ERS: New retirement tools in Retirement Online

he New York State and Local Employees’ Retirement System has added new features to its Retirement Online system.

If you retired from ERS and you receive your pension payment through direct deposit, you can now use Retirement Online to update your bank account information or send your deposits to another bank. You can also sign up for direct deposit through your Retirement Online account, which will enable you to receive your pension payment more quickly.

Retirement Online is the quickest way to get information about your ERS benefits. Whether you have direct deposit or receive a pension check in the mail, you can now view your pension “pay stub” online. You can track year-to-date totals for your benefit amount and any deductions made for health insurance, union dues or tax withholding. ERS will also send you a notice whenever your net payment amount changes.

Beginning in January 2024, you’ll be able to view, download and print your 1099-R tax form (starting with the 1099-R for your 2023 pension earnings).

You can also use Retirement Online to update your contact information and death benefit beneficiaries (if eligible). It’s a convenient way to manage your ERS account instead of sending forms through the mail or calling ERS.

Retirement Online is safe. It uses the same security safeguards as online banking and financial institutions to keep your account and personal information secure.

If you already have an account, sign in (bit.ly/RO-sign-in) and check out our new features. Make sure your email and mailing address are current to ensure that you receive important information from ERS in the coming year.

If you don’t have a Retirement Online account, visit our website at bit.ly/retirement-online#retirees to learn more. You’ll find step-by-step instructions on registering and how to sign in for the first time. You’ll also find tools and tips for resetting your password, retrieving your user ID or unlocking your account.

If you can’t log in or reset your account information on your own, call the ERS Contact Center at 866-805-0990; press “2” for assistance.