Keep your information current

s a member of the New York State and Local Retirement System, which administers the Employees’ Retirement System, it’s important to regularly review and update your information.

Use Retirement Online and keep your password current

When it comes to managing your NYSLRS account, Retirement Online (bit.ly/RO-sign-in) is the fastest way to do it. Skip printing forms, having them notarized and sending them through the mail — when you submit your requests online, NYSLRS receives them immediately and your changes will be completed more quickly.

Be sure to sign in at least once a year and update your Retirement Online password so it doesn’t expire.

If you don’t have an account, sign up today. You can find step-by-step instructions for registering in the Tools & Tips section of the Retirement Online page (bit.ly/retirement-online).

Review your beneficiaries

Your retirement plan provides a death benefit, so it’s important to designate beneficiaries and review them periodically to make sure your choices reflect your current wishes. In Retirement Online, you can add or remove beneficiaries and update their contact information. In the “I Want to…” section, click the “View and Update My Beneficiaries” button.

For more information, including types of beneficiaries and special designations such as a trust or estate, read Designating Beneficiaries: An Important Decision (nyretirementnews.com/beneficiaries).

Check your contact information

Make sure we have your current email address, mailing address and phone number on file so you receive important news and information about your benefits. If you don’t already have an email address on file, please provide one. Use a personal email address that you will have access to now and after you retire, rather than a work email address.

From your Retirement Online account homepage, click the “update” link next to your email address, mailing address or phone number.

Update your delivery preference

You can update your delivery preferences and choose to be notified by email when important documents are available in Retirement Online such as your Member Annual Statement. You’ll have access to information sooner than waiting for printed copies in the mail. (If you choose “Email” as your delivery preference, you will not receive a printed copy in the mail.)

From your Retirement Online account homepage, click the “update” link next to “Contact by” or “Member Annual Statement by”.