As a member of the New York State and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS), you may want to check out our newest online communication forum. This past spring, we introduced New York Retirement News, our news and information blog where you can get a fresh perspective on your retirement benefits at www.nyretirementnews.com. A must for longtime members nearing retirement, the blog offers information you'll need to help you feel confident and fully prepared when your retirement date finally arrives. It's almost like one-stop shopping!
Besides helpful stories, checklists and infographics about the things you'll need to do when planning for your big day (and beyond), the blog offers a variety of information videos, including our seven-part video series: Preparing for Retirement. There's a video on the importance of paying off your retirement system loans before you actually retire, explaining how any unpaid balance permanently affects your benefits. You'll also find our video on how to request a general estimate of your retirement benefits (and what benefit information is provided in the estimate) to be quite helpful in your planning process. In addition, there's information about preparing a draft Domestic Relations Order — helpful if you are divorced and essential if you're in the process of divorcing.
New members can learn about important membership milestones, benefit details and long-range planning tips to help ensure a financially secure retirement. Retirees who want to stay up to date on tax, pension payment and Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) information will find that and more at New York Retirement News. It's the place to go for all the latest news about your retirement system and the Common Retirement Fund.
Remember, your retirement benefits are an important part of a solid financial plan. These benefits can help you and your beneficiaries achieve financial security in retirement or in the event of disability or death. It's vital you understand your benefits and stay informed, so be sure to connect with us through social media. Like our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/NYSLRS) and follow our Twitter feed (https://twitter.com/nyslrs) for quick tips and updates on a variety of retirement topics and retirement system news. There are currently more than 1 million members in NYSLRS. Perhaps you have friends, family, co-workers and neighbors who are also members and have the same questions you do. We encourage you to share the information you find with other members you may know.
Every month state Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, sole trustee of the New York State and Local Retirement System, provides information on the system, which delivers retirement benefits to many NYSUT School-Related Professionals and other support staff. If you are an ERS member with a question of general interest, email united@nysutmail.org.
For immediate assistance, contact the ERS Call Center toll-free at 866-805-0990, or 518-474-7736 in the Capital District area.