Skip to main content
Full Menu

News For The Block Institute

Looseleafs labeled Retirement plan and Pension

Required minimum distributions suspended for 2020

The recent CARES Act legislation has suspended RMDs for 2020 for defined-contribution plans like TRS’ TDA Program.

Hand drawing the word benefits

Contact health benefits programs via secure email

Due to the closure of the Health Benefits Retiree client service walk-in center, it cannot access or process forms or correspondence mailed or faxed on March 11, 2020, or after.

A clipart showing giving money back

Medicare Part B and IRMAA reimbursements

Medicare Part B 2019 reimbursements were scheduled to be distributed by the end of April 2020.

UFT hospital nurses on front lines

UFT hospital nurses on front lines

UFT hospital nurses find strength in each other and in their union on the front lines of the coronavirus battle.

Kenneth McLaughlin

What I do: Kenneth McLaughlin, attendance teacher

Attendance teachers ensure that students and their families have the support they need so students attend school every day or participate using technology during this remote-learning period.

Nurses wearing masks holding signs that say "We stay at work for you, stay home for us"

UFT hospital nurses fight virus on front lines

Federation of Nurses/UFT members on the front lines of the coronavirus battle are finding strength in each other and in their union at NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn and at Staten Island University Hospital South.

Coronavirus Covid-19

Your health benefits during the coronavirus outbreak

With the New York metropolitan area the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak, we want to inform you about the health benefits that in-service UFT members with EmblemHealth coverage, whether GHI or HIP, have.

NYSUT President Andy Pallotta joined by union leaders, state lawmakers and activists

UFT: Tax on ultra-wealthy needed to prevent service cuts

NYSUT President Andy Pallotta — joined by union leaders, state lawmakers and activists — announces results of the survey showing that 92% of the state’s voters support new taxes on the ultra-wealthy during a Feb. 10 press conference in the Legislative Office Building in Albany. 

Two UFT nurses placing ballots in box

VNSNY nurses unanimously ratify contract

Federation of Nurses/UFT members on Jan. 29 unanimously ratified a two-year contract with the Visiting Nurse Service of New York that raises salaries, protects members’ pensions and existing health care benefits, and improves safety provisions.

Pharmaceuticals

New option for getting maintenance drugs

The UFT Welfare Fund prescription drug benefit has been enhanced. In-service members who are eligible for UFT Welfare Fund benefits now have a new convenient option for picking up their long-term medications for chronic conditions such as high cholesterol or asthma.