Question:
Can you help me with questions or procedures concerning my monthly pension? I also need a 1099 form, will you send one?
Answer:
No, we are not the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System. We are a separate 501c4 non profit group working on behalf of retired educators. We are the only statewide organization in New York State that spends the majority of its organizational time advocating for rights and benefits for retirees in the field of education.
Please direct your questions to the NYS Teachers’ Retirement System by calling 1-800-356-3128 or 518-447-2666 if you live the Albany calling area. You can visit the TRS Web site by logging on www.nystrs.org. If you were a public employee working in fields other than teaching or school administration, the phone numbers that can connect you to persons handling your pension benefits are either: Retired Public Employees Association at 518-869-2542 or 1-800-726-7732 NYS Local Employees’ Retirement System at 518-474-7736.
Question:
May only retired educators join this organization?
Answer:
No, any active educator is also encouraged to join our membership so that understanding and cooperation between active and retired educators expands for the benefit of both groups.
Also, spouses of active and retired educators may join so that they too can benefit from the social, legislative, travel and insurance benefits available to all members. Certified Teaching Assistants are encouraged to join as well!
Question:
Is this organization a union?
Answer:
No. This Association places its emphasis on advocacy work for retired educators. Union organizations concentrate the bulk of their resources on negotiating and supporting legislation on behalf of active educators.
Questions regarding any union benefits or retiree involvement may be answered by calling either New York State United Teachers in Albany at 518-213-6000, toll free at 1-800-626-8101.
Question:
Is this organization part of the New York State Education Department?
Answer:
No. RENY is a non-governmental association of volunteers working to insure the quality of life for all New York State retired educators whether they work in public or private schools, at the K-12 or at the post-secondary level, or work as classroom teachers, teaching assistant, school administrators, school social workers, guidance counselors and school psychologist positions.
Please visit the New York State Education Department at http://www.nysed.gov/ for information on their jurisdiction and multifaceted departments serving students, teachers, parents, and administrators statewide.
Question:
How many people belong to your organization statewide?
Answer:
Currently 25,000 members are on our rolls. We have targeted this year as The Year of Membership and are concentrating our efforts on enrolling several thousand more of the total 100,000 retirees in NYS. After all, we all know that strength in numbers is a reality for any organization. If you currently are not a state member, please click on the Membership Information and Services section to learn more about us.
Question:
I belong to a local retired educators’ unit. I am not sure if I currently belong to RENY as well. Can you help me?
Answer:
Yes, please call our office at 518-482-3509 so that we can check our membership roster to answer your question.
Question:
I taught before I became a school administrator. Does this organization welcome active or retired building or district-wide administrators?
Answer:
Absolutely! Since your retirement benefits are included in the same state retirement system as those of teachers, we are working on your behalf and need your financial and volunteer effort support to be strong and successful.
Question:
I am a retired college/university instructor or administrator. Does this organization represent me?
Answer:
Yes! The level at which you taught or administered in New York State is not the issue, nor does it matter that your retirement system is different. Please check the Membership Information and Services section for the important reasons why you need to join with us! By the way, your still active college or university instructors and administrators may also belong as well as their spouses.
Question:
I believe that I purchased an insurance policy offered with your National Corporate Benefits Administrators, Inc. provider. Will you clarify policy information with me?
Answer:
You need to call National Corporate Benefits Administrators directly. Their representatives will be happy to answer all questions concerning their policies. The toll free number to reach them is 1-888-376-6020. When possible, please have available insurance policy information to expedite your call.