Category Archive
Subs: Register with SubCentralNov 12, 2009
All districts are using the new, automated SubCentral system and as a substitute, you are eligible to work anywhere in the New York City school district. Read more to find out how you can register online or by telephone.
What’s up, governor?Nov 12, 2009
New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine was a special guest at the RTC New Jersey section’s 19th Annual Luncheon on Oct. 26.
COPE crucial in tough timesNov 12, 2009
Fasten your seat belts! There’s an even bumpier road ahead and we need to be prepared. COPE is a tool on the political front to fight for important benefits.
Help expand the influence of our chapterOct 29, 2009
The Retired Teachers Chapter’s remarkable membership of 53,000 dwarfs most other union retiree organizations in the country. While we have a strong core of active and involved retirees — the pillars who built the UFT into a powerful political force — and have accomplished a great deal, we always can do better.
New retirees’ health insurance deductionsOct 29, 2009
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.
Making the most of a second chanceOct 29, 2009
“It’s not the TV movie of the week,” Brian Mott wants to say to people after they hear he’s a special education teacher. But he did change his career to become a teacher after getting a second lease on life following a serious illness.
Fancy meeting you hereOct 29, 2009
Guess who folks from the UFT’s Retired Teachers Chapter and Political Action Department ran into at a rally for New Jersey Gov. John Corzine on Oct. 20 at the Newark Teachers Union?
Membership meetsOct 29, 2009
The auditorium at UFT headquarters was packed for the first Retired Teachers Chapter general membership meeting of the year on Oct. 13.
Fighting for health care reformOct 15, 2009
The report from Washington, D.C., where six of us representing the Retired Teachers Chapter gathered with more than 100 other retiree leaders from across the country at the three-day AFT Retiree Leader Conference, is that health care reform remains the top priority on everyone’s mind.
City pays Medicare Part B refunds; city will pay means-tested surchargesOct 01, 2009
The city has mailed most of the 2008 reimbursement Medicare Part B refunds to our members and their spouses or domestic partners.
New retirees;Join our ranksOct 01, 2009
The UFT Retiree Chapter is a vigorous and dynamic combination of senior stalwarts who, along with those who joined the ranks of activists a little later, worked hard to build this union and our chapter into the powerhouse it is today.
New chapter chair’s first message: We need you now more than everSep 17, 2009
We are old hands at fighting to protect and improve our benefits and overall well-being, and I know we are up to the challenge.
Retirees join UFT, NYSUT in battling breast cancerSep 17, 2009
This fall, the UFT will walk with other NYSUT locals throughout the state to raise funds for breast cancer research, advocacy and patient services.
RTC 2009 election vote count now officialSep 17, 2009
Tom Murphy, the Unity Caucus candidate for chapter leader, was determined to be the winner of the election following the June 26 vote count by the American Arbitration Association.
Stepping down, but not outJun 29, 2009
Retired Teachers Chapter Leader Tom Pappas, who served in that position the last seven years as the culmination of a long career at the UFT, said it was time for him to pass the baton.
Day at the University a hitJun 29, 2009
There was something for everyone at the daylong 14th annual RTC Day at the University, which attracted hundreds of retirees.
Tom Murphy elected RTC chapter leaderJun 29, 2009
Tom Murphy won the election for chapter leader of the Retired Teachers’ Chapter in official voting results reported by the American Arbitration Association on June 26.
Reflecting on ‘Reflections’Jun 18, 2009
Retired Teachers Chapter celebrated their contributions to the annual “Reflections: Poetry and Prose” booklet.
Thanks for a job well doneJun 18, 2009
Retired Teachers Chapter Leader Tom Pappas received a standing ovation at the annual RTC Luncheon on June 8.
Never can say goodbyeJun 18, 2009
Tom Pappas told RTCers at a general membership meeting that he is stepping down as chapter leader.
Automatic COLA Increase — September 2009Jun 18, 2009
The battle for an automatic cost-of-living adjustment for retirees is long since won, but we have not retired from the field. The UFT and NYSUT continue to plug away in Albany to improve the COLA.
UFT to use new automated dues refund system for retirees working for the DOEJun 04, 2009
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).
Taxing worker health benefits ‘step in the wrong direction’Jun 04, 2009
Congress is moving forward on health care reform and Democrats expect to have legislation approved by both houses before the August recess. But, in its final form, that legislation may turn into a Trojan horse.
Talking politics, pensions and moreJun 04, 2009
Retired Teachers Chapter members who attended the May 19 general membership meeting at UFT headquarters heard plenty of reasons why their services will be needed in the coming months.
Required Minimum Distribution rules waivedMay 21, 2009
The Worker, Retiree and Employer Recovery Act of 2008 waives the Required Minimum Distribution rules that generally apply to individuals who have reached age 70 1/2.
Initial pension revisions for class coverages to be processed this monthMay 21, 2009
Although the UFT won a court victory making per-session work pensionable in 2002, it took five years of concerted effort before the city agreed in 2007 that classroom coverages would be pensionable.
Jazzing things upMay 21, 2009
Fingers were snappin’ and toes were tappin’ at the Brooklyn Learning Center on April 24 for the annual Brooklyn Jazz Festival.
Termination pay: Have you moved?May 21, 2009
If you have moved since you retired, you must update your address with the Department of Education.
Jazzing things up - photo galleryMay 21, 2009
Why we need to keep fighting
May 21, 2009
The tide may be turning now that we have an administration that listens to the needs of working families and retirees, but we still must remain vigilant and keep the heat on our legislators at every level.
Take advantage of our servicesMay 07, 2009
It never ceases to amaze me how tuned in our retirees are to the world around them. Our members refuse to be put out to pasture at retirement.
Tight-knit groupMay 07, 2009
This is no yarn: Karen Falk, formerly from JHS 47 in Manhattan, passed the time prior to the April 21 Retired Teachers Chapter general membership meeting at UFT headquarters with her knitting needles working on a project.
We must fight for EFCAApr 23, 2009
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, drug and insurance companies and even big banks and investment companies are building million-dollar war chests and churning out anti-union rhetoric over the possibility that the United States Congress may pass the Employee Free Choice Act.
At last — a president who listensApr 02, 2009
Chapter Leader Tom Pappas shares his thoughts about our new president, Barack Obama and his commitment to the middle class, Social Security, Medicare, and the need for health care reform.
Florida SunshineApr 02, 2009
Retired Teachers Chapter members at the Florida Annual Luncheon on March 18.
Retirement income tax rules beneficial to NYS residentsMar 19, 2009
The following tax information pertains to retirees who are New York State residents.
Not retired from rallyingMar 19, 2009
The Retired Teachers Chapter was well-represented at the Rally for New York, joining some 70,000 others who made their voices heard at City Hall on March 5 to demand that the city and state drop plans to cut funding for core programs in education, health care and social services.
State mattersMar 19, 2009
NYSUT Executive Vice President Alan Lubin was among the speakers at the RTC general membership meeting on March 10 at UFT headquarters.
Key infoMar 19, 2009
The Annual Meetings continued with a gathering for Retired Teachers Chapter members in Manhattan on March 9.
Legal Plan a valuable serviceMar 19, 2009
Chapter Leader Tom Pappas has asked Sasha Greene, director of social services for the UFT Welfare Fund, to tell you about the legal plan your union provides and how you can access its many provisions.
Employment after retirementMar 05, 2009
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.
Annual check-upsMar 05, 2009
Retired Teachers Chapter members packed the house at both the Queens and Bronx Annual Meetings, where members heard the latest news on the fight for fair funding for services in this difficult economic climate, as well as retiree programs and services.
On the IsleFeb 19, 2009
RTC Corresponding Secretary Tom Murphy, former UFT director of legislation/political action, addressed members at the Jan. 21 Annual Meeting on Staten Island.
Are you a 50-, 60- or 70-year member?Feb 19, 2009
If you have been a member of our union (Local 2 of the AFT) for 50, 60 or 70 consecutive years, we want to know about it.
Does the UFT Welfare Fund know where you are?Feb 19, 2009
If you moved last year, make sure the UFT Welfare Fund has your current address.
Optional rider checks to be mailed this monthFeb 19, 2009
The UFT Welfare Fund has announced it will begin mailing optional rider reimbursement checks at the end of February.
Tax benefit for New York State residentsFeb 19, 2009
New York State residents who file itemized federal income tax returns might benefit from the sales tax paid throughout the year.
Bad guys never went awayFeb 19, 2009
I told new retirees at the New Retiree Luncheon in their honor in November, “Like cowboy movies, the bad guys never go away. We cleaned them out in 2008, but they’ll be back.” Well, they are back. Or maybe they never went away.
Reporting TRS distributions on your federal income taxFeb 05, 2009
If you received one or more of the distributions listed below during 2008, 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 2008 federal income tax form 1040.
Sales tax break for Florida, other statesFeb 05, 2009
A federal tax law allows taxpayers who elect to itemize deductions to deduct their state and local income taxes or state and local general sales taxes to reduce their federal income tax.
Optional rider checks to be mailed this monthFeb 05, 2009
The UFT Welfare Fund has announced it will begin mailing optional rider reimbursement checks at the end of February.
Tell Congress to support swift passage of a robust economic recovery and jobs-creation packageFeb 05, 2009
At this critical time, it is important that you reach out to your representative and senators and urge them to pass a stimulus package that can be signed into law as soon as possible.
SHIP: The best buy in townFeb 05, 2009
Our retirees know a bargain when they see one and that’s why 43,146 of our members belong to SHIP — the Supplemental Health Insurance Plan.
Most new retirees may be receiving dues refundsDec 11, 2008
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. If you are one of these members, you are entitled to a refund.
Retiree helps schools in Africa that ‘have nothing’Dec 11, 2008
Zimbabwe, which for years after the nation’s independence had among the best schools in Africa, has seen its education system crumble — and a UFT retiree is doing all he can to help.
SHIP premium notices for those not on automatic deductionDec 11, 2008
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.
We must remain vigilantDec 11, 2008
We’ve won back the White House and widened our margins in Congress. With your help, we’ve done what we set out to do. Unfortunately, it seems we never get a chance to sit back and enjoy our successes.
Pensionable coverages: Recalculations to begin in springNov 20, 2008
Although the UFT won a court victory making per-session work pensionable in 2002, it took five years of concerted effort before the city agreed in 2007 that classroom coverages would be pensionable.
Biden his timeNov 20, 2008
Jack Macfadden, coordinator of the UFT Retired Teachers Chapter’s Washington, D.C., had the opportunity to chat with Sen. Joe Biden — who has since become vice president-elect — at the National Jewish Democratic Council Conference.
Be proud of our role in Obama victoryNov 20, 2008
Barack Obama’s victory in the presidential election represents a real cross-section of the American population and the country — a resounding repudiation of the Bush administration and the conservative Republican ideology that has threatened so many American institutions and crippled the country’s economy for the past eight years.
SubCentral facts for retireesNov 06, 2008
Currently, most districts are using the new, automated SubCentral system. However, as a substitute, you are eligible to work anywhere in the New York City school district.
Stay active in the unionNov 06, 2008
Even though we are retired, we remain active members of the UFT, a unique situation that few other retirees enjoy.
New retirees’ health insurance deductionsNov 06, 2008
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.
Current eventsOct 23, 2008
Among the featured topics RTC members discussed at the Oct. 7 general membership meeting at UFT headquarters were the election and the turmoil on Wall Street.
New retirees’ health insurance deductionsOct 23, 2008
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.
Plenty at stake in this electionOct 23, 2008
As seniors and retirees there are several issues in the presidential race that will profoundly affect our future and the future of all retirees, including our children and grandchildren.
Our pensions, TDAs are secureOct 09, 2008
While the Wall Street earthquake that brought down some of the nation’s largest financial institutions continues to register aftershocks, there is good news for all UFT retirees.
Election 2008: Study party platformsSep 25, 2008
The conventions are over, the countdown has begun and, before you know it, we will be in the voting booth picking the next president of the United States.
TDA WORKSHOPSSep 12, 2008
Since 1988, retirees have had the right to defer distribution of their Tax- Deferred Annuity (TDA) money when they retire. To help you understand the choices you make, we are offering a series of workshops.
Next few months critical for usSep 12, 2008
While the start of a new school year may just be nostalgia for us, this is no ordinary year. I hope you are rested and relaxed because the next few months are critical for us as retirees.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
