Retirement Information

UP TO SIX MONTHS PRIOR TO RETIREMENT

We are here to help you through the retirement process and guide you along.  Please remember that it is your responsibility to initiate, follow-up on, and complete all necessary paperwork.  Here are some items you should think about and where to go with questions.  

1. For Pension estimates and information contact your pension system directly at:

   • NYS Teachers Retirement System - https://nystrs.org/

   • NY State and Local Employee's Retirement System - http://osc.state.ny.us/retire/index.php

2. New NYS 457 Deferred Compensation Plans must be set up at least 30 days prior to retirement

3. Submit your retirement letter to Dr. Jeffery Woodberry, Assistant Superintendent of Districtwide Administration.  Some bargaining units require a timeline for notice of retirement.

4. Contact your Union Representative to transition your union benefits (if any)

5. Eligible employees and dependents MUST sign up for Medicare Part A & B within 90 days prior to retirement during your "Special Enrollment Period" [no late penalties]

   • More Information on Medicare Parts A & B - https://sites.google.com/a/hhh.k12.ny.us/retiree-information/medicare-a-b/when-to-sign-up

Links and Phone Numbers - These links and phone numbers will connect you to valuable resources that will provide instruction and direction as you plan your retirement

• New York State Teachers' Retirement System (NYSTRS or TRS): 1-800-782-0289 (Recorded Information) 518-447-2666, 1-800-356-3128

  • NYSTRS Videos for Retirement - for those in the Teachers' Retirement System

• Office of the State Comptroller - New York State and Local Employee's Retirement System (NYSLRS or ERS): 518-474-7736 (Interactive Voice Response Line) and toll free, 1-866-805-0990 (outside Albany area)

• Office for the Aging: 518-474-5731

• Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227)

• Social Security Administration: 1-800-772-1213

HHH Pre-retirement Information

Everyone should prepare for retirement - even new employees.   Here are some topics that you should make yourself familiar with sooner rather than later:

1. Know your Employment Contract - See Bargaining Units

2. Know what Pension System you are a member of - TRS or ERS - See Income for Retirement

3. Taking Healthcare into Retirement

   • NYSHIP Requirements - Receiving a Waiver is OK - See Retiree Healthcare

   • When you (or your spouse) must sign up for Medicare - See Turning Age 65 

4. Getting Started with Retirement Savings - See Savings for Retirement

2020 Presentation Slides can be viewed and printed HERE

HHH Retirement Meeting EACH FEBRUARY/MARCH and MAY

For those who have applied for retirement at the end of the school year will be invited to a retirement information session held by the Benefits Department.  The following information will be discussed and personalized:

• Understanding your Retirement Income

  • Pension Income from NYS

  • Retirement Savings

    • Retirement Payouts

  • Social Security

• Understanding your Retirement Benefits

  • Transition of your AFLAC Policies

  • Transition and options for your Flex Spending Accounts

    • 1. Balance of Annual Election will be deducted from the last Payroll.  Future contributions will be $0 and the account will remain open until the end of the calendar so that claims can be submitted.  

      2. Employees can complete the Change in Status/Termination Election Form due to retirement (qualifying event).  Annual election can change but you cannot submit claims dated after retirement.  

  • Transition of your Union Benefits

  • Transition of your Healthcare

    • Coordinating with Medicare - when must you sign up

    • HHH Medicare Part B Premium Reimbursement Program - MORE DETAILS

    • Monthly Cost of Healthcare in Retirement (for 2024)

• • • Paying for Health Insurance

• Resources

If you are applying for retirement outside the above time frame, you may view the Power Point Slides of the 2022 presentation.  After you apply for retirement with Dr. Woodberry, Districtwide Administration, you will be sent information on transferring your employee benefits.

More information is posted about Retirement Income and Retirement Saving on this website under Retirement Information

You can also visit the Retiree Information page located on the Staff section of the District website