allow employees to access their benefits information directly, reducing the workload for smaller HR departments.

• Mobile device compatibility: Consider looking for software that functions on multiple interfaces so the team can access benefits programs from any device.

Frequently asked questions about employee benefits management software

What are the four major types of employee benefits?

Many employers who have wellness programs for their staff offer four types of employee benefits. These include medical insurance, life insurance, disability insurance and retirement plans. Offering these core benefits can potentially help businesses increase retention rates and improve employee satisfaction.

What makes a good benefits administration system?

The ideal benefits administration system provides a simple, user-friendly experience. It should be accessible to the HR department and easy for employees to use, especially if self-serve functions are important to your team.

A good benefits administration system should keep thorough employee records and consolidate payroll, time-off tracking, employee attendance and insurance plans. Team members should have an easy time accessing and understanding the interface so they can actively engage with and manage their benefits.