Category Archive
Retirees focus on politics at annual luncheonJun 17, 2008
Politics was the topic of the day at the 45th annual RTC Luncheon at the Hilton New York.
See your monthly check onlineJun 17, 2008
You can now see your monthly payment information dating back to April 2007 via a new Payment History feature in the My TRS Account section of the TRS Web site.
Matters in generalJun 17, 2008
Members of the Retired Teachers Chapter were informed on a variety of topics at the May general membership meeting at UFT headquarters.
Summer checks for new retireesJun 05, 2008
Members who are retiring at the end of the school year will receive four summer checks.
UFT to use new automated dues refund system for retirees working for the DOEJun 05, 2008
In order to better assist members, the UFT has developed an automated dues refund system.
Automatic COLA increase — September 2008Jun 05, 2008
The battle for an automatic cost-of-living adjustment for retirees is long since won, but we have not retired from the field.
First Medicare Part B check with means-testing surcharge is dueJun 05, 2008
All our Medicare-eligible retirees and their Medicare-eligible spouses or domestic partners should receive their annual Medicare Part B reimbursement checks for 2007 as usual in August.
UFT to use new automated dues refund system for retirees working for the DOEMay 27, 2008
If you return to work for the DOE and continue to collect a pension, you will find that you are paying union dues both as a retiree (from your pension check) and as an employee (from your payroll check).
Termination pay: Have you moved?May 22, 2008
Termination pay for 2006, 2007
May 22, 2008
The DOE will be issuing the last installment of the 2006 check and the second installment of the 2007 check for termination pay
Summer checks for new retireesMay 22, 2008
Members who are retiring at the end of the school year will receive four summer checks.
New SHIP brochureMay 22, 2008
A new, updated orange SHIP brochure replaces the green SHIP brochure dated 2001 and any subsequent revisions that may have been mailed.
See your monthly check onlineMay 22, 2008
You can now see your monthly payment information dating back to April 2007 via a new Payment History feature in the My TRS Account section of the TRS Web site.
McCain is a Bush ‘yes man’May 22, 2008
Human cloning may be illegal but it’s hard to believe it hasn’t happened when you compare Republican candidate John McCain with President Bush.
Spring Legal Plan meetingsMay 08, 2008
These meetings will provide information on how to access your plan, talk about health care proxies and power of attorney and a presentation from an elder law attorney as well as questions and answers.
NYSUT Defensive Driving coursesMay 08, 2008
There are openings available for the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island NYSUT Defensive Driving courses.
Keep your NYSUT Member Benefits Trust-endorsed programs if retiring or leaving the bargaining unitMay 08, 2008
If you are retiring, you must maintain your NYSUT membership as a retiree in order to continue participating in NYSUT Member Benefits Trust-endorsed programs. To do this, you must continue membership with the UFT as a retiree.
Simplified IRS rules a plus for retireesMay 08, 2008
In response to our members’ needs and at their request, the UFT had obtained for members of the Teachers’ Retirement System the right to take Required Minimum Distributions from their Tax-Deferred Annuity accounts.
2008 Required Minimum DistributionApr 24, 2008
Do you participate in the Teachers’ Retirement System’s Tax-Deferred Annuity (TDA) Program? If so, you may be required to receive a distribution from your account this year.
Legal Plan a key retiree benefitApr 24, 2008
We strongly recommend that you take advantage of the benefits contained in the UFT Retiree Legal Plan with Elder Law Supplement that is provided to all UFT retirees as part of your Welfare Fund benefits.
TRS adds new investment choicesApr 10, 2008
Changes in the TRS investment program are of great importance to retirees so Chapter Leader Tom Pappas asked the union's three teacher trustees to the TRS to explain them.
Help achieve new progressive eraMar 27, 2008
Are we on the eve of a new progressive era? It’s a question I asked with doubts in 2000 and 2004, more hopefully in 2006 and with real optimism this year.
Annual wrap-upMar 13, 2008
The final Annual Meeting for the five boroughs took place in Brooklyn on Feb. 25 at the New York City College of Technology.
Tax benefit for New York State residentsMar 13, 2008
New York State residents who file itemized federal income tax returns might benefit from the sales tax paid throughout the year.
Important information regarding New York State and local tax on retirement incomeMar 13, 2008
The following information pertains to our retirees who are residents of New York State.
Planning to work after retirement?Mar 13, 2008
If you are a retiree planning to stay in the work force or re-enter the work force on a full- or part-time basis, there are some important rules you must follow.
Tax benefit for New York State residentsFeb 28, 2008
New York State residents who file itemized federal income tax returns might benefit from the sales tax paid throughout the year.
Annuity workshopsFeb 14, 2008
Variable A … Variable B … Fixed dollars. How do you want your money invested?
Spring Legal Plan meetingsFeb 14, 2008
These meetings will provide information on how to access your plan, talk about health care proxies, power of attorney and a presentation from an elder law attorney as well as questions and answers.
Arizona section tripsFeb 14, 2008
Visit an art museum or attend a luncheon with your fellow RTC members.
Annual membership meetingsFeb 14, 2008
Are you a retiree with pension, political or course questions? Be sure to attend the Annual Meeting in your area to get answers.
Optional rider refund checks to be mailed this monthFeb 14, 2008
The UFT Welfare Fund has announced it will begin mailing optional rider reimbursement checks at the end of February.
UFT is always there for youFeb 14, 2008
I have a riddle for you. What is it that takes good care of your body, your mind and your pocketbook?
Restoring Medicare’s missionJan 31, 2008
It seems to me that those of us enrolled in traditional Medicare — we’re 81 percent of Medicare beneficiaries — should be pretty hot under the collar about subsidizing the Medicare Advantage Plans out of our own pockets to line the pockets of insurance companies for the benefit of the other 19 percent.
Does the UFT Welfare Fund know where you live?Jan 31, 2008
Register your change your address online at UFT Welfare Fund.
Peace Corps BeckonsJan 17, 2008
If you’re a retiree and, like Rodney Dangerfield, aren’t getting any respect, it may be time to join the Peace Corps.
Tax break for Florida and other states extendedJan 17, 2008
A federal tax law allows taxpayers who itemize tax deductions to deduct their state and local income taxes or sales taxes from their federal tax return.
Reporting TRS distributions on your federal income taxJan 17, 2008
If you received one or more of the distributions listed here during 2007, you are required to report the total gross amount of the distribution in box 16a and the taxable amount of the distribution in box 16b on your 2007 federal income tax form 1040.
HIP changes mail-order firmJan 17, 2008
HIP Health Plan of New York announced in late December that it is switching its mail-order pharmacy provider from Express-Scripts to Medco Health Solutions effective Jan. 14.
Health plan rates changeJan 17, 2008
As the New York Teacher went to press, the city announced changes in premiums for Medicare-eligible retirees who receive prescription drug coverage from their health plans.
Vote for Hillary on primary dayJan 17, 2008
This year’s campaign to decide who will be the Democratic and Republican presidential candidates has been the longest one yet. So we’ve had plenty of time to look and listen.
Most new retirees may be receiving dues refundsDec 06, 2007
UFT/RTC members who received vacation paychecks for July and August at the end of June may have noticed that deductions were made for UFT dues.
SHIP premium notices for those not on automatic deductionDec 06, 2007
SHIP premium notices will be sent at the end of December to retirees who have not elected to pay their premium via automatic pension deduction and to new retirees who have not received regular pension checks.
Don’t let Medicare be destroyedDec 06, 2007
It seems we no sooner wind up one battle to save what we fought for and won years ago than we have to gear up and fight off an attack on another front.
Attention new retirees: Expect TRS refundsNov 15, 2007
If you retired this July and received vacation paychecks for July and August at the end of June, you may have noticed that pension deductions were made by the Teachers’ Retirement System.
SHIP puts money back in our pocketsNov 15, 2007
One of the many benefits available to us as retirees is membership in the Supplemental Health Insurance Program, a program that year after year has helped us defray rising health-care costs by putting money back in our pockets.
New retirees’ health insurance deductionsNov 01, 2007
When municipal employees retire, it takes several months before they start receiving regular pension checks from the city and another few months before those checks reflect the optional rider deduction for health insurance.
Good news: We are not aloneNov 01, 2007
New retirees are still active players in the UFT and our union continues its efforts to protect and expand our benefits to ensure that we enjoy a secure and dignified retirement.
New per-diem license procedureOct 18, 2007
The Department of Education has instituted a new computerized system for those who want to work as per-diem substitutes.
Help us work to fix health careOct 18, 2007
Health-care reform may be the defining domestic issue for the majority of Americans, but there’s no chance there will be any serious improvement in our badly broken system until after the next election.
Health care remains a major concernOct 04, 2007
The U.S. health-care system is the most expensive in the world but yields worse results compared to Britain, Canada, Germany and Australia.
Health-care crisis: Shame of AmericaSep 20, 2007
The most serious domestic problems facing all of us today are the soaring cost of health care and the soaring numbers of uninsured Americans.
Termination pay for 2007Sep 20, 2007
For members who retired this summer, your check representing the first part of your three termination payments will be processed for payment when the DOE receives your OP44 and processes your Final Entitlement.
Back to schoolSep 06, 2007
For everything you needed to know about your health, your pocketbook and even what constitutes a “senior moment,” there was the 12th annual Day at the University for RTC members on June 11 at UFT headquarters.
Automatic COLA increase — September 2007Sep 06, 2007
In 2000, after frustrating years, the UFT, NYSUT and the rest of the state’s labor movement convinced New York State to provide an annual, permanent cost-of-living adjustment to our pensions.
Medicare Part B reimbursementsSep 06, 2007
All Medicare-eligible retirees and their Medicare-eligible spouses/domestic partners should have received their $1,062 Medicare Part B reimbursements for 2006.
Ready to help move mountains?Sep 06, 2007
Whether we’re new or seasoned retirees, this is a September when we need to make some plans for the coming year.
Changes in HIP prescription drug costsJun 07, 2007
Drug rider rates for both HIP POS and HIP HMO plans will decrease by 21 percent and 6 percent, respectively, effective July 1.
Increase in SHIP premiumsJun 07, 2007
The Board of Trustees of SHIP, the UFT/RTC Supplemental Health Insurance Program, voted to raise the annual premiums by $60 effective July 1, 2007, citing continuous escalation of drug and other health-care costs for its decision.
UFT to use new automated dues refund system for retirees working for the DOEJun 07, 2007
In order to better assist members, the UFT has developed an automated dues refund system for those who return to work for the DOE and continue to collect a pension.
Automated COLA increase in SeptemberJun 07, 2007
In 2000, after frustrating years, the UFT, NYSUT and the rest of the state’s labor movement convinced New York State to provide a permanent cost-of-living adjustment to our pensions.
Transition to new pension payroll system a successJun 07, 2007
Beginning with the April payroll, retirees who are members of TRS may have noticed a new look to their monthly retirement check stub.
UFT to use new automated dues refund system for retirees working for the DOEMay 24, 2007
In order to better assist members, the UFT has developed an automated dues refund system.
What to do when a retiree diesMay 24, 2007
This is not an easy or pleasant topic for me to write about in this column but it is an extraordinarily important one.
Termination payMay 10, 2007
Retirees expecting termination pay should be sure that the Department of Education has their correct address.
Simplified IRS rules a plus for retireesMay 10, 2007
In response to our members’ needs and at their request, the UFT has obtained for members of the Teachers’ Retirement System the right to take Required Minimum Distributions from their Tax- Deferred Annuity accounts.
Investment elections changesApr 26, 2007
May 1 is the deadline for retirees who joined the TRS prior to July 27, 1976, and for every retiree who is collecting a TDA check each month, to request changes in his or her investment elections.
Take advantage of Legal PlanApr 26, 2007
The UFT Retiree Legal Plan with Elder Law Supplement is provided to all retired members of the UFT as part of their Welfare Fund benefits.
2007 Required Minimum DistributionApr 16, 2007
Do you participate in the Teachers’ Retirement System’s Tax-Deferred Annuity (TDA) Program? If so, you may be required to receive a distribution from your account this year. The Internal Revenue Service requires TDA participants to begin receiving Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from their TDA account in the year in which they reach the age of 701/2 if they have separated from service and elected TDA Deferral status.
Investment elections changesApr 16, 2007
May 1 is the deadline for retirees who joined the TRS prior to July 27, 1976, and for every retiree who is collecting a TDA check each month, to request changes in his or her investment elections.
Wanted: Your e-mail addressApr 16, 2007
We are compiling a list of retirees and their e-mail addresses so we can contact you more quickly and directly, especially when timing is important.
New, improved look for pension checksApr 16, 2007
Don’t be surprised when you get your April pension check and the stub has a new look. For a long time now the UFT has been looking for a way to provide more information more clearly on our retirement check stubs and Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) quarterly statements. The problem was that to create a new system was very costly.
Guidelines for working after retirementMar 29, 2007
If you are a retiree planning to stay in the work force or re-enter the work force on a full- or part-time basis, there are some important rules you must pay attention to so you don’t jeopardize your retirement allowance.
Investment election changesMar 15, 2007
May 1 is the deadline for retirees who joined the TRS prior to July 27, 1976, and for every retiree who is collecting a TDA check each month, to request changes in his or her investment elections.
Still members after all these yearsMar 15, 2007
For us, retirement doesn’t mean a pat on the back, good job, goodbye. We never become once-upon-a-time UFT members.
Larger optional rider checks to be mailed this monthMar 01, 2007
Retirees will receive up to a 10 percent increase in their optional rider reimbursement checks this year.
Help is just a phone call awayMar 01, 2007
Your union is just as interested in your well-being now as it was when you were in-service.
We face a new health-care fightFeb 15, 2007
The president’s State of the Union message made it clear he still doesn’t get it. So we’re headed for another fight over health care.
Larger optional rider checks to be mailed this monthFeb 15, 2007
UFT President Randi Weingarten, who chairs the UFT Welfare Fund Board of Trustees, announced that retirees will receive up to a 10 percent increase in their optional rider reimbursement checks this year. The checks will be issued at the end of February.
SHIP still an important assetFeb 01, 2007
While all eyes are on what the new Congress is up to in these crucial early days, there are issues closer to home to look at.
We can’t rest on November’s winsJan 18, 2007
Our stunning success in winning back the United States Congress and electing Eliot Spitzer as our new governor has certainly put a smile on my face and improved my outlook for this new year, but there are still some nagging worries tempering my optimism.
Tax break for Florida and other states extendedJan 18, 2007
A federal tax law allows taxpayers who itemize tax deductions to deduct their state and local income taxes OR sales taxes from their federal tax return.
We can’t rest on November’s winsJan 18, 2007
Our stunning success in winning back the United States Congress and electing Eliot Spitzer as our new governor has certainly put a smile on my face and improved my outlook for this new year, but there are still some nagging worries tempering my optimism.
Retirees remain part of the unionDec 07, 2006
I always look forward to the Retired Teachers Chapter’s annual New Retiree Luncheon. It gives me a chance to meet so many of you and it gives all of us at the UFT a chance to thank you personally for your years of service to the children of our city.
Many happy Election Day returnsNov 16, 2006
We did it! We broke the right wing monopoly on power in Washington and you deserve a great big pat on the back for your part in that victory.
Plenty at stake on Nov. 7Nov 02, 2006
“The Congress that forgot seniors needs to be replaced.” Exactly my sentiments.
TDA: Your route to happinessOct 19, 2006
Hopefully, you will start contributing to the TDA or are already doing so. Now you have to decide how to invest your contributions.
Welcome to our new retireesOct 05, 2006
Retiree Howard Bloch, former head of the UFT Grievance Department, said it best: “Retirement is not what it’s cracked up to be — it’s even better.”
Rate decrease for some non-Medicare GHI retiree subscribersSep 21, 2006
A decrease of approximately $5 in their monthly premium goes into effect on Oct. 1 for retirees who are in the Non-Medicare GHI plan.
Medicare Part B reimbursementsSep 21, 2006
All Medicare-eligible retirees and their Medicare-eligible spouses/domestic partners should have received their Medicare Part B reimbursements for 2005.
This year’s elections critical to seniorsSep 19, 2006
Primary day has come and gone and we’re now on the fast track to the November 2006 elections — elections that may prove critical to the well-being of America’s seniors.
Non-Medicare retiree optional rider ratesSep 07, 2006
In the June 8 issue of the New York Teacher, we reported that there would be an increase in the Non-Medicare Retiree Optional Rider Rate.
Automatic COLA increase September 2006Sep 07, 2006
In 2000, after frustrating years, the UFT, NYSUT and the rest of the state’s labor movement convinced New York State to provide a permanent cost-of-living adjustment to our pensions.
Medicare Part B reimbursementsSep 07, 2006
All Medicare-eligible retirees and their Medicare-eligible spouses/domestic partners should have received their Medicare Part B reimbursements for 2005.
New year, same battlesSep 07, 2006
Welcome back, everyone, with a special welcome to our new retirees.
Per-session earnings add up to increased benefitsAug 17, 2006
Automatic COLA increase September 2006
Jun 08, 2006
Based on current CPI figures the September 2006 COLA is 1.67 percent.
Retirement allowance revisions on targetJun 08, 2006
Approximately 6,700 retirees are scheduled to receive revised retirement allowances.
Latest Social Security report is good newsJun 08, 2006
There is good news in the newly released 2006 annual federal report on Social Security, but you’d never guess it from the spin put on the report by the Bush administration.
UFT to use new automated dues refund system for retirees working for the DOEJun 08, 2006
In order to better assist members, the UFT has developed an automated dues refund system
Termination pay for 2004, 2005May 25, 2006
The New York City Department of Education has instituted a different procedure for the last installment of the 2004 check and the second installment of the 2005 check for termination pay.
UFT to use new automated dues refund system for retirees working for the DOEMay 25, 2006
In order to better assist members, the UFT has developed an automated dues refund system.
We back those who support us — regardless of partyMay 25, 2006
I’ve been receiving mail lately accusing me of being unfairly partisan in my columns — of shilling for the Democrats.
Simplified IRS rulesMay 11, 2006
In response to our members’ needs and at their request, the UFT has obtained for members of the Teachers’ Retirement System the right to take Required Minimum Distributions from their Tax- Deferred Annuity accounts.
Termination payApr 28, 2006
Retirees expecting termination pay should be sure that the Department of Education has their correct address. If you have moved since you retired, you must update your address with the DOE by returning the adjacent coupon to the address indicated.
Retirement allowance revisions begin in AprilApr 28, 2006
Now that the Department of Education has paid retroactive monies to retirees in March, the first group of approximately 6,700 retirees are scheduled to begin receiving revised retirement allowances on the April 2006 payroll. These retirement revisions are due under the contract ratified by the UFT on Nov. 3, 2005. TRS will continue processing approximately 2,000 retirement revisions every month through August.
Medicare Part DApr 28, 2006
A reminder from Tom Pappas: We are counting on our Medicare-eligible retirees who are taking costly, life-sustaining medications and are victims of the Bush administration’s ill-conceived Medicare Part D drug plan to come forward and go public with your stories.
2006 Required Minimum DistributionsApr 28, 2006
Do you participate in the Teachers’ Reirement System’s Tax-Deferred Annuity (TDA) Program? If so, you may be required to receive a distribution from your account this year. The Internal Revenue Service requires TDA participants to begin receiving Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) from their TDA account in the year in which they reach the age of 701/2 if they have separated from service and elected TDA Deferral status.
Don’t jeopardize your retirement allowanceApr 27, 2006
If you are a retiree planning to stay in the work force or re-enter the work force on a full- or part-time basis, there are some important rules you must pay attention to so you don’t jeopardize your retirement allowance.
Awards for teachers who use art to enhance special ed learningApr 13, 2006
The P. Buckley Moss Foundation is offering grants to teachers who have used art as a cornerstone in effectively teaching special education students.
Help us right wrongs of Medicare Part DApr 13, 2006
Horror stories continue to grow as the impact of the Bush administration’s ill-conceived Medicare Part D drug plan takes its toll on millions of vulnerable older Americans.
Annual reviewMar 30, 2006
RTC Annual Meetings wrapped up last month, with members turning out in droves to get the latest information on benefits, senior issues, retiree programs and other topics.
Retired teachers chapter news 03/30/06Mar 30, 2006
Now that the Department of Education has paid retroactive monies to retirees in March, the first group of approximately 6,700 retirees are scheduled to begin receiving revised retirement allowances on the April 2006 payroll.
Nation’s health-care crisis getting worseMar 16, 2006
It’s unconscionable that President Bush’s State of the Union address had only two vague, inconsequential paragraphs on his health-care proposals.
DOE says retirees’ retro pay coming in mid-March; pension recalculations to followFeb 16, 2006
Thousands of UFT retirees will be receiving retroactive salary and a recalculated pension benefit under the terms of the contract that was ratified in November by in-service members.
Optional rider checks to be mailed this monthFeb 16, 2006
UFT President Randi Weingarten, who chairs the union’s Welfare Fund Board of Trustees, said she was pleased to announce that optional rider reimbursement checks for retirees will be mailed at the end of February.
No one is safeFeb 16, 2006
After years of struggle to guarantee working Americans a dignified retirement, growing attacks from everywhere on health benefits, retirement funds and Social Security are putting our present and future retirees at great risk.
Union offers wide array of social servicesFeb 02, 2006
Just as the UFT was there for us when we were in the classroom, it is here for us now that we are retired.
Many retirees due retro pay, recalculated pensions under new contractFeb 02, 2006
Thousands of UFT retirees will be receiving retroactive salary and a recalculated pension benefit under the terms of the contract that was ratified in November by in-service members.
We’ll need more than good luck in 2006Jan 19, 2006
As UFT President Randi Weingarten warned us at the recent New Retiree Luncheon, we must get “mobilized and politicized” to protect the rights and benefits of all our members — in-service and retired — from the threats coming from all levels of government.
Now the DOE will help you with your college savings needsDec 08, 2005
As educators, you probably appreciate the value of a college education more than most. So it’s likely that one of your most important long-term savings goals is to have enough financial resources to help pay for the college expenses of your children, grandchildren or other loved ones.
Union to new retirees: We still need youDec 08, 2005
Speaking at the Retired Teachers Chapter’s annual New Retiree Luncheon at the Hilton Hotel in Manhattan last month, UFT President Randi Weingarten warned that the threats facing active and retired UFTers are coming from every level of government and that unions have been spending lots of money to beat back attacks against working people across the country.
We hope you’ll stay activeDec 08, 2005
As RTCers, we may all be retired but our union has not put us out to pasture.
Attention new retirees: Expect TRS refundsNov 18, 2005
If you retired this July and received vacation paychecks for July and August at the end of June, you may have noticed that pension deductions were made by the Teachers’ Retirement System.
Drug plan frequently asked questionsNov 17, 2005
Here are the top 10 questions members are asking about the union’s new enhanced Medicare Part D drug plan at information meetings.
Important reminder about Medicare Part DNov 17, 2005
The UFT has negotiated enhanced Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage benefits with extension of 365-day hospitalization coverage. This enhanced Medicare prescription drug coverage replaces the current optional rider.
New retirees’ health insuranceNov 03, 2005
The Municipal Labor Committee makes health insurance deductions less painful for new retirees.
Attention new retirees: Expect TRS refundsNov 03, 2005
If you retired this July and received vacation paychecks for July and August at the end of June, you may have noticed that pension deductions were made by the Teacher’s Retirement System.
Farewell to Rae Kahn, a devoted unionistNov 03, 2005
Former RTC Chapter Leader Rae Kahn died last month at the age of 95.The chapter will miss Rae’s unfailing commitment and steadfast support.
Here’s some good news for UFT Medicare-eligible retireesOct 20, 2005
UFT Medicare-eligible retirees will not face the increased costs and confusion of the Bush administration’s Medicare Part D drug plan that millions of other senior Americans are facing as the Nov. 15 opening day for enrollment draws near.
Our help is needed once againOct 06, 2005
The storm clouds have been gathering for several years now. The growing anti-union bias that’s afoot in the land is at our doorstep.
Message to new retirees: stay involved!Sep 22, 2005
We extend a warm welcome to all our new retirees — all 2,700 of you. You have entered the wonderful world of free time and you’re in charge.
We can’t let up in fight to stop changes to Social SecuritySep 08, 2005
It’s that time again. Summer is slipping away and, despite our status as retirees, somehow September and the start of the new school year still mark the rhythm of our lives.
Update on Medicare prescription drug planSep 08, 2005
We are keeping close watch on the new Medicare drug plan (Medicare Part D), which the majority of our more senior members find hard to understand, and remain skeptical about whether the plan will be worthwhile.
We can’t let up in fight to stop changes to Social SecuritySep 08, 2005
It’s that time again. Summer is slipping away and, despite our status as retirees, somehow September and the start of the new school year still mark the rhythm of our lives.
UFT retirees working for DOE entitled to dues refundJun 09, 2005
If you return to work for the Department of Education and continue to collect a pension, you will find that you are paying union dues both as a retiree (from your pension check) and as an employee (from your payroll check).
Automatic COLA increaseJun 09, 2005
In 2000, after frustrating years, the UFT, NYSUT and the rest of the state’s labor movement convinced New York State to provide a permanent cost of living adjustment to our pensions.
Plenty of work to do this summerJun 09, 2005
This summer, as responsible retirees, we can’t take a holiday or time off from our obligation to do all we can to stop the administration’s relentless push to gut every program that provides a safety net for working American families.
Summertime and the Pension Clinics are easyMay 26, 2005
For people who are preparing to retire in the next few years, the summer is a perfect time to attend the UFT’s Pension Clinic.
On the IsleMay 26, 2005
Retirees turned out in good numbers for the RTC Suffolk Annual Meeting last month.
Lots to talk aboutMay 26, 2005
RTC members who turned out for the April general membership meeting received important information on a number of topics.
Our retirees make us proudMay 26, 2005
Chapter Leader Tom Pappas writes: I always look forward to our annual RTC luncheon and this, our 42nd luncheon, was no exception. The leaders of this chapter and the leaders of the UFT are proud that our retirees enjoy the best benefits of any teachers in the country, so it was satisfying to hear retirees talk about the “good life” they are enjoying in retirement.
Retirees urged to aid UFT in current struggleMay 26, 2005
More than 400 retirees at the 42nd annual Retired Teachers Chapter Luncheon hear UFT President Randi Weingarten appeal for their help in the union's contract fight. “Make no mistake, the social contract you built is slipping away,” Weingarten warned. She called on retirees to bring “the zeal and passion” they brought to the David-vs.-Goliath struggle to found the union to today’s struggle to protect those gains from the city’s anti-union offensive.
Keep your NYSUT Member Benefits if retiring or leaving the bargaining unitMay 23, 2005
If you are retiring, you must maintain your New York State United Teachers membership as a retiree in order to continue participating in NYSUT Member Benefits programs.
Simplified IRS rules a plus for retireesMay 12, 2005
In response to our members’ needs and at their request, the UFT has obtained for members of the Teachers’ Retirement System the right to take Required Minimum Distributions from their Tax Deferred Annuity accounts.
Social Security PetitionMay 02, 2005
The UFT Retiree Chapter launched a petition campaign to let the White House know that they oppose efforts to create "personal" or "private" accounts which will divert monies from Social Security. The petition reminds the President that his plan would add $2 trillion to the already runaway federal deficit while it will do nothing to restore supposed insolvency and it will endanger the benefits of current seniors since $2 trillion would be needed to fund their guaranteed retirement security. In addition his plan would place an unusual burden on our children and grandchildren who would see their benefits cut by 26% to 45% and be forced to pay off the grossly expanding federal debt.
Here’s to the winnersApr 28, 2005
The RTC newsletter, The Retiree, and its Web site earned recognition at the recent NYSUT Representative Assembly.
We must mobilize to terminate privatization plansApr 28, 2005
It seems that many of the battles we thought were long since won are about to be undone.
Visit our award-winning (again) Web siteApr 14, 2005
Our RTC Web site wins again! NYSUT presented the award, the second year in a row, at its Representative Assembly last week and we have Web editor Patricia Alcivar to thank for our winning streak.
On the road againMar 31, 2005
We have just finished a road trip to all our RTC outposts around the country and in Puerto Rico that provided a wonderful chance to visit with more than 5,000 members.
New York State and local tax on retirement incomeMar 31, 2005
The following information pertains to our retirees who are residents of New York State. All others should check with their own state taxing authorities for the rules regarding these deductions.
Wherever our retirees settle, their union connections remain strongMar 17, 2005
In the 19th century, the Grand Tour referred to wealthy Americans traveling through the major capitals of Europe. For me, the Grand Tour is a chance each year to touch base with our retirees around the country and in Puerto Rico.
Investment election changesMar 17, 2005
April 29 is the deadline for retirees who joined the TRS prior to July 27, 1976, and for every retiree who is collecting a TDA check each month to request changes in his or her investment elections.
Optional rider reimbursement checks coming this monthMar 17, 2005
Retirees will receive their optional rider reimbursement checks this year in March.
Optional Rider Reimbursement Checks coming this monthMar 03, 2005
UFT President Randi Weingarten, who chairs the union’s Welfare Fund Board of Trustees, said she was pleased to announce that retirees will receive their optional rider reimbursement checks this year in March.
Keep making calls to save Social SecurityMar 03, 2005
I hope by now each of you has contacted your senators to tell them they won’t get your vote unless they vote NO on any attempt to privatize Social Security. Now let’s get that message to our representatives, too.
Help to defeat BushFeb 17, 2005
The Bush administration’s dishonest spin for privatizing Social Security is everywhere and the misinformation and outright lies continue to gain momentum.
Optional rider cost increasesFeb 03, 2005
Medicare retirees who subscribe to GHI, HIP and many Medicare HMOs received an increase in the cost of the optional rider effective Jan. 1.
AFT president’s message: Stay strongFeb 03, 2005
Newly elected AFT President Edward J. McElroy reminded Retired Teachers Chapter members at their December meeting that “we didn’t build this union just for the good times."
How to process a claim through SHIPJan 20, 2005
Since the start of 2005 kicks off the new-and-improved SHIP benefits we reported in the last column, I think it will be helpful to review how to process a claim.
