June 2011 Issue
May 20, 2011

ERS: Annual statement offers vital info

Source: NYSUT United

Your Member Annual Statement contains important information about all aspects of your Employees' Retirement System membership, including your reported salary, service credit and beneficiaries. Starting this year, it will also include a Member Identification Card. Your Member ID Card contains the unique registration number you have been assigned within the Retirement System. Please use this number, rather than your Social Security number, whenever you contact us.

By limiting the use of your Social Security number, you help us protect you and your personal information. And with incidences of identity theft so prevalent in society, we're committed to doing our utmost to ensure the safety of that information.

When you receive your statement, be sure to clip out your Member ID card and save it in a secure and easily accessible place so your registration number will always be handy.

Member Annual Statements are mailed beginning in mid-May. The process usually takes approximately six to eight weeks to complete.

Most members will typically receive their statement by mid-July.

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about Member Annual Statements:

Q: How do I get a reprint of my current and/or prior year's Member Statement?

A: Reprints of your current year's statement can be ordered once the statement mailing is completed. You may email us directly, using the "Contact Us" page of our website, at www.osc.state.ny.us/retire/contact_us/index.htm. Unfortunately, at this time we are unable to reprint your statement for any year other than the current one.

Q: Can I request a reprint for someone other than myself?

A: No. Due to security concerns, unless you are authorized to act on a member's behalf in a legal or business matter, you cannot order a reprint for another person. Anyone who has the legal authority to act on a member's behalf must put their request in writing and send us an original or certified copy of their Power of Attorney (POA).

Q: Can I see my statement online?

A: Much of the information you see on your printed statement is also available on our website thanks to our popular Retirement Online service (www.osc.state.ny.us/retire/portal.htm). However, at this time an exact copy of your printed statement is not available on our website.

Q: How can I get answers to other questions I have about my statement?

A: We've created a special interactive, online presentation about the Member Annual Statement. It offers a page-by-page explanation of your statement, and also contains answers to additional frequently asked questions. You can view the entire presentation, or go directly to the information you need. To access the presentation, visit our website at www.osc.state.ny.us/retire/members/mas_tutorial/index.htm.