Helping to protect NYSUT members for over 40 years

YSUT Member Benefits offers an annual update each September about the operation of the department, its endorsement process, and information about the many endorsed benefits available to members.

NYSUT created the Member Benefits Trust in 1983 as a separately funded trust to utilize the unified buying power of its membership and offer quality insurance and benefit programs to its members. Since that time, Member Benefits has grown to include the Member Benefits Corporation and Catastrophe Major Medical Insurance Trust — allowing for a significant increase in the offerings available to members.

These three entities are each overseen by a board of appointed trustees/directors who help to ensure our endorsed benefits meet the needs of NYSUT members. Member Benefits is under the leadership of NYSUT Secretary-Treasurer J. Philippe Abraham, chairperson of the Member Benefits Trust, and managed by Peggy Jacobsen.

Are member dues dollars used to support Member Benefits?

NYSUT member dues dollars are never used in conjunction with Member Benefits. The department receives funds to cover expenses from endorsement arrangements that have been negotiated with many of its endorsed program providers (including a percentage of premium paid in some cases).

Revenue received by Member Benefits from these providers is used to enhance benefit programs, maintain competitive rates, and facilitate the development of new offerings for members. These funds are also used to help defray the costs of operating Member Benefits, including staff compensation; rent; office expenses; and the cost of retaining consultants, auditors, and attorneys to advise the trustees, directors, and staff.

What are the benefits of participating in your endorsed programs?

NYSUT membership provides access to dozens of endorsed benefits that can assist members with protecting their family, saving money, and planning for the future. Member Benefits endorses competitive insurance, legal, and financial programs — along with impressive savings opportunities to help members with everyday purchases. Many of these programs include value-added benefits and can be purchased through payroll or pension deduction for additional savings and greater convenience.

Members who participate in Member Benefits-endorsed programs receive the added protection of having a trusted advocate on their side. Our staff take great pride in supporting members with any questions, concerns, or issues that arise. This advocacy role helps to set Member Benefits programs apart from those available to the general public.

How does Member Benefits determine which programs it endorses?

Before any potential program endorsements are agreed upon, a stringent and comprehensive process is undertaken by Member Benefits staff and independent benefit consultants. Once a program is endorsed by Member Benefits, it is then monitored by staff who meet with these program providers on a regular basis to ensure the needs of NYSUT members are being met.

What are your most utilized benefits?

Member Benefits offers a variety of unique benefits that continue to grow in popularity with members, including the MB Discounts & Deals program. NYSUT members can save up to 50 percent at more than one million locations through MB Discounts & Deals with the nation’s largest private discount network, including over 18,000 New York state deals.

Members will find a vast portfolio of savings opportunities at mbdeals.enjoymydeals.com that includes hotels and flights, vehicle rentals, theme parks and attractions, sporting events and concerts, movie tickets, ski tickets, Bose products, restaurants, meal subscription services, clothing and shoes, oil changes and vehicle maintenance, and so much more. You can also request that your favorite merchant join the network to save money while supporting local businesses. Note: You will need your seven-digit NYSUT ID number to create an MB Discounts & Deals account. This can be found on your NYSUT Membership Card or by visiting nysut.org/memberid.

Going back to the creation of the department over 40 years ago, NYSUT members have historically counted on Member Benefits for crucial insurance, legal and financial offerings. We understand these types of products can sometimes feel confusing and overly complicated, which is why Member Benefits is here to help simplify the process for you.

Member Benefits endorses quality life, disability, auto/home/renter’s, dental and vision, and pet insurance offerings — along with unbiased legal services and financial counseling. Have you had a major life event recently such as starting a new job, marriage, the birth of a child/grandchild, or retirement? This would be a great time to make sure your loved ones are financially protected for whatever the future may bring.

Member Benefits also offers endorsed benefits that allow members to save on international and domestic tours, new and used vehicles, appliances and furniture, hearing care devices, medical alert services, heating oil and propane, online defensive driving, mortgages and refinancing, money market and savings products, and more.

Does Member Benefits offer free benefits to members?

While there is a cost to participate in many of our voluntary programs, we are proud to offer several benefits free of charge to members:

1. Premium Calm Subscription (access the full library of sleep, meditation, and relaxation content);
2. Peer Support Line (a confidential and empathetic helpline available when it is needed most);
3. YourCare360 (online access to caregiving guidance and planning);
4. Student Loan & Credit Counseling;
5. Financial Learning Center;
6. $25,000 New Member Life Insurance Policy;
7. $5,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance Benefit; and
8. Travel Assistance Services.

Please read below on how to learn more about these free benefits.

How can members learn more about what is available to them?

Join our MAP Alert email system to receive weekly updates about our endorsed benefits, information about new programs, and to be able to take part in special prize drawings. You can join MAP, learn about the endorsed benefits available, and stay informed about everything Member Benefits by exploring memberbenefits.nysut.org or calling 800-626-8101.