Retiree News Summer 2020

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cseany.org
A message from Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli
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NEWS Mary E. Sullivan, President SUMMER 2020
Ihope you are all doing well during these difficult times. As you know, the COVID-19 pandemic has put a serious strain on the economy, but retirees can rest assured that the New York State and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS) remains strong and secure.
Certainly, the New York State Common Retirement Fund, which holds and invests the Retirement System’s assets, has been impacted by this crisis. But as trustee of the Fund, I am confident that the impact will be limited and the Fund will fully recover.
Fortunately, the Fund was in a strong position when the current crisis began. Independent analysts have long recognized NYSLRS as one of the best-managed and best-funded public retirement systems in the nation. The
strength of the Fund provides reach us by phone and email. (Call stability and enhances its ability to 1-866-805-0990 or email us using recover from market swings. Also, the secure form on our website the Fund’s diversified investment at www.emailNYSLRS.com.) Our strategy is designed for the dedicated staff has also been long-term, allowing it to take working hard to process new advantage of growth opportunities retirement applications and to
in good times, which helps it to make sure your monthly pension better navigate through hard payments are distributed on time. times. If you have not already done so,
We’ve been through this you should consider signing up for
before. Since it was established in our Direct Deposit Program. Your
January 1921, NYSLRS has proven pension will be deposited in your
its strength and durability. Over account on the last business day of
the past century, the Retirement each month. You can avoid lost or
System has weathered every stolen checks, have access to your
economic downturn the country money sooner, and avoid trips to Online (web.osc.state.ny.us/ has faced. Each time, NYSLRS the bank. For more information, retire/retirement_online/
recovered and emerged stronger than before.
You can also rest assured that NYSLRS staff is here for you. Though our offices are temporarily closed to the public, you can still
please visit our website (www.osc. state.ny.us/retirement) and call us if you need help signing up.
If you need to do business with NYSLRS, it is now easier than ever before with Retirement
customers.php). It’s a fast and convenient way to change your address, update your beneficiary information, verify your pension income and more. We’ve also expanded the hours of operation to better fit your schedule.
We’ve also redesigned our website, which makes it easier to find the NYSLRS information you need. Go to the “Retirees” page to see your pension payment calendar and find information about direct deposit, taxes and your pension, and cost-of-living adjustments. You can also find a link to our COVID-19 Help Center on the NYSLRS homepage. There you’ll find information about working in retirement during the emergency and ways to protect yourself and your loved ones during the pandemic.
As always, I thank you for your continued support. Please stay safe and well.
State Comptroller DiNapoli
Remembering those who served
CSEA Capital District Retirees Local 999 President Jack
Rohl, second from
left, and Local 999 activists, along with CSEA Capital Region President Ron Briggs, second from right, and Albany County Local members, remembered those who served in uniform by placing flags at veterans’ graves at St. Patrick Cemetery in the Town of Coeymans on Saturday, May 24. (Photo provided by Jack Rohl.)