Editor’s note: The FA hosts an annual retirement workshop each fall in collaboration with the Guild (typically in early October), which we strongly encourage you to attend so that you can learn valuable retirement information specific to the college. In addition, we share this resource from our state parent union’s Member Benefits program.

Retirement doesn’t mean entering a world of unlimited tee times and champagne coolies. It’s important to be properly prepared for the transition from in-service employment to retiree status.

Please note the following information if you are currently enrolled in one or more NYSUT Member Benefits-endorsed program(s) or would like to do so in retirement:

• If Your Local has a Retiree Chapter: You are encouraged to maintain membership and pay chapter dues to that local (if necessary) to continue membership in NYSUT and our national affiliates, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and National Education Association (NEA).
• If Your Local does NOT have a Retiree Chapter: You will continue your membership with NYSUT, AFT and NEA through the Retiree Council in your geographic area.

Member Benefits endorses a number of programs that can be purchased through the convenience of payroll or pension deduction—offering reduced premiums or the elimination of service fees in many instances. Approximately 88% of NYSUT members have payroll or pension deduction available to them.

You must have an active NYSUT membership to participate in payroll or pension deduction. If you’re currently participating in one or more of our endorsed programs, you will want to look into switching to pension deduction after you enter retirement.

Learn more about continuing Member Benefits-endorsed programs by scanning the QR code in the graphic below, visiting mb-nysut.org/retireemembership or calling 800-626-8101.